Weddings at Borderland

Yes, you can get married at Borderland State Park: DCR lists it among the most popular state parks for weddings. Ceremonies take place outdoors on the estate grounds with a DCR special use permit; the inside of the Ames Mansion isn't available for weddings. Check your date with the park office first ((508) 238-6566, borderland.park@state.ma.us), then apply on DCR's ePLACE portal at least 45 days ahead. The application fee is $45, and DCR needs a certificate of liability insurance before it issues the permit.

Step by Step

1. Check the date. The Friends of Borderland and DCR both say to contact the park first. Call (508) 238-6566 or email borderland.park@state.ma.us.
2. Create an account on DCR's ePLACE permit portal (eplace.eea.mass.gov).
3. Fill in the event details: date, times, guest count, where you want to set up, and a simple site plan. The Friends' permit guide suggests attaching the Borderland trail map to show the spot.
4. Pay the $45 application fee, at least 45 days before the event.
5. Send a certificate of liability insurance naming DCR as additional insured, with at least $1,000,000 in coverage, no later than 14 days before the event. DCR won't issue the permit without it.
6. If you get stuck, the ePLACE help desk is (844) 733-7522, weekdays 7:30 am to 5 pm.

Where Ceremonies Happen

DCR doesn't publish a list of wedding sites for Borderland, so ask the park office which spot fits your group. The grounds around the mansion are what draw couples: DCR's map labels a Front Lawn, Back Lawn, Rock Garden, Old Pool and Oak Grove around the house, plus the open Mansion Field. DCR's management plan credits the park's "strong visual character" for its use as a wedding venue.

What to Know Before You Book

• The mansion's interior is off-limits for weddings, according to the Friends of Borderland.
• No alcohol. DCR bans it in the park, so a toast means sparkling cider.
• Grilling is propane-only, bring your own, if your plans include food.
• Commercial applicants (a business, such as a planner or vendor applying) may owe DCR venue rental fees on top of the application fee; DCR's rates start at $250 a day for events of 100 to 500 people.
• Restrooms: the only public ones are at the visitor center.

Parking for Guests

DCR's map marks a Wedding Parking area near the mansion, and its management plan describes a field used for event parking that holds around 120 cars, plus accessible spaces by the house. Guests pay DCR's daily parking fee unless they have a DCR pass or a disability, Disabled Veteran or Purple Heart plate, so tell them to bring a card or the Yodel app. On busy weekends the main lot fills; see parking.

Photos and Video

DCR says you don't need a separate permit for photos and video taken during a permitted wedding ceremony. Engagement sessions and other shoots without a wedding permit do need DCR's photography permit ($45); see photography at Borderland.

Receptions

DCR's pages describe Borderland weddings as ceremonies on the grounds; they don't describe catered receptions, tents or amplified music. If your plans go beyond a ceremony, raise it with the park office before you apply, and get any approval in your permit.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

• Good for an outdoor ceremony with a historic stone mansion behind you.
• Good for small ceremonies, which is how DCR describes the weddings it welcomes in state parks.
• Maybe skip if you want the ceremony indoors or alcohol at the venue; neither is allowed here.
• Maybe skip if you need privacy; it's a busy public park, especially on weekends.