Host Your Event at the Lyman Estate

Consider us for your intimate micro-wedding of 15 people, or less, at only $895!

VALID November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Waltham, Massachusetts
Open year round

The beautiful Lyman Estate, with its thirty-seven acres of lawns and gardens, offers a private and exceptional setting for events, including weddings and private parties, corporate events and outings, business meetings and seminars, and holiday parties. Designed in 1793 for shipping merchant Theodore Lyman, the estate was the home of the prominent Lyman family for more than 150 years.

Surrounded by extensive lawns and perennial gardens, the centrally air-conditioned Lyman Estate offers an elegant setting. Use of indoor and outdoor areas gives you maximum flexibility in planning your party. Enjoy a cocktail hour in the garden. Dine al fresco on the covered veranda overlooking the landscaped grounds. Host intimate dinner parties in antique-filled parlors. Dance in the magnificent ballroom where the waltz was introduced to Boston society.

Saturdays available in 2026: May 2, 9, 16, 30; July 18; August 1; November 14; December 5, 12, 19

Saturdays available in 2027: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20; April 3; May 1, 8, 29; June 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7, 14, 21, 28; September 4, 11, 25; October 9, 16, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4, 11, 18

Five rooms are available for your use: The oval parlor with its original, hand-carved woodwork; a dramatic Victorian library; the east parlor; the dining room, where light streams in through bay windows; and the ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers, classical columns, and marble fireplace. A grand staircase with a Palladian window provides a perfect spot for photographs. On the second floor, there is a beautifully furnished bride’s room. Your rental gives you exclusive use of the mansion and the grounds. In fact, think of the Lyman Estate as your private estate for the day. We invite you to schedule a visit to the Lyman Estate and meet with one of our event managers.

See the Lyman Estate in Little Women

Rental Rates, Capacity, and More Information

Location: 185 Lyman Street, Waltham, Mass.

Wedding Rental Rates, May – October:

Monday through Friday: $3,200
Saturday: $6,200
Sunday: $4,200

Wedding Rental Rates, November – April:

Monday through Friday: $1,600
Saturday: $2,800
Sunday: $2,200

Corporate Event Rental Rates, May – October:

Monday – Thursday: $1,600
Friday: $3,200
Saturday: $6,200
Sunday: $4,200

Corporate Event Rental Rates, November – April:

Monday through Friday: $1,600
Saturday: $2,800
Sunday: $2,200

Your rental fee supports Historic New England’s mission to preserve and share New England heritage. To express our thanks for your support, we offer you a complimentary one-year membership. Membership benefits include free admission to Historic New England sites, discounts on merchandise and events, and a subscription to Historic New England magazine.

Capacity:

125 for a seated dinner in the mansion
150 for a cocktail reception in the mansion
200 for a tented event

Wedding Rental Fee Includes:

Use of the historic mansion and thirty-seven acres of landscaped grounds
Air conditioned and wheelchair accessible mansion
Private changing room for the bride
Supervisor throughout the entire event
Coordination of deliveries
Ample on-site parking
Use of 200 white folding chairs
Twenty 60″ round tables (seats 8-10 guests)
Eight 48″ round tables (seats 6-8 guests)
Six 36″ round cocktail tables (seats 4-5 guests)
Four high cocktail tables
One-year Historic New England membership

Corporate Event Rental Fee Includes:

Use of the historic mansion and thirty-seven acres of landscaped grounds
Air conditioned and wheelchair accessible mansion
Coordination of deliveries
Use of 200 white folding chairs
Twenty 60″ tables (seats 8-10 guests)
Four 48″ round tables (seats 6-8 guests)
Four 36″ round cocktail tables (seats 4-5 guests)
Four high cocktail tables
One-year Historic New England corporate membership
Ample on-site parking

Download a Lyman Estate floor plan.

Make an Appointment

Please contact us to make an appointment to see the estate. Appointments are available, made in advance, as our event schedule permits.

Call 617-994-6672

Email LymanFunctions@HistoricNewEngland.org

Photos courtesy of Lisa Rigby Photography, Alex + Betty, and Ria Mackenzie Photography.

The Lyman Estate

The Lyman Estate served as an elegant country retreat for wealthy shipping merchant Theodore Lyman and his family in the early 1800s. (Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography)

The Lyman Estate

The Lyman Estate served as an elegant country retreat for wealthy shipping merchant Theodore Lyman and his family in the early 1800s. (Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography)
The Lyman Estate

The classically furnished second-floor bridal suite is the perfect place to prepare. (Photo: Alex + Betty)
The Lyman Estate

The dramatic 600-foot peach wall, constructed at the turn of the 19th century, provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. (Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography)
The Lyman Estate

The Oval or “Bow” Parlor is preserved in architect Samuel McIntire's original 1793 design. (Photo: Alex + Betty)
The Lyman Estate

With stunning views of the back lawn and gardens, the Palladian window along the grand staircase is a favorite "first look" location. (Photo: Alex + Betty)
The Lyman Estate

Constructed with an emphasis on balance and symmetry, the ballroom is an elegant example of Federal period architecture. (Photo: Ria Mackenzie Photography)
The Lyman Estate

The library, added in 1882, reflects darker Victorian tastes with its stained pine paneling. (Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography)
The Lyman Estate

Use of five indoor rooms and 37 acres of outdoor space gives you maximum flexibility in planning your special day. (Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography)

Caterers and Event Services

Caterers (Exclusive Suppliers):

Clients are required to choose caterers from our exclusive list. No off-list catering is permitted, with the exception of wedding cakes and dessert vendors.

Boston Catering and Events
Contact: Darcy Eidle, deidle@bostoncater.com
781-938-9300

Capers Catering
Contact: Dulce Williams, dwilliams@caperscatering.com
781-279-5100

East Meets West Catering
Contact: Alexandria Michelson, amichelson@emwcatering.com
617-269-2662 ext. 11

La Bonne Maison
Contact: Mary Alsobrook, Mary@labonnemaison.com
617-923-1131

MAX Ultimate Food
Contact: Alexis Davis, alexis@maxultimatefood.com
617-427-9799

Tastings Caterers
Contact: Sue Zahner, tastings.catering@gmail.com
508-879-9191

Tents (Exclusive Suppliers):

Tents are permitted, but must be supplied and set up by PEAK Event Services or Sperry Tents. If considering a tent rental, please inquire with Lyman staff.

Peak Event Services
Contact: Phil Amara, pamara@peakeventservices.com
617-413-1494

Sperry Tents
Contact: Robert Cowell, rcowell@sperrytents.com
888-825-7542

Alcohol Providers:

The City of Waltham requires use of one of their approved ABCC Wholesalers. Please check with our Functions team and exclusive caterers for recommendations.