Unforgettable Weddings, Down to a Science

We invite you to celebrate your wedding at the California Academy of Sciences, one of the most spectacular and unforgettable venues on earth. Nowhere but the Academy will you and your guests have the opportunity to set foot under one “green” roof to experience stunningly meaningful settings, world-class planning expertise and access to the San Francisco Bay Area’s most acclaimed caterers and vendors. By choosing the Academy for your wedding you will receive a veritable palette of options for painting a wedding which exceeds your wildest dreams. The result will be a beautifully sacred experience, inspired by the wonders of science and nature, which you, your family and guests will recall fondly for generations to come.

The Academy Exclusive – It’s All Yours

When you host your wedding at The Academy, the environment we’ve taken great care to create is all yours. You and your guests will have exclusive use of the Academy and a passport to work with our seasoned wedding specialists who will help you bring your wedding vision into rich, immersive life. The possibilities, mixed with your inspiration and our attention to every detail, are truly endless.

The fee for booking your wedding is a set fee of $18,500 and includes:

The Space

Clients will be allowed the exclusive use of the Academy facility* from 7:00pm to Midnight on select days*. These include

• Rainforest »
• Aquarium »
• Swamp »
• Piazza »
• African Hall »
• East Pavilion »
• West Pavilion »
• Main Lobby »
• Forum Gallery »
• Forum Theatre »

*Note: Excluding the Planetarium, Board Room and Living Roof.

Bridal Changing Room

A private, furnished and beautifully decorated wedding ready room.

Equipment

Top of the line equipment to meet essential wedding needs: Audio Visual equipment, personal music player capacity, stage, podium, tables and chairs in their current Piazza & Gallery locations.

Wedding Consultant

The devoted attention of Jess Flood Event Design and Management, our exclusive Wedding Consultant. Jess and her team knows our space like none other and brings a deeply respected brand of care, calm and charisma to the orchestration of weddings.
Learn more about Jess »

Additional Services

We provide our guests with on-site security, coat check and custodial staff, and docents for Academy living exhibits (as available).

Sustainability

Our assurance that your wedding in the Academy treads lightly on the planet yet shines with elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I have my wedding ceremony and reception at the Academy?
A: Yes, we have 10 amazing settings to choose from. Please contact our wedding consultant to discuss what combination of spaces would work best for you and your guest count.

Q: What is the maximum capacity for a wedding at the Academy?
A: The Academy can accommodate up to 280 guests for a ceremony, cocktails, dinner, dancing and exploration.

Q: Can I use my own caterer?
A: No, the Academy has a list of preferred caterers for you to choose from. Academy preferred caterers are committed to bringing you and your guests the delicious bounty of the Bay Area and are ready for your most creative requests.

Q: What does the rental fee include?
A: Your rental fee includes the exclusive use of the Academy for the evening, the expert assistance of our wedding consultant, docents for museum exhibits by arrangement, guest services such as coat check, use of audio visual equipment, use of the museum’s tables and chairs if desired, a private, well appointed dressing room for the bride and much more.

Q: Can our wedding start earlier in the day?
A: The Academy opens to private events only after closing to the public. This gives you the chance to have one of the world’s most exciting museums all to yourself!

Q: Can we get ready there before 7:00 pm?
A: Yes! The private bridal dressing room will be made available starting at 5:30 pm.

Q: What about parking?
A: Parking is available in the Music Concourse Parking Garage. This is not covered in the venue rental fee. If you are interested in hiring a valet service for your wedding guests please contact Jess Flood.

Q: Can we rehearse our ceremony at the Academy?
A: Yes! Our wedding consultant will be happy to arrange this for you.

Q: Do Academy members get a discount?
A: Unfortunately not; however, please keep in mind that all proceeds from events directly benefit the The California Academy of Science.

Q: When can I arrange for a site visit?
A: Please contact our wedding consultant Jess Flood, to schedule an appointment for a site visit.

Contact Our Wedding Team

Questions? Please contact Jess Flood, our wedding consultant for more information.

About Jess Flood Event Design & Management

At Jess Flood Event Design & Management we are known for our collaborative process. Our clients come to us with brilliant imaginations that never cease to amaze and inspire us. From the most intimate of wedding celebrations to elaborate galas, we graciously offer to each and every occasion our expertise, passion and utmost integrity. Inspired by the fine details we design and produce events that reach far beyond our clients expectations.

Thank you for considering us for your upcoming event. We invite you to explore our site, view our amazing galleries and read what our clients have to say about Jess Flood Event Design & Management.

Visit the website »

Jess Flood, Founder & Managing Director

Passionate about bringing people together, Jess has been designing and producing events of all shapes and sizes for over ten years. From social and corporate functions to weddings and nonprofit events, she enjoys the challenge of creating environments that fit each occasion, look effortless and most importantly, capture the clients vision down to the last detail.

Among industry peers and clients, Jess is renown for her contagious enthusiasm and love of unique events. She is most noted for an innate ability to bring a sense of calm, purpose and poise to any situation. Jess had in-depth experience working with each event space in the Academy, having designed and managed complex events honoring such luminaries as Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida.

Jess is well versed in partnering with clients to design and produce exceptional gatherings. She brings an array of talents that include interior design, fine cuisine, and event management, providing each client and event with an exquisitely tailored solution. As a wine country native, Jess has thorough knowledge of venues, strong vendor relationships throughout the Bay Area, and from food to tableware, an insiders view of everything local.

She is an active member of the International Special Events Society, founding member of Wedding Industry Professionals Association. Currently, serving on the board of ISES Napa-Sonoma as the VP of Education and Programs.