In 1887 Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. King of Boston purchased meadowland and beachfront property at the head of the harbor, near the mouth of the Mattapoisett River. There they built a spacious summer house which they named “The Reservation.” After World War II The Reservation became a celebrated summer inn, first called the Mattapoisett Manor, and later Shining Tides. In 1963, the leadership of the YMCA purchased the property and its adjoining 25 acres on the Mattapoisett Harbor. The plan was to use the property as a summer camp for inner-city and suburban youths. After the purchase, the YMCA named the property Camp Massasoit, and made improvements to the facility to create an exceptional complex while retaining the traditional charm of the site’s heritage. In 1992, the house was renovated for year round use and now hosts a preschool and school-age after school program.
In 2010, in response to frequent outside requests to use the picture perfect house and grounds for private events, YMCA Southcoast’s Board of Directors agreed to open Shining Tides for weddings, receptions, and special functions on a limited basis. Consistent with the Y’s mission to promote and encourage life-long development for children and families through programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies, proceeds from events booked at Shining Tides help to provide scholarship funds for children who otherwise could not afford to attend summer camp. Sharing the love you feel on your wedding day through a connection that extends even beyond your wedding guests and into the greater community creates a truly memorable and gratifying event.
Weddings At Shining Tides, we are dedicated to bringing you your dream wedding. Our premier location on the Mattapoisett Harbor allows for a day you and your guests will never forget. Catering Shining Tides has an exclusive contract with Russell Morin Catering. Their extensive menu and beverage selection is sure to provide you with all you hoped for. You can put your mind at ease knowing that Russell Morin catering is taking care of you. Other Events Shining Tides is the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner, anniversary, birthday, or graduation party, as well as bridal and baby showers. No matter the event, Shining Tides will make it an unparalleled success.
You will have exclusive use of the Shining Tides front porch, bathrooms, kitchen, front lawn, and beachfront. Your rental will start at 6:00pm during the week and any time after 3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The rental package is for five hours Monday thru Friday and five and a half hours on Saturdays and Sundays and must end by 11:00pm. The facility will be available to your vendors three hours prior to the event with an hour allotted for clean up at the end of the night. Overtime is available upon request at an additional fee on Saturdays & Sundays. You will also receive a 20×24 dance floor, custom designed porch side coverings (if necessary), a bridal suite, a wedding coordinator, and security staff onsite.
In order to reserve a date, a signed contract and a $500 deposit is required; this deposit will be refunded to you 30 days after the function provided no damage occurred. Shining Tides is available mid May through October. Shining Tides can accommodate up to 200 guests on the porch, more if a tent is rented on the lawn. The rental of the tent would be an additional cost.
Shining Tides has an exclusive wedding contract with Russell Morin Catering & Events. Please contact them directly to arrange your menu and beverage options at 888.552.7822 or visit them online at morins.com. Tables and chairs can be rented through Shining Tides at a discounted price. You are not restricted to using Shining Tides’ furniture and may use approved alternative rental vendors.
Elizabeth Lynch | Sales and Event Manager, Shining Tides Weddings Elizabeth goes above and beyond the ordinary to create memorable events. She treats each wedding or special event as if it’s her own so that clients feel comfortable and heard every step of the way. She prides herself on crafting every experience in a way that truly represents the unique personality of each couple. Elizabeth has been at Shining Tides since we opened our doors in 2010. Previously she was a private wedding planner for five years. She began her career in the hotel industry where she honed her skills and appreciation for hospitality for eight years. She began as a concierge but soon transitioned to sales & catering where she planned a variety of corporate and social events which sparked her passion for event planning. Elizabeth is a natural in the wedding and event industry. Her level-headed approach and friendly face relieves stress for everyone around her, and instills confidence that the event will be a success. She relishes the planning process from the very first meeting throughout the duration of each momentous event. Once you meet Elizabeth you will recognize immediately that her enthusiastic can-do attitude and her attention to detail will exceed your expectations.
A “special thanks” to Gumula Photography, George Street Photography, Gabby Riggieri, Ali B Photography, Gabby Marks Photography, Scobey Photography, and Shore Shotz Photography for allowing us to use these images in our catalog.
The Y is proud to share this magical place, Shining Tides, with you and your loved ones for your special day. YMCA SOUTHCOAST has over 153 years of service to the Southcoast region. At the Y, we work to meet the needs of our community through programs like LIVESTRONG to help cancer survivors regain their strength to ‘Camp For All’ financial assistance for summer camp and initiatives like Nutrition on Weekends which provides food to low income students over the weekend to ensure that they come to school each Monday prepared to learn. If you would like to support our work we have two unique opportunities available to couples who choose Shining Tides Weddings By the Sea to host their weddings. Option 1: A $500 donation to our Annual Campaign entitles you to up to 200 printed cards featuring the beautiful watercolor of Shining Tides by Frank McCoy and a note that ‘in lieu of favors, a donation to support the valuable programming at YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been made in your honor’ printed on the reverse. Additionally, you will receive a 30” x 24” print of the painting to frame and hang in your home. Option 2: Select to have your $500 refundable deposit donated to YMCA SOUTHCOAST’s Annual Campaign rather than having it returned to you after your wedding day. To commemorate your magical day, you will also receive a 30x24” print of the painting to frame and hang in your home. Thank you for your support of YMCA SOUTHCOAST.
508.525.5729 | shiningtidesweddings.com 38 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739