Your go-to Philbrook Museum of Art wedding guide.
I have personally coined the Philbrook Museum of Art the Tuscany of the South! It is a hidden gem in Tulsa, OK that emulates Tuscany through its architecture and gardens. The first time I went there, my jaw was on the floor in disbelief that this was a venue in Oklahoma and not Europe. If you're looking for the Italian countryside feel without the cost and distance to get there, this Museum is an amazing option. For a documentary-style wedding, the Philbrook Museum offers endless opportunities for candids and spontaneuous moments, from cocktail hour in the gardens, to dinner party reception on the front lawn. If you haven't seen Sophia Bush's iconic wedding here, you NEED to google it asap. The museum's historic charm and timeless architecture, is the picture perfect venue to say "I do".
Best time of year to get married at the Philbrook?
Between cooler weather and seasonal foliage-- April-early June or September to early November would be best for a fully outdoor wedding! With cooler temperature and spring flowers or fall foliage, these months would be ideal. However, with multiple indoor options any month can work!
Ceremony Space options?
The Philbrook offers 9 different ceremony space options accommodating anywhere between 100-400 people, and 7 different reception space options. All info & descriptions sourced from the booking guide, found here!
Front Lawn (accommodates 400)- The original double front doors to the 1927 Philbrook Villa are welcomed by a sweeping circle drive and a grand lawn capable of hosting hundreds. Just inside the original stucco tower fence, the beautiful but tough lawn is suited for sweeping tented events.
Mabee Lobby and Rotunda (accommodates 250)- Want to make a grand entrance? The terrazzo floors, ornate columns and atrium present a majestically lit setting for receptions, corporate gatherings, dinner parties and epic live music and dance floors.
Guest Lounge and Westby Patio (accommodates 110)- Breathtaking views of the Philbrook Gardens from the floor-toceiling glass wall make for an indoor event with an outdoor feeling. The patio and amphitheater style garden is great for dinners, lounging, bands and cocktails
Villa Terrace and Great Hall (accommodates 100)- A country house in a city setting, the Villa Great Hall & Terrace is the optimum in elegance. Framed by signature arches and limestone staircases, the Terrace landing offers panoramic views of the formal Gardens, the reflecting pool and the Tempietto.
Tempietto Lawn (accommodates 250)- Located at the bottom of our informal gardens, you’ll find our iconic Tempietto. The picturesque lawn provides a beautiful green backdrop to ceremonies and receptions alike
South Formal Garden (accommodates 250)- The South Formal Garden is the largest formal garden event space on the grounds. Renovated in the early 2000’s, the garden is capped by the Villa and the “Summer House” Six arched niches with benches and power access make for a beautiful and versatile space.
East Formal Garden (accommodates 200)- As you wander from the terrace to the creek, you’ll experience the seamless transition from formal to informal, reminiscent of the timeless elegance of Italian villa gardens. With fountains, pools, and long terraces adorned with lush zoysia lawns, the landscape becomes a picturesque wonderland.
Patti Johnson Wilson Auditorium (accommodates 250)- This intimate theater offers full audio- visual, with backstage access to a private, furnished green room for pre-show needs. Floor-length curtains open to reveal Terrace and garden views
Tandy Pavilion (accommodates 250)- Philbrook’s newest addition will open in late Summer 2025! A grand covered pavilion on the south of campus will give you wide views of the Villa and Gardens and provide a beautiful indoor and outdoor option for your night.
Budget?
Depending on day of the week a Ceremony & Reception rental will range from $10,000-15,000. However, reception only & ceremony only rental is offered starting at $8,000 and $4,000. All wedding packages come with many amenities including garden chairs, set-up, tear-down, security, golf carts, and more. Optional add-ons including full access to galleries and gardens, and more!! For more details look here.
Is there a Micro wedding option?
Yes!! For 40 guests or less you can have the micro wedding of your dreams. Ceremony & reception spaces are priced at $5,000 with several included amenities and optional add-ons including access to full galleries and gardens.
Fun Wedding dresses that would be iconic at the Philbrook
This collection highlights silhouettes, corset gowns, and chantilly lace, that would compliment the historic architecture of the Philbrook so well.
For a more affordable option, Anthropolgie has incredible dresses that would look so chic during the reception on the lawn , specifically this one with the neck scarf and drop waist satin gown.
If you want to play off the art in the galleries, any of Danielle Frankel's collections would fit. Each dress is uniquely a work of art and would compliment the space so well.
If you're wanting to embody running-around-the-gardens-at-an-estate, selkie dresses are the move and most dresses are under $1,000.
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