TRAILS ARE OPEN! Every day 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) Note that tickets will show as unavailable in our online ticketing system on the day of. You can purchase tickets onsite at the Admissions window.
Wedding at Kirkwood Gardens. Photo by John Sabino Photography

Science Center Weddings and Receptions

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

Ideally located on the channel of Squam Lake, the Science Center offers two locations, Fox Meadow and Kirkwood Gardens, and charter cruises to Chocorua "Church" Island. Rentals are subject to availability. Bring your wedding Nearer to Nature.

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Wedding Venues

Fox Meadow

For cermonies and receptions, May through October

Capacity: 350

Fox MeadowFox Meadow is a flat, grassy, half-acr field located directly across from the Science Center's Lake Cruise Headquarters on beautiful Squam Lake. The Meadow is close to Kirkwood Gardens. It is open to the south and east. It will accommodate a large tent (up to 60x100 feet).

Fox Meadow Fee: $7,500. An additional refundable $100 security deposit is required.

The fee includes:

  • Use of the field
  • Indoor Restrooms
  • Private Parking Lot
  • Electricity and Water
  • Science Center staff member on-site during function

Kirkwood Gardens

For cermonies only, mid-June through mid-October

Capacity: 350

Kirkwood Gardens weddingKirkwood Gardens includes both shade and sun beds planted with a wide variety of blooming flowers, trees, shrubs, and ferns adapted to the northern New England climate. Plants that are attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies are central to the garden’s design. A series of granite steps lead from the shaded upper garden to the sunny, informal lower garden. A beautiful wooden pergola covered with a variety of vines is located at the west end of the lower garden. A perfect setting to exchange nuptials.

Kirkwood Gardens Fee: $3,500. An additional refundable $100 security deposit is required.

The fee includes:

  • Cermony under the pergola, lower lawn
  • Cocktail Reception Venue, upper lawn
  • Bar Venue on the Bluestone Patio
  • Indoor Restrooms
  • Private Parking Lot
  • Electricity and Water
  • Science Center staff member on-site during function
Bundle both locations (Fox Meadow and Kirkwood Gardens) for $10,000.

Boats to Church Island

Mid-May through mid-October

Capacity: 20 to 25 per boat

Couples looking to exchange their nuptials on Church Island must secure their date prior to reserving their Lake Cruise Wedding Shuttle (churchisland.org). Our experienced captains will bring your guests to Chocorua “Church” Island on our comfortable covered pontoon boats. Or host a cocktail party or other unique Squam Lake gathering. We can customize charters to fit your specific needs. Four boats are available. Learn More about Charter Cruises

For information or questions, contact Membership and Events Coordinator Joy Huke by email or call 603-968-7194 x 147.
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