Venue Rental for Weddings: FAQs

What does the venue rental fee of the Renaissance Court include?

  • The use of Renaissance Court including the adjacent Chapter House; no minimum guest number is required
  • Access to the Museum galleries surrounding the first level of the Museum for the first 3 hours of the event
  • Bartender service for your event
  • The use and set up of the Museum’s inventory of tables and chairs in the Renaissance Court
  • Museum Protective Services staff
  • Coordination with our Museum wedding consultant throughout your planning process
  • Our team of dedicated wedding professionals will coordinate prior to and day of your wedding day
  • Museum parking at no charge

What does the venue rental fee of the Museum Cafe include?

  • The use and set up of the existing inventory of tables and chairs
  • The adjacent outdoor Stoddard Goddard Courtyard with umbrella table seating
  • Lancaster Lobby for dancing
  • Coordination with our Museum wedding consultant throughout your planning process
  • Our team of dedicated wedding professionals will coordinate prior to and day of your wedding day
  • Museum parking at no charge
  • Museum galleries may be opened at an additional cost for your guests’ enjoyment

Are there any other fees associated with using the Museum?

  • Outdoor ceremonies require the rental of a full set of ceremony chairs
  • Any additional rental furniture needs outside of the Museum’s inventory (Museum staff will secure and set up)
  • Delivery charge is applicable for any rentals

How is the Renaissance Court set up for a wedding reception?

Your bar and cocktail hour will be set up on the first level of the Renaissance Court. Dinner service takes place on the balcony overlooking the majestic Renaissance Court.

After dinner, your guests may transition to the first level for dessert and dancing although the balcony remains open for the evening.

For intimate weddings of fifty guests or less, the 1st level of the Renaissance Court may be used for your entire reception.

For a cocktail-style, standing reception, up to 150 guests, food stations will be set up on the 1st level of Renaissance Court with partial seating set up on the 1st level of Renaissance Court and the balcony.

How is the Chapter House utilized?

This historic space, as part of the Renaissance Court, may be used for a small wedding ceremony or as additional cocktail seating for your reception in the Renaissance Court.

Additionally, an intimate dinner for 28 guests or less can be served in the Chapter House.

What are the options for having a wedding ceremony on-site?

  • The Chapter House for up to 28 guests
  • The Grand Staircase and raised landing in the Renaissance Court for up to 120 guests
  • Outdoor enclosed Stoddard Goddard Courtyard for up to 120 guests
  • The Grand Staircase is available in case of inclement weather for those receptions already using the Renaissance Court

May we use the Museum venues for a ceremony only?

Based on availability you may have a wedding ceremony only at the Museum. Pricing will depend on proximity and season.

What is the Museum’s capacity?

Both the Renaissance Court and the Museum Café can accommodate events of up to 70 guests for a seated dinner and up to 150 guests for a cocktail-style event with partial seating.

What hours are available to host our event?

  • Wedding receptions may begin in the Renaissance Court starting 5pm.
  • Wedding ceremonies may begin at 5:30pm in the Renaissance Court.
  • Wedding receptions in the Museum Cafe may begin at 5:30pm.
  • Wedding ceremonies in the Stoddard Garden Courtyard may begin at 5pm.
  • All events must end by midnight.
  • All events cap at 5½ hours.

May we bring in our own caterer?

The Museum provides a list of approved caterers who have extensive experience with the Museum spaces. The caterer will provide all equipment required for servicing your dinner including linens and wait staff. All service arrangements are made directly with your caterer of choice from this list.

Do you have a preferred vendor list?

We offer a resource list to assist you with vendors who have worked here successfully. This acts as a guide but leaves you the option to select a professional of your own choosing.

When may my vendors arrive for set up?

Vendors may arrive up to two hours prior to the start of your event.

How many events do you host in a day?

We host only one wedding each day.

Can you accommodate a live band as well as a DJ?

You may bring in either a DJ or a live band. Our 13’ X 32’ dance floor provides ample dancing space for your guests.

How is alcohol handled at the Museum?

The Museum holds a full liquor license and will provide and service all beverages for your wedding. Outside alcohol may not be provided.

Do you have decoration guidelines/restrictions?

We will work with you for guidance in this area as your plans progress. Balloons are not permitted, nor is the use of confetti, rice, birdseed, or sparklers. Nothing may be taped to the walls or artwork of the museum.

What are your deposit and final payment policies?

A $1500 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date. The final payment is due one week prior to the event date.

Where will our guests park?

  • Lancaster Street visitor parking lot
  • Front Salisbury Street visitor parking lot
  • On-street parking is available surrounding the Museum
  • Museum visitor lots and surrounding street parking is at no charge

Is the Museum handicap accessible?

Yes, the Salisbury Street entrance is an accessible entrance. All restrooms and the balcony level of the Renaissance Court are accessible via elevators.

What hotels are nearby for our guests?

The Hampton Inn and the Courtyard Marriott are located on Grove Street across from the Museum. Seven other Worcester hotels are conveniently located 1-3 miles away.

Weddings