Location: 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970, United States
If you’re looking for a unique and picturesque wedding venue, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts should be at the top of your list. This world-renowned and one of the oldest continuously operating museum offers couples a variety of stunning settings for their big day, from historic buildings to beautiful gardens. Plus, with its location right on the waterfront, it’s the perfect place to take advantage of Salem’s charming New England atmosphere. So if you’re ready to tie the knot in a one-of-a-kind setting, check out the Peabody Essex Museum!
About Peabody Essex Museum
The roots of the Peabody Essex Museum date back to 1799 when an organization called “The East India Marine Society” was founded. This society, which primarily consisted of Salem Captains and Supercargoes who had gone beyond either Cape Good Hope or Horn (or both), wanted to establish a cabinet for curiosities in order not only to learn more about their trade but also share what they knew with other mariners across New England!
The East India Marine Society in 1825 moved into its building, East India Marine Hall. The members brought a diverse collection from the Northwest Coast of America to Salem. They were joined by other objects like pottery, metalwork, and glass all over Asia as well as Africa Oceania, etc. By then there was quite an impressive accumulation—the best pieces are still on display today!
- Designed by world-renowned architect and urban planner Moshe Safdie, the museum building is a dramatic backdrop that uses an inspired combination of brick with glass to create shapes similar in style to local stunning architecture.
- The interior also has easy flow between galleries due to its layout which creates effortless movement throughout all areas while still making each one feel unique from others thanks again mainly because they’re designed so well!
- A unique museum in Peabody, the Essex Museum of Art features word class art from all around. You can explore exhibits from America, China, Japan, and India or take a walk through Yin Yu Tang – an old Chinese residence! There is also admission for those on Historic Houses tours near here at discounted rates when groups are 10+.
How much is a PEM wedding?
Peabody Essex Museum offers many different event spaces for you to choose from, with prices that range between $5,500 and $10,000. The rental fee will vary depending on what kind of party it is – a wedding ceremony & reception can cost up to $6,500. On the other hand, wedding cocktail parties or and reception dinners only would start at about $5,000. You’ll also have access to exclusive amenities including our museum gardens for those picturesque outdoor shots!
Peabody Essex Museum is a treasure trove of history, and the rental fee includes a one-year membership to GenPEM – which gives you free access as well as invitations to innovative events. Plus they offer tours led by curators!
Here’s an example of how the site fees are applied:
Option A:
Ceremony in Atrium 6:30 pm guest arrival and 7 pm ceremony
Cocktails in Garden Atrium 7:30–8:30 pm
Dinner & Dancing in East India Marine Hall 8:30 pm–12:30 am
Guest count from 80 to 150 people
Rental: $6,500
Option B:
Ceremony in East India Marine Hall
6 pm guest arrival and 6:30 pm ceremony
Cocktails in Atrium Spine or Garden Atrium 7–8 pm
Dinner & Dancing in the Atrium 8 pm-midnight
Guest count from 100 to 270 people
Rental: $9,500
The non-profit status of this museum means there are no taxes or administrative fees for visitors.
The museum is open for visitors until 5 pm, so you can have a cocktail hour and dance your guests off into the night. The museum’s offer is made up of a five-hour reception with one hour dedicated to cocktails (including drinks) as well and four hours’ worth of dinner. Ceremonies run about an hour-long where 30 minutes is spent getting everyone together before starting up again on festivities without fail.
What are the wedding location options at Peabody Essex Museum?
The Peabody Essex Museum is the perfect place for you to host an intimate gathering with your close friends and family or a grand party that will celebrate life’s most significant moments. Their background in art history provides us with unparalleled insight into world-class masterpieces, which we can use as backdrops of events from cocktails & dinners up through weddings!
The Atrium
The stunning modern Atrium is PEM’s heart and soul, with its arching glass roof soaring dramatically overhead as you sip cocktails under the nighttime sky. Channeling traditional New England village greens of yore (but without all that pesky dirt), this gathering place makes for wonderful celebrations large or small- hosting seated dinners up to 300 people while still maintaining 270 guests who can dance!
Bartlett Gallery and Copeland Galleries and Outdoor Garden
If you and your wedding guests are looking to create extraordinary experiences that are both artistic yet elegant, PEM has many options. One of their most prominent and absolutely stunning sites can be found in the octagonal Bartlett Gallery which houses some traditional Chinese export porcelain pieces from the 8th through 13th centuries AD as well other artworks on display from all over Asia including Japan’s ancient pottery collection! This location could host a seated meal of up to 80 people or a standing wedding reception of up to 200.
There are a variety of places where you can take your guests and have cocktails or hors d’oeuvres before the show. You might want them in one gallery, but they may prefer another location entirely! There is The Copeland Gallery which has an outdoor patio with gorgeous views for those who would rather spend time outdoors on such a nice daytime affair. The Moongate Patio is located right next door if they like Asian culture more than anything else.
East India Marine Hall
The East India Marine Hall is one of the most prestigious rooms at Peabody Essex Museum. Known for its artwork and pristine wooden floors, you’ll be among an illustrious list of past dignitaries who have visited this room, which includes John Quincy Adams!
Today, the East India Marine Hall is a space where guests can enjoy history and culture. Over time it has welcomed people on various occasions such as weddings or cocktail parties with an open mind for new experiences from opera stars to be performed on its stage! The ballroom offers seating capacities up until 220 but if you want your event full of dancing there are only 200 seats available which makes this place come alive when they’re all filled out.
What hotel should I get ready in Peabody Essex Museum?
The Peabody Essex Museum is not home to any bridal suites, but there’s an area where you can wait before heading into the main section of this venue. It’s separate and away from general admission seating so it won’t disrupt those who come to visit us during your reception!
