Fernbank Museum Atlanta Wedding - Ultimate Venue Guide: Photos, Pricing & Tips
If you're looking for a truly unique wedding venue in Atlanta, look no further than Fernbank Museum of Natural History! Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum offers a one-of-a-kind setting for your special day, surrounded by fascinating exhibits, lush greenery, and stunning architecture. This guide is designed to provide you with essential information and tips if you are thinking about planning your wedding at the Fernbank Museum.
CEREMONY
One big factor to consider for the Fernbank is the fact that it is open to the public until 5pm. So it’s best to have your ceremony after 5pm so it is a private event. As for location of the ceremony, my favorite spot at the Fernbank hands down is the Dinosaur Plaza. It is so green, features the dinosaurs, and the lighting while the sun is starting to set is perfect! Now if you don’t want dinosaurs as your backdrop of your ceremony then I’d recommend the outdoor Terrace (but I feel like if you are going to go with the Fernbank Museum as your venue, lean into it!) The Dinosaur Plaza provides a centerpiece of bronze dinosaurs as the backdrop of your ceremony. Fun fact: The dinosaurs are a hadrosaur species known as Lophorhothon atopus, which once lived in the region that is now Georgia.
If it rains or you just know you want an indoor ceremony, the Fernbank Cafe is a great option. This room is very neutral allowing you to design and make it look however you want. The room does have one side of floor to ceiling windows that lets in a lot of natural light while also have white walls and ceilings providing a pretty, clean space.
Dinosaur Plaza
The Fernbank Café
FORMALS
Curious about all the places you can take formal photos at the Fernbank? There are sooo many great spots and unique spots. You can take photos along side all of the dinosaurs but if you want some more classy options you have the choice between all the beautiful architecture and a stunning waterfall. The waterfall is hands down my favorite spot to take portraits!
RECEPTION
Dance the night away with the dinosaurs. The Great Hall provides an enchanting setting featuring dramatic lighting, a view into natural woodlands from the Terrace and a breathtaking glass ceiling that soars 86 feet above the world's largest dinosaurs. I just love the fact that you and your guests get to dance the night away among the dinosaurs!
THE DANCE FLOOR
COST
The most popular spot at the Museum to have a reception is at the Great Hall. It is only available after 6pm but can accommodate 400 people for a seated dinner. Rental fees range from $5,500- $6,000.
For the ceremony you can choose from a couple of spots. The Dinosaur Plaza is a unique outdoor setting which can accommodate up tp 150 for a ceremony and srental fees range from $1,000-$3,500. Another outdoor ceremony options is Terrace which can accommodate up to 150 for a ceremony and rental fees range up to $3,000-$3,500.An indoor ceremony option is the Cafe which can hold 100 people and the rental fees range from $2,00 to $3,500.
These rental fees depend on day of the week, time of day and year and total spaces rented. There is a $6,000 rental minimum, as well as $4,000 beverage minimum, for all Saturday evening events. So in conclusions the minimum to have your wedding at the Fernbank on a Saturday would be $10,000. Be sure to contact them directly to more info and a detailed quote at their website here.
Bonus: Their rental prices include use of the museum’s tables and chairs, and evening rental also includes use of a dance floor.
GETTING READY
One thing to know with the Fernbank is that they don’t have bridal suites where you can get hair and makeup done. They do have a boardroom that you can rent out and use, but I would highly recommend getting ready at a nearby hotel or airbnb instead. A great option is the Hotel Clermont Atlanta being less than a 10 min drive and is a beautiful and unique hotel. The boardroom is the best space though for the bride to actually get in her dress at the venue. For photos though you can always recreate getting in the dress around the venue.
Getting Dressed at FernBank
The Hotel Clermont Atlanta
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
I highly recommend sneaking out during your reception for just a few moments to take some nighttime photos in front of the museum! It makes for some fun, unique and beautiful photos! Also the Fernbank does allow sparklers for send off!
