Venue Review: Olio, A Historic Modern/Industrial Venue Near Boston
olio: a modern, industrial event space in a historic venue just miles from Boston
We first met Sarah before she had launched Olio. We already loved working with her wedding planning business, Without a Hitch, and were so excited when she announced her new venture as a venue owner! Nothing could prepare us for the actual space, though.
The building that Olio is in was one of the country’s first entirely concrete structures, and was built in the Colonial Revival style typical of theaters in the early 1900s. It remained an operational theater for decades to come. When Sarah and Ellen bought the space, they completely refurbished the hardwood floors and left the walls as is. They added a small kitchen and bathroom, keeping the main event space open. The result is a fully functional modern venue with a larger-than-life industrial feel.
The first things that you notice about Olio when you walk up the stairs is how massive it is - both in length and in height - and how beautiful the old concrete walls are. The wall facing the street is lined by enormous windows creating a cascade of natural light during the day that falls off significantly as you make your way into the venue, as well as a direct view of the sky at sunset.
Wondering where you may take your portraits and family photos? There are SO many spots to choose from in addition to using Olio as your backdrop.
Located right on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Peabody, the venue is home to a surprising number of outdoor locations that are perfect for any of your formal photos. Olio is literally steps from Peabody’s cute public library, several fun alleyways, beautiful old brick buildings, train tracks and even a park! There’s no shortage of spots for photos inside and out, and as you can tell below we love sunset on Main St.
Take a look at our galleries below to get a feel for all that you can do with this compelling historical event space!
Nicki + Nico
Venue: @oliopeabody
Planner: @withoutathitchbos
Florist: @evansflowershop
Ring: @brilliantearth
Hair: @demiche
Makeup: @deannaelysemua
Band: @wilsonstevensbands
Dress: @BHLDN
Caterer: @labonnemaison
Lighting: @designlightco
Event Rentals: @peakeventservices
Transportation: @blacktielimousineinc
Maria + Jack
Venue: @oliopeabody
Planner: @withoutahitchbos
Florist: @berrybranch
Dress: @winniecouture
Ring: @midwinterco @automicgold
PETER + BRENDEN
Venue: Olio
Planner: Without A Hitch
Florist: Mahoney’s Garden Center
Caterer: Premier Catering
Rings: Rebekah Brooks
Attire: Bonobos
H+MUA: @amh_jen
DJ: Jon Strader
KATE + KRIS
Venue: Olio
Planner: Without A Hitch
Florist: Many Graces
Caterer: Forklift Catering
Rings: Brilliant Earth
Dress: Leanne Marshall
Bridal Boutique: Everthine Bridal
MUA: Beauty Boston Artistry
Hair: Dana Foley Hair
DJ: DJ Deja
Lighting: Esquire Events
TERI + MIKE
Venue: Olio
Planner: Without a Hitch
HMUA: Bella Rose Beauty
Florist: Little Blooms Floral
Lighting: Esq Events
DJ: Epic Entertainment
Caterer: Capers Catering
Rentals: Peak Event Services