Event Venues
Gather. Meet. Celebrate.
Event venues at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Your friends, family, and associates will be talking about your event for years to come. From elegant cocktail receptions to corporate meetings and casual gatherings, our unique assortment of museums, historic buildings, and gardens will make your special occasion extraordinary.
Some facilities have AV capabilities for meetings and presentations, please contact our Director of Outreach & Visitor Services for details.
Historic Bethlehem Event Venues
The Colonial Industrial Quarter
Featuring a variety of landscapes, backdrops, and historic sites, the Colonial Industrial Quarter is a diverse and exciting place to host an event.
A rustic, indoor location, the Luckenbach Mill is perfect for customization and accommodating of both daytime and evening events. Need more space? Open the back door and allow the evenings activities to spill out into the beautiful Colonial Industrial Quarter.
Pricing:*
- Weekend/Large Event Pricing: $3,500
- Hourly Pricing: $600 for a 3-hour minimum
- Ceremony Pricing: Starting at $1,000
Additional time can be added on for $150 per hour.
*All outdoor locations MUST be tented. Tenting provided through Approved Vendors only.
Capacity:
Maximum of 350 people for outside tented functions
Maximum of 50 people in springhouse (some heat, ceiling fans, no air conditioning)
Maximum of 30 people seated or 50 standing on first floor of Luckenbach Mill (HVAC)
Maximum 125 people seated or 200 people standing on second floor of Luckenbach Mill (HVAC)
Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received by Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites (50% of the rental fee).
"We were looking for a cozy and unique venue for my mom's memorial. My whole family could not have been happier and the place was a perfect size for many people. We wanted to be able to be walking distance from downtown Bethlehem. Having plenty of free parking was a big plus. Absolutely beautiful and great help with set up of chairs and tables that they supplied. An historic gem for any event!" ~ Karin K. April, 2018
Burnside Plantation
If your event calls for an outdoor location unlike any other in the city, look no further than the Burnside Plantation!
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and towering trees, this space is the perfect setting for large events. Burnside's majestic scenery and rustic buildings make a beautiful backdrop for special events. The meadow’s spacious green area can accommodate up to 250 seated guests.
Pricing:*
- Weekend/Large Event Pricing: $3,500
- Hourly Pricing: $600 for a 3 hour minimum
- Ceremony Pricing: Starting at $1,000
Additional time can be added on for $150 per hour.
*All outdoor locations MUST be tented. Tenting provided through Approved Vendors only.
Capacity:
- Maximum of 250 people for outside functions
- Maximum of 30 people standing or 15-20 seated in wagon shed
- Maximum of 80 people standing and 50-60 seated in barn
Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received by Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites (50% of the rental fee).
“With such strong ties to Bethlehem as well as family and friends traveling from afar to celebrate our marriage, we knew we wanted a venue that could offer both beauty and character. Our vision was unique, but the versatility of Burnside Plantation allowed us to do some amazing things, from ceremony to final sendoff and everything in between, including cocktail hour and reception. The [Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites] staff allowed us to enjoy such freedom with the venue space. Our guests were awed by the charm and beauty of the setting, and we were swept into the magic of our happiest day. We have fond memories and breathtaking imagery that captures a wedding day even more spectacular than which we could have imagined.” ~ Quin & Trevor, August 2018
The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
Art, textiles, and history create a memorable ambiance for an intimate affair or social gathering.
The Kemerer Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination sure to fascinate your discerning guests! Ideal for anything from a small wedding to a corporate retreat, the Kemerer Museum offers three distinct locations to accommodate a variety of capacities and layouts.
Pricing:
- Hourly Pricing: $600 for a 3 hour minimum
Additional time can be added on for $150 per hour.
Capacity:
- Museum and Garden: 100 guests
- First Floor: 60 – 80 for a seated reception
- Second Floor: 60 – 80 for a seated Reception
- Chapel Garden: 55 standing or 27 sitting
- Cocktail Garden: 77 standing or 38 sitting
Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received by Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites (50% of the rental fee).
"Thank you ever so much for all you did to help make Bethlehem’s Garden Club’s standard flower show, The Roaring Twenties, a delightful experience. Our club members cant say enough good things about the Kemerer Museum – opening your facility to host our judges luncheon was delightful. You were the BEST hosts - friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. It was a hectic three days but you were always accommodating and supportive. Anything we discovered we needed your folks were on the spot – ready to help us solve a problem. Thank YOU! Your tone and manner was what set the stage for a grand partnership. Moreover, the hospitality you treated us was phenomenal. It was a set up fit for kings and queens – you made us feel like royalty!" ~ Rosemary & the Bethlehem Garden Club, August 2015
The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
Housed inside the 1741 Gemeinhaus, the Moravian Museum introduces guests to the earliest history of the Bethlehem community.
