
Venue
The Castle
Boston University
225 Bay State Rd,
Boston, MA
The Dahod Family Alumni Center at the Castle, a stunning Tudor Revival mansion at Boston University, was originally built as a residence for William Lindsey (1858–1922), a successful businessman who made his fortune from a patented cartridge belt used in the Boer War. Completed in 1915, the building is one of Boston's most picturesque structures, praised for its medieval design by architectural historian Bainbridge Bunting.
Lindsey, who was inspired by the great manor houses of Tudor England, was also a poet and playwright. His passion for the antique and romantic is reflected in the Castle’s design, which was influenced by the English mansion Athelhampton Hall in Dorsetshire. The exterior, made of warm Buff Amherst sandstone, features detailed carvings by sculptor Hugh Cairns, known for his work on Trinity Church in Copley Square.
Inside, the Great Hall boasts dark mahogany paneling, a beamed ceiling, and a grand fireplace, with a stained-glass lantern believed to have come from Arundel Castle. The Library, overlooking the Charles River, blends medieval and classical elements, while the Music Room’s elegant style reflects the opulence of its original use for dances and concerts. The Georgian Revival Dining Room, adorned with intricate details like a green marble fireplace and a French tapestry, exemplifies Lindsey's commitment to fine craftsmanship.
When we first entered the Castle, we were immediately enchanted by its gothic beauty. The towering stone walls, the regal woodwork, and the grand staircase called to us, evoking a sense of timeless romance. It was in that very space, with its dark, majestic charm, that we knew we had to be married there—on the sweeping staircase where the echoes of history seemed to linger. This was where we wanted to share our vows, surrounded by family and friends, in a place that felt as if it were made just for us.
In 1939, Boston University received the Castle as a gift, where it served as the home of the university’s presidents until 1967. Today, the Castle continues to stand as a beautiful testament to history and elegance, and it is where we will begin our own chapter.