Now you can celebrate life’s most meaningful moments surrounded by the wonder of natural history at the Yale Peabody Museum. Our newly renovated galleries offer a stunning and memorable backdrop for weddings, receptions, and private celebrations. If you’re interested in hosting your event among world-class exhibits, the Peabody provides an unforgettable setting in the heart of New Haven.
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Capture stunning photos of your special day with friends, family and iconic fossil onlookers in our expansive Burke Hall of Dinosaurs.
Share timeless moments with your loved ones while surrounded by ancient, natural wonders.
Every detail tells a story, from a single brick to a personal vow. Start your next chapter together at the Peabody.
Illuminate the elegance of your wedding and dazzle your guests with hundreds of shining gems and minerals—more than just diamonds!
For a truly historic moment in your lives, what better place to commemorate it than a beloved New Haven and scientific landmark?
Celebrate your new union the classy way—amongst a stylish showcase of Earth’s treasures as old as the planet itself.
Event Timing
Wedding events at the Yale Peabody take place after public museum hours, which end at 5:00 PM daily (except Mondays). This allows couples and their guests to enjoy the museum in a more private and exclusive setting.
The earliest event start time is 6:00 PM, which allows adequate time for event setup depending on the size and complexity of the celebration.
If you are interested in hosting your wedding during public museum hours, please note this request in your event inquiry. Additional fees may apply.
Couples interested in elopements are encouraged to submit an inquiry for availability and details.
Wedding Planning Requirements
All couples are required to hire a full-service independent wedding planner. This individual must work directly with the couple prior to the event and collaborate with Yale Peabody staff, vendors, and caterers to ensure seamless execution. This service must be secured no later than six months prior to your wedding date.
Recommended vendors are listed below.
Catering & Vendors
In addition to catering, the museum provides a recommended vendor list that includes professionals such as florists, photographers, rental companies, entertainment providers, and other event specialists who are familiar with the venue.
Couples are welcome to work with vendors outside of the recommended list; however, all outside vendors must be reviewed and approved in advance. Couples should coordinate with the Events Manager to ensure any additional vendors meet museum requirements, including insurance and operational guidelines.
Approved caterers include:
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Small Kitchen, Big Taste
SKBT Catering + Events crafts memorable culinary experiences built on creativity, passion, and quality ingredients, turning events into celebrations of flavor.
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Bourassa Catering & Events
Bourassa Catering & Events offers seamless event planning and fully customizable menus, pairing every dish with attentive service for memorable experiences.
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Shaken and Stirred
Shaken and Stirred brings decades of event management and catering experience, crafting unique menus using fresh ingredients often sourced locally in Connecticut.
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David Alan
David Alan delivers excellence matched to your vision and venue, so wedding catering reflects your style, backed by delicious cuisine and superior service.
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Cat’s Kitchen
Cat’s Kitchen is a full-service caterer specializing in customized experiences, blending worldly cuisines into elegant, innovative menus that please a wide range of tastes.
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Yale Hospitality Catering
Yale’s in-house catering team brings 47+ years of experience, fresh local ingredients, full-service event resources, and a strong sustainability focus.
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Marcia Selden Catering
Marcia Selden Catering serves adventurous, food-loving clients, led by a skilled team of culinary experts who handle every detail so each celebration feels festive.
Recommended Vendors
Florists
Photography
Service
Planners
Wedding & Event Spaces
Event capacities are estimates and may vary depending on layout.
Central Gallery
The museum’s architectural centerpiece, ideal for elegant receptions and large gatherings.
Capacity:
- 175 seated dinner
- 200 reception-style
- 150 lecture-style
Burke Hall of Dinosaurs
Celebrate beneath the iconic dinosaurs in one of the most dramatic event spaces in New England.
Capacity:
- 100 seated dinner
- 100 reception-style
- 50 lecture-style
David Friend Hall
An intimate gallery surrounded by minerals and gemstones—perfect for smaller dinners or cocktail receptions.
Capacity:
- 70 seated dinner
- 150 reception-style
- 130 lecture-style
Additional Options
Events may also include:
- Outdoor terrace access
- Private classroom spaces
- First-floor gallery buyouts
- Full museum buyouts (upon request)
Availability and pricing depend on event size and complexity.
FAQ
Yes. The Yale Peabody offers opportunities for engagement and wedding photography within select museum spaces. Photography sessions must be scheduled in advance and approved by the Events team to ensure they do not interfere with museum operations or visitor experiences.
Engagement photography sessions are available for a flat fee of $250 and include access to designated galleries and spaces within the museum for a scheduled period of time.
Couples hosting their wedding at the museum may take photography during their rental time. All photographers must follow museum guidelines to help protect exhibits and collections, including restrictions on lighting, equipment placement, and gallery access.
Most weddings and large events are booked 12–18 months in advance.
Your wedding date is confirmed once a signed agreement and required deposit have been received. A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date.
If you cancel your event within 90 days of the scheduled date, the deposit will remain non-refundable.
The Yale Peabody also reserves the right to decline events that conflict with museum operations, exhibitions, or programming.
Elopement ceremonies accommodate up to 10 guests (not including the couple and officiant). During museum hours, the cost is $1,000, and general museum visitors may be present in surrounding areas. After hours ceremonies are $2,500 and are available daily between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, offering a more private experience. All elopement ceremonies must be requested through the inquiry form and coordinated with an event manager.
Dance floors and entertainment may be permitted depending on location and event logistics.
For other questions and concerns, please contact karina.eckern@yale.edu.