Weddings the connors center Dover, Massachusetts
Welcome Welcome to the Connors Center—a premier New England wedding venue recognized for its picturesque surroundings, impeccable service, and world-class events. Situated on 80 acres in Dover, Massachusetts, the estate provides one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor settings for weddings and events. Less than 20 miles from Boston, the Connors Center offers a serene atmosphere in a surprisingly convenient location. “As soon as we took one step on the property we knew right away that this was the spot. From the gorgeous gardens to the stone architecture, the Connors Center gave guests a feeling that they were in an English castle.” —Brian G.
The Estate The Connors Center is a 50,000-square-foot estate with space for both indoor and outdoor weddings, meetings, and social functions. Magnificent parlors and outdoor gardens evoke images of an elegant and historic era, making the estate a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable event. With its manicured flower beds, fieldstone pathways, and stone terraces, the Connors Center offers many beautiful locations for dream weddings to become reality. “As soon as we pulled into the long drive of gorgeous trees and scenery we knew this was the spot for us. The inside and outside views are breathtaking and you have access to so many different locations on the property throughout the wedding (great for pictures!). Our guests still tell us how stunning the venue was and how nice it was to spread out into different rooms. There is so much character in the venue that makes it unlike any other.” —Katelynn T.
Wedding Planning From timeless celebrations, intimate garden weddings, to ceremonies steeped in tradition, the sprawling estate provides an elegant yet entertaining atmosphere for weddings with up to 200 guests. The Connors Center’s on-site team of experienced event specialists works closely with each couple to tailor every detail and create a truly unforgettable day or weekend event. From helping to narrow the exclusive caterers list during the initial planning stages to providing last-minute support, the dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that every wedding surpasses expectations and reflects each couple’s unique vision. “The staff is not simply professional, attentive, and great at their jobs; they are kind, endlessly available to answer questions, infinitely patient, and full of helpful ideas and recommendations. They are partners in the planning process who care about the result, and are willing to go the extra million miles to make a special occasion truly memorable.” —Lauren R.
St. Cecilia’s Garden Many couples take their vows in the serene but lush St. Cecilia’s Garden, the plein-air, picturesque centerpiece of the Connors Center. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, landscape designers of New York’s Central Park, the garden features a natural stone staircase leading down into an elegant birch tree grove lined with fragrant flower beds. Whether your style is vintage, rustic, or classic, St. Cecilia’s Garden is the perfect backdrop for your ceremony, and can be set up with classic white folding chairs for up to 200 guests. “What a beautiful wedding venue! I searched high and low before finding this gem. It is close to Boston, but provides a secluded garden feel for outdoor ceremonies, and the mansion was beautiful and elegant for cocktail hour! It is great having the whole venue to yourself. The staff there are wonderful and easy to work with.” —Meghan P.
The Main House Within the Main House are several distinguished locations for large and small celebrations. The Main Parlor and Dover Parlor, with their mahogany-paneled walls and working fireplaces, are the ideal setting for intimate ceremonies or gatherings. French doors in each parlor open onto elevated stone terraces with golden sunset views, making them popular locations for cocktail receptions. The Estate Room, which seats up to 150 guests, enjoys an abundance of natural light as well as unobstructed views into the lush woodlands beyond thanks to a floorto-ceiling window. “A truly stunning venue, with so many beautiful locations that you’ll have all to yourself, this is a well kept secret in the Boston-area wedding scene.” —Noelle F.
Lower Garden and The Arches A beautiful stone staircase leads guests from the main terrace to the enchanting Lower Garden. Expansive enough to hold exquisite tented celebrations for up to 200 people, the garden features quaint stone arches adorned with cascading ivy—lending the perfect ambience to your ceremony or reception. “You need to visit to get a sense of just how incredible it is! There are countless beautiful places to take photos and the stone, ivy, and numerous gardens make the place look straight out of a fairy tale.” —Sarah R.
The Bridal Experience Amenities at the Connors Center include beautifully appointed private rooms where wedding parties can relax and prepare for the main event. The Sun Parlor, which overlooks the terraces, is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, full-length mirror, and comfortable seating. A large bay window floods the room with natural light, making it ideal for makeup sessions and candid photos. Nearby, the expansive Hospitality Suite is the perfect location for grooms and their groomsmen to get ready for the day. The suite is fully furnished and opens to a private balcony overlooking the grounds. “While I was getting ready the morning of the wedding, it was so fun to be able to peek out the window and see friends hanging out together while their kids all played together in the backyard.” —Jackie M.
Wedding Weekend and Lodging The Connors Center regularly hosts wedding guests for pre-wedding activities including rehearsals and rehearsal dinners. The spacious grounds provide many opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and reflection, including scenic walking trails that lead to the Charles River. Guests may choose to stay overnight in one of the Connors Center’s 27 en-suite bedrooms (six of which are located in the Main House and are original to the manor). Twenty-one additional suites and 36 guest bedrooms are located on the adjacent wing. Every wedding held at the Connors Center includes a newlywed suite for the night or weekend of the wedding. Please speak with an event specialist for further information about lodging facilities. “I could not have dreamed of a better venue for the wedding. We had the house for the weekend, which meant that anyone you ran into in the hallways was close family or friends! We even had brunch on both Saturday and Sunday morning for our guests! The Connors Center felt like our own home for the weekend.” —Marina I.
Catering and Vendors The Connors Center works exclusively with a carefully selected group of celebrated caterers and vendors. These experienced partners accommodate a wide variety of tastes and styles, and are committed to providing couples with excellent service.
photography credits: (noted clockwise from top left) front cover: Allegro Photography welcome: Samantha Melanson; Angelina Rose; Jessica McHale; Jenn Darling; Jenn Darling the estate: Matt Ferrara; Alex Gordias; Eli DeFaria; Gary Wayne Gilbert wedding planning: Caitlyn Nikula; Jenn Darling; Alex Gordias; The Ewings; Li Ward, Fat Orange Cat Studio; Samantha Melanson; Eli DeFaria st. cecilia’s garden: Angelina Rose; Eric Limon; Somerby Jones; Angelina Rose the main house: Valerie Sarron; Jenn Darling; Valerie Sarron; Alicia Heaney lower garden and the arches: Bailey Quinlan; Angelina Rose; Qian Hegarty; Greg Brett; Kate McElwee the bridal experience: Jenn Darling; Samantha Melanson; Greg Brett; Matt Ferrara; Li Ward, Fat Orange Cat Studio wedding weekend and lodging: Gary Wayne Gilbert; Hughes Photography; Bailey Quinlan; Angelina Rose; Justin Knight; Michael Paul catering and vendors: Somerby Jones; Angelina Rose; Justin Knight; Angelina Rose back cover: jbagz wedding photo & video
A Message from Us On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank you for considering the Connors Center for your special day. To book your wedding at the Connors Center or to arrange a personal tour of the property, please contact a member of our event planning team at 617-552-9210.
To Charles River Landing
Lower Garden Siena House
Main House
20 Glen Street Dover, Massachusetts 02030
St. Cecilia’s Garden
meet@bc.edu www.theconnorscenter.com @theconnorscenter /TheConnorsCenter /the-connors-center
“After the wedding guests departed, we sat as husband and wife by the fireplace to soak in the entire perfect day. The Connors Center took care of us and we are so grateful to them for allowing us to start our new lives as Mr. & Mrs. in this very special place.” —Melissa P.
To Glen Street
The Connors Family Retreat and Conference Center — Boston College