Weddings and Event Rentals at The Bishop

Image of a formal event setup at The Bishop of Nature and Science.

Located in Bradenton, FL, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a breathtaking wedding venue, meeting space, and party location. Several exclusive spaces set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Guests will be WOW’D by the astonishing spaces the Museum offers.

Established in 1947, this inspiring venue is a museum of natural science and Florida History. Housed on the Gulf Coast, it displays a range of intriguing items unique to the area. This includes fossils, prehistoric artifacts, and so much more. With a number of different venue spaces, the Museum offers a glimpse of true Florida beauty.

For more information, please call 941-216-3468 or click the button below to schedule a tour. Graphic with the Instagram logo and text that says "Follow us on Instagram."

South Courtyard





The historic South Courtyard provides a lovely outdoor space for ceremonies and receptions. This Spanish-inspired setting is ideal for celebrations of any size. Overhead string lighting adds a romantic, elegant feel to a night filled with love. The Spanish columns and a lighted water fountain add a touch of class and sophistication. The space can host up to 130 guests and includes a dance floor. The courtyard shares a glass wall that lets visitors view the manatees in our care in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The habitat is also viewable from the Jeannie Kirkpatrick Boardroom, which can serve as a preparation sanctuary on the morning of the wedding.* It is conveniently located off the Courtyard.

*Please note that the manatees are here for rehabilitation and are typically released in January/February. There may not be manatees in the habitat during this time.

South Courtyard
South Courtyard
South Courtyard

Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom





The Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom is just off the South Courtyard and has an underwater view of the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The space can be used for couples to get ready for a wedding, baby shower, or bridal shower, as well as luncheons and meetings for all your business needs. It’s the perfect solution for an intimate gathering, equipped with a projector and screen, a kitchenette, and spacious bathrooms. Direct access from the main sidewalk in front of the Museum makes load-in and load-out easy.

*Please note that the manatees are here for rehabilitation and are typically released in January/February. There may not be manatees in the habitat during this time.

Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom<br />
Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom<br />
Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom<br />

Riverside Plaza





Breathe in the smell of the waterfront while your eyes take in the beautiful scenery of the Riverside Plaza. This is our largest space with a capacity of 400, making it perfect for galas, large weddings, or corporate family event days. Entice your employees with a corporate family fun day, with outdoor games set up in the West Garden. This space also includes private, clean, large restrooms inside. The large, wood-planked wall is the perfect canvas for innovative design choices, and café bulbs light up the night!

Riverside Plaza<br />
Riverside Plaza<br />
Riverside Plaza<br />

Planetarium Theater & Lobby





The Planetarium Theater sets a cosmic scene for ceremonies, proposals, company gatherings, and more. Take your event to the next galaxy with dome options, including an open night sky or a pre-made planetarium show with a capacity of 110 in theater-style seating. The Theater also allows you to project provided photos or slides. The Planetarium lobby, with a celestial-painted ceiling, is ideal for an upscale cocktail hour, pre-ceremony parties, and showers. An open floor plan allows guests to wander through stationed exhibits and socialize. Restrooms are located within the space and are adjacent to the gallery, which can be added to make the combined Museum experience even more out of this world!

Planetarium Lobby
planetarium wedding

Cocktail Hour Spaces





Treat your guests to a fabulous cocktail hour experience in spaces throughout the Museum during the courtyard’s transition from ceremony to reception! Indoor and outdoor options are available; you can select any of the options below.

Gallery 2

Gallery 2

Loggia

Loggia

Mosaic Backyard Universe

Mosaic Backyard Universe

Inside Museum Gallery 2 & 3





Our newest additions are the indoor galleries, Gallery 2 and Gallery 3. These flexible spaces are perfect for intimate indoor gatherings such as rehearsal dinners, intimate receptions, or company parties. Gallery 2 has access to projectors for slideshows and glass pull-out walls to create divided areas for guest speakers or breakout sessions. Large, spacious restrooms and a prep kitchen space are conveniently located within this space.

Gallery 3 boasts an ample open space with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural lighting from the West Garden. Blank wall spaces allow for uplighting, projection, and imaginative decor design. Gallery 3 is perfect for photo booths and welcome tables and, when paired with the Mosaic Backyard Universe, is an ideal combination of wonder and discovery.

