Venues are always changing their pricing and policies, so the information in this blog may be out-of-date. But as of 2025 when I’m writing this…

The Natural History Museum of Utah’s dramatic architecture and breathtaking views are unique and elegant. Perched on the University of Utah foothills, the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) overlooks the entire Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Front. You’re barely a 10-minute drive from downtown nightlife and 20 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, yet the copper-clad building feels worlds apart thanks to trailheads, red-rock outcrops, and big-sky vistas right outside the glass walls.

Natural History Museum Location: 

301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Natural History Museum Cost:

Evening buyouts run $8,000–8,500 for access 5 p.m.–11 p.m. and include a ceremony on the Land Terrace or inside the Canyon. Add-on ceremony packages give you more choices—$2,000 for Land Terrace or Sky + Sky Terrace (up to 120 standing / 76 seated) and $3,000 for the dramatic Canyon + Canyon Terrace (350 standing / 250 seated). A reception-enhancement package with dressing rooms, signage, and photo passes is another $1,000. Utah sales tax (≈7.75 %) applies, but there’s no automatic service fee (not that common!) because food & bar are BYO.

Natural History Museum Event Rental Includes:

• Guest parking (large events may require parking arrangements)
• Dedicated Event and IT staff
• High-speed wireless Internet access
• Setup/teardown of all listed NHMU equipment
• Riser, podium, and microphone
• Conference tables (6’) and chairs
• Cocktail tables (30”)
• Banquet rounds (60”) and chairs (seat eight guests per table)

Natural History Museum Ceremony Sites & Capacity:

1. Land Terrace: Most ceremonies take place at the museum’s”Land Terrace.” The beautiful mountains are reflected in copper windows. Seats 120 guests
2. Native Voices Terrace: For those looking for an intimate outdoor ceremony space, the Native Voices Terrace offers a backdrop of the Foothills. Seats 60 guests.
3. Canyon + Canyon Terrace—NHMU’s signature five-story atrium inspired by Utah slot canyons; copper walls rise around a central aisle, then glass doors slide open to a valley-view terrace for your recessional (350 standing / 250 seated).

Natural History Museum Reception Site:

Most receptions are held in the Canyon Room & Terrace. The architecture is inspired by the slot canyons of southern Utah. Three story glass windows show sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley. An adjacent outdoor terrace extends your guests’ experience, weather permitting. It fits 400 guests, standing reception. Or 232-340 guests for a seated dinner.

Intimate parties (≤110) can instead book the Swaner Forum + Sky Terrace on Level 5 for a quieter, loft-style evening above the city lights.

Getting Ready Location:

Every wedding package unlocks a private prep suite inside the Swaner Forum with full-length mirrors, changing screens, tables, chairs, and optional catered snacks—so you don’t have to book an off-site hotel room just to steam dresses or pin boutonnieres.

Set Up Time:

Because the museum remains open to the public until 5 p.m., vendors roll in right at 5 p.m.; guest arrival can start as early as 6:30 p.m., with events ending at 11 p.m. Wednesday is blackout night (the museum stays open late), but all other days are available year-round.

Vendor Flexibility:

NHMU lets you bring any licensed caterer or bar service you like (or choose from their preferred list) and even permits BYO alcohol, provided a Utah-licensed bartender pours. The one hard rule: you must hire a professional wedding planner to run day-of logistics—museum staff focus on the building, not décor installs

Venue Coordinator:

Dedicated event and IT staff are included in the rental fee; they handle museum equipment, security, AV hookups, and timeline enforcement, then team up with your required outside planner for layout and flip-overs.

Food & Alcohol:

With no in-house kitchen, you’re free to curate menus—from gourmet food trucks parked on the service drive to plated fine-dining from top local caterers. Alcohol is completely BYO (a rarity in Utah), so couples often save by purchasing wine and spirits at state stores and hiring a bartending company to handle mixers, ice, and liability insurance

Parking:

Evening rentals include complimentary on-site parking in the museum lot, right by the front doors.

Lodging:

While NHMU itself has no rooms, you’ll find plenty within a five-minute drive: University Guest House & Conference Center (budget-friendly, on campus), Hampton Inn–University Foothill Drive, and Marriott University Park. Downtown SLC hotels add more upscale options just 3–4 miles west.

Pet Policy:

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed inside.

Just More Details:

Enhance the memories of your special day with optional Gallery Experiences. Between your ceremony and reception, your guests can stroll through four galleries and millions of years of Utah’s history during a social hour. They’ll marvel at newly discovered dinosaurs, see the Great Salt Lake transformed into prehistoric Lake Bonneville, and discover some of the oldest objects made by Utah’s first inhabitants. 

Upsides:

1. One-of-a-kind architecture and valley views produce unforgettable photos.
2. Gallery access during cocktail hour lets guests mingle with dinosaurs and ancient artifacts.
3. BYO catering & alcohol keep menu creativity high and markup low.
4. Central SLC location simplifies travel and lodging logistics.

Downsides:

1. Evening-only time block (5–11 p.m.) limits early ceremonies and late after-parties.
2. Wednesday bookings unavailable.
3. External planner is mandatory, adding to the vendor budget.

Where to Reserve:

Plan your wedding at the Museum by calling 801-585-9538 or emailing our Events Team

Are you still searching for the perfect wedding venue in Utah? Sweet, you’re in luck. I’ve pulled together information and costs for multiple amazing Utah Venues here: Utah Wedding Venues