photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
If “love is space and time measured with the heart,” as Proust famously wrote, perhaps a space devoted to the passage of time is the perfect venue for a couple to say, “I Do.” The History Museum of Mobile is housed in the Old City Hall national landmark in downtown Mobile. “Our tagline is Our Story Starts Here, so we love to use it in weddings: YOUR story starts here,” said Stephanie Evans, Marketing and Events Manager.
photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
Multiple event spaces seamlessly facilitate the flow of the evening. Start in the iconic marble lobby featuring historic murals from the 1930s. The monumental marble staircase is the perfect place to make a grand entrance. Afterwards, celebrate and dance the night away in the atrium, formerly home to the Southern Market.
photo Jennie Tewell Photography
Then catch your breath with a stroll through the Caldwell Delaney Courtyard. This uniquely picturesque, versatile outdoor space also sets the perfect tone for intimate wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, wine tastings, bridal luncheons and more.
photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
photo Jennie Tewell Photography
Several flex spaces relieve pre-wedding planning and weather concerns. The Auditorium serves as a back-up plan for the courtyard in the event of inclement weather. The Museum Classroom is also available as an excellent staging and storage area for the big event. Vendors can access the classroom to drop off supplies and décor on Friday for a Saturday wedding. 
photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
The History Museum of Mobile’s knowledgeable event staff assists couples with details, such as recommendations for vendors and accommodations for out-of-town guests. There are three hotels located within a block of the museum and multiple restaurants in walking distance. The museum does not have exclusive relationships with outside vendors or hotels, allowing couples to create the wedding of their dreams without limiting their choices.
“Our only advice is think twice before having a wedding in the middle of a Mardi Gras parade!” laughed Museum Director Meg McCrummen Fowler. “That has happened. Our incredible staff made it work, and the wedding turned out amazingly well. Their guests had a blast. Just know that we are on the parade route during Mardi Gras season, so that could be a big part of your day.”
photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
Couples interested in booking a wedding are encouraged to call 12 to 18 months before their event date, but it is not unusual for the museum to schedule a wedding six months from the big day. After a couple calls, they generally take a tour of the museum. Evans is available to help the couples choose their event spaces, understand their options and navigate some of the intricacies of managing an event during the museum’s hours of operation.
For example, during normal business hours, museum patrons are routed around the wedding festivities. However, the couple may wish to have the galleries and exhibits open to wedding guests after hours. There is an additional fee to cover the cost of security.
“We are here to do whatever we can to ensure that the couple and their guests have a wonderful experience,” said Fowler. “This is such a uniquely beautiful place. You feel shrouded in the history and it truly becomes part of your story as well.”
photo courtesy of The History Museum of Mobile
For more information about the History Museum of Mobile, visit the website or contact Marketing and Events Manager Stephanie Evans at 251-301-0273 or email [email protected].
