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The San Diego Natural History Museum
Select services venue
The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.
Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing
Starting at $1,600 for off-peak dates, and $4,800 for peak dates
Catering services pricing
$800 per person for off-peak dates, with a minimum total spend of $800
Guest capacity
Up to 300 seated guests
About this venue
The San Diego Natural History Museum is located in beautiful Balboa Park, just minutes from downtown, and offers a unique and memorable venue for any event. Multilevel exhibit and event spaces invite guests to explore galleries that illustrate the science and beauty of nature… all while you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable evening. When selecting the San Diego Natural History Museum for your event, our team is dedicated to providing unlimited site visits, support with the day of vendor coordination, and provide custom floor plans to ensure your event is successful from start to finish. With your support, you directly sponsor our mission “to interpret the natural world through research, education, and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California, and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.” Please ask your event manager for a tailored proposal that fits all your event needs.
Our event spaces
El Mirador Rooftop Terrace
A unique terrace overlooking Balboa Park & San Diego
With a spectacular view of Balboa Park, the downtown skyline, east to the mountains, south into Mexico and the San Diego Bay, this rooftop deck (the only one in Balboa Park) is a stunning location. The outdoor space is an ideal setting for wedding ceremonies or seated dinner reception.
Guest capacity
Up to 180 Seated
Up to 215 Standing
Square footage
2,600
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
$1500 per hour
Main Level – Sefton Atrium
The Sefton Atrium is a stunning and versatile space with a 60’ four-story translucent ceiling and granite floor.
At 5,000 square feet, the Atrium can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner and up to 500 for a reception. Two magnificent staircases lead to this space, designed for a couple's grand entrance. Natural light fills this room, allowing for layers of lights to accent the romantic space at night.
Guest capacity
Up to 300 Seated
Up to 500 Standing
Square footage
5,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
1500 per hour
Level 2 – Main Exhibition Floor
Our Level 2 exhibition hall is a perfect location to show your guests how unique your event can be!
Overlooking the Atrium and featuring three unique exhibits, this exhibition hall is the perfect location for cocktail parties, mixers and networking events, and other social gatherings. When visitors enter the historic south entrance of the Museum, they are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the iconic Foucault (foo-koh) Pendulum. Make your events stand out by booking the exhibition hall at The Nat for your upcoming event.
Guest capacity
Up to 200 Seated
Up to 600 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
1500 per hour
Level 4 Gallery & Couples Green Room
An elegant space for your special day!
Greet your guests with magnificent photographs as they enter the rooftop for your ceremony or dinner reception. Our elegant boardroom is perfect for a bride’s “ready” room. The room features an outdoor deck, an intimate space to celebrate with champagne prior to making a grand entrance.
Guest capacity
Up to 32 Seated
Up to 50 Standing
Guests often feel this space is
“Relaxed”
Included in this room:
- Private Balcony - Private Kitchen - Private Restrooms
El Mirador Rooftop Terrace
A unique terrace overlooking Balboa Park & San Diego
With a spectacular view of Balboa Park, the downtown skyline, east to the mountains, south into Mexico and the San Diego Bay, this rooftop deck (the only one in Balboa Park) is a stunning location. The outdoor space is an ideal setting for wedding ceremonies or seated dinner reception.
Guest capacity
Up to 180 Seated
Up to 215 Standing
Square footage
2,600
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
$1500 per hour
Main Level – Sefton Atrium
The Sefton Atrium is a stunning and versatile space with a 60’ four-story translucent ceiling and granite floor.
At 5,000 square feet, the Atrium can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner and up to 500 for a reception. Two magnificent staircases lead to this space, designed for a couple's grand entrance. Natural light fills this room, allowing for layers of lights to accent the romantic space at night.
Guest capacity
Up to 300 Seated
Up to 500 Standing
Square footage
5,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
1500 per hour
Level 2 – Main Exhibition Floor
Our Level 2 exhibition hall is a perfect location to show your guests how unique your event can be!
Overlooking the Atrium and featuring three unique exhibits, this exhibition hall is the perfect location for cocktail parties, mixers and networking events, and other social gatherings. When visitors enter the historic south entrance of the Museum, they are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the iconic Foucault (foo-koh) Pendulum. Make your events stand out by booking the exhibition hall at The Nat for your upcoming event.
Guest capacity
Up to 200 Seated
Up to 600 Standing
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Room cost
1500 per hour
Level 4 Gallery & Couples Green Room
An elegant space for your special day!
Greet your guests with magnificent photographs as they enter the rooftop for your ceremony or dinner reception. Our elegant boardroom is perfect for a bride’s “ready” room. The room features an outdoor deck, an intimate space to celebrate with champagne prior to making a grand entrance.
Guest capacity
Up to 32 Seated
Up to 50 Standing
Guests often feel this space is
“Relaxed”
Included in this room:
- Private Balcony - Private Kitchen - Private Restrooms
Available services that can be provided by The San Diego Natural History Museum
Services & amenities
- Bar services
- Clean up
- Dance floor
- Dressing room / Bridal Suite
- Event coordinator
- Event rentals
- Event staff
- Lighting/Sound
- Pet friendly
- Service staff
- Set up
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
Preferred vendors of The San Diego Natural History Museum
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