Wedding Venue Review: Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-1615
View their website

Average Base Cost: $39,000

Average base cost for a Peabody Essex Museum wedding is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list on a Saturday night with a $6,5000 rental fee for a ceremony/reception, and $200/pp for food/beverage. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, additional rentals, valet, DJ, and photography are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.

*Prices subject to change

How it Breaks Down

Facility Rental Fee:

Reception Options

Cocktails in Garden Atrium 6:30–7:30 pm
Dinner & Dancing in East India Marine Hall 7:30–11:30 pm
Guest count from 60 to 150 people
Rental: $5,500

Cocktails in Atrium 7–8 pm
Dinner & Dancing in East India Marine Hall 8 pm–midnight
Guest count from 60 to 150 people
Rental: $5,500

Cocktails in Garden Atrium 6:30–7:30 pm
Dinner & Dancing in the Atrium 7:30–11:30 pm
Guest count from 100 to 270 people
Rental: $8,500

Cocktails in East India Marine Hall 6–7 pm
Dinner & Dancing in the Atrium 7–11 pm
Guest count from 100 to 270 people
Rental: $8,500

Cocktails in the Atrium Spine 7–8 pm
Dinner & Dancing in the Atrium 8 pm–midnight
Guest count from 100 to 270 people
Rental: $8,500

Ceremony & Reception Options

Ceremony in Atrium 6:30 pm guest arrival and 7 pm ceremony
Cocktails in Garden Atrium 7:30–8:30 pm
Dinner & Dancing in East India Marine Hall 8:30 pm–12:30 am
Guest count from 80 to 150 people
Rental: $6,500

Ceremony in East India Marine Hall
6 pm guest arrival and 6:30 pm ceremony
Cocktails in Atrium Spine or Garden Atrium 7–8 pm
Dinner & Dancing in the Atrium 8 pm–midnight
Guest count from 100 to 270 people
Rental: $9,500

Since the museum is a non-profit, there are no taxes or administrative fees.

All pricing is based on a five-hour reception, with one hour for cocktails and four hours for dinner and dancing. Ceremony is a total of one hour, with 30 minutes for guest arrival and 30 minutes for your ceremony. Please note the museum is open to the public until 5 pm. Event start times can be later than stated above but cannot begin earlier.

SEE MORE: Our Favorite Massachusetts Wedding Venues

What’s Included:

Locations and time frames as indicated in your contract.
Staff stationed to accept deliveries and load-in vendors prior to your event.
Security staff stationed in all areas of the museum open to your guests.
Maintenance staff to set up and break down your event.
Standard tables and chairs. White folding fan back chairs are included. Fruitwood chiavari chairs are available for $4 per chair.
60 inch round dinner tables, high top tables & 36 inch rounds for cocktails, 6 & 8 ft tables for escort cards, bars, etc.
A Museum Facilitator will be present at the time of your event to direct the caterer and other vendors as needed. The facilitator is present to insure harmony before and during the event and to protect the museum facility and collections. Facilitator works together as a team with the catering manager and all vendors to ensue a smoothly executed event.
Discounted general museum admission to your guests the weekend of your wedding.

Extras:

Optional chair upgrade
Museum admissions passes for complimentary admissions for guests: $15 each

Food/Beverage: The museum works exclusively with Gourmet Caterers for all catering and bar needs.

Gourmet Caterers offers package pricing for catering ranging from $125 to $175 per person, or they can create a custom menu.

Full bar packages range from $46 to $52 per person. Beer & wine packages as well as consumption bars are available.

More Stats

Space Type: The museum offers both inside and outside space. There’s also a new garden, which is adjacent to the new wing opening in September 2019. It is ideally used along with the Garden Atrium for cocktails or even for a rehearsal dinner.

Size: Capacity varies depending on the space being used. See above.

Bridal Suite: No, but there’s a private area and restroom for the wedding party to wait prior to the ceremony away from guests.

Parking: There is a municipal parking garage located across the street from the main entrance of the museum, which a charge of $1.25 an hour. There is also street parking and an open air lot close by.

Food Service Type: Your choice

How Will Grandma Get There? Salem, MA is just 12 miles from Boston Logan International Airport, and an hour’s drive from Manchester’s airport. Downtown Boston is around a 45 minute drive. For lodging, the museum has 3 full service hotels within walking distance: Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Waterfront Hotel and The Hotel Salem. There’s also a number of bed and breakfasts in the area: Morning Glory B&B, Salem Inn, The Merchant and more.

Party On! Most receptions end at 12 am but the museum can extend to 1 am by request.

Important Note: All outside vendors, aside from food and beverage providers, are allowed.

The Peabody Essex Museum Report

Founded in 1799 by America’s first global entrepreneurs, the Peabody Essex Museum, located in Salem, MA, is a museum of international art and culture dedicated to connecting art to the world in which it is made. In addition to offering many exhibitions, programs, and activities, the museum is also a unique space for events and weddings. Features include a historic New England ballroom, Atrium and garden.

Woman Getting Married Says

The Peabody Essex Museum is one of those venues that you choose when you’re looking for a completely stress-free experience. Brides rave about their wedding staff, and while it’s pricier than other venues in the area, you’re definitely getting an elevated level of service. If you’re looking for a unique and historical wedding venue with a strong venue and catering team to help you feel at ease, this should definitely be on your list.

Click here to learn more about my wedding venue review process

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