Unusual Wedding Venues: Science Museums

There are a number of options available for couples looking outside of the box in terms of selecting the proper place to hold their weddings. In a previous article, cavern weddings were explored. Many science lovers are choosing to hold wedding ceremonies in a science museum. Imagine taking your vows amidst the cultural splendor of the exhibits, which could range from dinosaur to astronomy to ocean life displays.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia is one science museum available for wedding rentals and has been a popular venue for couples in the Atlanta area. This museum, which can be booked for either small or larger weddings, offers several beautiful areas for a ceremony. The Star Gallery, with a fiber optic ceiling displaying constellations, would be a romantic space, and includes use of the lobby and terrace. They also have a Great Hall, a Cafe, a terrace area, and allow rental of specific exhibit areas. For more information call (404) 929.6300.

In the L.A. area, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County currently offers rentals of three spaces: the Grand Foyer, the African Mammal Hall, and the North American Mammal Hall. In the elegant Grand Foyer, the bride and groom can take their vows near the dinosaur skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops underneath beautiful brass chandeliers and marble columns. Dioramas of plains and other North American animals line the walls of the North American Mammal Hall. The African Mammal Hall features displays of animals from the African continent and is slightly smaller than the North American room. Pricing varies among spaces and the number of guests attending the ceremony. They also offer table and chair rental, and "Private Dinosaur Encounters" for additional fees. To arrange a special event here call (213) 763-3221.

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, Texas there are four wonderful spaces available for weddings. In the Burk Baker Planetarium, vows can be exchanged under the spectacular scenes shown on the domed ceiling. The Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals is lined with sparkling displays of gems and crystals, including a nearly 2,000 carat emerald crystal. Couples who want an outdoorsy feel without having an outdoor ceremony can rent the Cockrell Butterfly Center amidst a rainforest setting and 60 species of live butterflies. The Butterfly Center Lobby http://www.hmnsmedia.org/files/marketing/Specialevents/wedding-set-up-2.jpg can accommodate larger weddings and can be seen in this photo. For more information on weddings at this venue or to schedule a site visit, call the event specialists at 713-639-4772.

In Durham, North Carolina, the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science has a lovely area where weddings can be held. The Magic Wings Butterfly House and Bayer Crop Science Insectarium is a popular area for ceremonies. The Insectarium is a 5,000 square foot butterfly conservatory adjacent to a large outdoor patio. Often the Special Events Tent, a bricked patio area, is rented along with the Butterfly House to accommodate more guests. To discuss rental of this area for a wedding, call (919) 220-5429, Extension 400.

Choosing to have a wedding at a science museum can make for a very memorable event. Couples can take their vows in a planetarium, among gemstones, underneath battling dinosaurs, or underneath a canopy of tropical plants and butterflies, and many other exhibits. These were only four museums which are available for special events. If you're interested in having a museum wedding, check out a science museum near you!

Sources:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
HoustonMuseum of Natural Science
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
North Carolina Museum of Life and Science