Affordable Wedding: Weddings, Simple and Sweet at the Penn Museum	Print Issue
,

Last year, according to CNNMoney, the average cost of a wedding was $28,400. It’s enough to make some pause before saying “yes” to that romantic proposal.

For those with lots of love but less disposable income, the Penn Museum in Philadelphia now offers a unique alternative for the betrothed: Weddings, Simple and Sweet, a simple ceremony in a world-renowned museum, all for a very sweet price.

For just $350, couples can book their wedding at the Penn Museum, Mondays through Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., based upon gallery and room availability. Locations for “I do’s” include the awe-inspiring Egypt (Sphinx) Gallery, with 3,200-year-old pillars and a 12-ton Sphinx from Memphis, Egypt; the light-filled Mosaic Gallery, featuring ancient Roman mosaics and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto inner gardens; and the newly renovated Kinter-Dietrich and Widener gallery spaces. Ceremonies may run up to 45 minutes, and couples may invite up to 25 guests. The Museum provides seating and a basic sound system, if needed. Before or after the ceremony, the wedding party may spend some time taking photographs in the Museum.

A few simple extras are available at reasonable rates: if the couple lacks an officiant, the Museum can provide a certified officiant to perform weddings, based on availability, for $50. For an additional fee, the couple can conclude the ceremony with a champagne toast.

Atiya German, the Penn Museum’s Director of Facility Rentals, came up with the concept of Weddings, Simple and Sweet, after conferring with many young couples eager to have an elegant ceremony within their means. “We are happy to work with couples on far more elaborate weddings and receptions—which have grown increasingly popular here at the Museum,” noted Ms. German, “but we wanted to provide a genuine, and genuinely memorable, wedding experience for people who, for all kinds of reasons, aren’t open to an expensive event. We think we can make that happen here in a big way.”

Each Wedding, Simple and Sweet comes with a very special gift: a one-year Dual Penn Museum membership for the couple.

“It’s part of the package,” noted Ms. German. “We hope, with the unforgettable memories they make, our newlywed couples will remain members for many years to come.”

Brides and grooms-to-be can view Wedding, Simple and Sweet pictures on a new Pinterest page (sign in required). Details about weddings, simple and not so simple, and rental opportunities for other events, are online. Ms. German can be reached at (215) 898-3024, or by email at rentals@upenn.edu