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About

The Overlook at The Heard by Boxwood Hospitality

MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY, AN EXPANSIVE RETREAT AWAITS

Since 1967, the Heard has been connecting people with nature through engaging events, educational programs, and immersive experiences across its 289-acre nature preserve and museum. Our premier event space, The Overlook, offers breathtaking views of the preserve, creating the perfect setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds.

The Heard Museum is the enduring legacy of Miss Bessie Heard (1886–1988), a visionary and philanthropist who devoted her life to enriching the city of McKinney and its people. At the age of 80, she recognized the importance of preserving a space where future generations could connect with the natural world. Thanks to her dedication, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary opened on October 1, 1967, and continues to inspire over 100,000 visitors annually.

Surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and evergreen trees, the preserve stands as a tribute to Miss Bessie’s commitment to conservation, education, and community—a commitment that remains at the heart of the Heard’s mission today.

Managed by Boxwood Hospitality.

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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?

$4,000

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

$2,750

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?

$1,400

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

$1,400

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Museum
Park

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?

Catering Services
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
June
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
July
August

Reviews of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

S
Shathees Sent on 06/04/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Animals

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a wonderful experience at the Heard Museum! The trails were beautiful, well-kept, and perfect for a family visit. There was so much to see and learn, and everything was very engaging for both kids and adults.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the whole place felt peaceful and well organized. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature and spend quality time together. Highly recommended for a relaxing and educational outing!
N
Nazib Sent on 03/30/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Your wedding wouldn't have beenthe same without you guys!!
C
Cynthia Sent on 01/11/2016
5 out of 5 rating
This venue was perfect for our wedding. It was beautiful with the flower gardens in full bloom. The reception room was the perfect size for our after party.
A
Ariel Sent on 05/20/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Very affordable in comparison to most venues, the coordinator is helpful and easy to work with. Loved the facility as well, spacious and had lovely scenery all around!
U
User1600234 Sent on 04/28/2014
5 out of 5 rating
My niece and her now husband had their wedding and reception there. It was a Grand Experience, Breath Taking Scenery, Secluded area...It was the BOMB. Just enough room for the amount of guest they had. It was a little hard to find, but it was so worth it. HIGHLEY RECOMMEND
U
User1564403 Sent on 03/22/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Bridal Henna had a beautiful job on for my bday party. I was amazed at how fast and intricate the work was. I loved the results. She was very nice . I would recommend her to everyone I know.
L
Lynn Sent on 05/28/2013
5 out of 5 rating
The inside/outside availability ws great in case of bad weather. Brenda was very helpful and flexible in giving us access. Loved the large science room where we put up a great pictoral presentation.
User3019282
User3019282 Sent on 03/30/2017
4.9 out of 5 rating
Heard is an amazing venue. It's excellently priced. I worked with Samantha for the entire processes and she's been a dream. We are still a few months out from the wedding but she truly made the processes worth it. Once the day is here I will update, but couldn't wait to give a shout out.
A
Anahi Sent on 06/12/2014
4.9 out of 5 rating
We love this place! Everyone including Brenda, Spencer and the main desk staff were very helpful, flexible and so nice. This place has the best scenery everyone that attended the wedding loved this place.
The venue is very affordable we are very pleased with this location
A
Alexis Sent on 03/24/2012
4.8 out of 5 rating
Brenda Hinton was our event coordinator at the Heard Museum. She was extremely helpful throughout all of our event planning process and was with us to help on the day-of. She assisted us with layouts, floor-plans, and coordinating our other vendors - and all of this was included in our rental of the facility for the day!

The value of the Heard Museum also can't be beat - we had absolute freedom with choosing our vendors (no site-recommended or required outside vendors) and it was extremely reasonably priced.

The location is also wonderful. We held our ceremony in Laughlin hall, where we stood in front of large glass windows that overlooked the back garden. Very beautiful. We also held our reception on-site at the Heard in the Science Resource Center (SRC). There was plenty of room in the facility for our photo-booth, two buffet lines, DJ w/booth, and 12 tables for guests plus our head table, cake table, drink table, etc. I thought it looked small when we first toured but we had plenty of room for everything. The SRC also has a great patio overlooking the back ponds of the Heard Museum, complete with small white Christmas tree lights lining the handrail - it was gorgeous on the patio looking at the sunset during the reception.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

23

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Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary frequently asked questions

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
  • Museum
  • Park
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Catering Services
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Wifi
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is recommended by 82% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.6 in value, 4.2 in quality of service, 4.2 in flexibility, 3.9 in professionalism and 3.8 in average response time.
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