The Sheldon Museum of Art is one of the best institutions in all of Nebraska! Home to nearly 13,000 pieces of original artwork, this space is the best destination to spend your day. If you are looking for a wedding venue that brings effortless sophistication with a touch of drama, this might just be the ideal location for you! As a Lincoln wedding photographer, I adore exploring all the top settings in the city. Here is everything you need to know about hosting a Sheldon Museum wedding.
About The Sheldon Museum Wedding Venue
451 North 12th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588
Formerly known as the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, the Sheldon Museum has always been dedicated to connecting people through art. The history of this beloved center dates back to the turn of the 19th century, when the Sheldon Art Association was founded in honor of the British painter Benjamin Robert Haydon. They started out by hosting annual exhibits, moving across the buildings in the University of Nebraska. Eventually, in 1963, they were given their very own space. They hired the top architects of the time to create a completely unique experience for everyone who walked through the doors.
These days, the building is grander than ever. The walls are constructed from Italian travertine, while the suspended grand staircases in the Atrium are flooded with natural light. The exterior contains a sculpture garden with over thirty sculptures placed throughout the lush lawn. While the building itself features modern architecture, history shines throughout. From the acclaimed artwork to the carefully designed galleries, you are going to notice something brand new each time you enter. While it’s always the best place to spend a few hours, I personally think it shines brightest as a wedding venue where you can embark on your next great adventure.
Details of the Grounds
When you rent the Sheldon Museum for your wedding, you will have the freedom to plan the day of your dreams. They will act as the canvas while you pull together all the brilliant little details that will make your day stand out!
One hour before your wedding, you will have access to their boardroom. This is going to serve as your pre-wedding staging area, ideal for spending a few moments ahead of your ceremony. The venue does ask that you come to the venue dressed with your hair and makeup already done. Because of the museum’s central location, you can opt for several downtown hotels for getting ready, such as The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker and Graduate by Hilton Lincoln.
The venue will let you start your wedding after the museum closes to the public at 5:00. You will be able to choose whether you want to hold your ceremony and your cocktail reception at the site, or whether you would prefer to host half on the grounds.
If you do decide to host your ceremony here, you will have two choices: the Sculpture Garden or the Atrium. The Sculpture Garden is the ideal place for your outdoor ceremony. It delivers the intimacy of a backyard wedding while still keeping priceless works of art just feet away. Most couples choose to place their altar in front of the towering oak tree. All eyes will be on you as you make your way from the museum, past the sculptures, and up to your soon-to-be spouse!
Indoor Weddings At The Sheldon Museum
Those who prefer an indoor wedding will fall head over heels in love with The Atrium. This two-story space features floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. The building’s trademark columns show off in the backdrop while the exterior lush trees create the feeling of seclusion. The crowning jewels of this room are the twin glass staircases with glass rails. You can place your altar between them and have your wedding party stand on either side. If you do your ceremony on-site and use both sides of the Atrium, you will be able to accommodate up to 140 guests.
If you do decide to host a cocktail reception on-site, the venue will split the room into two sections to allow your wedding to seamlessly flow from one section into the next. This will take your ceremony capacity from 140 to 75. Your guests are going to have the best time ever sampling drinks while taking in this truly incredible venue!
Photography Opportunities
With the Sheldon Museum, you will have no shortage of spaces for your wedding portraits. As you take pictures with your wedding party, you can head outside and use the steps leading into the building. This space is going to give you the iconic architecture as your backdrop. You can also use this section for your couple’s portraits.
The interior of the building is fabulous for your first look pictures. You can use the staircase as well as the upper mezzanine as you share this moment together. From there, you can head out to the Sculpture Garden and grab pictures amongst the legendary works.
Finally, for your family pictures, you can use the wedding site for sun-filled pictures with your favorite people!
Wedding Details
The Sheldon Museum is going to give you the freedom to plan the day of your dreams. You will be able to choose how long you’d like your rental and what you would like it to include. While they don’t allow ceremonies until the museum closes to the public, they do let you take pictures on-site ahead of time. They will give you a little extra time for set-up and take-down. For your cocktail reception, they will require you to use their Facility Alcohol Administrator, and you will need to purchase Event Liability Insurance just to be safe!
Plan Your Dream Day At The Sheldon Museum Wedding
If you are looking for a unique space for your Lincoln wedding, I really think you are going to fall in love with a Sheldon Museum wedding. This venue has spent years curating events unlike any other!
Are you still searching for the right person to capture your celebration? Then I would love to connect! I am a Lincoln wedding photographer, and I adore working alongside couples to document every joy-filled second of their day. If you want to see if I’m a match, let’s have a conversation so you can decide for yourself. Send me a message today to find out more!
