There’s a reason the Jurassic Park franchise is one of the most popular in the world. Its sense of wildness and adventure has created a world where anything is possible – even living amongst dinosaurs. Throw in a little romance, some epic thrills, and remarkable special effects, and it’s no wonder it’s such a beloved cinematic classic that continues to entertain with new chapters of its story.
These things, plus a dash of appreciation for science, make Jurassic Park an innovative inspiration for a wedding. From small details like dinosaur groomsmen socks to arrangements of lush, wild, tropical foliage and florals, Jurassic Park weddings have plenty of personality. You can even walk down the aisle to the Jurassic Park theme song! But a wedding full of pop-culture whimsy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice elegance and sophistication.
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta is a dream venue for anyone hoping to host a Jurassic Park wedding. Its dinosaur exhibits and themed garden spaces make it the perfect spot for a sophisticated event, with the bonus of having dinosaurs built into your décor. It doesn’t get much more Jurassic Park than that!
About Your Jurassic Park Wedding at The Fernbank Museum of Natural History Venue
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History has a story that begins not unlike the Jurassic Park story…okay, except for the dinosaurs. Emily Harrison, a young woman living in the area during the late 1800s, recognized the importance of Atlanta’s shrinking woodlands. Inspired to protect the area’s natural resources, she led the charge to preserve 65 acres of forest, saving it from urban development. She named the land after one of her favorite forest spots, a fern-covered creek bank that she affectionately called “Fernbank.”
In 1939, the nonprofit Fernbank was established to further protect the woodlands and use the space as a “school in the woods.” Just over 50 years later, in 1992, the Fernbank Museum officially opened to the public, fulfilling Harrison’s dreams of preserving the land while helping others discover its beauty and potential.
Today, Fernbank Museum is home to extraordinary exhibits, immersive programming, and educational adventures. In its history, it’s even won awards like Top 10 Museum for Dinosaurs in the World and Best Museum in Atlanta! Its giant screen theater shows films about the importance of environmental preservation, and the Fernbank Forest is still open for exploration. And, with several incredible event spaces, it’s also the perfect place to hold a wedding or special event!
Details of the Grounds
Depending on the extent of your guest list, there are several ways to host a dynamic Jurassic Park wedding at Fernbank Museum.
If you plan to host a smaller event, consider having your ceremony in a more intimate space like the oval Star Gallery. This room has dramatic lighting and a fiber-optic ceiling that showcases the night sky. You’ll truly feel like you’re saying “I do” beneath the stars! Up to 100 guests can be seated in this space.
An outdoor ceremony option is the Dinosaur Plaza, a beautiful and spacious patio with a spectacular dinosaur fountain. You can also use Dinosaur Plaza for your cocktail hour, and it will practically look like the giant bronze dinosaur statues are mingling amongst your guests. This is a great space for up to 150 guests to witness you say “I do.”
If you’re hosting a larger group and looking for an indoor ceremony space, the beautiful Stephensen Hall is a great option. It has beautiful two-story columns, adding a formality to the space and a high ceiling. Huge floor-to-ceiling arching windows bring in views of the museum’s grounds and some beautiful natural light.
Regarding the real show-stopping venue space, the Great Hall is definitely where you want to be. With windows that look out over the surrounding woodlands and a spectacular glass ceiling nearly four stories overhead, it’s a dramatic space with a lot of personality. But the real jaw-dropping feature is the towering dinosaur skeletons parading through the room.
Up to 400 guests can gather in this space amongst an Argentinosaurus measuring nearly 123 feet long, a Giganotosaurus nearly four feet longer than a T-Rex, and other imposing dinosaurs. It’s a true showstopper for any wedding, particularly a Jurassic Park wedding.
Photography Opportunities
Fernbank Museum offers many unique photo opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Outside, we can use the bronze dinosaur fountain in the Dinosaur Plaza for dramatic and unmistakably Jurassic-style photos. We can wander the canopy walk in the woods, posing with the “tree pods,” which are massive wooden egg-like structures that make for some dramatic and modern pictures.
Indoors, we can wander through some exhibits to incorporate unique backdrops and features. We’ll also try to capture photos with the dinosaurs in the Great Hall before your guests arrive. The Great Hall’s sweeping spiral staircases are also great for pictures, and some of their terraced balconies overlooking the dinosaurs below are perfectly intimate spots should you decide to do a first look on your wedding day.
Wedding Details
When it comes to a Fernbank Museum wedding, they have made things a little easier for their couples when it comes to serving guests. They offer full beverage services, including hosted and cash bars, a full bar, and a limited beer and wine bar. As far as your first meal as a married couple, they’ll provide you with a list of their approved caterers that have proven reliable and utterly delicious.
Their events team will help you ensure every detail of your wedding day has been accounted for and that your event runs as smoothly as possible, down to the last dinosaur footprint.
Jurassic Park Wedding
Your wedding should be a fun reflection of your and your partner’s personalities. Whether that’s including your dog in your ceremony, gifting a clever personalized favor to your guests, or hosting an all-out Jurassic Park-inspired wedding, the world is your oyster. If you’re considering a Jurassic Park wedding, I hope you’ll look into Fernbank Museum as your venue, and I definitely hope you’ll consider having me as your wedding photographer. Let’s chat!
Finding the perfect venue always brings lots of joy and excitement! Both luckily and unfortunately, Atlanta has so many incredible venues! But it makes it hard to choose one that is perfect for you! So if you are still on the hunt for the dream Georgia wedding venue, browse the blog links below! Then let’s chat about your dream wedding photos!
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