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Plan Your Event

A setting unlike anywhere else. From weddings to work retreats, create an experience your guests will remember long after the event ends.

Where Your Event Comes to Life

At Yerkes, every event is shaped by its setting. Historic architecture, arboretum vistas, and open grounds create a backdrop that feels both elevated and unexpected.

Celebrate in a Landmark Setting

Host your event in spaces designed to inspire, from the grandeur of the dome to the elegance of the Drake Library and surrounding grounds.

Create Moments Your Guests Remember

Enhance your event with optional micro-tours, open access to exhibits, or time to explore the observatory between moments.

Make It Your Own

Bring your vision to life with flexible layouts, vendor choice, and customizable formats tailored to your event.

Designed for Gathering

From intimate dinners to large outdoor celebrations, Yerkes offers spaces that adapt to your guest list and experience.

Person walking near the Yerkes Observatory entrance

Weddings

A one-of-a-kind setting for ceremonies and celebrations, with options for indoor and outdoor experiences.

Indoor Ceremony + Cocktail Reception

Up to 75 guests • 4-hour event
Hosted in the Drake Library and Hagenah Rotunda
Includes wedding suite access and time for photos in the observatory
Caterer of your choice
Starting at

$6,000

Outdoor Ceremony + Cocktail Reception

South Lawn or Olmsted Ellipse
Open-house style access to the observatory with dome tours and exhibits
Flexible vendor options
Rain plan accommodations available seasonally

$10,000

Outdoor Ceremony + Full Reception

Full-day experience with tented reception on the South Lawn
Flexible layout and vendor selection
Includes rehearsal and extended access for preparation and photos
Full-day experience with tented reception on the South Lawn
Flexible layout and vendor selection
Includes rehearsal and extended access for preparation and photos

$17,000

Corporate & Private Events

Ideal for business meetings, dinners, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds.
All events include optional mini-tours for guests.

Dinners & Small Gatherings

Up to 30 guests • Drake Library + Hagenah Rotunda
Starting at

$1,800

Cocktail Receptions

Up to 100 guests • Indoor + outdoor spaces
Starting at

$2,800

Business Meetings

Half-day or full-day options available
AV-equipped spaces for presentations and collaboration
Starting at

$1,800

Event space at Yerkes Observatory
Guests at a custom event hosted at Yerkes Observatory

Custom Events

Bring your vision to life in a setting that’s anything but expected. We’ll work with you to shape an experience that fits your goals, your timing, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Let's
Plan
Your Event

From first ideas to final details, we’ll help you create an event that fits your vision. For quick answers on logistics, availability, and planning, visit our FAQs.
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