Unique Wedding Venue Idea: Galleries and Museums

If you're looking for an interesting wedding venue that's just a bit offbeat, why not consider a gallery, museum, planetarium, or even an aquarium?

A bride face-to-face with a seal at New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium | Todd Wilson Images


It's a safe bet you've already had a crash course in "the 4 Cs" of diamonds, yes? Well, we consider museum and gallery venues to be gems—so we've summed up their advantages with our own version of "the 4 Cs": Classy, Cultural, Conversational, and Cool.



Class

Most couples envision their wedding as elegant yet modern, with at least a dash of chic. Museums, often known for striking architecture and upscale décor, are works of art in themselves; as for galleries, they're notoriously sleek and stylish whether dressed to the nines or left au naturel. No matter what level of formality you desire, these venues automatically say "class."

Modern architecture frames a wedding reception at Chicago's Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium | Jill Tiongco Photography


Culture

It's natural to want an event site that conveys a worldliness and appreciation of the finer things in life. Nothing illustrates your cultural savvy like staging your bash alongside Matisse oil paintings or a giant black & white photographic mural. And with incredible exhibits like these as your backdrop, you could end up saving a ton of money on décor.

A wedding ceremony framed by works of art at Colorado's Space Gallery

Space Gallery | Daylene Wilson Photography


Conversation

You'd also like your guests to mingle. But instead of simply encouraging them with cocktails, wouldn't it be awesome if the setting itself provided built-in conversational icebreakers? Galleries and museums are custom-made for this. Without any effort on your part, friends and family meeting for the first time will have something to talk about besides Aunt Harriet's fifth trip to the martini bar.

A bridal party poses in front of a mural at Mason Fine Art and Events

Mason Fine Art and Events


Cool

Let's face it: everything from your shoes to your wedding cake speaks volumes about your sense of style. If illustrating your ahead-of-the-curve sensibilities is a priority, then select a venue that demonstrates your genius for ferreting out all things cool—and a reception at a hip gallery or museum is a sure-fire way to raise your trendsetter-quotient.

Newlyweds kissing in front of Baltimore Museum of Industry

Baltimore Museum of Industry | Tara Peddicord Photography


Galleries and museums offer a rich combination of our 4 Cs in one dynamic setting. Like a beautifully cut diamond, they glitter with promise—in this case, of a celebration that's innovative, modern, elegant and fun!



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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor