Old Derby Academy

I participated in a wedding ceremony held here. My experience of the site began when I toured with the bride and groom as they were selecting the venue, and it was a pleasant, informative low key experience.
Because rain was expected, the couple also reserved the church within easy walking distance nearby. That was an excellent choice for the service and was a fine additional site for that part of the evening. If we had gone with our original plan before we learned of the rain forecast, I am certain that holding the service, and reception, entirely in the expansive well-​protected space behind the Old Derby would have gone excellently. The grounds are large enough to conduct the service nicely even with a large party including many guests if dry conditions had prevailed.
The caterers reported that they were happy with the facilities provided indoors for their work, and serving went smoothly at the boundaries between outdoor and indoor areas. The combination of the outdoor space with the well-​connected indoor space (including that shown in the site’s main ballroom photo) works nicely. Whether combined with the church or on its own, the Old Derby Academy serves as an excellent site for a wedding.

I feel like I absolutely cannot say enough good things about this place. My husband and I had our wedding here at the beginning of September. We started planning our wedding back in January when we first came in with Susan, the event coordinator for Old Derby, for a tour of the place. As soon as we saw the room and the outdoor space, we knew it would be perfect!
Here’s what you need to know:
— the space will hold up to about 100 people if you use the indoor and outdoor spaces wisely (we had 92 guests at our wedding, and we had tables, a band, and a small dance floor without it feeling crowded!)
— you get to choose your own caterer (yay!!), we chose someone who happened to be on their preferred caterer list and they were fabulous — note on this topic, the kitchen is down a small stairway, so having a caterer that is open to legwork is a must!
— There is some parking around back — we used that just for deliveries and older/​handicapped guests only, and everyone else parked in the public lot across the street behind Brighams. So easy!
— If you have a band or DJ, they need to stop playing fairly early because it is a somewhat residential area. We stopped at ten, I think the latest might be 11?
— Susan is amazing about meeting with you — she keeps in touch over email, answered all of our questions, and walked through the building with me a few times to figure out logistics and conduct our ceremony rehearsal.
— they have portable ACs that kind of cool things down, and the windows do have screens and can be opened.
— This is very important haha — the light for the outdoor patio, at least when we were there, does not work! Our poor bartender was in the dark for the last hour or so haha. But he seemed fine with it, and had the light coming out of the room to help light his way. This is probably an irrelevant detail since they are beginning renovations next year!
I am still so grateful to everything they did for us, and I would gladly recommend them to anyone who is interested in a classic space for an event!

Not to be confused with the currently operating school in Hingham called Derby Academy, Old Derby Academy is the headquarters for the Hingham Historical Society.
Old Derby was the original school the newer one sprung from, started by Madame Sarah Derby in the 1700s. The Federal style building has an illustrious and interesting history.
I have weddings on the brain having just been to a great one this past weekend. So it got me to remembering my own wedding which was held here.
We took a walk around the property this weekend and were reminded of what a great spot this is.
This is a beautiful venue with a pretty not to mention historic ballroom which leads to a lovely outdoor garden.
The good news for us, which I know might not be for everyone, is that you are just renting the space and so you can hire whomever you would like to create the right kind of celebration for you.
This means you hire your own caterer.
There is a full kitchen on the premises for the caterers to use.
With this kind of arrangement we could make sure the food was exactly what we wanted it to be, made by chefs we trusted.
This also means you are not limited to the choices other venues hold you to.
You’re not subject to the pricing whims of venues that charge exorbitantly for their bar service.
The caterer we chose provided bar service (mixer, sodas, etc.) and the bartenders but we supplied all the alcohol.
Buying your own alcohol is a not only a money saver but allows you to personally select the kinds of wines and other liquors that you want to see served.
My personal pet peeve is being invited to an event like a wedding and having to contend with a cash bar.
Remember: you are inviting guests to your celebration. They shouldn’t have to pay for anything unless it’s a charity benefit. It’s no different in my mind than having guests to your home.
Enough on the lectures.
This is a great place to host your wedding or any special party in which you want a unique and interesting venue.
If you are interested in an historical setting and want to really have a more open canvas of options in which to personally design the details of your event, this might be the spot for you.