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Home / Museum Info / Facility Rental
Frequently Asked Questions – Weddings
At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, beautiful weddings are in our nature. If you have a question that is not addressed on one of the lists below, please contact the Special Events department for further details.
Can I have my wedding reception at the museum?
Where can I have my wedding ceremony?
What is the maximum capacity of the Museum for an event?
What are the steps in planning an event at the Museum?
Can I use my own caterer?
Can alcohol be served at my event?
What information should I have ready when I contact the caterer?
How do I secure a date for my special event?
What does the rental fee include for evening events?
What’s the earliest time my event can start?
Do you offer wedding packages?
Does the Museum offer a place for brides to get dressed?
Does the Museum provide decorations for my wedding?
When can I have access to the facility on the day of my wedding?
How is parking handled?
Can I have rehearsal prior to my wedding day?
Do my guests have access to the entire Museum?
Can I have a band or D.J. at my event?
Do Museum members get a discount?
When can I arrange for a site visit?
Can I have my wedding reception at the museum?
Yes, we have several wonderful venues to choose from. Please contact the Special Events department to discuss which location will suit your event needs.
Where can I have my wedding ceremony?
Our Cockrell Butterfly Center, Butterfly Center Lobby, Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals and Burke Baker Planetarium are venues that are great for wedding ceremonies.
What is the maximum capacity of the Museum for an event?
The Museum can accommodate up to 2,000 guests for a cocktail reception. Please contact the Special Events department regarding what space would work best for you and your guest count.
What are the steps in planning an event at the Museum?
The first step is to relax - planning an event at the Museum is an easy process! Here at the Museum, we have everything down to a science - including event planning.
The second step is to decide which Museum venue would be the best fit for your event. Please contact the Special Events department to discuss which location would be the best fit for your event needs.
The third step is to consider catering - the biggest component in planning an event at the Museum. The Museum has four caterers that are contracted to provide food for any event: A Fare Extraordinaire, Abuso, City Kitchen and Mélange. For more information, please visit our Catering Information page.
The final step is to contact the Special Events department to secure your date. Typically with any event, once you have your venue everything else falls into place.
Can I use my own caterer?
No, you must use one of the Museum’s four exclusive catering companies.
Can alcohol be served at my event?
Yes. City Kitchen Catering holds the Museum’s liquor license, so all alcoholic beverages must be provided by them. Please contact them directly for more information.
City Kitchen Catering is a full service catering company, so you may use them for both your food and beverage needs. If you decide to use them for just your alcoholic beverage needs, you may also select any of our other three caterers for food.
What information should I have ready when I contact the caterer?
Let the caterer know your anticipated date, guest count, and budget. Budget is one of the most important pieces of information, as it assists the caterer in providing you a more accurate proposal.
Also, have an idea of whether you want a seated dinner, a buffet, food stations or a cocktail reception. Please access the Catering Information page for definitions of each event type and catering contact information. The more details you can provide, the better.
How do I secure a date for my special event?
Return your signed contract and deposit to secure a date.
What does the rental fee include for evening events?
For evening events, the rental fee includes security, an onsite event manager, house staff and building manager.
The fee does not include food, beverage and equipment such as tables, chairs, linens, etc. All of those things are an additional cost and would be handled by one of our four caterers. Please contact the caterers directly for that information.
What’s the earliest time my event can start?
All wedding ceremonies and receptions take place when the Museum is closed to the public. During the summer months, the earliest events can typically begin is at 7 p.m. and the rest of the year at 6 p.m.
Do you offer wedding packages?
No. The Special Events department customizes the event according to your event needs.
Does the Museum offer a place for brides to get dressed?
Yes. The Museum does not have a bridal suite, but we do have a conference room and classrooms that are often used as dressing areas.
Does the Museum provide decorations for my wedding?
No, the Museum does not provide decorations. One of the benefits about having your event at the Museum is that very little décor is needed, as the exhibits serve as décor. You are more than welcome to bring in free-standing décor for your event. Please contact the Special Events department regarding specific décor policies.
When can I have access to the facility on the day of my wedding?
Three hours prior to your scheduled event.
How is parking handled?
For weddings and receptions, the Museum offers complimentary self parking in the Museum’s parking garage. If you would like valet parking, this service would be an additional cost and can be arranged through any of our four catering companies. Please contact the caterers directly for information on costs.
Can I have rehearsal prior to my wedding day?
Yes. Rehearsals can be scheduled Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Can my event be the only event in the building?
We often have events occurring simultaneously on any given evening and take all the necessary steps to keep each event private - including separate entrances, security and support staff.
However, we do offer full Museum usage based on needs and availability. You should contact the Special Events department to discuss that option.
Do my guests have access to the entire Museum?
Your guests only have access to the spaces that you rent.
Can I have a band or D.J. at my event?
Yes, there are many great locations throughout the Museum where a band or D.J. can set up.
Do Museum members get a discount?
Unfortunately not; however, please keep in mind that all proceeds from events directly benefit the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
When can I arrange for a site visit?
Please contact the Special Events department to schedule an appointment for a site visit. Site visits are available with the Museum Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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