

Rentals
Make your wedding, cocktail party,
or business meeting truly memorable.
The day you’ve dreamed about!
Plan the wedding of your dreams on our Olmsted South Lawn with the trees of Barnard’s Bluff and our famous steps as your frame. Weddings of up to 60 people can be done inside. For larger weddings, our grounds are a botanical and festive setting for a guest list of up to 250. We are now an official arboretum. We also have private rentals for rehearsal dinners or cocktail parties in our Hagenah Rotunda and the Anne M. Drake Family Library.
A prestigious setting for business gatherings
Yerkes Observatory is an ideal environment for company meetings, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. We offer a variety of spaces—both inside and on the grounds—for gatherings up to 500 outdoors and 100 indoors. Food and beverage service can be arranged with the caterers and bar service of your choice.
Keep Yerkes thriving for a new generation of explorers
Help us continue
the legacy.
More than a century ago a determined founder, masterful architect, skilled trades workers, diligent engineers, and inventive entrepreneurs built Yerkes. Visionary scientists put it on the galaxy’s map. A dedicated group of locals saved Yerkes for future generations. And now we look to you. Please consider becoming a contributor and friend of Yerkes Observatory. Your participation means everything.
Want to talk about an estate or legacy gift? Want to see if you can help us with your time as a volunteer?
Email Us