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A New Venue for London Jewish Weddings: Introducing the Natural History Museum’s New Garden Kitchen

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If you’re looking for a breathtaking venue for your Jewish wedding in London, we’ve got exciting news for you. The Natural History Museum, one of the most majestic wedding venues in the capital, has just launched a stunning new indoor-outdoor event space – the Garden Kitchen.

The Natural History Museum has long been a favourite for couples seeking a wedding with a touch of grandeur, thanks to its famous Romanesque arches, jaw-dropping exhibits, and of course the iconic Hope the blue whale. And now, with the introduction of the Garden Kitchen as a new space perfect for an indoor-outdoor Jewish wedding, you have even more ways to make your wedding day truly extraordinary.

All About the Garden Kitchen

Nestled in the museum’s beautifully transformed Evolution Garden, the Garden Kitchen offers an open-plan space with wooden beams and expansive windows that allow natural light to flood in. Available for exclusive hire after museum hours, the Garden Kitchen is the perfect venue for any summer evening celebration, from a chic reception to a full-scale wedding.

Just imagine standing under the chuppah under the gaze of Fern the Diplodocus, surrounded by flowers, plants, and the sounds of nature (yes, even in bustling South Kensington you really will feel like you’re nestled in a calm oasis away from it all). The Garden Kitchen can accommodate up to 300 guests for standing, or 100 for a seated dinner.

A Natural History Museum Wedding

The Garden Kitchen is just the beginning when it comes to the museum’s wedding offerings. With the adjoining Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens, the grand Hintze Hall (accommodating 450 for dinner and dancing), and the more intimate Earth Hall (accommodating 200 for dinner and dancing), the museum has spaces perfect for all kinds of Jewish weddings. If you’re planning a really big bash, you could even hire the whole museum: for the first time, the Natural History Museum is offering exclusive full-day hire of its entire venue!

Jewish Wedding Experts

In addition to the breathtaking spaces, another perk of getting married at the Natural History Museum is that the dedicated events team are seasoned Jewish wedding pros. They know all the ins and outs that make Jewish weddings so special, and they’ll be on hand to assist you from the planning stage right through to delivery on the day. And with kosher catering partner Dvash available to provide contemporary gourmet cuisine for couples who require kosher certification, you’ve got everything you need for the Jewish wedding of your dreams.

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Why Crystal Springs Resort Is the Perfect Spot for Your New York Metro Jewish Wedding Weekend

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Photo by Uri Arnson Wedding Photography 

If you’re dreaming of a New York-area wedding weekend that combines the charm of the countryside with all the luxury and sophistication you could ask for, we’ve got just the place for you: Crystal Springs Resort. Nestled in New Jersey’s Sussex County, just an hour from New York City, this incredible destination offers the ideal setting for a Jewish wedding weekend filled with unforgettable moments.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

The Resort offers a variety of different venues that can accommodate large parties, with spaces to suit the Jewish wedding of your dreams and accommodate each part of your special day.

Each season at Crystal Springs Resort has its own special attractions. In spring and summer, enjoy the rural landscape and relaxed pace that make a country escape enticing. If you love the bright colors of fall, get ready for a spectacular panorama as the mountains shimmer with gorgeous red and gold leaves. In winter, you and your guests can add some excitement to your stay with nearby skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.

Photo by Tom Haas

Your Wedding Weekend, Your Way

Kick off the festivities with a welcome reception and set the tone for an amazing and unforgettable gathering, and spend a day before the wedding bonding with your nearest and dearest over rounds of golf, spa days, invigorating outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the resort’s breathtaking mountain views.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Then, celebrate your nuptials with breathtaking sunsets and mountain views, followed by an unparalleled cocktail hour and extraordinary reception.

Photo by Anthony Ziccardi Studios

Keep the celebration going with an over-the-top after party and exceptional brunch to round out your most memorable weekend ever. At Crystal Springs Resort, your celebration is more than a wedding—it’s a weekend-long love story, shared with those who matter most.

Photo by Custom by Nicole 

A Venue as Unique as Your Vision

Crystal Springs Resort boasts four exceptional properties, each with a variety of spaces to suit your specific style, guest count, and budget. Whether you envision a grand ballroom affair or a rustic outdoor celebration, you’ll find the perfect venue here.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

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Farewell to a Bridal Icon: Find Your Dream Dress for up to 75% Off at Steven Birnbaum’s Closing Sale, December 4 – 15

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It’s the end of an era in the bridal world. After over 40 years of crafting breathtaking gowns for brides and eveningwear aficionados alike, the legendary Steven Birnbaum is closing the doors of his Chelsea, NYC, atelier. As he prepares to step into a well-earned retirement, he’s offering one final gift to the brides-to-be of the world: a farewell sale of one-of-a-kind couture pieces at an incredible 70-75% off retail prices.

For those who know Steven’s work, this is a bittersweet moment. His designs have graced countless weddings, galas, and celebrations, each piece lovingly created with the skill and artistry that comes from decades of dedication.