The storied halls and gorgeous Saal make an intimate and unique setting for special events. Vows have been exchanged in the historic Saal of the Gemeinhaus since the colonial times!
Pricing:
- Hourly Pricing: $600 for a 3 hour minimum
Additional time can be added on for $150 per hour.
Capacity:
- Maximum of 100 people inside the Gemeinhaus
- Maximum of 60 people seated reception or 80 people for ceremony/theatre style in the Saal
Availability is based on a first come, first serve basis and is not secured until the deposit is received by Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites (50% of the rental fee).
"The venues offered by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites were incredible. We were married in the quaint Saal at the Moravian Museum in December. Our guests loved the historical value and the quaint feel of the museum. Afterwards, our party moved to the Luckenbach Mill for the cocktail hour and reception. Here we had liberty to decorate as we pleased adding lights and our own personal touches. Our guests cannot stop talking about how beautiful and unique the venues were! Not to mention all of the wonderful backdrops for the stunning photos that were taken that day! Working with the prompt and welcoming site rental coordinator couldn’t have been any easier! Getting married at the Historical Sites at Christmas time is a must… or any time for that matter!"
- Jenn & Justin Houck
Required Vendors
HBMS requires these vendors be used for your catering and event rental needs, such as catering, tents, tables, chairs, etc. Renters must use these.
Catering
Cathy's Creative Catering, Catasauqua, PA
610.443.0670 | CathysCreativeCatering.com | [email protected]
Kutztown Pub, Kutztown, PA: Food Truck
610.360.8920 | ktownpub.com
Randevoo, Bethlehem, PA: Food Truck
610.360.8953 | http://www.randevoorestaurant.com I randevoo[email protected]
Modern Fusion Catering
ModernFusionCatering.com
Sumac Catering, Easton, PA
610.462.7546 |https://www.sumaccatering.com/ | mailto:[email protected]
Catering by Karen Hunter from Sayre Mansion
610.770.1300 | KarenHunterCatering.com | [email protected]
Tent, Furniture, and Event Set Up Rentals:
Dream Events Furniture, Linens, Glassware, and more610.261.3330| www.lambert-events.com I [email protected]
Special Events, Bangor, PA: Tents, Furniture, Linens, China, Glassware, and more
610.588.5050 | specialeventsonline.com
Tents for Rent, Lititz, PA: Tents, Tables, Chairs, Generators, Lighting, and more
717.733.9700 | tentsforrent.net
Herc Rentals: Tents, Tables, Chairs, Generators, Lighting, and more
610-391-1890 | hercrentals.com | [email protected]
Portable Restrooms:
Allstate Septic, Bangor, PA
1.800.858.3111 (610.498.3111) | allstateseptic.com
Preferred Vendors
HBMS highly suggests these vendors who we work with as well:
Event Coordinators:
Borroughed with Love Co.
484.627.3625 | www.borroughedwithloveco.com | [email protected]
EMK Events LLC
484.764.7282 | emkevents.com | [email protected]
FB: Facebook.com/emkevents | IG: @emk_events
Bands and Musicians:
DJ Cap Cee, Charles Cachiguango
484.505.6052 | [email protected]
FB: facebook.com/capcee | IG: @capcee
Night Lighters LLC (DJs Arm 18, Big Sir and e-roc), Andrew McIntosh
610.730.5692 | [email protected]
Robert Peruzzi, Musical Groups
610.462.3939 | [email protected]
Bar
Hausbar
484-809-6109 I Hausbar.us I [email protected]
Presley’s Mobile Cocktail Bar
610.573.4088 | presleysbar.com | [email protected]
Specialty Furniture
Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals
610.554.1207 | thefoxandthefinch.com | [email protected]
Photographer/Photo Booth
MHNG Photography
484.221.5838 | mhngphotography.com | [email protected]
FB: facebook.com/mhngphotography
Florists
Love Blossoms Flowers and Gifts
610.438.0822 | loveblossomsflowersgifts.com | [email protected]
Desserts
Cake As Canvas LLC
215.667.1771 | https://www.cakeascanvas.com/ I [email protected]
Beauty Treatments
Richard Kroll Total Image Salon
610.266.1177 | richardkroll.com | [email protected]
Sorelle Aesthetics484.633.8866 | sorelleaesthetics.com| [email protected]
Hotels
Candlewood Suites Bethlehem South - 1630 Spillman Dr, Bethlehem, PA 18015
877 226 3539 | ihg.com/candlewood/hotels
The Comfort Suites Bethlehem - 120 W. 3rd Street Bethlehem, PA 18015
choicehotels.com/comfortinn | [email protected]
Historic Hotel Bethlehem - 437 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018*
610.625.2202 | hotelbethlehem.com
The Hyatt - 45 W. North Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
610.625.0500 | bethlehem.place.hyatt.com
Wind Creek Bethlehem Resort - 77 Wind Creek Boulevard Bethlehem, PA 18015
877.726.3777 | windcreekbethlehem.com/accommodations.html
What are the rental client's responsibilities?
