Special Event Venue - Book Party Location at The Bishop

Special Event Venue - Book Party Location at The Bishop
Weddings and Event Rentals at The Bishop
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.
Schedule a Tour
Take a Virtual Tour
Download Brochure (PDF 5MB)
South Courtyard
Tierney Lane
Jeanie Kirkpatrick Boardroom
Riverside Plaza
Planetarium Theater & Lobby
Cocktail Hour Spaces
Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Mosaic Backyard Universe
South Courtyard
The historic South Courtyard provides a lovely outdoor space for ceremonies and receptions. This Spanish-inspired setting is ideal for celebrations big and small. Overhead string lighting lends a romantic and elegant feel to a night filled with love. The Spanish columns and a lighted water fountain add a touch of class and sophistication. There is a capacity to host up to 225 guests with a dance floor. The courtyard space shares a glass wall that allows visitors to 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 PACKAGE
Amenities for 120 guests
Boardroom 12pm-12am
Bridal Suite or Bridal Party Lounge
(120) White Garden Chairs
(15) 60” Round Tables
Auxiliary Banquet Tables
Cocktail Hour Space (your choice!)
Cocktail Tables
Linens and Napkins
Tierney Lane (NEW for 2026 and Beyond!)
Bridal Suite for Bridal party
Max Capacity of space is  225 with a dance floor
Courtyard Package is a savings of $1100 vs a la carte pricing!
Saturday $9,000
Friday/Sunday $8,000
SOUTH COURTYARD RENTAL ONLY
Saturday $6,000
Friday/Sunday $5,000
Monday-Thursday $3,000
The Bishop Museum is Proud to partner with Tierney Lane Events!
Tierney Lane is a curated boutique bridal suite designed to elevate the pre-ceremony experience for couples. It adds an element of luxury to getting ready and enhances the wedding experience!
This fantastic space is a short 4-minute drive from the Museum and allows your bridal party to relax and get ready in their various bridal suites. There is one for gentlemen and one for the ladies, but if you are concerned with being too close without seeing each other, the Museum offers our Boardroom option as well!
TIERNEY LANE PACKAGE
Up to (30) guests
Seven hours of time included
No overnight items left on site
The kitchen is available for use
Speakers throughout the space
Men’s and women’s quarters available
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, 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. There is direct access from the main sidewalk in front of the
Museum
for easy load in and out.
Kitchenette
Projection Screen
Restrooms
Venue Space:
1/2 Day 3pm-Midnight
$800
Full Day 10am-Midnight
$1000
A La Carte Rental:
$100/hr
Capacity 75 standing/50 Seated
Tables and Chairs Included
Riverside Plaza
Breathe in the smell of the waterfront while your eyes take in the beautiful scenery of the
Riverside Plaza
. This space boasts a hefty guest capacity of 400, making it perfect for galas, large weddings, or corporate family event days. Say, “I do,” under the mighty oak. Entice your employees with a corporate family fun day here with outdoor games perched on the
West Garden
. This space also includes the inside use of private, clean, large restrooms. The large, wood-planked wall is the perfect canvas for innovative design choices. Be bold and host your event here.
Amenities for 150 guests
Cocktail hour space
Your choice of any of our cocktail hour spaces!
Indoor Gallery Restrooms
(150) White Garden Chairs
(19) 60” rounds
Up to (8) Cocktail Tables
Auxiliary Banquet Tables
Tierney Lane Bridal Suite
Linens & Napkins
Venue Space:
3pm-Midnight
Capacity 400
Package Price $7,000
Riverside Plaza Rental Only
Saturday
$4500
Friday/Sunday
$3800
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 for 100 in theater-style seating. The
Theater
also allows for the projection of provided photos or slides. The
Planetarium
lobby, with a celestial painted ceiling, is excellent for an upscale cocktail hour, pre-wedding 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 space, which can be added to make a combined experience at the
Museum
even more out of this world!
