Skip to main content
Weddings

Pricing information

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

Do you want more pricing details?

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. In all, 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 a number of 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, giving your guests the chance 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 simplicity of the space along with the neutral hues makes 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 provides the catering for your event as well, 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!

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

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
illustration question

Any other questions?

Message vendor

Reviews of Exploratorium

4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
10 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 Fisher Bay Observatory & Terrace at the Exploratorium is a unique and stunning venue for weddings. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful views of the bay, including the Bay Bridge. The staff, including Katie, Billy, and Lauren, are highly praised for their close communication with couples and vendors, as well as their helpfulness and accommodating attitude. Reviewers mention the smooth execution of the wedding and the minimal need for additional decorations due to the venue's natural beauty. Overall, the Exploratorium is highly recommended for couples looking for an interesting and memorable 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 Fisher Bay Observatory & Terrace at the Exploratorium is a unique and stunning venue for weddings. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful views of the bay, including the Bay Bridge. The staff, including Katie, Billy, and Lauren, are highly praised for their close communication with couples and vendors, as well as their helpfulness and accommodating attitude. Reviewers mention the smooth execution of the wedding and the minimal need for additional decorations due to the venue's natural beauty. Overall, the Exploratorium is highly recommended for couples looking for an interesting and memorable wedding venue.

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.
N
Nancy M. Sent on 07/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Venue for a Memorable Evening

We held our 40th wedding anniversary celebration in the Fisher Bay Observatory on June 9. it was a sit down dinner for 130 people with a cocktail reception and then dancing on the terrace. The setting was SPECTACULAR!! So many of our guests commented on how beautiful the view was. The staff at the Exploratorium was so helpful and easy to work with. We've hosted a lot of parties over the years, and honestly, this was the best experience we have ever had with a venue. We will for sure have our next anniversary celebration there--the whole evening was beyond amazing!!
illustration message bubble

Are you interested?

Message vendor

Awards

10

Team

Katie Brauer
Katie Brauer
Event Sales Supervisor

I am the Event Sales Supervisor in the Museum Rental Department at the Exploratorium. I started at the Exploratorium in 2017 and had been working in Lake Tahoe for five years exclusively in weddings. I absolutely love weddings and plan for friends and family whenever I can. The Exploratorium is such a hidden gem for weddings in San Francisco and definitely a unique venue that your guests won't forget! I look forward to working with you to create a special day celebrating your love and allowing your friends and family to relax, enjoy and experience the historic Pier 15.

Map

illustration visit

Would you like to visit?

Request a visit

Other vendors in San Francisco for your wedding

Wedding Venues

Responds within 24 hours