Inside a Fernbank Museum Wedding – Photos & Planning Tips

I’ve seen a fair share of unique wedding venues in Atlanta, but nothing comes close to the Fernbank Museum! Imagine having your reception in a setting with sky-high windows, a glass ceiling, and dinosaur skeletons. Yeah, you read that right – dinosaurs! Yet, despite these unique exhibitions, the venue looks ethereally romantic, giving the impression it’s specially designed for celebrations of one-of-a-kind love stories. With this in mind, who wouldn’t dream of a Fernbank Museum wedding?

Words cannot capture the love I have for this Atlanta wedding venue, but I’ll try my best to show you just how unique it is! That said, in this blog, I’ll show you how to plan a museum wedding in Fernbank, Atlanta, including the pricing and some nifty tips.

Why Choose Fernbank Museum, Atlanta?

In addition to the gorgeous setting of this incredible Atlanta wedding venue, I first have to tell you its story. In the 1800s, a woman named Emily Harrison dedicated herself to saving woodlands that were under threat. She landed in a certain space known as Fernbank, where she helped nature spread. From that point on, the conservation efforts continued, ultimately creating the renowned Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which opened its doors in 1992. And now, it’s opening the doors for your epic celebration of love.

Currently, Fernbank Museum features countless exhibitions and artworks that also serve as the ideal photography backdrops. Just imagine how spectacular your session will be! On top of that, you can have a Fernbank Museum wedding despite how short or long your guest list might be. There are numerous event spaces, both big and small, meaning you can easily curate your dream day. From huge halls with dinosaur exhibitions to romantic gardens enriched with lush greenery, this wedding venue in Atlanta seems to have just about everything!

Fernbank Museum Ceremony & Reception Spaces

The Fernbank Museum has so many settings for your big day they deserve an entire section! With that in mind, as part of showing you how to plan a museum wedding at this fantastic venue, take a look at the various ceremony and reception spaces.

The Great Hall

When you first lay your eyes on the Great Hall, the decision to have a Fernbank Museum wedding will be made for you! You’re greeted by the sight of an 86-foot glass ceiling, giving the best views of the surrounding woodlands. However, the gigantic dinosaur skeletons are the biggest attention-stealer of the Great Hall. Thanks to the dramatic lighting, they look as epic as ever! Lastly, I can’t forget about the elegant spiral staircase, which can be used to create truly captivating shots. As the biggest event space for your Fernbank Museum, the Great Hall can accommodate 400 seated or 600 standing guests.

The Fernbank Cafe

If you desire a more intimate celebration, the Fernbank Cafe might be the perfect place for it. Seating up to 125 guests, this event space is quite spacious, yet it feels incredibly convivial. The interiors are elegant and sophisticated, overlooking the stunning greenery.

For those considering an indoor ceremony, the Fernbank Cafe offers remarkable features that make it an excellent choice:

• Customizable Design: The room’s neutral decor allows you to transform the space, tailoring it to your unique vision and style.
• Abundant Natural Light: A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows floods the room with natural light, enhancing the ambiance and providing a bright, airy feel.
• Clean and Modern Aesthetic: With its white walls and ceilings, the cafe presents a clean and elegant backdrop, perfect for creating a serene and beautiful setting for your special day.

These features combine to create a venue that is both flexible and visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for your indoor ceremony.

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The Star Gallery

Most couples dream of having a wedding under the stars. But did you know that you can have it indoors at this Atlanta wedding venue? Named one of the most unique event spaces in the city, the Star Gallery features a fiber optic ceiling that depicts various constellations, creating a dazzling atmosphere. This option is suited for those planning an intimate Fernbank Museum wedding with at most 100 guests.

Terrace At Fernbank Museum

Terrace At Fernbank Museum

It’s obvious dinosaurs are the stars of Fernbank Museum, so an entire plaza dedicated to them doesn’t come as a surprise. Still, this plaza has so much more to offer. You can say your sweetest vows in a beautifully landscaped event space enriched with fragrant flowers and perfect emerald greenery.