 

Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Gallery 2
Gallery 3

Mosaic Backyard Universe





Create joy and wonder amongst your guests in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. Whether you host an intimate ceremony under the lifelike mighty oak surrounded by stars and planets or a cocktail hour to surprise and delight your guests, this space is designed for groups to explore and discover and is perfect for all ages. The backyard atmosphere creates a space for your next book club, baby or bridal shower, speaking engagement, or even a surprise proposal. Your guests will never forget this space, which blends the outdoors with the indoors while offering interactive, hands-on exhibits that highlight the world around us.

Mosaic Backyard Universe
Mosaic Backyard Universe
Mosaic Backyard Universe<br />

Exclusive Caterers





Exclusive Caterers

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has created an Approved Caterers program to ensure that regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices are followed to provide a safe and responsible experience. The Bishop only works with the caterers from this list who have agreed to adhere to our event policies.

Preferred Caterers
3 C’s Catering  813-486-2671 3cscatering.net
Bluewater Catering  941-518-0571 bluewatercatering.com
Innovative Dining  941-928-9424 innovative-dining.com
Sarasota Catering Co  941-927-7675 sarasotacateringcompany.com
Simply Gourmet Catering  941-929-0066 simplygourmetcaterers.com

 

Additional Approved Caterers
Curated Catering  941-321-6812 curatedcateringevents.com
Delectables Fine Catering  727-781-1200 delectablescatering.com
Exotic Gourmet 941-341-8290 exoticgourmet.com
Harry’s Continental Catering  941-383-0777 harryskitchen.com
Mattison’s Catering  941-921-3400 mattisons.com
Milan Catering  941-312-0000 milancatering.com
Morton’s Gourmet Catering  941-955-9856 mortonsmarket.com
Pier 22  941-748-8087 pier22catering.com
Pink Cloud 941-217-6425 pinkcloudcatering.com
Popi’s Place Catering  941-345-7229 popisplace.com
Puff N’ Stuff Catering  813-712-7833 puffnstuff.com
Bar Service Only Companies
Bar Artistry 407-252-3293 www.barartistry.com
Buzzed and Beyond 813-335-7670 www.buzzedandbeyond.com 
Hook, Line & Drinker 727-314-6400 www.hldrinker.com
Spunky Spirits 913-431-7131 www.spunkyspirits.com
Tap and Toast Mobile bar www.tapandtoastmobilebar.com
The Wandering Whale 941-650-9950 www.thewanderingwhale.com

 

All caterers are required to pay a 10% facility fee to the Museum.

Suggested Vendor List





Planners
DJs

 

Bakeries
Event Rentals
Photography/Video/Photobooths
Accommodations

FAQ





Q: How do I secure my date?

A: $1000 non-refundable deposit.

  • Goes towards your rental proposal total
  • Contracts must be signed to complete booking process
  • Deposits can be made via cash, check, or card
  • Credit card authorization form required
Q: What is event insurance?

A: We do require liability insurance from the client. You will need to secure a $1,000,000 policy naming The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature as the certificate holder. You may use the following websites to obtain it:

www.theeventhelper.com/  |  www.wedsafe.com

Q: How long is my facility rental?

A: Facility rentals are from 3pm-Midnight, Including set up and break down time. The Jeannie Kirkpatrick Boardroom can be reserved from 10am-Midnight. The Planetarium Lobby is available from 4pm-Midnight.

Q: What deadlines should I be aware?

A: The following are due 30 days prior to your event:

  • Final rehearsal and walk-through request

  • Adding early set-up time

  • Confirmed vendor list provided

Q: What are some best practices?

A:

  • A planner or event coordinator is required to ensure your day runs smoothly.
  • Guests are allowed inside the event space starting at 5:15pm due to safety protocol and Museum procedures.
  • Events and alcohol cannot start/be served until after 5:30pm.
  • Manatees may not be present and are typically released between January and March.
  • Lights in the manatee habitat will turn off at 5pm when the Animal Care staff leave.
  • Exhibits change and spaces can be impacted; notice will be provided accordingly.
10am—5pm Tuesday—Saturday | Noon—5pm Sunday | Closed Monday