Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum perfectly blends modern oriental elegance with historical charm. Located at 1 Empress Place, this stunning venue offers the perfect setting for your special day, with the captivating Singapore River as your backdrop. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the rich history and timeless beauty of this iconic location – it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
The team at Empress, managed by The Privé Group, is passionate about creating customised events that reflect your unique style and vision. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Empress has options to suit your needs. Picture hosting pre-reception cocktails on the breezy riverfront deck before moving indoors for an elegant dining experience, all while enjoying the twinkling lights of Clarke Quay.
In this article, we will learn about Empress's venue, packages, pricing, and past client testimonials. If you're looking to host your wedding there, be sure to read through our article first!
This article is part of our series covering Singapore's most popular wedding venues. Check out our Top 20 Wedding Venues article for an overview of the best venues in Singapore!
Table of Contents
Side Note
Make your wedding memorable with a Wedding Live Band to entertain your guests!
Frequently Asked Questions About Empress Weddings
1. What are the available spaces for weddings at Empress?
Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum offers a versatile venue with indoor and outdoor spaces. You can host pre-reception cocktails on the breezy riverfront deck and then move indoors for an elegant dining experience. The venue can host up to 180 guests for full exclusive events, providing a captivating backdrop of the Singapore River and the elegant interior of the museum.
2. What types of wedding packages does Empress provide?
Empress offers various wedding packages catering to different preferences and needs. These packages include customisable Chinese dishes crafted by their culinary team. The packages range from set menus to grand banquet menus, ensuring that there is something for every couple's taste and budget.
3. How much does a wedding cost at Empress?
The cost of a wedding at Empress varies depending on the package chosen. Here are some of the options available:
Set Menu A: $98++ per person
Set Menu B: $118++ per person
Set Menu C: $138++ per person
Grand Banquet Menu A (6-Course): $1280++ per 10 guests
Grand Banquet Menu B (8-Course): $1480++ per 10 guests
Imperial Banquet Menu (8-Course): $1888++ per 10 guests
4. What amenities are included in the wedding packages?
The wedding packages at Empress include a variety of amenities to enhance your special day:
Setting up of the solemnisation table with tablecloth and skirting, along with feathered pens and ring pillow
Tea ceremony with longan and red date tea
Two sets of wireless handheld microphones
Two sets of projector and screen
Sound system for pipe-in music
Valet service from 6 pm to 11 pm (evening sessions only)
Complimentary fresh floral arrangement per table (banquet menu only)
5. What additional services and options are available?
Empress provides additional services and options to ensure your wedding day is perfect:
Customisable menus to match your preferences
Professional event planning and coordination by their dedicated events team
Various decor options to suit your theme and style
Brief History of Empress
Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum is a venue that beautifully combines historical significance with modern elegance. The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is one of Singapore's most prominent cultural institutions, dedicated to exploring Asia's artistic heritage and ancestral cultures.
Historical Background of the Building
The building that houses the ACM, known as the Former Empress Place Building, has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. Constructed by Indian convicts under the supervision of Colonial Engineer Major John F. A. McNair, the building was completed in 1867. Originally designed to house key administrative departments, it became known as Government Offices and later adopted the name Empress Place Building after the adjacent area was named in honour of Queen Victoria in 1907.
Architectural Significance
The architecture of the Empress Place Building is a fine example of Neoclassical design. The high-ceilinged rooms and numerous French windows were designed to keep the building cool and well-ventilated in Singapore's tropical climate. Many of the original decorative features, such as plaster mouldings and stately Doric columns, have been preserved, adding to the building's historical charm.
Transformation into a Museum
In the 1980s, the Empress Place Building was restored and converted into a cultural and historical exhibition centre. It was officially reopened as a museum on 7 April 1989. Since 2003, it has been home to the Asian Civilisations Museum, which showcases the material cultures of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The museum's galleries are organised to highlight the historical connections between different cultures across Asia and their interactions with the world.
The Museum Today
Today, the ACM is renowned for its comprehensive collection of Asian antiquities and decorative art. It offers various guided tours, educational programs, and special exhibitions that give visitors a deeper understanding of Asia's rich cultural heritage. The museum's location along the Singapore River adds to its appeal, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. Empress, the dining venue within the museum, leverages this rich historical backdrop to offer a unique and elegant setting for weddings and other special events.
The Spaces at Empress
Empress offers an elegant wedding setting, combining indoor and outdoor spaces to create a seamless and memorable experience.
Outdoor Space: Riverfront Deck
The riverfront deck provides a breezy, scenic area perfect for pre-reception cocktails. With the Singapore River as a backdrop, it offers a stunning and relaxed atmosphere for guests to mingle and enjoy the views.
Indoor Space: Main Dining Area
Empress's main indoor dining area is elegantly designed with modern oriental décor. It provides a sophisticated and comfortable setting for the wedding banquet, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and ambient lighting.
The riverfront deck and the main dining area can accommodate up to 180 guests, ensuring flexibility and convenience for various wedding sizes and preferences.
