Vows in the Museum

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Looking for a unique venue to exchange your vows? Someplace with an added dimension to wow your guests? Consider the iconic museum spaces in our area where you can roam the galleries and pose for photos to remember. Whether you’re an art, history, science or aviation fan, there’s a museum where you can say “I do.”

American Helicopter Museum

A local event space perhaps better known for hosting fundraisers and kids’ birthday parties, the American Helicopter Museum is a wedding venue that everyone—from the couple to the bridal party to the guests—will be sure to remember. You can even include rides in helicopters to amp up the excitement. With over 3,000 square feet of flexible event space, plus a state-of-the-art wide-screen theater, you can create the day of your dreams. Not enough room? Add a tent outside, with views of the open countryside, clear over to the Brandywine Airport next door. Preferred caterers. 350 guests. 1220 American Blvd., West Chester. 610.436.9600; AmericanHelicopter.Museum.

Brandywine River Museum of Art

Find a unique combination of art and nature at the Brandywine River Museum, a beautiful location in a converted 19th-century gristmill along the Brandywine River. Have your ceremony in the courtyard, then move into the museum where floor-to-ceiling windows frame river-views and be surrounded by a renowned art collection. Your guests have exclusive access to galleries with works by three generations of Wyeths and more. Set up your photo booth with art props and serve hors d’oeuvres on picture-frame trays. In-house catering. 120 seated, 300 with stations, 600 for cocktails. 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. 610.388.8112; Brandywine.org.

Delaware Art Museum

Set in a historic Wilmington neighborhood, the Delaware Art Museum provides a sophisticated, picture-perfect setting amid fine art and gracious grounds. Galleries, including the famed Pre-Raphaelite collection, are open for your guests. Choose elegant Fusco Hall, with high ceilings and arched windows, or an intimate, contemporary space in the East Court. Add a splash of color to your wedding photos on the Chihuly Bridge. Outdoor options include the peaceful North Terrace and Copeland Sculpture Garden. Or for a spiritual feel, the Labyrinth provides a memorable backdrop for your special day. Exclusive catering (Toscana). 200 seated, 300 for cocktails, boutique packages for under 75 guests. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. 302.351.8530; DelArt.org.

Delaware Contemporary

An industrial chic lobby—exposed pipes, vaulted ceilings—and contemporary art galleries in this former railroad car factory provide a different kind of ambiance at the Delaware Contemporary. The Atrium Lobby is a flexible space for the reception and dancing, while the galleries and Wings Auditorium accommodate wedding ceremonies. From an intimate event, seated dinner and dancing for 180, or 300 guests for cocktails, this 12,000-square-foot, blank-canvas space lets you create your custom venue. Wedding Wire Editor’s pick for Art Lovers (2016). Preferred caterers. Nonprofit discounts, 200 S. Madison St., Wilmington. 302.656.6466; DEContemporary.org.

Delaware Museum of Natural History

Want to say “I do” in front of a dinosaur? Dance under a giant squid and have cocktails over a coral reef, all in Wilmington’s chateau country? Then the Delaware Museum of Natural History is the place to make your naturally wonderful memories. Science buffs, nature lovers or those looking for a fun and social venue will enjoy a place with open exhibit galleries plus live animal presentations or bird shows. Choose from three galleries, naturally lit atrium and outdoor spaces, including a butterfly garden, patio and meadow. Exclusive catering (Toscana). 200 guests. 4840 Kennett Pk., Wilmington. 302.658.9111, x301; DelMNH.org.

Hagley Museum and Library

For history and charm that’s the opposite of a plain vanilla hotel ballroom, consider the original home of the du Pont family, set on 235 acres of meadows, stately trees and heirloom gardens along the scenic Brandywine River. Hagley Museum’s main wedding venue, the 1888 Soda House built from Brandywine blue rock, features a rustic exterior and a modern interior, while the E.I. du Pont Gardens, Hagley Barn or a tent on the property offer other options. The elegant du Pont mansion, restored mill, gardens and river provide elegant backdrops in every season for your photos. Preferred caterers. 200 guests. 200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington. 302.658.2400; Hagley.org.

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

A truly glamorous and romantic setting, Winterthur’s 1,000 acres of rolling meadows, 60 acres of exquisite gardens and historic Henry Francis du Pont mansion offer ten choices for indoor or outdoor weddings and ten times more photo locations. From historic rooms to contemporary pavilions to outdoor gardens with fountains, patios, reflecting pools and more, you can create a stunning
backdrop for your special day. Choose the grand Reception Atrium, the enchanting Reflecting Pool or set up a tent on the Clenny Run Lawn. Admission to the grounds  for the weekend. In-house catering (Restaurant Associates). 350 guests. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. 302.888.4910; WinterthurWedding.com.

More Unique Places for Weddings

At the Inn

Eden Resort & Inn
Six beautiful reception/banquet rooms with a 3-story atrium Courtyard and newly designed Garden Terrace. Food & beverages handled by the resort (except cake). 500 guests. 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster. 717.569.6444; EdenResort.com.

General Warren
Historic 1745 country inn, known for its custom service, with lawn and gardens for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. 125 guests, rehearsal dinners for 75, private dining rooms, guest suites. 9 Old Lancaster Rd., Malvern. 610.296.3637; GeneralWarren.com.

The Inn at Osprey Point
In the village of Rock Hall on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is 30 acres of landscapes and water views for weddings and receptions along the Chesapeake Bay. The Inn features 18 rooms. 20786 Rock Hall Ave., Rock Hall, MD. 410.639.2194; OspreyPoint.com.

The Inn at Swarthmore
Say “I do” in the Amphitheatre—a top 10 Most Beautiful College Campus Wedding Venue—or the Gathering Room at Swarthmore College, then invite guests to stay the night in 40 guest rooms or suites. 10 S. Chester Rd., Swarthmore. 610.543.7500; TheInnAtSwat.com.

With History

The Ballroom at Vickers Restaurant
Adjacent to a 1820s farmhouse sits a ballroom perfect for weddings, with brass chandeliers, custom millwork, French doors and a garden patio. 130 guests. 192 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton. 610.363.7998; VickersRestaurant.com.

Greathouse at Loch Nairn Golf Club
Have a beautiful ceremony, indoors or out, and a reception in The Greathouse—with interesting architecture, lovely views—or, for a smaller gathering, The Farmhouse Restaurant. Onsite catering/beverages. 192 guests; cocktail reception 225. 514 McCue Rd., Avondale. 610.268.2235; LochNairn.com.

Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Historical Greek Revival building in a pastoral setting, with a grand ballroom, state-of-the-art lighting system, outdoor patio, expansive bridal suite, and outdoor setting for ceremonies. Exclusive caterer. 250 with dancing; 600 no dancing. 3821 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square. 215.627.5100; FinleyCatering.com.

Hotel Du Pont
Gilded Age grace and sophistication provide a refined backdrop for weddings. Since 1913, generations from Wilmington and Philadelphia have hosted unforgettable celebrations at this prestigious site. 500 guests. 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington. 302.594.3100; HotelDuPont.com.

The Washington at Historic Yellow Springs
Indoor reception space at The Washington and three outdoor ceremony locations in this historic town, fit any unique wedding. 150 guests. 1701 Art School Rd., Chester Springs. 610.827.7414; Washington.YellowSprings.org.