Weddings

The Florida Museum is Gainesville’s most unique and distinctive venue to host your wedding. Choose one or both of our awe-inspiring galleries for your reception, and add an unforgettable experience to your event—an intimate Butterfly Rainforest ceremony!

Let us help you put together a custom wedding package, from a simple and intimate ceremony to a full sit-down dinner with special exhibits access.

Note: Face coverings and social distancing are required on UF’s campus. Read the Campus Events Planning & Safety Guide.

Father walks bride to first dance at the mammoth, in front of seated guests

Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

Wedding ceremony on the Rianforest bridge as seen from afar.

photo by Cathy Bester

groom dipping bride on walkway with bamboo in background

Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

NEW! Florida Museum micro wedding packages!

Don’t let COVID-19 wedding planning stress you out! We’ve created new socially-distanced micro wedding packages that make it easy for you to get married in style. ♥

Ceremony Spaces

We’re now offering ceremony-only options, or you can create a ceremony + reception package with one of our galleries.

Butterfly Rainforest	$550	90 minutes/evening only through October, up to 30 attendees*
Denny Gallery	$650	90 minutes/evening only, up to 40 attendees*
Oak Tree (behind museum)	$750	daytime and evening, up to 50 attendees*

*capacity is dependent on current social distancing guidelines

Reception Spaces

Choose one or both of our galleries to hold your wedding reception:

Denny Gallery	starts at $2100	seats up to 50*
Thompson Gallery	starts at $1500	seats up to 20*
Or rent both!	starts at $3000	note: max capacity for venue is 50

*capacity is dependent on current social distancing guidelines

Sunday morning ceremony & reception

Hold your intimate wedding ceremony in the Butterfly Rainforest, then host a brunch reception under the dazzling Wall of Wings exhibit in the Thompson Gallery.

Butterfly Rainforest + Thompson Gallery

$1750

9:00am – 12:00pm; max 20 attendees

Reception add-ons:

Laura & Damon Rainforest wedding, June 2016 Upgrade your wedding by holding your ceremony in the Butterfly Rainforest or at our beautiful Oak Tree, then seamlessly continue your evening with a reception in our galleries! Our permanent exhibits are included for your guests to explore during your reception, but you can also add the Rainforest and the current featured special exhibit.

Butterfly Rainforest exhibit – $500 for the first hour
(accommodates 30* guests for a ceremony or up to 50* for exploring)
Discovery Zone exhibit – $250 (temporarily suspended)
Featured Exhibit – price varies (temporarily suspended)
Mammoth Lighting – $30
Mammoth + Mastodon Lighting – $50
60″ round tables (seat up to 8) – $10/each
Chairs, 36″ pub tables and 6′ & 8′ banquet tables – included
LCD projector, screen, and speakers – included

Full pricing information.

Catering, Alcohol & Other Vendors

We have a select list of approved caterers that serve the Museum. All of our caterers are insured and most are also permitted to serve alcohol.

We also have a list of recommended photographers, DJs, florists, and other vendors that have experience working in the unique spaces of our galleries and exhibits.

Find out more about our approved caterers and and preferred vendors.

Bridal party at the buffet (bride and groom served by catering staff).

photo by Cathy Bester

fruit, pinwheel treats, and wine served by Celebrations Catering

Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

Buffet set up in front of Discover Zone, blue and white color scheme.

View of Thompson Gallery through a tall rack of cupcakes.

Photo by Cathy Bester

Multiple cakes set up on table with guests in background

Photo by Hundreds of Moments

carving station set up in front of display in Galleria

Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

Thompson Gallery desk used as a bar; "BAR" plaquard, glassses and purple tea lights.

Photo by Cathy Bester

Closeup of fruit and cheese board with pineapple, apples, grapes, crackers, and hunks of cheeses.

Accessibility & Staff

The Florida Museum is a lovely venue for an event, and also a comfortable facility for your guests. Our climate-controlled building already serves individuals with a variety of needs, from parking to a lactation room to ADA accessibility. We have staff onsite for the duration of your event, and there is ample space for catering and other vendors to set up and serve your party with ease and efficiency.

Reservations, Deposits & Insurance

Wedding dates book fast here at the Florida Museum! Please contact us for a quote and to hold your desired date. When your quote is sent, your date is held up to two weeks without a commitment. Once your rental agreement is signed and your down payment paid, your date is fully reserved.

Recommendations

WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 text and five golden stars — WeddingWire

As Seen on The Knot, white text in a light blue circle — The Knot

Inspiration

We’ve hosted many events with many creative themes, and we want to work with you to make your reception or party unique to you. If you have any questions or special requests, please feel free to discuss them with our experienced event staff.