APRIL 2021 UPDATE: Unfortately, this venue has closed. Some similar venues include the Mexican Cultural Institute and Anderson House.
The Carnegie Institution for Science (not the Carnegie Institute for Science or the Carnegie Science Institute - I've made that mistake) is an historic neoclassical building straddling the line between the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods of Washington DC. Construction was completed in 1908 and it served as the administrative building for Andrew Carnegie's institution dedicated to scientific advancement.
Cocktail Hour Topic Idea: Scientists at this institution helped enable the mass production of penicillin.
Pro Tip: If you want to give off that whole "sophisticated" vibe, "Carnegie" is pronounced "kahr-ney-gee" and not "kahr-ni-gee" (at least according to NPR).
- About the Carnegie Institution for Science
- How much does a Carnegie Institution for Science wedding cost?
- 2020 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
- 2021 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
- 2022 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
- The Spaces
- Interested in having your wedding at the Carnegie Institution for Science?
About the Carnegie Institution for Science
The building features "[a] palatial portico entrance, decorative carved moulding, mahogany wood walls and pristine marble floors. Who doesn't love mahogany? And pristine marble floors are far superior to marble floors that need a good sweeping.
How much does a Carnegie Institution for Science wedding cost?
The 2020 rental rates are as follows:
High Season
The high season consists of March, April, May, June, September, October, and November.
- Friday: $7,200
- Saturday: $8,500
- Sunday: $7,200
The Low Season
The low season includes January, February, July, August, and December.
- Friday: $6,400
- Saturday: $7,600
- Sunday: $6,400
2020 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
| FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January February | $6,400 | $7,600 | $6,400 |
| March April May June | $7,200 | $8,500 | $7,200 |
| July August | $6,400 | $7,600 | $6,400 |
| September October November | $7,200 | $8,500 | $7,200 |
| December | $6,400 | $7,600 | $6,400 |
All three days include a 5.5 hour time block for your wedding and reception. Your vendors can load-in up to 3 hours in advance, and must load-out within 1.5 hours of the end of the wedding on Saturdays and Sundays. Fridays have a 2.5 hour load-in and the same 1.5 hour load-out.
Weddings held on federal holidays or a holiday weekend may incur an additional fee.
Their event team is so on top of things that they've already posted the rates for 2021 and 2022, which you can see below:
2021 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
| FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January February | $6,700 | $8,000 | $6,700 |
| March April May June | $7,500 | $8,800 | $7,500 |
| July August | $6,700 | $8,000 | $6,700 |
| September October November | $7,500 | $8,800 | $7,500 |
| December | $6,700 | $8,000 | $6,700 |
2022 Carnegie Institution of Science Wedding Cost
| FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January February | $7,000 | $8,500 | $7,000 |
| March April May June | $8,000 | $9,500 | $8,000 |
| July August | $7,000 | $8,000 | $7,000 |
| September October November | $8,000 | $9,500 | $8,000 |
| December | $7,000 | $8,000 | $7,000 |
The Spaces
The building itself has a variety of spaces to use for your wedding and can accommodate up to 150 wedding guests for the ceremony and reception. You'll have complete access to the Ballroom, Rotunda, Boardroom, Mayor Room, Library and Portico.
You can also rent the auditorium for an additional $1,000.
Interested in having your wedding at the Carnegie Institution for Science?
APRIL 2021 UPDATE: Unfortately, this venue has closed. Some similar venues include the Mexican Cultural Institute and Anderson House.
If you found this helpful, you can find more of my venue articles here.
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