Cocktail hour Space
$400 with (5) cocktail tables
Theatre Ceremony
$700
Lobby Event
$1000 (4pm-Midnight)
Planetarium add-ons
starting at $350
Inquire for more information on pricing and customization!
Capacity 100 Seated in Planetarium/125 in Lobby
Tables and Chairs Additional.
Cocktail Hour Spaces
Treat your guests to additional experience spaces throughout the
Museum
during cocktail hour. Indoor and outdoor options are available.
Cocktail Hour Spaces:
$400/hour
5 cocktail tables included. Linens are an additional fee.
Gallery 2
Loggia
West Garden
Mosaic Backyard Universe
Gallery 2
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 to display slideshows for your event 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.
Galleries 2 & 3
Projector System in Gallery 2
Restrooms
Prep Kitchen
3pm-Midnight
Gallery 2
$1,500
Gallery 3
$1,800
Both Galleries
$2,500
Gallery 3
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.
Galleries 2 & 3
Projector System in Gallery 2
Restrooms
Prep Kitchen
3pm-Midnight
Gallery 2
$1,500
Gallery 3
$1,800
Both Galleries
$2,500
Mosaic Backyard Universe
Create joy and wonder amongst your guests in the
Mosaic Backyard Universe
with an intimate ceremony under the life-like mighty oak surrounded by stars and planets. This space is designed for groups to play and discover and is perfect for groups of all ages. The peaceful atmosphere creates a space for your next book club, poetry group, speaking engagement, or even a surprise proposal. Your guests will never forget this space that mixes the outdoors with the indoors while exploring the interactive, hands-on exhibits highlighting the world around us.
Indoor Restrooms
Capacity 120
Tables & chairs additional
Cocktail Hour
$500
Add-On to Any Gallery
$500 for Both Spaces
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
Precious Moments Events – Michelle Borerro
preciousmomentseventsllc.com
941.301.9509
michelle@preciousmomentseventsllc.com
Shy Chic Boutique – Cheyenne Weiss
facebook.com/shychicboutique
941.350.1371
Brittany Bauer Events
brittanybauerevents.com
813.380.0523
brittanybauerevents@gmail.com
Janova Events
janovaevents.com
727.209.7945
planning@janovaevents.com
Popped Event Planning
poppedeventplanning.com
813.833.0976
sydney@poppedeventplanning.com
Sashi Baez – BB Weddings & Events
bbweddingsandevents.com
941.586.1629
hello@bbweddingsandevents.com
Taylor Falcon Events – Taylor Falcon
taylorfalconevents.com
813.777.7549
DJs
Celebrations 24
celebrations24.com
727.289.1684
dave@celebrations24.com
DJ Lira – Karolina Lira
djlira.com
941.284.7027
dj.lira@yahoo.com
First Class Entertainment
tampadj.com
813.714.5476
info@tampadj.com
Gabrielle Events
gabrielle-events.com
516.426.7551
info@gabrielle-events.com
Grainger Entertainment
graingertainment.com
844.933.5001
info@graingertainment.com
Grant Hemond & Associates
granthemond.com
727.376.8770
Info@grantthemond.com
Jam All Day Entertainment – Jamaal
jamallday.com
941.321.4663
info@jamallday.com
TLS Entertainment
tlsentertainmentfl.com
941.302.4430
info@tlsentertainmentfl.com
Bakeries
Cakes By Ron
cakesbyron.com
941.365.2991
ron@cakesbyron.com
Sapore Della Vita
saporedellavita.com
941.914.4256
sales@saporedellavita.com
Stackd Cake Studio
stackdcakes.com
941.465.8108
stackdcakes@gmail.com
Sweets Bakehouse
sweetsbakehouse.com
941.704.3700
sweetsbakehouse@gmail.com
Florists
Oneco Flowers
onecoflorist.com
941-756-1556
