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. 

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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

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. 

Fernbank Museum Wedding Cost

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. 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. 

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!

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.

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