The San Diego Natural History Museum

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Select services venue

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $1,600 for off-peak dates, and $4,800 for peak dates

Catering services pricing

$800 per person for off-peak dates, with a minimum total spend of $800

Guest capacity

Up to 300 seated guests

About this venue

The San Diego Natural History Museum is located in beautiful Balboa Park, just minutes from downtown, and offers a unique and memorable venue for any event. Multilevel exhibit and event spaces invite guests to explore galleries that illustrate the science and beauty of nature… all while you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable evening. When selecting the San Diego Natural History Museum for your event, our team is dedicated to providing unlimited site visits, support with the day of vendor coordination, and provide custom floor plans to ensure your event is successful from start to finish. With your support, you directly sponsor our mission “to interpret the natural world through research, education, and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California, and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.” Please ask your event manager for a tailored proposal that fits all your event needs.

Seated guest capacity

10-300

Venue type

Ballrooms, Banquet Halls
Historic Estates, Mansions
Industrial Spaces
Museums, Galleries
Parks, Gardens
Urban Locations

Venue setting

Indoor
Outdoor

1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Our event spaces

El Mirador Rooftop Terrace

A unique terrace overlooking Balboa Park & San Diego

With a spectacular view of Balboa Park, the downtown skyline, east to the mountains, south into Mexico and the San Diego Bay, this rooftop deck (the only one in Balboa Park) is a stunning location. The outdoor space is an ideal setting for wedding ceremonies or seated dinner reception.

Guest capacity

Up to 180 Seated

Up to 215 Standing

Square footage

2,600

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

$1500 per hour

Main Level – Sefton Atrium

The Sefton Atrium is a stunning and versatile space with a 60’ four-story translucent ceiling and granite floor.

At 5,000 square feet, the Atrium can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner and up to 500 for a reception. Two magnificent staircases lead to this space, designed for a couple's grand entrance. Natural light fills this room, allowing for layers of lights to accent the romantic space at night.

Guest capacity

Up to 300 Seated

Up to 500 Standing

Square footage

5,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

1500 per hour

Level 2 – Main Exhibition Floor

Our Level 2 exhibition hall is a perfect location to show your guests how unique your event can be!

Overlooking the Atrium and featuring three unique exhibits, this exhibition hall is the perfect location for cocktail parties, mixers and networking events, and other social gatherings. When visitors enter the historic south entrance of the Museum, they are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the iconic Foucault (foo-koh) Pendulum. Make your events stand out by booking the exhibition hall at The Nat for your upcoming event.

Guest capacity

Up to 200 Seated

Up to 600 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

1500 per hour

Level 4 Gallery & Couples Green Room

An elegant space for your special day!

Greet your guests with magnificent photographs as they enter the rooftop for your ceremony or dinner reception. Our elegant boardroom is perfect for a bride’s “ready” room. The room features an outdoor deck, an intimate space to celebrate with champagne prior to making a grand entrance.

Guest capacity

Up to 32 Seated

Up to 50 Standing

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

- Private Balcony - Private Kitchen - Private Restrooms