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Wedding and Event Venue Rentals in the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex

McKinney, Texas DFW Wedding & Event Venue Rentals

Venue Rentals

Overview

Make Your Special Occasion Extraordinary

Extraordinary Special Occasions at the Heard's Wedding and Event Venue

The Heard has several spectacular indoor and outdoor event sites. Our venues are available for rent for your wedding, social event, corporate meeting, anniversary party and more.

Our spaces include the Science Resource Center, Laughlin Hall and the outdoor Native Plant Garden

One of these unique locations is sure to enrich a successful event in a stimulating, beautiful atmosphere. The ambiance of the Heard’s magnificent natural environment will enhance any special occasion.

The Heard is located just 32 miles north of Downtown Dallas and less than from Historic Downtown McKinney, Texas.

wedding celebration in the science resource center, bride and groom kissing

Photo By Absolute Photography

Science Resource Center

The Science Resource Center is a testament to people working with nature.

Designed using green architecture, the center was built beside a nature trail atop a hill. This venue offers a wall of windows that overlooks the beautiful wetlands and wildlife sanctuary. The hall boasts a 20’ ceiling with wood beams, a 9’x16’ media screen and more. Also, a deck offers additional gorgeous views of the wetlands and sanctuary. This makes it a beautiful option for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Further, designed using green (related to the beautiful design and construction of buildings, etc.), the center was built beside a nature trail on top of a hill. Too, this location/stadium offers a wall of windows that (ignores/doesn’t notice) the beautiful (lands that often or always have a layer of water) and wildlife safe place. Furthermore, the hall brags a 20′ ceiling with wood beams, a 9’x16′ media screen and more. Also, a deck offers added/more gorgeous views of the (lands that often or always have a layer of water) and safe place. What’s more, this makes it a beautiful option for wedding (formal, special events or series of actions) and receptions.

Amenities

  • 9′ x 6′ media screen
  • Wildlife Sanctuary Viewing Deck
  • Large Picture Windows
  • Changing Room
  • Kitchen
  • Icemaker
  • Refrigerator
  • Range
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Restrooms
  • Tables*
  • Chairs*
  • On-site Event Security

Gallery

*Please note that décor and furniture pictured may be for demonstration purposes only.

Capacity

General Capacity: 100

Dining Capacity: 92 (varies by layout)

Venue Dimensions

26′ x 48′

1,248 sqft.

Pricing

8 Hours

$2800

4 Hours

$1900

Add-On Hours

$350

Ceremony on Deck – 3 Hour Block

(no indoor meeting hall usage included)

$450

($100 for each additional hour)

Add on the Native Plant Garden or Amphitheater

4 Hours: $1200

(Rental of SRC or Laughlin Hall required to rent the Native Plant Garden or Amphitheater)

See additional fee information in our FAQs.

Reservations

Laughlin Hall

Wedding and Event Venue Laughlin Hall

Laughlin Hall is located in the main museum building. This meeting hall has a beautiful nature-themed floor. Moreover, an expansive wall of windows overlooks the wildlife sanctuary and provides bird watching opportunities. Amenities include a kitchen, which offers a refrigerator, icemaker and range.

On the other hand, Laughlin Hall is located in the main museum building. Moreover, this meeting hall has a beautiful nature-themed floor. More than that, a big and wide wall of windows looks out on the wildlife safe place and provides bird watching opportunities. Wedding and event venue. To clarify, nice things to have include a kitchen, which offers a refrigerator, icemaker and range.

Amenities

  • Large Picture Windows
  • Bird and Wildlife Watching Opportunities
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Icemaker
  • Range
  • Restrooms 
  • Tables*
  • Chairs*
  • On-site Event Security

Gallery

*Please note that décor and furniture pictured may be for demonstration purposes only.

Capacity

General Capacity: 78

Dining Capacity: 72 (varies by layout)

Venue Dimensions

35′ x 42′

1,470 sqft.

Pricing

8 Hours: $1550
4 Hours: $1000
Add-on Hours: $250 per additional hour

Add on the Native Plant Garden or Amphitheater

4 Hours: $1200

(Rental of SRC or Laughlin Hall required to rent the Native Plant Garden or Amphitheater)

See additional fee information in our FAQs.

Reservations

Native Plant Garden

A charming two-acre Native Plant Garden is ideal for weddings and small dinner parties. Guests receive a memorable experience among the winding paths and seasonal wildflowers. Laughlin Hall may be an option in the event of inclement weather, based on availability (additional fees may apply). Each rental includes on-site event security.

Significantly, a charming two-area of land about 200 feet X 220 feet Native Plant Garden is ideal for weddings and small dinner parties. Markedly, guests receive an unforgettable experience among the winding paths and related to fall, spring, etc. wildflowers. Not to mention, Laughlin Hall may be an option in the event of stormy/hard-hearted weather.

Gallery

Garden Size

2 acres

Price

Available only as an add-on for SRC or Laughlin Hall rentals.

4 Hours: $1200

See additional fee information in our FAQs.

Reservations

Heard Amphitheater

Heard Amphitheater Wedding and Event Venue

The perfect outdoor venue for weddings, reunions and family events with beautiful views of the Wildlife Sanctuary. The Heard Amphitheater also is an excellent location to host concerts, theater performances, speeches, education programs and more.

