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Won the Couples' Choice Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2020

Shining Tides

$5k - $6k For 100 Guests
Up to 250 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

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Highly recommended

About

On WeddingWire since 2013

Shining Tides is a historic waterfront mansion in the greater Cape Cod, Massachusetts area. This manor has the style and elegance of a traditional New England coastal abode, with a grey and white exterior and a sprawling green lawn overlooking the water. Couples can find this mansion on the Mattapoisett Harbor, approximately 15 minutes from New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples can invite up to 200 guests to their wedding celebration at Shining Tides. The festivities can begin with a breezy ceremony on the mansion’s private lawn overlooking the beach or on the beach itself - couples can marry with their toes in the sand or their feet planted firmly on the fresh green lawn. In the distance, the harbor’s bright blue waters are sprinkled with white watercraft. The horizon is but a faint line where the sky meets the sea. Following a couple’s “I dos,” guests can mingle on the lawn for a cocktail reception while couples use the venue and its scenic grounds for wedding portraits as the sun sets. Receptions take place on the covered porch of this coastal manor house. Here, they can dine and dance under the stars.

Services Offered
This venue may be used for wedding celebrations of all varieties, from ceremonies and receptions to bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. Helpful staff will assist couples with their event planning in the months and weeks leading up to the day of the wedding. This waterfront location also provides chairs, tables, and other event rentals for the couple’s big day. Guests can delight in onsite parking for the wedding, making traveling to this destination more convenient.

History
This house was built by the Charles A. King family of Boston in 1887 whence they purchased this land near the mouth of the Mattapoisett River. At that time, the facility was fondly referred to as “The Reservation.” After World War II the house became a popular summer inn and eventually earned the name Shining Tides. It was purchased by the leadership of the YMCA in 1963 along with 25 adjoining acres on the Mattapoisett Harbor. After going through a period of use as a summer camp, the property was renovated for year-round use and now serves as a preschool and after-school camp when it’s not hosting weddings and other glamorous events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$5,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Event Planning
Parking
Set Up

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

20

Describe your venue:

Beach
Historic Building
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Outside Alcohol
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September

What months are included in your off-peak season?

May
October
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4.8 out of 5 rating
34 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
97% Recommended by couples

25 User photos

34 Reviews See all
M
Madison J. Married on 06/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The Best Day of Our Lives

Thanks to Elizabeth and Shining Tides, my husband and I had the best day of our lives on our wedding day! We visited Shining Tides in December on 2021 and we couldn't have asked for a better day to tour. It was sunny and 70 degrees... in December!! We knew right away that this was where we wanted to get married because of how genuine and excited Elizabeth was about her venue. There was no pressure from her to book our wedding there. She was phenomenal and continued to be throughout the process. She works closely with the catering company, DJ and florists to make sure everything is perfect. The meetings are thorough and detailed but we trusted her with everything. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful. We were able to have our wedding outdoors on the lawn, right in front of the water and it was perfect. We had a rain plan in place just in case but didn't need to use it. How Elizabeth and the catering company set up my décor and inventory was even better than what I had in mind. They really know how to put on a show. This venue is top-notch and if I could do it over again I would relive it every day. I don't have one single complaint or bad thing to say - the service, communication, and planning was exceptional.
K
Kelsey O. Married on 09/17/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Dont think twice book shining tides

Shining Tides was hands down our best decision when it came to booking our wedding. This venue is absolutely stunning, spacious and a great price for being on the water. The wedding venue also comes with an amazing coordinator named Elizabeth. We could go on and on about how much we love Elizabeth, but the three main things that stood out us, was her attention to detail, communication and enthusiasm. She also goes above and beyond to communicate with all of your other vendors to makes sure everyone is on the same page the day of the wedding. Lastly she has some incredible vendor recommendations for transportation, music, floral etc. Don't think twice about Shining Tides, BOOK IT.
Paige
Paige Married on 07/09/2022
5 out of 5 rating

12/10 Perfect Wedding!!

We just had our wedding at Shining Tides on July 9th, 2022. When I say not a THING went wrong, I'm not exaggerating. The staff at this location was an absolute dream to work with. The caterer that they work with, Russell Morin, was perfect and their on site team too day of the wedding was incredible. They were all so attentive, kind, and helpful. I would recommend this venue to anyone and everyone!! If my friends are seeing this, get married here so I can attend again please!!
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WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner

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Shining Tides frequently asked questions

Shining Tides includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Parking
  • Set Up
Shining Tides includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
  • Wedding Cake
The space offered by Shining Tides for wedding events is known for:
  • Beach
  • Historic Building
  • Waterfront
Shining Tides offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Shining Tides offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Shining Tides offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
Shining Tides offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Tables
Shining Tides is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism and 4.8 in value.

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