A Wedding at Worcester’s Cook Pond
Vera and Spencer’s Wedding Day
The island at Cooks Pond in Worcester offers a uniquely secluded spot for wedding portraits—but it’s a location that requires intentional planning, because it’s only reachable by small boat rather than a bridge. That short ferry-style crossing immediately changes the feel of the day: once you’re on the island, the surroundings become quiet and immersive, with water on all sides and natural framing that keeps attention on the couple. For first looks or a tight set of formal portraits, it’s an especially strong option when you want images that feel private, outdoorsy, and very distinct from what you normally picture when you think about a city environment like Worcester.
This was the perfect spot for the wedding of Vera and Spencer, who turned this tiny little bit of the outdoors into a magical place for their wedding guests!
A Journey on the Barge
To get to the island, we needed to take one of two barges to cross the water. This alone makes this wedding feel very unlike any other wedding you have ever been to. It feels like you are going on a little adventure to somewhere hidden!
Upon arriving on the island, we have a small, beautiful space set up for the wedding ceremony, along with tents in place for guests during the reception.
A beautiful Outdoor Ceremony in Nature
Beautiful light. Fresh air. Nature all around you. For an outdoor wedding, you really couldn’t have asked for a better spot. Some weddings are outdoors, but feel manufactured. This wedding felt as natural and real as the ground and trees surrounding us.
A Gorgeous Backdrop for wedding Photos
It’s a small island, but there are still lots of places to hide away for more private wedding photos. Truly scenic, and ideal for nature lovers. Later in the evening, we had some beautiful warm sunlight coming in for our end of the evening formals!
A Fun-Filled Reception
Receptions are always fun, but this one had such a light-hearted, backyard enjoyment vibe that made it truly unique. From beer in a boat to freshly cooked and delicious food, it would be hard not to have a great time here 🙂
Indoor Spaces
We didn’t use the indoor space all that much. We only used it briefly for a few dances. It does offer a nice alternative to the greens while still retaining a unique flavor!
Cook Pond Worcester weddings
Cook Pond in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers couples a peaceful and scenic waterfront setting for engagement sessions, portraits, and intimate outdoor wedding moments. Tucked away within the city’s Greendale neighborhood, the pond is known for its tree-lined shoreline, gentle walking paths, and reflective water views that create a natural and relaxed backdrop. While not a traditional venue, Cook Pond is a wonderful location for first looks, pre-ceremony portraits, or quiet time together before heading to a nearby reception space. As your photographer, I love using locations like this to capture authentic, unhurried images that feel personal and connected to the landscape of your story.
The surrounding Worcester area provides plenty of convenient amenities and attractions for wedding guests to enjoy before and after the celebration. Here are some nearby highlights:
- Green Hill Park: Just minutes from Cook Pond, this expansive park features rolling lawns, stone walls, gardens, and panoramic city views — an excellent option for wedding party photos and relaxed guest strolls.
- Worcester Art Museum: A nationally respected museum offering beautiful architecture and cultural exhibits, perfect for guests looking for an enriching daytime activity.
- Canal District & Polar Park: Worcester’s revitalized downtown area is filled with restaurants, breweries, cafés, and the home of the WooSox — ideal for rehearsal dinners, welcome events, or casual post-wedding gatherings.
- Assumption University & Greendale Neighborhood: The nearby campus and surrounding historic streets offer additional quiet corners and classic New England scenery for portraits.
Cook Pond
Worcester Massachusetts Wedding Venue

























































