Why Choose Dinosaur Plaza?

• Breathtaking Backdrop: Imagine exchanging vows with majestic bronze dinosaurs towering behind you, creating an unforgettable scene that’s both grand and whimsical.
• Perfect Lighting: As the sun begins to set, the lighting transforms into a magical glow, casting enchanting shadows and providing the ideal ambiance for capturing stunning photographs.
• Unique Experience: If you’re choosing the Fernbank Museum as your venue, embrace its unique charm. The Dinosaur Plaza offers a distinctive setting that will make your ceremony truly one-of-a-kind.

If dinosaurs aren’t your ideal backdrop, consider the outdoor Terrace for a more traditional setting. However, leaning into the museum’s prehistoric theme can add an extraordinary touch to your special day, making Dinosaur Plaza a standout choice for those looking to blend elegance with a touch of adventure.

When to Host a Private Wedding Ceremony at the Museum

If you’re looking to have a wedding ceremony at the museum and want to ensure it’s a private affair, timing is key. The venue remains open to the general public until 5 PM each day.

To ensure your event is exclusive and undisturbed:

• Schedule your ceremony to begin after 5 PM.
• Confirm availability with the venue to ensure no public events overlap.
• Consider an evening or twilight ceremony for a more intimate atmosphere.

By choosing a post-5 PM timeslot, you’ll create a private and memorable experience for your celebration. 

The boardroom at the Fernbank Museum serves a specific purpose during weddings. While it isn’t designed as a bridal suite for hair and makeup preparations, it provides a convenient and private space for the bride to change into her dress at the venue.

For pre-wedding preparations like hair and makeup, nearby accommodations, such as hotels or Airbnb rentals, are recommended. This approach ensures a more comfortable and relaxed environment for getting ready.

However, utilizing the boardroom at Fernbank allows the bride to make the final dress adjustments in a quiet setting right before the ceremony. By doing so, it adds a layer of convenience, ensuring the bride’s attire is perfect without the hassle of traveling in her dress.

Does the Fernbank Museum Offer Bridal Suites for Getting Ready?

While planning your special day at the Fernbank Museum, it’s important to note they do not provide traditional bridal suites for pre-wedding preparations like hair and makeup. Instead, they offer the option to rent a boardroom, which can serve as a private space for your needs. However, for a more comfortable and luxurious experience, consider preparing at a nearby hotel or Airbnb. These options can provide spacious environments and all necessary amenities to ensure your wedding day starts smoothly.

Perfect Indoor Ceremony Spot at the Fernbank Museum

If the weather takes a turn for the worse and you need an indoor venue at the Fernbank Museum, the Fernbank Cafe is an excellent choice. This versatile space offers a clean and modern aesthetic, perfect for customizing to your taste.

Key Features

• Neutral Design: The room provides a blank canvas, allowing you to personalize it for your special day.
• Natural Light: One side features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the area with abundant natural light.
• Bright and Airy Atmosphere: The white walls and ceilings contribute to a fresh and spacious feel, making it ideal for an elegant indoor ceremony.

Choose the Fernbank Cafe for a beautiful and adaptable indoor ceremony setting in any weather.

Wedding Cost At Fernbank Museum

Sometimes, museum wedding venue costs can get really high, especially in Atlanta. However, that’s not the case with Fernbank Museum. Despite its luxurious and elegant feel, this venue is quite affordable. 

For one, having your celebration in the Great Hall would cost you around $5,000-$6,000, while the rental fee for the Fernbank Cafe ranges from $2,000-$3,500. Furthermore, the Fernbank Museum wedding cost for a small celebration at the Star Gallery costs $2,500-$3,000. You should also consider the rental fees for ceremony spaces such as the Stephenson Hall, Dinosaur Plaza, and the Terrace – that is, if you consider hosting your ceremony there.

