Although the Butterfly Pavilion is not generally a rental space for events, we made an exception for Pieter and Paula! This couple has been together for over 15 years and didn’t want to wait one more minute to say their vows!
Pieter played “Saved the Best for Last” on his iPod complete with portable speakers. I held the laptop so Paula’s daughter and grandchildren could see the ceremony from their home in Iowa via Skype.
With only two witnesses and an officiant we were able to find a cozy corner in the Pavilion of Wings- a part of the museum that holds special value to the couple. The ceremony itself was less than ten minutes, but one of the most touching I have had the pleasure of witnessing here at NHM!
While the Pavilion of Wings was perfect for a wedding of only 5 people, most brides have a few more guests than that! Fortunately the Natural History Museum has space inside the building for up to 300 for a seated dinner as well as standing room for 1000! But if it is an outdoor space that you are looking for, keep checking back for updates on our new outdoor garden spaces, slated to open by the end of April 2012!
For more information on hoisting your event here at NHM, please call the Special Events office at 213-763-3221 or send us an email at specialevents@nhm.org.
