Peabody Essex Museum

Museum / Cultural in Salem, MA. Wedding venue pricing, packages and fees.

• Estimated cost: $10k–$11k est. rental for 120 guests
• Capacity: up to 275 guests
• Services: Venue rental only
• Address: 161 Essex Street

Located at 161 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a cultural venue founded in 1799. The Main Atrium, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, features brick and glass construction beneath a curved glass roof. Additional event areas include East India Marine Hall—built in 1825—the Garden Atrium, the octagonal Bartlett Gallery, and the Moongate Patio. Rental packages offer a five-hour reception with access to these selected museum spaces, hosting up to 275 seated guests or up to 300 standing. All catering is handled exclusively through Gourmet Caterers.

Food

Catering is exclusively provided by Gourmet Caterers; food pricing is not included in the museum rental.

Packages

• Venue Only: Rental fee only. Food and beverage must be contracted separately through exclusive caterer Gourmet Caterers.
  Includes: Five-hour reception (one hour for cocktails, four hours for dinner and dancing), Access to selected museum spaces (Main Atrium, Garden Atrium, etc.)

Taxes and fees

• Reception Venue Rental: $10,000
• Ceremony & Reception Venue Rental: $11,000
• Chair Upgrade: $8
• Museum Admission Passes: $20

Good to know

• Exclusive caterer is Gourmet Caterers; food and beverage pricing is separate.
• East India Marine Hall closed for renovations August–December 2025; starting January 2026, available for ceremonies only.
• Museum is open to the public until 5 pm; events cannot begin earlier.
• New Year's Eve is charged weekend rental rates.

Common questions

How much does a wedding at Peabody Essex Museum cost?

Based on Peabody Essex Museum's published pricing, renting the venue for 120 guests runs about $10,000–$11,000. It's a venue rental, so catering and bar are priced separately. Your actual quote will depend on date, season and final guest count.

How many guests can Peabody Essex Museum hold?

Peabody Essex Museum can host up to 275 guests seated, or 300 for a standing reception.

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More: Wedding venues in Massachusetts · Massachusetts wedding venue pricing report