When planning your event, it’s essential to understand the capacities and costs associated with each location:

• Dinosaur Plaza: A unique outdoor setting that can accommodate up to 150 guests. The rental fees range from $1,000 to $3,500, making it a stunning choice for those who want an open-air experience.
• Terrace: Another outdoor option with the same guest capacity of 150. The rental fees here range between $3,000 and $3,500, offering a blend of elegance and nature.
• Cafe: Perfect for an indoor ceremony, holding up to 100 people. The costs here fall between $2,000 and $3,500, providing a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.

It’s crucial to note that rental fees can vary based on factors such as the day of the week, the time of day, and the total number of spaces rented. For Saturday evening events, there is a $6,000 rental minimum along with a $4,000 beverage minimum. Therefore, the minimum cost for a Saturday wedding would be $10,000.

By considering these details, you can choose the perfect setting that aligns with your vision and budget, ensuring a memorable event.

As always, these prices are subject to change based on the season and your wedding date.

Finally, you should take advantage of the Fernbank Museum wedding packages. The event team behind the space will help you create the best package based on your guest list, style, and budget. 

To host your wedding on a Saturday evening at the Fernbank Museum, you need to meet a minimum expenditure of $10,000. This cost includes venue rental and other associated services or packages offered for events on that day of the week.

When you book an event space at the museum, several convenient amenities are included in the rental price. You’ll have access to tables and chairs, ensuring a seamless setup for your guests. For those planning an evening celebration, the rental also covers the use of a dance floor, making it easier to create a festive atmosphere. These inclusions can help you prepare for a memorable event without additional worries or costs.

Capturing Your Fernbank Museum Wedding

Photography at this wedding venue in Atlanta is the biggest treat of all! You’re in a museum filled with all kinds of exhibitions and art displays – just imagine the backdrop possibilities! Be it elegant, simplistic, or completely unexpected, practically every corner of the museum is picture-perfect. If you have the time, try touring the Fernbank beforehand to get inspired for your session. Otherwise, your photographer will also provide you with a ton of options!

Also, try to leave some time in your photography timeline for some night shots under the starry sky in the Great Hall. Thanks to the soaring ceiling, this location looks incredibly breathtaking and will serve as the ultimate scene for your gorgeous wedding photos.

And if you want to sneak away from your Fernbank Museum wedding with your loved one for a short breather, take advantage of the many staircases. The museum has tons of them and can provide you with the escape you need. Don’t forget to take your photographer with you!

Yes, you can use sparklers for a wedding send-off at the Fernbank Museum! Many couples love creating memorable moments with nighttime photos in front of the museum, making it a unique and stunning backdrop. The addition of sparklers adds an extra bit of magic to your celebration, ensuring your send-off shines brightly. Whether it’s capturing romantic photos or creating an unforgettable farewell, sparklers are a delightful option here.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the uniqueness of this venue, it is no wonder why a Fernbank Museum wedding is such a popular choice among couples in Atlanta. With so many incredible and versatile event spaces, you can easily plan your dreamy celebration.

Naturally, if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your fondest memories, inquire about my services.

If you’re planning a wedding in the city, explore our Atlanta wedding photographer page.

Wedding vendors

Wedding Venue:

• Fernbank Museum: fernbankmuseum.org

Coordinator / Planner:

• 3LB Weddings: 3lbweddings.com

Florist:

• Navy & Jay: navyandjay.com

DJ / Band:

• AMP’d Entertainment: ampdentertainment.net

Recommended Nearby Accommodations for Pre-Wedding Preparations at Fernbank Museum

When planning your wedding day at the Fernbank Museum, it’s crucial to consider the best place to get ready. While the museum offers a boardroom for rental, it might not provide the ideal space for hair and makeup preparations.

A highly recommended option is to book a stay at a nearby hotel or Airbnb for your convenience and comfort. One standout choice is a charming hotel located just under ten minutes away by car. This hotel not only offers a convenient location but also provides a unique and beautiful setting to make your pre-wedding preparations memorable.

Choosing to get ready in such a venue allows you to have ample space and amenities, ensuring you and your bridal party can relax and enjoy the moments leading up to your ceremony.