Four reasons why museums are becoming popular wedding venues

Marie Claire Galea, the event sales manager at the Science and Industry Museum reveals why museums are becoming popular wedding venues.

The insta-effect
Instagram has heavily influenced many sectors and weddings are no different. There are over 13,000 posts on museum weddings alone. One of the biggest advantages to museums is they are often housed within some of Britain’s oldest and most beautiful buildings, many of them Grade II listed or Grade I, such as Manchester’s own 1830 Warehouse. While other buildings benefit from an industrial chic feel, perfect for the quirkier bride. Furthermore, with museum collections changing regularly, there’s less risk of your backdrop looking the same as another wedding. Brides may even be able to check what collections will be on display during their nuptials to personalise weddings further. 

More bang for your budget
Let’s face it, weddings are expensive and popular venues, i.e. country houses, often command premium price tags. As museum weddings are a relatively new trend, prices are competitive. What’s more, with so many artefacts in situ, couples can save money on theming and décor as a result. It may even be possible to build historical pieces that resonate with how couples met into their décor. For example, if you met at the airport or on a train, permanent exhibitions, in our case The Air and Space Hall, where you can see cars, bikes and even aeroplanes, can become part of your wedding story. Also consider asking the museum if artefacts can be incorporated into the backdrop for wedding photos.  

A versatile space 
Restrictions on the number of guests can cause planning headaches, but as museums often boast both small and large spaces – accommodating any size of wedding is possible. Also, as these venues are used to welcoming members of the public, they’re often better suited to accommodating all needs, e.g. guests with mobility issues.  

A unique entertainment offering
The other benefit to museums being tourist attractions is that entertainment options can be built in without extra cost. So, while the happy couple are whisked away for those all-important photos, guests can be entertained with private viewings, or guided tours.
All in all, it’s easy to see why museums are gaining popularity as an alternative wedding venue. Moreover, as many museums are charitable enterprises, choosing them as a venue helps safeguard their future. For the couple, and even their guests, it will certainly become a historic and memorable day in more ways than one.

To find out more about the Science and Industry Museum, visit www.hirethescienceandindustrymuseum.com