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The House of the Seven Gables
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,974 Google reviews · Oceanfront wedding venue in Salem, Massachusetts · 0.1 mi to the sand
Tours of the restored 1668 home that inspired Hawthorne's novel, plus verdant seaside gardens.
Plan your tour
- Setting oceanfront venue, 0.1 mi to the sand — verified by its distance to a real shoreline
- Lodging on-site rooms come up in reviews and the venue's own info — a built-in room block for a destination beach wedding; ask what's included
- Phone (978) 744-0991
- Website 7gables.org — most venues book tours right on their site
On the property
“Between the gardens, cobblestone paths, and panoramic views of the waterfront, there’s no shortage of photo opportunities or places to simply sit and take in the atmosphere.”
What couples highlight
“It grants access to the scenic property, the gift shop, the restrooms, the Hawthorne birth home, and some of the outlying buildings, plus the stunning waterfront area.”
From the reviews
Interesting Tour. Its better if you are familiar with Hawthorns book the House of Seven Gable or the Scarlet Letter. Beautiful grounds and area. Located about 20 min walk outside of downtown Salem. Guide had some good information on the history of the house.
Never read the book, but looked interesting, my wife had wanted to go. The tour guide was very knowledgeable in the story, the home, architecture, Hawthorne and his lineage and she made the tour very enjoyable. The grounds are beautiful and also very interesting.
I have now planned multiple weddings at the House of Seven Gables. Deb is a pleasure to work with and really works with the vendors and couple to ensure a great experience. The property offers scenic water views for the ceremony. The reception takes place under a tent set against the garden and the water as a backdrop.
We went in September and the gardens were in bloom and it was not crowded. Our guide made our experience very enjoyable. The gift shop has item such as tee shirts saying I survived the secret staircase. For seniors admission five dollars less. I am not sure but the proceeds go towards the economy of the town of Salem.
Getting married at The House of the Seven Gables
Two things make the tour worth the drive. First, see the ceremony spot at the exact time of day you'd say your vows — a west-facing beach glows at sunset but bakes at noon, and you'll want to feel the wind, watch where the sun sits, and walk the path your guests take across the sand. Second, bring your real questions: the weather backup (where does the ceremony move if it rains or the wind kicks up?), who pulls the beach permit, the sound-ordinance curfew, the catering and bar policy, and exactly what's included — chairs, setup, and teardown on sand are where quotes quietly diverge. Peak beach dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
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