About
💍✨ Dive Into Forever at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium! ✨💍
Imagine saying "I do" surrounded by stunning river views, historic charm, unique exhibits, and unforgettable photo opportunities. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our one-of-a-kind venue creates a wedding experience your guests will be talking about for years to come.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is the most unique destination wedding spot in Dubuque Iowa, this event facility is ideal for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic ceremony, an elegant reception, or an entire wedding weekend experience, our team is here to help bring your vision to life.
Facilities and Capacity
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium can accommodate weddings of up to 250 guests with several event spaces available. Couples can exchange their vows in an outdoor ceremony at the Plaza Pavilion or on a small private patio, Both areas offer stunning waterfront views of the Mississippi River and a small pond.
Couples can also choose our inside Ceremony location, the Historic Train Depot with rustic wooden floors, chandeliers, lots of natural lighting and views of both Dubuque Downtown and our Wetlands area with Stream and Pond. The Train Depot also makes a great Bridal Shower Venue!
After saying "I do," couples can continue the celebrations indoors at the aquarium in our Mississippi River Center building, featuring an open gallery space with two different areas to choose from and surronded ny museum displays as an eyecatching backdrop, and up to 250 guests can be seated here for the reception. The cocktail hours hosted around the Backwater Marsh, with the Fish and Turtles and Otters, offering a unique backdrop.
Services Offered
Various services are available at National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, including catering, bartending, and event planning. With the help of the attentive staff, to-be-weds can organize their wedding according to their tastes and preferences. The events team can provide the essentials, including linens, flatware, and china. They will also manage the set-up and tear-down of furniture at the end of the night. Conveniently, the venue offers wireless internet, parking, and wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Cuisine
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium partners with J&D Catering to provide an array of delicious cuisines. Couples can choose from several menu options to suit their palate and dietary requirements. Plated dinners, buffet stations, and hors d'oeuvres are some of the available dining options. The venue bar offers a variety of alcoholic beverages to accompany the meal, including house wine, champagne, and signature drinks.
Bonus Offer
All to-be-wed couples who book both Ceremony and Recpetion will get a one year membership gift from the museum!
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Reviews of National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Review summary
The museum & aquarium offers a unique, affordable wedding setting with waterfront, downtown, and exhibit backdrops ideal for photos and guest exploration. Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces and an exclusive caterer earned praise for food and value. Attentive staff handled setup, timing, and teardown so couples could relax, with rare communication hiccups.
Professional Network & Endorsements
Always impressed with the Valentine Dinner at the National River Museum! Thank you for another lovely, fun filled evening, and delicious dinner in such beautiful atmosphere. We will plan on visiting the river museum throughout the year! Lisa
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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium frequently asked questions
- Chairs
- China
- Clean Up
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Linens
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
- Server(s)
- Bartender(s)
- Museum
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Elopements
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Bar Services
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Get Ready Rooms
- Wifi
- Chairs
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