From his beginnings in costume design, creating pieces for theatre and dance that balanced beauty with functionality, to his celebrated collaboration with Robert Bullock in launching Birnbaum & Bullock in 1998, Steven’s commitment to elegance, ease, and craftsmanship has always been unmatched.

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An Iconic London Wedding Venue Gets Even Better: Introducing the Natural History Museum’s Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens

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Image by Matt Chung Photo 

It’s no secret that the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most breathtaking Jewish wedding venues.

The Natural History Museum has long been admired for its range of majestic indoor spaces – you might have seen stunning photos of unforgettable receptions in the Grade I listed Romanesque building’s Hintze Hall, with Hope the blue whale suspended from the ceiling – and they’ve just added a gorgeous new outdoor option to their repertoire.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

The Perfect Outdoor Venue in Central London

With this summer’s opening of the new Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens, the Natural History Museum has acquired a new indoor/outdoor venue space perfect for a drinks reception on a summer evening – or even an outdoor chuppah, right in the middle of central London.

Team STG was lucky enough to attend the opening event inaugurating the new space, and we were so impressed with how quiet and peaceful the gardens feel, despite being nestled in the heart of bustling South Kensington. Set back from the surrounding streets, with lots of greenery and trees to block out the sounds and sights of the big city, it’s truly a serene oasis – something that’s not easy to find in a central London wedding venue.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

Gardens Galore

And of course we also love that there’s so much for your guests to see and learn as they take in the spaces: the Evolution Garden is a path through 2.7 billion years of our planet’s history, told through an immersive timeline of plants, rocks of different geological periods from across the UK, and the Nature Discovery Garden features different habitats represent the rich biodiversity that can be found in the UK’s urban spaces. And to mark the opening of the gardens, a  new bronze cast of the museum’s much-loved Diplodocus Fern has been unveiled, ready for your photo ops.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Jewish Wedding in Greece

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Photo by Zuzanna Panaretou

If you’re dreaming of holding your Jewish wedding in an ultra-romantic locale packed with beautiful scenery, vibrant local culture, and delicious food, Greece might well be on your destination shortlist. And with good reason – from glittering blue water and sandy beaches to majestic ancient ruins to rich Jewish heritage, Greece is an incredible destination. 

As with any international destination wedding – especially one in a country where you may not speak the language – planning can be a little overwhelming. But we sat down with the team from Sirtaki Events, founded by Israeli couple Anat and Yonathan – who loved their own destination wedding in Greece so much they moved to sunny Chalkida to help other couples make the day of their dreams come true!

Photo by Orestis Zoumpos Photography

As Jewish event planners, Anat and Yonathan have a deep understanding of Jewish wedding traditions, and their entire team is knowledgeable about the customs and nuances of Jewish weddings. They handle everything from arranging a rabbi to kosher-certified (or kosher-style) catering, managing the legal aspects of the day to arranging walkable accommodations for guests who observe Shabbat. They’re all about making the planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible for their couples – and they’ve shared some great nuggets of wisdom with us, so do read on!

Photo by Bendosa Photography

Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Jewish Wedding in Greece

Greece is chock full of breathtaking locations, and there’s no end to the options when it comes to choosing a venue. That said, Sirtaki’s top picks for a Jewish wedding are Athens, Rhodes, and Evia Island. These cities are not only picturesque but also have a strong Jewish presence with access to suppliers who can provide all the services you need for the perfect Jewish wedding day. Ionanina and Thessaloniki are also home to historical synagogues that make an unforgettable setting for your chuppah. 

Photo by Bendosa Photography

Alternatively, you can choose to wed outdoors under a stunning traditional chuppah, framed by the stunning backdrop of the Greek island of your choice!

Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding 

Timing It Right

When planning a Jewish destination wedding in Greece, Sirtaki Events tells us, it’s crucial to get your timing right. You may be drawn to Greece for its warm, sunny climate – the country does boast 250 sunny days a year – but keep in mind that the summers are really very hot, with temperatures beginning to rise toward the end of May. 

If you do want to get married in summer, do like the Greeks and hold your ceremony later in the day to avoid the sweltering midday sun – the average Greek wedding starts after 7:00 PM. 

Photo by Girogos Papacharalampous from Or and Paul‘s Irish-Israeli Jewish Wedding 

Alternatively, consider planning your wedding for off season – you can save big, and there’s a great chance you’ll still be able to enjoy the glorious weather Greece is known for. If you go this route, though, Sirtaki emphasizes that it’s crucial to do your research –  or lean on your wedding planner – to ensure your venue is available and accessible at your chosen time of year. 

One more great tip from Sirtaki, regardless of the time of year you choose: make sure to find out in advance where and when the sun sets on your big day so you won’t miss out on the photos you’re dreaming of, whether that’s a sunset chuppah or radiant couple’s portraits. 

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