Memorial Services

There are many ways to celebrate a life.

If you are planning a funeral reception or memorial service for a loved one, The Gardens at Elm Bank offer a private, beautiful estate setting. The Gardens at Elm Bank are located on the 36-acre Cheney Estate in Wellesley and Dover, Massachusetts. Our beautiful, unique garden venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for many different elements. The gardens are a place of beauty, discovery, and quiet reflection.We are happy to help, along with our list of preferred vendors with all planning to make this a simple, stress-free event for you, your family, and friends.

Reception Spaces

The Hunnewell Building

Our largest, indoor reception location is the Hunnewell Building, our historic and stately carriage house. The great hall of the Hunnewell Building boasts nearly 3,000 square feet of event space and is capped with a magnificent vaulted and trussed ceiling. The interior of this building is equipped with heating and air conditioning for optimal comfort at any time of year. 

The building alone can accommodate up to 200 guests for a seated reception and up to 300 for a cocktail-style, standing reception.

From mid-April to mid-November, the rental of the Hunnewell Building also includes our attached three-season tent which comes in great use for inclement weather extra seating. Utilizing the three-season tent, these spaces can accommodate a maximum of 250 guests for a seated reception, and 400 for a cocktail reception.

Below you will find inclusions and benefits of the Hunnewell Building and seasonal three-season tent:

  • Beautiful fruitwood chiavari chairs with removable chocolate cushions for up to 250 guests
  • 60” round banquet tables that seat 8-10 guests each
  • Six and eight foot rectangular tables for catering and vendor needs
  • Catering prep kitchen
  • Seasonal coat room
  • Restrooms facilities
  • Heating and Air Conditioning (in the Hunnewell Building)
  • Handicap accessibility 
  • Ample electrical access for both bands and DJs

The Maple Grove

Centrally located amongst the gardens and surrounded by towering maple trees is our spacious Maple Grove. With nearly 17,000 square feet of grassy lawn, this outdoor area can accommodate tented receptions of virtually any size. This outdoor venue allows for the most customization possible. From the tent itself to flooring, tables, chairs, lighting, and so much more, the possibilities are limitless.

We work with four incredibly knowledgeable tent companies that offer beautiful rentals. Please note that special coordination is required for all events in the Maple Grove due to high level of detail and wear on the property. To learn more about our tent and rental companies, please visit our Vendor Collection.

Inquiry Form

Contact us today to learn more about our beautiful venue for your upcoming event!

Functions & Events Department
functions@masshort.org
1-617-933-4921

Director of Events
Kayleigh Tosches
ktosches@masshort.org
1-617-933-4921

Events Department Associate & Event Manager
Lindsay Dias
ldias@masshort.org
1-617-933-4982

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SINCE
1829.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and to developing the public’s enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment.

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