About
NC Museum of Natural Sciences is a historic wedding venue located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. They pride themselves on being the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. Your guests will experience a dramatic two-story waterfall, a beautiful mountain cove, live animals, whale skeletons and amazing dinosaurs at this one-of-a-kind venue. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences allows you to support important exhibits, research and educational programs as you host your wedding at their unique location.
Facilities and Capacity
Couples can accommodate up to 2,250 guests at this spacious venue. Offering three floors in the Nature Exploration Center and four floors in the Nature Research Center for both intimate ceremonies and grand receptions. The second floor Featured Exhibition Gallery in their main building is a lofty space that can accommodate up to 625 guests for a strolling reception. Your loved ones will enjoy the Mountains to the Sea exhibit, showcasing the two-story waterfall, as you dance the night away. On the fourth floor of the Nature Research Center, you can rent out the spacious William G. Ross Jr. Environmental Conference Center. This expansive space is perfect for lavish affairs. It features custom-made reclaimed wood, three projectors and a catering kitchen. It can easily be divided for smaller weddings, and boasts an outdoor rooftop terrace.
Services Offered
This modern museum will assist you with setup and cleanup for your event. They offer a variety of event rentals, such as tables and chairs, to ensure your celebration is stress-free. Wireless Internet is available throughout their venue, along with plenty of complimentary parking for your friends and family. Couples can also elect to have museum educators interact with their guests and help them explore natural objects, specimens and other materials. Additional services include:
- In-house caterer
- Security
- Audiovisual equipment
- Wheelchair accessible
Cuisine
NC Museum of Natural Sciences works exclusively with Rocky Top Catering to create a delicious menu for you and your guests. Their goal is for their food to reflect your tastes, themes and any cultural influences you may have. Couples can choose hors d'oeuvres, action stations, a buffet or a plated meal. They also offer scrumptious desserts, dips and displays. Sample buffet items include:
- Shrimp & Grits
- Herb Grilled Chicken Breast
- Sliced Tender Sirloin
For more information you can visit the website: naturalsciences.org/rentals
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Reviews of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Review summary
The museum venue receives high praise from reviewers for its beauty and helpful staff. One reviewer specifically mentions the smoothness of the planning process and the top-notch service provided by Rocky Top Catering. The 3rd floor of the NEC is highlighted as a beautiful spot for a wedding reception, with great food and professional and attentive servers. The event coordinators are commended for their assistance during the pandemic, and one reviewer raves about the perfect atmosphere for their Halloween wedding. Overall, the museum venue at NCMNS receives highly positive feedback for its location, service, and ease of planning.
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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences frequently asked questions
- Chairs
- Clean Up
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
- Cake Cutting
- Government Building
- Historic Building
- Museum
- Rooftop
- Indoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Clean Up
- Event Rentals
- Outside Vendors
- Wifi
- Audio Equipment
- Chairs
- Tables