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Weddings

Exploratorium

Up to 300 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

Pricing Information

These prices are available for the months of February through October. These prices are available for the months of December through January.
Reception
$9,500 starting price
Ceremony
$9,500 starting price
Reception
$9,500 starting price
Ceremony
$9,500 starting price

About

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.

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
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Rated
4.9
out of 5.0
Recommended by 98% of couples
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16 User photos

  • K
    Kate M. Married on 01/08/2021
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    Looking for a wedding venue? Explor(atorium) no further!

    Our wedding at the Exploratorium was absolutely perfect! We knew we were looking for a unique wedding venue that let our personalities shine through and we found just that in the Exploratorium’s quirky vibe and spectacular views. After our initial tour, Katie and the rest of the staff really went above and beyond to make sure our event was everything we hoped it would be and more. Everyone on staff was incredibly responsive and communicative throughout our planning process. Katie recommended excellent catering and planning professionals that worked flawlessly with the venue and staff. As our date approached, we were able to tour our rental space with our planning crew multiple times so we knew everything would run smoothly. To top it off, Katie arranged for some of our favorite exhibits from around the Exploratorium to be brought into our reception space. The exhibits were a hit with the guests and got people talking who would otherwise never have struck up a conversation. We have heard from several guests that our wedding is now the gold-standard and that’s because the entire Exploratorium crew worked tirelessly to make our night magical. Thank you so much for an unforgettable wedding!

    Exploratorium's reply:

    Kate - thank you so much! You and Steve were a perfect couple and hosted the most beautiful wedding. I loved working with you both and watching your guests interact with and enjoy the Exploratorium to the fullest! The ceremony set up in the Observatory was stunning and those dancing photos in the East Gallery were too fun. Thank you for sharing your special day with us and hope to see you both back at the museum next year!
  • Michaela
    Michaela O. Married on 03/02/2020
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    A One-of-a-kind Masterpiece

    My husband and I have had the pleasure of being a part of several events at The Exploratorium. The absolute care and attention to detail is second-to-none. We are actually wedding photographers in real-life, and are fortunate to be a part of some very special gatherings around the Bay Area. The Exploratorium and its staff are something special. Not only is the location unique and one-of-a-kind, it is also located in one of the most convenient parts of San Francisco. The ability to have your guests arrive by Ferry, train, car, bus, or maybe even a rickshaw? It's one of those things that some couples overlook when they decide on a venue. On the Embarcadero you have all of these options at your disposal.
    Another incredible plus is the preferred vendors they have access to. During every event we have attended, the catering has been superb, the decor trendy, yet classic, the florals stunning, and the entertainment top flight.
    We encourage every couple considering a one-of-a-kind wedding to really explore everything these folks have to offer.

    Exploratorium's reply:

    Michaela, you are too kind. We absolutely loved working with you and Tim and it was so fun to watch a talented photography vendor couple get in front of the camera. You both were a dream and we are so happy you have been to so many Exploratorium events. We hope to see you in museum again soon. Thank you both!
  • Romie
    Romie N. Married on 09/30/2018
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    Absolutely spectacular!

    I had my wedding at the Exploratorium in September of 2018. The night could not have been a more magical evening. The staff were so accommodating, professional, and literally were one step ahead of every process. I did not have to worry about a SINGLE thing. The ability of their team to work together, and execute such a big gathering (with many moving parts, such as: tech, different set-ups for different areas, food, bar, ect) was exceptional. We had some family pieces we wanted to integrate such as wine collection being served. Each table had a selection which was a hit! They even saved some of the bottles for us to use as keepsakes. They also customized special drinks that we wanted and made a cute menu at the bar! The tech ability was amazing- we had a powerpoint going the whole time of me and my husband, we had wonderful lighting for each "vibe" of the event (i.e dinner, dancing, cocktail hour), and not to mention an amazing sounds system! The view is one of a kind. It was a full glass box looking out to the Bay bridge and Bay- it was sparkly and to this day my guests still talk about how spectacular it was. It was my dream wedding, and I couldn't of done it without the amazing staff and event team at the EXPLO. 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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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.

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Pier 15 Embarcadero San Francisco, CA, 94111
4155284500
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