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Weddings

Pricing information

Reception
$9,500 starting price
Ceremony
$9,500 starting price
Reception
$9,500 starting price
Ceremony
$9,500 starting price

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2020

Located in San Francisco, California, the Exploratorium is a science museum and wedding venue that offers something different for your “I dos.” The museum was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, a physicist, who was inspired to create a science museum after seeing the quality of European institutions. His personality inspires much of how the museum is run, which seeks to be a place of learning and exploration without pomp. The location provides you and your sweetheart a dynamic place full of possibilities for you to celebrate and showcase your love.

Facilities and Capacity

At this museum, you can choose from several galleries for your special day, or you can combine multiple galleries at once. The latter option allows you to host different parts of your wedding in different rooms. You can also rent the entire museum, allowing your guests to discover the many exhibitions. One of the popular spaces at the Exploratorium to host your wedding is the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery & Terrace. This area affords you views of both the bay and the city. Inside there is a seated capacity for 150. The outside can accommodate 100 guests. This area features an understated design that is angular and contemporary. The space's simplicity and the neutral hues make it the ideal canvas for a variety of decor. This design extends throughout the building. There are also other galleries suited for events, such as Osher West, East, and Bechtal Central. These many options offer versatility and work for gatherings of between 40 and more than 400 people.

Services Offered

The Exploratorium employs a team of professionals to work the events at the museum. These individuals use their skills to help make your wedding a success. The museum also provides the catering for your event, crafting dishes and culinary treats to delight your loved ones. You also get access to classrooms for use as dressing rooms, providing convenience to you and your wedding entourage. A gallery can also be closed off for an hour so you may use the space for your wedding photographs. As a bonus, the rental packages also include a one-year membership to the museum.

Take a 360° Virtual Tour and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of Exploratorium today!

What You'll Love About The Exploratorium

Couples love the fun and interactive vibe of this venue and the stunning views of the Bay. They also rave about the talented events team, who provide an efficient and helpful service throughout the process. Check out the photo gallery to see some of the spaces available for your big day.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$9,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$9,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$9,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$9,500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Lighting/Sound

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Museum
Rooftop
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What event items are available?

Chairs

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
December
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Any other questions?

Reviews of Exploratorium

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
11 reviews
99% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Exploratorium is highly praised as a unique and unforgettable wedding venue with exceptional staff who are accommodating and helpful throughout the planning process. The venue offers stunning views of the Bay and a fun, interactive atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Reviewers highlight the seamless execution of weddings and events, with guests appreciating the minimal decor needed due to the venue's inherent beauty and activation. The communication with the event team is described as excellent, ensuring a smooth and effortless experience for couples and planners alike. Highly recommended for couples seeking a different and interesting wedding venue.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Exploratorium is highly praised as a unique and unforgettable wedding venue with exceptional staff who are accommodating and helpful throughout the planning process. The venue offers stunning views of the Bay and a fun, interactive atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Reviewers highlight the seamless execution of weddings and events, with guests appreciating the minimal decor needed due to the venue's inherent beauty and activation. The communication with the event team is described as excellent, ensuring a smooth and effortless experience for couples and planners alike. Highly recommended for couples seeking a different and interesting wedding venue.

Weddingwire
4.9/5 11 reviews
Google
4.7/5 8041 reviews
Kerry
Kerry S. Sent on 08/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect wedding experience!

As people who have loved the Exploratorium since we were kids, it was the perfect wedding venue for us! We had the ceremony in the outdoor gallery and the reception in the Central and West galleries. We chose these spaces to prioritize the best exhibits over the best view of the Bay (but the view back into the city was perfect for the ceremony!). Everyone at the Exploratorium was so helpful in the planning stages, expertly answering all questions and helping figure out some complicated logistics with dropping off and picking up decorations (we did all the flowers and decorations ourselves). The day went so smoothly - the timeline was tight, but everyone coordinated expertly! Our 160 guests LOVED playing with the exhibits throughout the evening, and having the Exploratorium staff on hand to run exhibits made it that much better. We truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding!
C
Christina Sent on 10/15/2023
5 out of 5 rating

A Unique & Modern Indoor/Outdoor Venue

The Fisher Bay Observatory & Terrace at the Exploratorium was the perfect venue for our September wedding. It was perfect for our outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour overlooking the bay during golden hour, followed by our indoor ceremony in a modern space with floor to ceiling glass windows showing the Bay Bridge lit up at night. We were looking for some place unique and fell in love when we saw the kids playing at the exhibits during our first walk through. Our guests had free admission to the Exploratorium prior to the wedding, and we had a fun time taking newlywed photos wherever we wanted after the museum closed. Most importantly, Katie, Billy, and Lauren had such close communication with us, our wedding coordinator, and all the vendors throughout the entire process, everything went so smoothly.
Jackie
Jackie R. Sent on 10/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Excellent Venue and Team!

The Event Manager and Event Team were so easy to work with throughout the planning process. They responded so quickly and accommodated endless requests. As a planner, I have worked at many venues before, and I've never had a team assist with unloading and loading my car like them. They never complained and were always willing to help. Everything ran so smoothly and was executed so effortless throughout the wedding. It is an amazing option as a venue, and you will not be disappointed with the quality of service provided.
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