EcoTarium

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path and fun wedding experience, check out the EcoTarium located on sixty acres of sprawling woodland, wetland, and meadow, and only a mere two miles from downtown Worcester, Massachusetts. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised!

This indoor-outdoor museum focuses on the exploration of the New England natural world and ecology, and is among the oldest natural history societies and museums in the United States.

Among the many EcoTarium activities is the caring for a number of diverse wildlife, including insects, reptiles, fish, rodents, birds and mammals. It also concerns itself with the raising and releasing of endangered species, such as the Northern red-bellied cooter.

A walk though the grounds will bring you face to face with Kenda, the polar bear, two barred owls, a North American river otter, and two North American bald eagles. If you prefer, you can ride around the grounds on the Explorer Express, a narrow-gauge railroad train. The EcoTarium also houses in its 100-seat Norton Observatory, a 14-inch Celestron telescope, and the most powerful telescope available for public use in central New England.

When I asked the museum's communications manager, Sally Anne Giedrys, to comment about various past weddings, here is what she had to say."The museum has plenty of 'fun' to offer, and many couples take advantage. Consider these recent weddings:

• A casual afternoon barbeque under the tent pavilion. Guests arrived in casual summer wear and kids in tow. They enjoyed exploring the museum and walking trails during the wedding. (I may add, that weather permitting, guests can also experience a Tree Canopy Walkway suspended 40 feet high in an oak and hickory forest. The walkway is the only one of its kind in all of New England)
• A couple, who exchanged their vows outdoors at the river otter exhibit, with the museum's award-winning meadow habitat and upper pond as a backdrop, then moved inside for dinner and dancing.
• An elegant fun-loving crowd that filled the museum for a New Year's Eve wedding. After an evening of dining and dancing the couple exchanged vows at midnight.
• An outdoor wedding in the autumn that took advantage of colorful foliage and scenic New England vistas.
• An elegant evening event with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, dancing outdoors on the museum's North Courtyard.
• A sunset wedding under the tent pavilion on the museum's Sundial Plaza.
• A wedding that began with cocktails in the African Communities exhibit, dinner on the middle level amidst an indoor New England forest and live turtles and birds, with dancing on the lower level near a stunning three-story glass wall.

As for photographs, these are often taken near the Vibram Walking Trail along a pond, where in season you can view butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

The EcoTarium can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests, and they can offer bar services. It is to be noted, however, that the museum is governed by the Commonwealth's General Laws. Any alcoholic beverages that you consume while on its grounds must be provided by and served by their staff. As for the caterer, you are not restricted and you can engage your own.

Rental Information