- All outdoor events must be tented, thus, the client must contact Required Vendors for tenting
- Contracting with a caterer from our Required Vendors and securing bar and server staffing
- Procuring supplies such as tables, chairs, place settings, glassware, linens, etc. from Required Vendors if not rented through HBMS
- Contracting other vendors, for example florists, photographers, musicians, etc., if not selected from HBMS’s list of Preferred Vendors
How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? What is the payment plan for the entire bill?
Available dates are not guaranteed until payment is received. For weddings and receptions, a $2,000 deposit is required at time of booking, and remaining balances are due 30 days later. For ceremonies and small events, payments are due in full at time of booking. Please note that rental payments are non-refundable.
Do you have required Caterers/Vendors?
We have a list of Required and Preferred Vendors that we use for Site Rentals. All catering, tenting, and rentals must be selected from our list of Required Vendors.
What about DJs, Florists, Photographers, Wedding Planners, etc?
Our list of Preferred Vendors contains reputable companies that we work with and are familiar with our sites. IF a service is needed that is not listed on the Preferred Vendor List then the renter may be allowed to go outside of the Preferred Vendor List with prior approval from the Site Rental Coordinator. Outside vendors must provide a certificate of liability insurance naming Historic Bethlehem Museum & Sites as an additional insured. This certificate must be provided to HBMS at least four weeks prior to your event.
Are there any additional fees?
We offer a variety of items and packages available for an additional charge. Ask your event venues coordinator for more information.
For large events, what is the timeline for set-up and tear-down?
Set up for Wedding/Receptions: You are provided with 3-4 hours of set up time (depending on the venue). Wedding parties are encouraged to set up between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Rental item delivery by vendors, set up, decorating, and wedding rehearsals may take place during this time frame. HBMS Staff does not set up the layout nor break down events. Renters are responsible for break down and removing all personal belongings from the barn (decorations, food, furniture, etc.). Rehearsal ceremonies are available at 4pm-5pm the day prior to the wedding.
*Renters are responsible for all delivery and pick-ups and must coordinate these in advance with HBMS staff. *
Day of Event: Set up and use of prep spaces (for bridal party and groomsmen only) may begin no earlier than 12pm and all personal belongings must be removed from said spaces at the closure of the event. Wedding and receptions last 5 hours, ending no later than 10pm. All food, catering, and bar service-related items must be removed from the facility at the conclusion of the function (which may be requested of caterers/ bartenders in advance). Clean up is 1 hour following the event. All trash must be thrown out. Anything left behind will be disposed of. Within 48 hours of event, any items left behind will become the property of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. Any items left behind that are a cost for HBMS to remove will result in a full loss of the renter’s security deposit.
What is the timeline for hourly events?
Hourly events are provided with same day set up and tear down. Hourly events are provided with 1 hour of event set up and 1 hour of tear down time.
What if my event is outside and it rains?
HBMS is not liable for any inclement weather. Should the situation arise, you are responsible for determining a back up rain plan (ex: tenting). Please determine your back up plan and confirm with our Event Venues Coordinator 90 days before the event date.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes. Alcoholic beverages may be dropped off during the set-up schedule but cannot be moved to the designated bar area until 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. Please note, all alcohol must be served by a RAMP certified employee who is insured.
Can I hire my own bartender?
You may hire your own bartender outside of selected catering services. We require a copy of the bartender’s valid certification 4 weeks before the event. Shots are prohibited on HBMS property, failure to comply will void the security deposit.
Can I and my guests smoke at the site?
Smoking is prohibited in and near the buildings. A designated smoking area with sand buckets is required.
What decorations are allowed?
Placement of flowers and decorations, location of bar and food service must be arranged in advance. This includes items hung on the inside or outside of the structures located on the site. Only thumb tacks will be permitted. Any items “tossed” at the event (i.e. birdseed, flower petals, bubbles) must disintegrate immediately or be safe for wildlife and the environment.
Are candles, fireworks, or sparkler send-offs allowed?
Fireworks and candles are prohibited. All sparklers require written approval from HBMS and a fire permit from the city before use. Sparklers are only permitted outside at Burnside Plantation & Colonial Industrial Quarter, and must be away from all buildings. HBMS reserves the right to prohibit the use depending on weather or other conditions.
Are dogs allowed?
Family-friendly dogs are allowed on the property on-leash. Please bring pick-up bags to clean up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed inside the buildings.
Are there public restrooms?
Restrooms are available at all Historic Bethlehem event venues. Burnside Plantation’s restrooms can accommodate groups under 150. For groups larger than 150 including all guests, vendors, site personnel, facility trailers or portables are required at Burnside Plantation. Facility trailers and portables should be purchased through a required vendor.
