Weddings at the MAH

Ir a

Discover one of the most unique wedding venues in Santa Cruz County. Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz the museum's indoor and outside spaces make room for artful celebrations, refined receptions, and the most unforgettable weddings.

Rentable Spaces

Our three-floor building features flexible, unique spaces with amenities for nearly any size wedding or reception.

Get in Touch

Let's get you hitched! Expect a reply from our team within two business days.

MAH floor plans rent 2

Find Your Space

When you select the MAH as a venue for your special event, you help support the MAH's exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Read our mission and history here.

View our Packages, Rates, & Timelines

YETHZELL AND MARCELO 505 websize

“It felt like every time I came in to talk to Claudia about the wedding, there was something another amazing thing going on in the museum that I couldn't wait for all my friends and family to see!”

Yethzéll Viana Díaz

Amenities

Complimentary Amenities

  • In-house sound system for background music; one speaker inside the facility
  • 30 rectangle tables
  • 80 black folding chairs
  • 14 standing cocktail tables
  • 10 sit-down bistro tables
  • 2 five-foot round tables
  • Early drop-off and next day item pick-up options
  • Layout and timeline support

Additional Add-On Amenities

  • Projection in Atrium – $50
  • Serpentine bar – $50
  • Stage – $100
  • Digital Signs – $50
  • Setup/clean staff – $40/hr per staffer

Wedding Lookbook

F.A.Q.

All your questions will be answered here in this doc. Pricing can be found on Page 11.

Let's get you hitchedWhat’s your catering policy?! Whether you're ready to put a reservation down now or need to hear more, reach out via the form and our events team will reach out within two days.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. You can place a hold on a date for up to 2 weeks, after which the date will be released without notification. If another interested party inquiries about your held date within those 2 weeks, we will let you know and give you 1 week or until the end of your soft hold (whichever is sooner) to confirm. After the hold period is over you have 1 day to confirm. If the date is not confirmed within that day, the date will be given to whoever submits the required materials first.

The world is your oyster! The MAH has no restrictions on your catering selection – bring in whomever you’d like.

We do highly suggest using vendors from Abbott Square or are happy to make other suggestions based on what you need and we've seen here before. All food and drinks must be brought in ready to serve as we have a prep kitchen only. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries. Onsite grilling is allowed in the MAH’s driveway space and the Secret Garden only.

Yes, alcohol is allowed on site. If your event is open to the public, all alcohol must be provided by Abbott Square Market.

If your event is private and you choose to source alcohol from outside the MAH (aka not Abbott Square Market), you must pay for a liquor license. The MAH will apply and add the cost to your invoice. The application process requires at least 1 month in advance.

Totally up to you, but we highly recommend it. Our exhibitions are pretty great. See what's coming up and will be on view during your special day here.

Most-likely! We can typically accommodate early drop offs and overnight storage, but it all depends on the MAH event schedule for the week. Please coordinate with your MAH contact before scheduling any materials, supplies, or rentals drop off or storage for your event.

Event set up starts at the time you’ve chosen on your rental reservation, so be sure to include that in your planning process and rental request.

Setup and clean up support from MAH Event Staff is available for an additional fee in requested more than 30 days prior to the scheduled event. See more on staffing guidelines here.

You'll be responsible for all event setup and cleanup, including trash, recycling, and table and chair set up/takedown.

All rental events include one Event Staff member present as a point of contact and MAH liaison. They're there to help open and close the museum, answer any questions you have about the facility, and assist with troubleshooting situations as they arise.

No, but there are some restrictions. In accordance with the Santa Cruz City Noise Ordinance, there should not be any loud music from 10pm-8am. We like our neighbors, so we thank you for taking this seriously and being a courteous host.

There are two paid parking structures half a block away from the museum.

The Soquel/ Front Streets Parking Garage is located on the corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street. The lot is paid hourly parking (2-hour minimum), $8 for the entire day.

The River/ Front Streets Garage is located between River and Front Streets next to the Galleria Office Complex. This lot is a paid hourly parking, $8 for the entire day.

The MAH has a driveway reserved for supply drop off only. You must coordinate the use of this space with your Event Coordinator.

Book the MAH Today