Peabody Essex Museum Wedding

Salem, Massachusetts's Peabody Essex Museum, is a unique wedding venue for weddings. The museum provides several sites for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions, as well as gorgeous photo ops and nearby hotels for the bride and groom and their wedding party.

Onsite Wedding Ceremony Locations

The East India Marine Hall is one of the most popular locations for a wedding ceremony at the Peabody Essex Museum. This large space can accommodate 250 people for wedding ceremonies, 300 for standing receptions, 120 for dancing, and 150 for seated dinners. High ceilings, sizable windows, and intricate architectural details make the East India Marine Hall a stunning backdrop for your special day.

The Main Atrium is another location for a ceremony at the museum. The open and spacious layout of the Main Atrium provides lots of natural light and space for visitors to move around and take advantage of the area. Up to 300 people can be seated for dinner, 270 people can dance, and 400 can attend a reception while standing.

For those looking for a more private ceremony location, consider the Garden Atrium. This area can accommodate 70 people for wedding ceremonies, 200 people for standing receptions, and 50 people for seated dinners. For outdoor ceremonies, the Garden Atrium offers a lush garden setting.

Finally, consider the Forbes and Copeland Galleries for an elegant setting for a wedding ceremony. These galleries can accommodate up to 120 guests for a standing reception and up to 50 guests for seated dinners. During cocktail hour, guests can explore the museum's collections while enjoying the gallery.

Cocktail Hour Locations

The Main Atrium is a popular choice for the cocktail hour. This space provides plenty of room for guests to mingle and enjoy drinks and appetizers before the reception. Food options include hors d'oeuvres, passed appetizers, and various drink options. I recommend you have a first look and have all your wedding photos taken before the ceremony. That way, you can enjoy the full hour of cocktail hour.

Gourmet Caterers, who can offer delectable and inventive menu options for your reception, are the preferred caterers at the location.

Photo Locations 

The Peabody Essex Museum's Ropes Garden makes a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The garden offers lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and an assortment of sculptures and architectural features.

The Salem Commons, which is close to the museum, is also an excellent place for photos. Many different backdrops are available in the commons. The golden hour after sunset is the best time to take pictures because it offers lovely, warm light that produces gorgeous images.

Hotel Options NearBy

For the bride and groom and their wedding party to get ready at, Hotel Salem, the Hawthorne Hotel, and the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites are all excellent choices. Each hotel provides welcoming lodgings, amenities, and a great location close to the museum.

Modern hotel rooms and suites are available at Hotel Salem. There are several dining options available near the hotel, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop. A rooftop terrace with city views, a fitness center, and a business center are just features available to Hotel Salem visitors.

History of The Peabody Essex

The East India Marine Society, a group of Salem-based sailors and merchants who had visited Asia, founded the Peabody Essex Museum in 1799. The art, artifacts, and natural specimens from Asia these sailors brought back made up the museum's initial collection. The museum's collection has expanded over the years to include more than 1.3 million artifacts and works of art from around the globe, focusing on American and Asian art and culture.

Activities For Out of Town Guest

Out-of-town wedding guests looking for weekend activities in Salem can learn more about the city's fascinating history by touring the Salem Witch Museum or the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Additionally, they can go to the House of the Seven Gables, which served as the model for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book.

For guests looking for cocktails and beers, Notch Brewing, All Souls Lounge, and BIT Bar are three popular options.  Each of these establishments offers a unique experience, delicious beers, and a great atmosphere. All three of these options are with in .20 of a mile from the the PEM.

The Peabody Essex Museum Wedding Photos

Conclusion

Salem, Massachusetts's Peabody Essex Museum, is a unique location for weddings. The museum offers a variety of spaces for ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions, great photo opportunities, and close-by hotels, providing couples with everything they need for a unique and memorable wedding day. The long history of the museum