Your Day at the Museum
Offering backdrops from fine art to lively marine displays, Connecticut’s museums and aquariums are an inspired choice for your special wedding.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, (860) 572-5955, ext. 336, mysticaquarium.org
Several reception spaces are available at this unique venue: The main exhibit floor, home to the anemone garden and coral reef, accommodates 300 seated guests; the Challenge of the Deep, with artifacts from Dr. Robert Ballard’s expeditions, holds 60 seated. Through early fall, weddings and/or cocktail hours can be held at the underwater viewing windows of the Arctic Coast exhibit or in the stunning open-air Ocean Planet Pavilion. Tours, shows and rides may be arranged. Catering is provided by Ocean Blue Catering; executive chef Trad Dart is happy to work within your budget and will accommodate special requests, e.g., for one couple he created a mashed-potato bar.
Florence Griswold Museum
96 Lyme St., Old Lyme, (860) 434-5542, ext. 118; flogris.org
Fall/winter weddings at the “Flo Gris” are actually held in Marshfield, a large Colonial Revival home with three beautifully appointed rooms, on the museum grounds overlooking the Lieutenant River. Up to 75 guests can be accommodated for the ceremony, 50 for a seated dinner, 75 for a cocktail reception or buffet. In warm weather, guests spill out onto the veranda and lawn. Year-round, guests can view exhibitions in the museum. A list of recommended caterers is available.
Hill-Stead Museum
35 Mountain Rd., Farmington, (860) 677-4787, ext. 122; hillstead.org
The grand Colonial Revival manse known for its stellar collection of Impressionist art offers an intimate venue—the “Makeshift Theater”—behind the main house that is ideal for wedding parties of up to 80 for a seated dinner, 100 for a standing cocktail reception. (A nearby boardroom can be used as a bride’s dressing room or for small ceremonies.) Through early fall, the sunken garden is available for ceremonies or cocktails, while the west lawn and grass court may be tented for larger receptions. Weddings run from 5 to 11 p.m., and list of preferred caterers is provided.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 North Water St., South Norwalk, (203) 852-0700, ext. 2217; maritimeaquarium.org
An interesting group of marine creatures is on the come-as-you-are guest list during receptions at this sprawling, multilevel venue overlooking the Norwalk River. Guests can sip cocktails and enjoy raw-bar delights around the 110,000-gallon shark tank, sample hors d’oeuvres in the company of romping river otters, dine and dance before an audience of curious harbor seals in the Great Hall. Sit-down receptions for up to 400 can be accommodated, with catering provided by Philip Stone Caterers.
Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main St., Waterbury, (203) 753-0381, ext. 17; mattatuckmuseum.org
The Brass City’s arts and history museum, a landmark building on the green designed by Cesar Pelli, offers a memorable backdrop for your reception. Reserve an exquisite dining room to accommodate up to 250 guests. Take advantage of the gated courtyard for formal photographs, while your guests explore the galleries and beautiful performing-arts center. Comfort Kitchen Caterers (Prospect), Hen of the Woods (Southbury) and Jordan Caterers (Cheshire) are frequently used, or you may choose your own caterer.
Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, (860) 572-5305; mystic.org
Tall ships and seaside charm make for a unique backdrop at this re-created 19th-century seaside village. Choose from several ceremony/reception venues, including the River Room at Seamen’s Inne, with sweeping river views, a working fireplace and accommodations for 250 seated guests (350 for cocktails); the Morgan Suites, ideal for groups up to 70; and a tent on the North Lawn if weather permits. On-site catering is supervised by executive chef Tim Quinn of Seamen’s Inne, who is known for working with food and drink from area farms and vineyards. The nondenominational Greenmanville Church on the Seaport grounds is available for ceremonies.
New Britain Museum of American Art
56 Lexington St., New Britain, (860) 229-0257, ext. 209; nbmaa.org
The new museum, an award-winning building overlooking a historic park, can be rented in its entirety after hours, with smaller spaces available during the day. Against a backdrop showcasing three centuries of American art, choose from several reception areas, notably the Stanley Works Center, a cherry-paneled room that accommodates up to 120 guests for a seated reception, more for standing receptions. Jordan Caterers Design Event Planners is the museum’s official caterer.
Your Day at the Museum
