Museum of Science and Industry

Couples can now get married in Manchester’s romantic age of steam and flight as MOSI has just received its licence to host civil ceremonies and civil partnerships.

MOSI presenter Ann Hendricks swapped her work uniform for a stunning gold strapless wedding dress and mini top hat, when she and Ben McGee became the first couple to hold their civil ceremony at the Museum. Ann and Ben were married in the Museum’s recreated first class booking hall of the former station and took a ride on the Museum’s very own replica 1830 Planet steam train. Their guests dined on Lancashire hotpot in the Power Hall, amongst working steam engines dating back to the 18^th century.

The Museum is housed in the listed buildings of the former Liverpool & Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830, and in an elegant former market hall. Couples can make their vows in atmospheric settings throughout the former 19^th century station and hire Planet steam train during the reception and for guest trips.

Civil ceremonies can be carried out in the stunning structure of the Air and Space Hall (a former 19^th century market hall), in the shadow of the Museum’s largest collection item – the Avro Shackleton aeroplane, or next to a replica of the fragile Triplane - the first British aircraft.

Tony Hill, Head of Business Development said: “MOSI is a unique venue for weddings. Where else can you get married in a venue which was built at the dawn of the most romantic form of travel, or in a former market hall with collections that tell the amazing history of flight? Guests can enjoy a ride on our own steam train, or dine amongst one of the largest collections of working steam engines in the world.”

Ann McGee said: “My wedding day was truly fantastic – I couldn’t stop smiling all day! There was something so romantic about making our vows in such an historic place which evokes Manchester’s industrial past – and it was lovely that my colleagues were looking after us on the day. My favourite moment (other than getting married!) was definitely standing on the footplate of Planet in my wedding dress. The soot is still on the dress as a nice memento! Our guests also really enjoyed riding on Planet, and it was a real novelty to have our wedding dinner in the atmospheric surroundings of the Power Hall.”

MOSI can accommodate weddings of up to 120 people and onsite caterers can provide freshly prepared hot and cold food in a wide variety of unusual spaces in the Museum. Chefs aim to use local and sustainably sourced food and can adapt to menu requests with local themes, or special requirements. MOSI can also organise entertainment, decorations and provide a dedicated wedding co-ordinator as part of the day. Packages are available to suit all budgets.

For more information or images please call Sarah Roe on 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or Diane Inglis on Tel: 0161 606 0173.

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