Unquestionably, the perfect outdoor wedding and event venue with beautiful views of the Wildlife Sanctuary. Indeed, the Heard Amphitheater also is an excellent location to host concerts, theater performances, speeches, education programs and more.

Amenities

  • Eco-friendly limestone rock seating
  • Restrooms
  • Electricity
  • On-site Event Security

Gallery

Capacity

Seating Capacity: 525

Availability

Available for events from 5-11 p.m. by reservation.

An additional free hour for set up may be provided as early as 4 p.m.

Price

Available only as an add-on for SRC or Laughlin Hall rentals.

4 Hours: $1200

Tents and heaters may be available for outdoor spaces upon request. A $50 labor fee and $50 equipment fee will be added.


See additional fee information in our FAQs.

Reservations

Frequently Asked Questions

Please use our Venue Rental Information Request Form  to request more information about our venues. Moreover, we will be happy to provide you with a quote for your event or begin the reservation process.

We also welcome you to contact facilityrental@heardmuseum.org or 469.450.4772.

 

For information about children’s birthday parties or our other educational program offerings, please contact education@heardmuseum.org.

Birthday Parties

For information about our educational birthday parties for children, please see our Birthday Party information page (these events are not coordinated by our venue rental department).

Can I tour the venues?

 

Please use our Venue Rental Information Request Form  to request more information about our venues or to schedule a tour. 

 

Tours are available by appointment only. Two tours are available per venue rental. One will be available at the time of booking. The second tour is available closer to your event date. Additional tours are available for an additional fee.

How do I reserve a date?

To hold a date, please contact our Venue Rental Coordinator. If the date is available, we will offer a 7-day soft hold while details are discussed, and a contract is generated. A hold is not secure until a signed contract is returned with the required fees:

  • Venue Use Fee $400 (non-refundable)
  • $500 Security Deposit (refundable*) 
  • $100 Services Fee (non-refundable)

Note that the booking fee will be applied toward the prices listed in the venue pricing sections above.

In the event that another party is interested in the venue (for the date you requested) before we receive these items, we will offer you a deadline to submit the contract and deposit before releasing the hold to the other party. If the date you requested has an existing hold, we will offer the previous party a deadline and then contact you when the deadline is over.

*See rental agreement for security deposit terms.

Venue Furnishings

Please note that decor and furniture pictured may be for demonstration purposes only. For specific information about decor and furniture that is available to borrow, please contact our staff at facilityrental@heardmuseum.org or 469.450.4772.

Does the Heard provide linens, place settings, etc.?

The Heard does not provide linens, place settings, or other table decor/elements.

Please note that decor and furniture pictured may be for demonstration purposes only. For specific information about decor and furniture that is available to borrow, please contact our staff at facilityrental@heardmuseum.org or 469.450.4772.

Does the Heard provide linens, place settings, etc.?

The Heard does not provide porter service, waiter service, etc.

For specific information about what services are provided, please contact our staff at facilityrental@heardmuseum.org or 469.450.4772.

Member Discounts

Prices subject to change; discount pricing available for members. For additional information about rental rules, regulations and terms, see the Facility Rental Agreement.

Rules, Regulations and Terms

For additional information about rental rules, regulations and terms, see the Facility Rental Agreement.

Cancelation Policy

  • More than 90 days prior to event date: Refund of payments EXCEPT $400 Venue Use Fee
  • 90-30 Days prior to event: event host will receive a refund of Services Fee and Additional Payments beyond Booking Fee and Security Deposit ($400 Booking Fee and $500 Security Deposit will not be refunded)
  • 1-29 Days prior to event: Services Fee, Booking Fee, and Security Deposit will not be refunded

Rescheduling Policy Timeline

  • More than 90 days prior to event: Reschedule is free
  • 90-60 Days prior to event: $200 Reschedule Fee
  • Less than 60 Days prior to event: $300 Reschedule Fee

Can we bring in our own food for our reception?

Yes! One the benefits of holding your special event at the Heard is that we allow you to customize and fully control your food and vendor experience.

Does the Heard provide wi-fi?

We do not currently offer wi-fi as an amenity.

Why are there some dates that are not available for our wedding or special event?

The Heard is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together through education programs, our own special events and more. As such, our venues may be already be reserved for our own program offerings.

What if guests want to stay longer than the allotted event end time?

We request that events end at the time listed in the agreed-upon contract. Should an event run past the time designated, please note that a $150 fee per 15 minute increment will apply. Please note that excellent discounts apply for additional hours reserved at the time of booking. See pricing above.

Can I come to see the space?

Yes! We would be happy to give you a scheduled walk-through and answer any questions to help you decide to book. Once you book the space, our venue rental coordinator will be available for an additional walk-through. Request more information or email our Venue Rental Coordinator.

Do you offer nonprofit discounts?

We are sometimes able to offer discounts to organizations that hold a valid charitable status with the IRS. Please contact our Venue Rental Coordinator for details.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. 

About Our Founder, Bessie Heard

The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. 

The Heard's Mission Today

Today, the Heard’s mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.

Support the Heard's Mission

Your support will help ensure the Heard will be sustained for future generations to enjoy. There are many ways to support the Heard, including renting our venues, in-kind donations and volunteering.