Shy Chic Boutique
facebook.com/ShyChicBoutique
941-350-1371
Flowers by Fudgie
flowersbyfudgie.com
941-363-6886
Event Rentals
A Chair Affair
chairaffairrentals.com
863.698.7830
A’s Rentals
aseventrental.com
941.485.6775
As_rental@verizon.net
Gabro Event Services
gabroeventservices.com
877.870.9193
gabroeventservices@gmail.com
So Staged Event & Design
sostaged.com
941.870.8089
hello@sostaged.com
Stella Rose Events
stellaroseevents.com
941.212.0416
info@StellaRoseEvents.com
US Tent Rental
ustentrental.com
888.334.8368
info@ustentrental.com
WeberScenic Productions
weberscenicproductions.com
941.251.9444
weberscenicproductions@gmail.com
Photography/Video/Photobooths
Alera Weddings – Alexis Bedenbaugh
aleraweddings.com
Carrie Wildes Photography
chiphotography.com
727.481.5737
info@carriewildes.com
Chi Photography
carriewildes.com
813.480.0324
paul.chiphoto@gmail.com
Garry and Stacy Photography
garryandstacy.com
863.370.2730
info@garryandstacy.com
K&K Photography
kandkphotography.com
727.510.2700
info@kandkphotography.com
Feedlebee Photography
feedlebeephotography.com
541.979.7103
feedlebeephotography@icloud.com
Heather Lauren Photography
facebook.com/HeatherLaurenPhotography
941.549.0943
heatherlaurenphotography@gmail.com
Jennifer Arnold Photography
jyarnoldphotography.com
717.317.3433
info@jyarnoldphotography.com
Kirstin Shontere Photography
kshonterephotography.com
941.720.4184
Kshontere@gmail.com
Krissy Marie Photography
krissymariephoto.com
krissymariephoto@gmail.com
Love & Style Photography
loveandstylephotography.com
941.960.6485
becky@loveandstylephotogrphy.com
Olivia DeRocher Photography
oliviaderocherphoto.com
oliviaderocherrr@gmail.com
Ruth Terrero Photography
ruthterrerophoto.com
info@ruthterrerophoto.com
Sanaa’s Photography
sanaaphotographyxo.mypixieset.com
941.900.5077
sanaaphotographyxo@gmail.com
The Geigers Co
thegeigersco.com
k.geigerphoto@gmail.com
Accommodations
Room Block Assistance – Michelle Borerro
preciousmomentseventsllc.com
941.301.9509
michelle@preciousmomentseventsllc.com
Hampton Inn & Suites
Bradenton Downtown Historic District
hilton.com
941-746-9400
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bradenton
marriott.com
941-226-2200
Mobile Services
Bryan – Snack Time Now
snacktimenow.bigcartel.com
813-909-5778
team@snacktimenow.com
Kombi Keg Sarasota
kombikeg.com/united-states/sarasota
941-993-3515
steph@kombikegsarasota.com
Storii Coffee Mobile Bar
linktr.ee/storiicoffee
941-400-9400
storiicoffee@gmail.com
Corporate Pricing
The Bishop
welcomes you to exclusive event pricing for all of your corporate needs.
1st RENTAL INCLUDES:
10% off the venue space
Free 6’ and 8’ tables
Chairs $2 each
Tables $8 each
2nd RENTAL INCLUDES:
15% off the venue space
Free 6’ and 8’ tables
Chairs $1 each
Tables $4 each
3+ RENTALS INCLUDES:
20% of the venue space
Free 6’ and 8’ tables
Free white folding chairs (maximum of 100)
Free 60” round tables (maximum of 12)
*To receive discounted rates, the next event must be booked within 365 days of the last event. Some dates are subject to premium pricing. Prices and programming are subject to change.
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
In Celebration of the Grand Parade, The Bishop will be closing at 4pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
For information on the Hernando De Soto Historical Society Grand Parade road closures, visit
desotohq.com/grand-parade.