Why should I have my wedding at the museum?
Hosting your event at the museum is a unique way to support the arts and our mission to offer free admission to everyone. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-renowned institution and a venue to Kansas City’s most distinguished affairs. Our beautiful architecture, world-class artwork, innovative cuisine and attentive service create a unique and unforgettable experience.
What wedding services does the museum provide?
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an exceptional and stunning venue for weddings, receptions, engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches.
Is the museum available for a wedding ceremony only?
In order to hold a wedding ceremony, you must also have your reception at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. You may hold your wedding reception without holding your ceremony at the museum.
I would like to tour the museum’s venues. How can I set this up?
To request a tour with an Event Planner, please call 816-751-1234 or email events@nelson-atkins.org . You are also welcome to view any of the spaces when the museum is open. (Note that we are closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.)
Do I need to be a member to have my wedding at the museum?
You do not need to be a member of the museum to reserve space. However, membership has many benefits including discounted venue rental rates of 50% off if you are – or join – at the Society of Fellows level. Learn more about becoming a member.
How far in advance should a wedding be booked at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?
Due to the high volume of special events held at the museum each year, we recommend booking as early as possible. To provide for proper planning and attention for a private event we recommend no less than three months of advance planning. To reserve space for a reception or ceremony and reception, please call 816.751.1234.
How can I secure an event date at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?
To secure a rental date, the client must confirm the date, time and estimated attendance with the Event Planning Department. When confirmed, an Event Contract will be sent to the client at which time the deposit, equal to the rental fee(s), will be due.
What is included in the room rental fee?
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a 501c-3 non-profit organization. The rental fee covers the incremental expenses the museum incurs for the space, security, maintenance, engineering and providing a dedicated Event Planner for each rental.
If reserving Rozzelle Court, the existing tables and chairs with white linens are included in this venue. All additional tables, chairs and linens must be rented from a third party provider.
What is the difference between an Event Planner and a Wedding Coordinator?
All special events include an Event Planner that represents The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Event Planner provides input for the floor design and menu selection and schedules the tasting. The Event Planner can also provide vendor recommendations. The Event Planner will be on site for your wedding and ensure that the commitments from the Nelson-Atkins are fulfilled.
The Wedding Coordinator is a vendor that the couple would select and contract at their own discretion. The Wedding Coordinator partners with the couple to determine a budget, select vendors & décor and manage the wedding day to keep it stress free for the couple. The Wedding Coordinator facilitates the timing and cues for parties. The Event Planner and Wedding Coordinator can work together to facilitate a wonderful event.
Am I required to book a Wedding Coordinator?
No, a Wedding Coordinator is not required but is strongly recommended. A Day-of Coordinator (that is not in the wedding party) must be designated on the event date to field wedding-related questions that exceed the museum’s responsibilities. The museum’s Event Planners do not manage third-party rentals, decor, event timing or cues. They are unable to troubleshoot for problems that arise outside of the museum’s jurisdiction.
Does the museum have an in-house caterer or can I provide my own?
Rozzelle Court features a talented culinary team and is the exclusive caterer for all events. No outside food or drink can be brought into the museum with the exception of a wedding cake.
Can an outside vendor provide the wedding cake?
Yes. You are free to select any baker(y) for your wedding cake.
Can the menu be customized? Can special nutritional needs be
accommodated?
Absolutely. Our event menu packages offer a variety of plated and buffet options. Our executive chef can create a menu tailored for special requests including vegetarian and gluten free options. Requests for atypical or extraordinary service standards will require added charges that will be determined and shared in advance of the event.
Does the museum offer a food tasting before the wedding?
Yes. We will hold one tasting for up to six guests. Menu selections for your tasting are due a minimum of two weeks prior to the tasting date.
Are there any time limitations?
All events must end by midnight (12:00 a.m.) and last call for alcoholic beverages must be no less than one half hour before the scheduled end of an event; the last song played by bands or DJs must be no later than 11:45 p.m., and tear down must be completed by 1:00 a.m.
Are guests allowed to bring gifts into the museum?
Gifts brought to the museum must be in gift bags that allow the items inside to be verified prior to entering and exiting. Clients are to notify their guests in advance of an event that gifts can only be brought into the museum wrapped in gift bags.
Do you provide a weather back-up for outdoor events?
When reserving an outdoor location for a ceremony or reception, an indoor back-up location must also be reserved. The weather call must be made by 10:00 a.m. the day of the event.
Where will I get ready for my wedding?
Two rooms will be provided for the bride and groom to gather prior to the ceremony. We recommend the bridal party get ready off site as the staging areas do not offer restrooms, mirrors, etc.
Are there restrictions for the photographer?
Photography is permitted within the museum for special events by professional photographers and videographers. Photography shall be confined to public spaces. Copyright regulations prohibit photography of works of art on their own. Non-personal use of such media must be approved in advance.
Am I required to use vendors from your preferred vendor list?
No. However, all flowers and arrangements must be from an approved florist, floral wholesaler or greenhouse.
Is there a guaranteed count required and when is it due?
Yes – 5 business days prior to your event you must guarantee a final number of attendees.
Is there a service charge on top of the bill?
A service charge is added to the food and beverage components of the event. The museum is a not-for-profit entity and does not charge sales tax.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
If a client cancels an event more than thirty (30) days prior to the event the client will be refunded 50% of the monies paid to the Nelson-Atkins. If the client requests a cancellation less than 30 days prior to an event, no monies paid to the Nelson-Atkins will be refunded to the client.
Is there a fee associated with parking in the museum garage?
A parking fee per car for the use of the museum’s parking garage will be charged for all rental events. Parking for members of the museum is complimentary. The nonmember parking fee may be included in the final invoice.
Can I arrange for a proposal at the museum?
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is honored to be the location for some of life’s most meaningful moments. Guest are welcomed to use the museum as a backdrop for their engagement proposals provided their private moment does not interfere with other guests ability to enjoy their visit or museum operations. Proposals may not include disruptive set ups; must adhere to rules of the galleries and park; and must not invade the privacy of other patrons. Inside the museum, personal photography is allowed, but professional photography and use of tripods are never permitted. There are no services provided by the museum to facilitate the proposals, and people interested in securing private or reserved space should explore the Event Spaces page for indoor information or the Minimony page for outdoor information.
Photo credit: Heirloom Photo Company