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1400 S Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60605
312-665-7600.
View their website
Average Base Cost: $30,000
Our average base cost for a Field Museum wedding is calculated by figuring a 150-person guest list for a Saturday ceremony/reception using Stanley Field Hall and a food/beverage price of $150/pp (including open bar, food, and furniture rentals). We did not include the optional outside space. Entertainment, flowers, furniture, additional decorations and rentals, transportation, and photography are not included. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand. Gratuity and sales tax is included.
*Prices subject to change
How The Field Museum breaks down:
Facility Rental Fee:
There are several venue spaces available at The Field Museum, which include Stanley Field Hall and the East Atrium Pavilion.
Note: These fees are based on peak dates. Reach out to the Field Museum for customized pricing.
- Stanley Field Hall is $17,000 for 6 hours, with each additional hour at $3,000. The addition of an outdoor space is available at a flat fee of $3,000. Stanley Field Hall includes 2 levels of reception and dining space as well as access to the Museum’s T-Rex. Additionally, guests may tour galleries on both levels of the museum, with views of the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan.
- The East Atrium Pavilion is $14,000 for 6 hours, with each additional hour at $3,000. The addition of an outdoor space is available at a flat fee of $3,000. The East Atrium Pavilion rental includes access to the “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit, which is home to 23 mummies and additional artifacts from Ancient Egypt.
- Religious ceremonies are OK. There is no ceremony fee if you are hosting a reception at the venue.
What’s Included: Usage fee for both Field Museum spaces includes coat check (if needed), museum security, housekeeping, support staff and electrician.
Vendors: The Field Museum works with a list of preferred and exclusive vendors. Clients can select one of three caterers, which will provide all food and beverage service, including equipment and linens. The floral and décor list has four companies to select from, and for lighting the venue works exclusively with Frost Lighting.
Food and Beverage: The museum estimates a cost of $150/pp (for 250 guests) which includes catering, open bar for 6 hours and furniture.
More Field Museum Stats:
Space Type: Inside/Outside
Size:
- Stanley Field Hall accommodates 1,500 for a seated dinner and 7,500 for a reception.
- The East Atrium & Pavilion will provide reception space for up to 400 guests and full dinner seating for up to 250.
Bridal Suite: A bridal suite is not included in the rental. There are classrooms available to change in, however.
Parking: Parking at the Museum is managed by Soldier Field and Standard Parking. The lots operated by Soldier Field are located on the museum campus and are easily accessed by guests from Museum Campus Drive. Clients may arrange for an attendant for a nominal fee, which will allow guests to pay cash to self-park. Clients may also purchase the parking spaces in advance or provide a valet service.
How Will Grandma Get There? The Field Museum is located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, which has a mix of cultural attractions (like the Shedd Aquarium) and a mix of affordable and upscale hotels such as the Hilton Chicago and Renaissance Blackstone.
Party On! Events can begin as early as 6 p.m. and go as late as 2 a.m. However, the bar must close by 1 a.m.
The Field Museum Report:
The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest in the world. The Museum received it’s name in 1905 after one of it’s main benefactors, Marshall Field (though from 1943-1966 it was known as the Chicago Natural History Museum). Permanent exhibits include the Grainger Hall of Gems and Mammals of Africa and Asia. Fun fact: You might recognize the Main Hall from one of my favorite John Hugh’s movies, She’s Having a Baby. 🙂 Watch it below!
Woman Getting Married Says
This wedding venue, to me, is quintessential Chicago (if for no other reason than Chicago king John Hughes filmed one of the best movies there. See above). If you’re going to get married here and can get a large enough guest list (over 150. Otherwise I think the space will be too large) then I think Stanley Field Hall (plus the outside space if getting married in spring, summer, or early fall) is definitely the way to go. Plus, I love the late end time. But nothings perfect, and the steep venue fee is not for the faint of heart. If you have the guest list and budget, however, I would definitely say this is a must-see wedding venue for all you Chicago brides.
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