Wedding Packages and Pricing at Empress
Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum offers a variety of wedding packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here is a detailed breakdown of the available packages and their pricing:
Set Menus
Set Menu A:
Price: $98++ per person
Highlights: Empress Signature Char Siew, Salted Egg Yolk Prawn, Seafood Egg White & Spinach Soup, Crispy Halibut with Teriyaki Sauce, Sticky Date & Longan Pudding.
Set Menu B:
Price: $118++ per person
Highlights: Roast Duck, Steamed Pumpkin Stock Xiao Long Bao, Prawn Dumpling in Supreme Broth, Baked Cod with Red Wine, Peanut-Coated Black Sesame ‘Mochi’ Balls.
Set Menu C:
Price: $138++ per person
Highlights: Dim Sum & Signature Roasts, Double-Boiled 8 Head South African Abalone Superior Stock in Young Coconut, Seared Angus Beef Tenderloin Cubes, Baked Lobster & E-Fu Noodles, Never Too Matcha.
Grand Banquet Menus
Grand Banquet Menu A (6-Course):
Price: $1280++ per 10 guests
Highlights: King Prawn Dumpling & Dried Scallops in Supreme Broth, Braised South African Abalone with Shiitake Mushroom & Spinach, Traditional Eight Treasure Rice in Lotus Leaf, Sticky Date & Longan Pudding.
Grand Banquet Menu B (8-Course):
Price: $1480++ per 10 guests
Highlights: Braised Bird’s Nest with Seafood, Egg White & Prawn Spring Roll, XO Sauce Mushroom, Sugar Snap Peas, Prawns & Hokkaido Scallops, Hong Kong-Style Sea Grouper, Braised E-Fu Noodles with Minced Meat in XO Sauce, Peach Gum with Eight Treasure Tea Jelly.
Imperial Banquet Menu (8-Course):
Price: $1888++ per 10 guests
Highlights: Double-boiled chicken Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms, Black Truffle Sautéed Fresh Scallops with Asparagus, Braised South African (8 Head) Abalone with Japanese Sea Cucumber and seasonal Greens, Braised E-Fu Noodles with Minced Meat in XO Sauce, Peach Gum with Eight Treasure Tea Jelly.
These packages offer a range of delicious dishes and customisable options to ensure your wedding menu is tailored to your preferences and needs.
Client Testimonial
To better understand the experience of hosting a wedding at Empress, we crawled the internet for relevant reviews. Through our research, we found one that provided in-depth details and fantastic photos to accompany the review. You can find a summary below.
Fangxian and Jinxian’s Wedding
Fangxian and her partner, Jinxian, had their wedding at Empress on 22nd September 2018. They were initially looking for a venue that was just the right size for their guest list, which grew from 120 to about 150 guests, and one that served Chinese food in a contemporary and open setting. After considering several options, including the Ritz Carlton, Temarind, and Andaz, they ultimately chose Empress for its perfect blend of modern and oriental ambience.
The couple loved that Empress served Cantonese food with a contemporary twist and appreciated the beautiful indoor and outdoor backdrops. While they had some concerns about separating their guests between the indoor and outdoor spaces, everything turned out well on the day. Fangxian highlighted the exceptional service from the restaurant manager, Jack, who was pleasant and helpful from start to finish.
Additionally, Fangxian and Jinxian were clients of Musical Touch and hired a 3-piece band to perform at their wedding. Fangxian shared that they wanted to make their wedding more fun and relaxed, and Musical Touch delivered. She praised the talented singers who could perform in different genres and languages, and also serve as great emcees. She found the company’s founder, Alvin, to be very responsive and professional. The video samples on their website impressed them, and the pricing was reasonable for the quality provided. Fangxian highly recommends Musical Touch for anyone looking to add a special touch to their wedding.
However, Fangxian noted that Empress does not provide some of the standard wedding package inclusions, such as free hotel stays, wedding favours, the printing of wedding cards, and complimentary bottles of wine. These needed to be sourced independently, but despite this, the couple was very satisfied with their choice and the overall experience.
To read Fangxian's full review, follow this link.
Conclusion
Choosing Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum for your wedding offers a beautiful mix of historical charm and modern elegance. This venue, with its indoor and outdoor spaces, provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable celebration. From pre-reception cocktails on the riverfront deck to an indoor dining experience, Empress ensures a seamless flow your guests will appreciate.
Couples who have held their weddings at Empress speak highly of the excellent service, attention to detail, and magical ambience created by blending historical and modern elements. The team at Empress is dedicated to crafting weddings that reflect your style and vision. Whether you’re looking at a set menu or a grand banquet, the customisable packages cater to different tastes and budgets, ensuring that the food is as remarkable as the setting.
As a company that has provided many wedding live bands at Empress, Musical Touch is always impressed by the professionalism and quality of food served to guests. The staff at Empress are consistently easy to work with, making it one of our favourite venues to perform at. For more information or to book a viewing, contact Empress and start planning your dream wedding in a venue that combines history, culture, and modern sophistication.
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