Willowdale Estate
venue information
Located 40 minutes north of Boston in Topsfield, Massachusetts, Willowdale Estate sits on acres of protected land of Bradley Palmer State Park and Willowdale State Forest. This Tudor Revival Stone Mansion was completed in 1902, and as you enter through the big red front door, you'll be transported back in time. Check out the ins and outs of a Willowdale Wedding below.
Willowdale Estate
The ultimate guide to
Willowdale Estate is perched upon a small hill, with trees, lavender plants, blooming flowers, and lush grass. There's a large parking lot so your guests can arrive stress-free.
THE GROUNDS
venue highlights
May through October is "Tent Season," where the reception is held in a permanent tent behind the main house. Usually, tent weddings are on grass, with a temporary dance floor, but Willowdale's tent is there to stay, so the floors are concrete, the poles are thick wood, and there are lights, heaters, and tent sides ready for all kinds of weather.
THE TENT
The getting ready suites are on the second floor - don't forget to take a peek out at your guests as they arrive for the ceremony in the courtyard below! Bring your shoes, jewelry, invitations, and other details to be photographed in the suite while you're getting ready.
SAY HEY!
Don't forget to take a dip in the giant bathtub in the getting ready suite! The room is equipped with vintage couches, a vanity, an antique mirror, lots of windows, and even a hook on the ceiling beam for a dress.
THE GETTING READY SUITE
There are so many gorgeous locations for photos around the estate, but a favorite is the boardwalk running along the Ipswich river on the side of the house. We walk through a field and down to the hidden boardwalk in the trees.
THE BOARDWALK
Willowdale knows cake. Whether the team is providing your desserts or your bakery is delivering it, you can put your cake on this gilded cake stand - complete with rose petals and candles.
CAKE CAKE CAKE
The ceremony will take place in front of the charming green door in the courtyard in the heart of the estate. You'll walk out of the library doors, around the corner, and down the aisle to see your significant other and all your family and friends.
THE CEREMONY
While cocktail hour is going on in the bright & airy atrium inside, it's time for photos! The side of the estate has a darling path running to the tent - the sun shines through there at the most flattering angle for family and bridal party photos.
PHOTO TIME
During the ceremony, your guests are served water and lemonade, but once cocktail hour hits, it's party time!
READY TO PARTY
Willowdale Estate is home to some of the best culinary artists around. From the cocktails, to the locally sourced ingredients, to the presentation of the courses, your guests will be drooling over your food selection!
THE FOOD
You can always count on the planners and team to go above and beyond to make every part of the day amazing, so that on your big day, you can just sit back, relax, and have a blast!
SERVICE
Willowdale is FAMOUS for its warm cookies, but they also pack a punch when it comes to presentation! Candles, flowers, wooden crates, and greenery will fill your cake table (that's in front of an antique tile mural).
DESSERT
