Historical landmarks and other tourist attractions you can rent for your wedding day
Why not make your wedding day a historical one?
Dominique Cojuangco's wedding to businessman Michael Hearn over the weekend wasn't just the talk of the town. It was history in the making.
That's because their wedding reception was cemented in time at the National Museum of Natural History, an already monumental venue further elevated by event stylist Gideon Hermosa.
The temporary closure of the said venue caught the attention of netizens, including one who explained that the National Museum is open to be rented for events.
Sorry but I’m not taking sides. The National Museum is really open to be rented for events. I think it’s on their website. Wanted to rent it for an international event before but the logistics isn’t easy. Transporting high level officials to and from their hotels is risky.
— K! (@JosefinaBalmes) March 5, 2023
PhilSTAR L!fe presents these historical landmarks and other tourist attractions in Metro Manila that you can rent for your big wedding day.
National Museum
Among the services included on the website of the National Museum is venue rental.
The museum lists its guidelines and application form for venue rental, with interested patrons sending their letter of request to [email protected].
Venues available for rental as of April 2021 include the National Museum of Fine Arts (Auditorium, Sergio Osmeña Function Hall, Claro M. Recto Function Hall), National Museum of Anthropology (Marble Hall, Courtyard, Ayala Room, Reception Hall), National Museum of Natural History (The Shell Philippines Centennial Courtyard upper or lower, Hyundai Philippines Entrance Hall, North Function Hall, BDO East Function Hall, BDO South Function Hall), and outdoor locations (The Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom or Lapulapu Monument, as well as Binhi ng Kalayaan, among others).
Intramuros
The Walled City has several event spaces suitable for different occasions. Specifically designated for weddings is the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens, which is high in demand. Meanwhile, the "more intimate" indoor Teatrillo is better suited for conferences and seminars.
Intramuros encourages organizers to book their events at the Intramuros Administration's One Door Processing Center, located at the fifth floor of the Palacio del Gobernador Building along General Luna Street.
To avoid the logistical headache, you can also simply book dedicated wedding planning services such as Intramuros Weddings and Events.
Cultural Center of the Philippines
Couples who wish to rent the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) venues and facilities may refer to its official Citizen's Charter for the detailed coordination process.
CCP venues can be found here. They consist of theatrical spaces where theater geeks can exchange wedding vows complete with a movie-themed setting.
The Venue Operations Division, in particular, ensures venue availability for CCP productions and programs, as well as other lessees and venue users.
Philippine International Convention Center
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is Asia’s first international convention center. It has also seen many personal "firsts" among the many events it has hosted.
It has venues that can host any type of event, including conventions, religious gatherings, meetings, graduations, concerts, and, of course, weddings.
Guests can get a simple cost estimate of their chosen venue without a guaranteed booking through the PICC website. This does not include the cost of meals, audio-visual equipment, and other services.
Camp Aguinaldo
Even the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is also famous for serving as a military base in 1940, see couples fall into each other's arms.
Camp Aguinaldo houses several possible wedding venues in its vicinity. These include the AFP Commissioned Officers Club House, Daza Park, Immaculate Conception Chapel, and St. Ignatius Cathedral, among others.
For the Commissioned Officers Club, in particular, only active or retired AFP officers are authorized to sponsor a civilian affair, while the client (or the couple) and and their visitors must strictly follow guidelines. This is according to the contract for civilian function, which includes the function detail, terms of payment, menu, type of service, physical arrangement, as well as terms and conditions for renting the venue.
