Pop-up ceremonies are popular with our clients who have a small to medium sized guest list and are looking for a fast and fuss-free option. 

The Museum of Natural History is a unique venue for your pop-up ceremony. These weddings can take place in any of our three main galleries: Iowa, Bird, or Mammal Halls. The pop-up option is ideal considering the number of guests who can comfortably be accommodated in a given gallery. Use this list to learn more about the offering:

• Pop-up Ceremony
  • For groups of 25 people or less (pricing starts at 10 guests)
  • 1.5 hrs of building and staff access from start to finish: set-up, ceremony, photos, and clean-up
  • Clients who reserve both a wedding ceremony and a reception receive reduced pricing for the reception rather than the full fee listed.
• What's included:
  • Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
  • Onsite staffing to assist with hosting
  • Private access to one gallery for the ceremony
  • Access to all galleries and grounds for photography
• What's not included:
  • Additional private rooms for the wedding party
  • Staff time, support, or guaranteed building access outside of the 2.5 hour, start to finish reservation. This includes rehearsal time, photo shoots, early set up, or late tear down. 
  • Reservations for events during regular public hours
  • Reception or catering
  • Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.

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Full ceremonies aren't as common at the Museum of Natural History as they are at our sister museum on the Pentacrest, the Old Capitol Museum, but they do happen and can be truly unforgettable.

The Museum of Natural History is a unique and magical venue for your wedding ceremony. Full ceremonies can take place in any of our three main galleries: Iowa, Bird, or Mammal Halls. Capacity limits in our galleries and spacing for chairs determine the size of your guest list, but these weddings are certainly possible and always lovely. Use this list to learn more about the offering:

• Full Ceremony
  • For groups of 25-50 people (gallery dependent)
  • 1.5 hrs of building access and staff support for a wedding rehearsal
  • 3 hrs of building access and staff support the day of the event: first look, ceremony, photos
  • Clients who reserve both a wedding ceremony and a reception receive reduced pricing for the reception rather than the full fee listed.
• What's included:
  • Personalized, full-service consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
  • Onsite staffing to assist with hosting, set up, tear down, cleanup, and more
  • Tour trained staff available to provide experiential interactions throughout the museum with guests if desired
  • Private access to the gallery of your choice for the ceremony
  • Private access to a designated area in the museum for the wedding party, before and after the ceremony
  • Guest access to all museum galleries before and after the ceremony
  • Access to all museum galleries and grounds for photography
  • Special photo ops including a marriage license signing and a coordinated receiving line
  • Full access to our complete onsite equipment list (see FAQ page for full list)
• What's not included:
  • Reception or catering
  • Guaranteed building access outside of your arrangements with the Events & Operations Coordinator
  • Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.

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Continue the celebration by adding a reception to your ceremony here, or joining us after your offsite ceremony.

The Museum of Natural History is happy to host your wedding reception. Receptions have been held in each of our museum galleries: Iowa, Bird, and Mammal Halls. Guests can mingle, move around cocktail rounds, and explore exhibits during the event. Use this list to learn more about the offering:

• Receptions: 
  • For groups of up to 75 people
  • 4 hrs of building and staff access from start to finish: set-up, reception, photos, and clean-up
  • Available as an add-on for couples who have booked a ceremony or groups looking to celebrate after their offsite ceremony
  • Clients who reserve both a wedding ceremony and a reception receive reduced pricing for the reception rather than the full fee listed.
• What's included:
  • Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
  • Onsite staffing to assist with hosting, set up, and clean up.
  • One gallery space available for food buffets, bar, and desserts
  • Access to explore all three galleries for your private, after-hours event. Additionally, our staff are tour trained and can provide experiential interactions throughout the museum with guests if desired.
  • 12 6 ft folding tables
  • 12 cocktail rounds
  • Banquet chairs
  • Dance area
  • Storage space for up to one week so clients don't have to worry about packing up on their special day.
• What's not included:
  • Catering for all events is a separate cost and must be arranged through our only food and alcohol approved vendor, University Catering. 
  • Clients must arrange for their own music or DJ. We are happy to work with anyone you contract whose equipment can fit safely and comfortably in the space.
  • There is no provided access to A/V equipment in our galleries. Clients are responsible for outside rental and transport of their own microphones, speakers, and other technology.
  • Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Our staff are happy to work with florists and provide some assistance with set-up. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.

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