Science Center Weddings and Receptions

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is the perfect venue for your natural wedding.

Choose from various locations. Rentals are subject to availability. If your wedding ceremony is on Church Island, the Science Center can transport your guests comfortably on our covered pontoon boats.

Squam Lake Charters

Restrictions on group size and other limitations are in place due to Covid-19. For information or questions, contact Visitor Services Manager Sarah Wall by email or call 603-968-7194 x 147.

Wedding Venues

Kirkwood Gardens

Kirkwood Gardens wedding Beautiful Kirkwood Gardens is available for your wedding ceremony or simple special event (not requiring a tent or catering), mid-June through mid-October. Kirkwood Gardens includes both sunny and shady garden beds complete with granite steps, curving paths, benches, and fountains to delight your guests. The gardens feature a wide variety of flowering trees and shrubs, perennials, ferns, and annuals that thrive in our northern New England climate. The lower garden is perfect for strolling. The pergola and bench under the old apple tree offer delightful settings for your photographs.

Kirkwood Gardens Fee: $1,000. An additional refundable $100 security deposit is required.

The fee includes:

Use of the gardens
Parking
Restroom facilities in the adjacent Red Barn
Electricity
Science Center staff member on site during function

Fox Meadow

Ballfield Fox Meadow will accommodate a large tent (up to 60x100 feet). The Meadow is close to Kirkwood Gardens. It is open to the south and east.

Fox Meadow Fee: $4,000. An additional refundable $100 security deposit is required.

The fee includes:

Use of the field
Parking
Restroom facilities in the Red Barn
Electricity
Science Center staff member on site during function

Lake Cruise Headquarters

Lake Cruise Headquarters features a covered pavilion (26x42 feet) on the Squam Channel.

Lake Cruise Headquarters Fee: $1,500. An additional refundable $100 security deposit is required.

The fee includes:

Use of the covered pavilion
Parking
Restroom facilities in Headquarters
Electricity (solar powered)
Science Center staff member on site during function

Eben Gannett, 03/26/19
This is by far one the best not so hidden gems of Central New Hampshire! While it functions similarly to a zoo the goal of the facility is to rehabilitate and care for local animals found in the white mountains fo NH. The animals who stay are there for medical or other legitimate reasons to keep them from living in the wild and are given wonderful care. The staff that works there is knowledgable and kind, eager to answer any questions about the animals you may have. The path to see all the animals is fun and equivalent to many easy day hikes with spots to picnic, and a wonderful play/learning area for the young and young at heart. It is a place my family loves to visit time and time again, never getting board of the wonderful animals, new things to learn, and great day that always ensues.
Sandra Lungariello, 06/10/18
My Husband and I stopped here on the way home from visiting Mt. Washington, and we were pleasantly surprised! It was very clean and well maintained, and there were a lot of healthy active animals. We did the live animal exhibit trail...I’m pregnant and wanted something nice and easy. We took our time and it took about 2 hours (if you have kids, there’s so much to do with them, like a playground and picnic area). There were many benches, most of it was in the shade, no big hills, and it was very stroller friendly and handicap accessible. It was so educational, and lots of care and thought went into all of the exhibits, great for kids and adults! Can’t wait to take the baby back here in a few years!
Nick Phelps, 05/04/19
Great NH Day for Familia!! There's many added Attractions for the kiddos and always interesting things for Adults Aswell
Naomi Mills, 05/08/21
Beautiful day at SLNSC! Loved the new zip swing and Raptor Exibit! The otters were adorable as usual and the deer were as friendly as ever! 😀
Ashley Arnone, 08/03/19
Lots to see, nice trails easy enough for a toddler to walk and explore. There is even a playground for kids. There is a picnic area just inside with plenty of tables and a place to buy snacks if you didn't pack your own.