What are the best places to take wedding photos at Peabody Essex Museum?
The Peabody Essex Museum offers an unbeatable location for any event. The tall windows and arch glassed roof let in just enough light, making this venue sophisticated with intimate details that are exquisite to behold–and stunning when captured by wedding photographers who can choose from hundreds of beautiful backdrops!
What are Amenities and Restrictions during my wedding?
Amenities
- Wedding planning services
- Coat checkroom
- Tables and chairs provided
- Security
- Venue set up and clean up
- Day-of coordinator
- Full kitchen facilities
- Public parking
- Dance area
- Lighting equipment rentals
- Wheelchair Access
Restrictions
- The venue must approve all decoration
- No rice, birdseed, confetti, etc.
- Exclusive caterer for venue
- Amplified music OK indoors only
- Smoking in designated areas only
- Alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender/caterer
- Music must end by midnight
- LED candles only
Take note: All outside vendors, aside from food and beverage providers, are allowed.
Who is the caterer for PEM weddings?
They have an exclusive catering company that can work with clients to create a personalized menu. The caterers are flexible and will go out of their way for you, as well as your guests’ needs be met!
Gourmet Caterers
https://www.gourmetcaterers.com
“From the food to the décor, to the service, we provide our couples with the confidence that every detail will be attended to. All that’s left are you, your guests, and the promise of a beautiful life together.”
What parking options are available for my PEM wedding guests?
For those who are looking for wedding guest parking during your PEM Wedding, there is a municipal garage across from the main entrance which charges $1.25 per hour and also offers street spots, as well as an open-air lot close by that, can accommodate more cars than usual because it has fewer regulations than other parts of town might have!
What are nearby guest accommodations for my PEM wedding?
The Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970, United States
https://www.hawthornehotel.com
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
https://salemwaterfronthotel.com
The Hotel Salem
209 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
The Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast
22 Hardy St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
How to get to my PEM wedding?
The Peabody Essex Museum is located in the vibrant downtown Salem, MA.
It’s just 12 miles from Boston Logan International Airport and an hour’s drive to Manchester airport which will get you into New England territory by way of the English countryside (or city life). The downtown area can be reached with ease as well thanks to its proximity not only through roadways but also via public transportation!
What are other events that can be held at Peabody Essex Museum?
- Ceremonies
- Wedding Receptions
- Birthday Parties
- Special Events
- Business Functions
- Conventions
- Intimate Corporate Cocktail Parties
What are some recent reviews from couples who have gotten married at Peabody Essex Museum?
“A great blank canvas to design your dream wedding
The Space: The Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful blank canvas that you have unlimited design options to play with. Whatever theme or look you’re going for; the museum will take it to the next level. I had my doubts on how this very white and “clean” space would be able to transform into a magical and romantic space but as soon as the sun starts setting and the way the lights illuminate the high ceilings and sails…it will take your breath away. Words can’t describe what only photos can show! AND it was a cool feeling being able to party surrounded by history and art. You can take really interesting wedding portraits in different areas of the museum as well so if you’re feeling artistic, edgy, or classy; there’s a space that will let you express that! Let your imagination run wild and let the museum be your design canvas!
The team: Natalia and her teams are the most gracious, accommodating, and friendliest people you’ll ever work with! They will work their butts off to make your special day a truly unique experience. They were always transparent, honest, and great with communication throughout the planning process. On the day of the wedding, Natalia was always around to make sure my husband and I were well hydrated or fed, she made sure my family and guests were all doing okay throughout the night. When we were thirsty, she gave us water and drinks IN PAPER STRAWS. WE LOVE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY COGNIZANT ORGANIZATION AND ITS COORDINATOR! It made me love her even more, she is the best! This attention to detail only goes to show how much she cares for you, the place, and your event so I highly recommend this as one of the most unique and creative venues you’ll ever look at.”
-Linda P.
“Exceptionally Stunning and Stress-Free
When my husband and I got engaged and began discussing locations for our wedding, the Peabody Essex Museum was top of the list from the start. The transformation of the Atrium from a museum gathering place to a cocktail and wedding reception space is like no other. Working with Natalia left us with full assurance that when we and our guests entered the venue everything would be perfect, and it was. Henry was also amazing, taking care of all our lighting requests and even offering his suggestions, which we loved. From the light projection on the wall and dancefloor to collaborating with the catering company, greeting us at the front door, and ensuring that we got to take pictures in all the best spots around the museum. We truly could not have asked for a more beautiful location and an amazing team of staff. It is because of Natalia and her team being so strong, that we were able to simply enjoy the wedding with no worries, and for that we are truly grateful. Our guests were all astounded with the venue, and we knew they would be!”
-Elissa S.
“Beyond perfect!
To say we had the most perfect wedding reception at the Peabody Essex Museum would be an understatement. From the first day that we saw the venue, Natalia was super responsive, accommodating, sweet, and flexible with us and what we envisioned for our wedding day. She eased our minds during every step of the way and not only made the planning process easy but enjoyable. When our wedding day arrived, she took care of everything and we were in awe when we walked into the cocktail hour/reception. Everything looked absolutely beautiful and was laid out exactly how we wanted it to be. They did a phenomenal job transforming the space into a stunning room that all of our guests were extremely impressed by. Even three months after the wedding, we are still receiving compliments about how beautiful the venue was and surpassed everyone’s expectations. We are so thankful for everyone at the PEM and highly recommend it!”
-Christina
Are you interested in learning more about photography & videography for your PEM wedding?
Email us at nicole@nicolechanphotography.com
Here are some recent weddings that my team and I have photographed at the Peabody Essex Museum
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