Parties, Weddings & Corporate Events
Regardless of the type of event you are planning, Eastern State Penitentiary is a unique, world-class setting that’s sure to impress your guests! The crumbling cellblocks come to life with state-of-the-art LED lighting and sound that showcases the striking architecture. Our in-house event planning team will work with you to guarantee that your event is a success.
We are currently booking event rentals for 2017. Event rentals are available between 6:00 pm and 1:00 am from April 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017. Please see our Sample Event Rental Agreement for restrictions.
Although we typically plan event rentals to take place inside roofed buildings, Eastern State stands as a stabilized ruin without climate control. Events operate rain or shine, and we encourage guests to dress for the weather!
Event rentals are for private, pre-existing groups only. Tickets cannot be sold to the general public. Eastern State will not advertise nor publicly endorse any private event rentals. If a group is interested in becoming part of the historic site’s public programming, they should contact Sean Kelley, Director of Interpretation and Public Programming, via email at sk@easternstate.org.
Event rental requests must be submitted via email to rental@easternstate.org. The following information must be included:
- Contact name
- Company name, if applicable
- Daytime phone number
- Mailing address
- Preferred date (must be between April 1 and August 31)
- Preferred start time (must be 6:00 pm or later)
- Preferred end time (must be 1:00 am or earlier)
- Type of event (business meeting, corporate event, lecture, film, wedding ceremony, beer and wine social, birthday party, engagement celebration, etc.)
- Approximate number of attendees
We will respond to event rental requests via email or phone within three business days. Reservations are first come, first served.
Below you will find information about various types of event packages. Be sure to also read the Add-Ons section for additional programming options.
Photo courtesy of Greg Rockliss and Casey Conan Rockliss. Copyright Allebach Photography, 2014.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, employees, or clients, guests are sure to be amazed by the high quality experience in America’s Most Historic Prison. Our cutting edge LED lighting plan allows each event to be customized to the client’s desired setting. Your selection of any type of music will echo through the cellblocks as your guests mix and mingle for an unforgettable evening! Our expert event planning team will assist you in perfecting the logistics of your event.
Available options:
Birthday Party/Engagement Celebration: 50-100 people
Beer & Wine Social: 50-200 people
Buffet Dinner: 50-100 people
Entire Facility: 200-1,200 people
Rental includes: A two-hour private site rental, chairs, tables, A/V equipment, staff time (planning, setup, breakdown, event staffing), private security, and access to bathrooms. One daytime scouting visit with a member of our event team.
Pricing starts at $25/guest.
Food and drink service options are provided at additional costs. You may use any licensed caterer; however, if you use one of our preferred caterers, you will receive a 10% discount on your rental fee. Preferred caterers are Jack's Firehouse and 12th Street Catering.
Make your wedding ceremony or vow renewal a uniquely memorable day by holding it inside America’s Most Historic Prison, just steps away from Al Capone’s cell!
Please note: Rentals available for ceremonies only. Wedding receptions are not permitted on site.
Rental includes: A two-hour private site rental for up to 100 guests in the central rotunda, chairs, A/V equipment, staff time (planning, setup, breakdown, event staffing), access to bathrooms, and a one-hour rehearsal the night before the ceremony (between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, subject to availability).
Pricing starts at $2,000.
No food or drink service provided.
If you’re looking for an impressive setting for a meeting, lecture, or film screening, look no further. Eastern State Penitentiary’s central rotunda is perfect for these types of events. Not only will your group appreciate your sense of adventure, but they’ll also be moved to think “outside the box” about the information you are presenting.
Available 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Rental includes: A two-hour private site rental for up to 100 guests in the central rotunda, chairs, A/V equipment, staff time (planning, setup, breakdown, event staffing), and access to bathrooms.
Pricing starts at $1,500.
No food or drink service provided, but available upon request for an additional fee.
These add-ons are available for any event listed above.
Guide-Led Tours
Make your event stand apart - allow your guests to become immersed in the rich and fascinating history of this National Historic Landmark. Historic tours can be arranged to last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the client’s desired experience. Events of all sizes can be accommodated; guides can lead groups of up to 25 people at a time.
Pricing starts at $8/guest.
Hands-On History Activities
Include our popular Hands-On History activities as part of your event. These five-minute interactive experiences are perfect for your guests to explore a little more of the building without taking them away from the heart of your event. An expert Eastern State tour guide leads each activity.
Pricing starts at $200 for two different activities. Each additional activity costs $75. You may chose up to five different activities to take place multiple times throughout your event.
