The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Reviews
Reviews
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![E Fs]()
E Fs Sent on 04/23/2026Great, fun venue!
We had a wonderful wedding at the aquarium! Kayleen was super helpful
and responsive, answering all of our questions and keeping the online
event order updated. She was there the day of too making sure that things
were getting done, including serving food when needed. The getting ready
room is a conference room, but with a nice window and lots of space right
next to the ceremony area. It big enough for us to get ready in and had
enough space for everyone to leave their stuff during the event. We did
our first look outside in the park, which is right outside of the aquarium on
the water. Our ceremony was in the cascade café, which has very nice
industrial exposed wood beam vibes. One minor issue was that the TVs
on the wall used to display food during the day were still on and the groom
had to turn them off right before the ceremony. The cocktail hour was in
the first floor of the aquarium, Kayleen spaced tables all throughout the
exhibits. Our guests kept raving about how much they loved wandering
through everything, especially the shark and jellyfish rooms. The
bartenders made excellent cocktails and the head bartender went out of
his was to make sure the groom and I had drinks all night. Our reception
was in Newman’s own hall, right next to the seal tank. The lighting in the
space could be dimmed, but is pretty high up from the tables. The dance
floor was surrounded by tables and big enough for everyone to dance at
the same time. We had about 100 guests, which felt like enough to fill the
space, but it could definitely fit more. The food was pretty good and the set
meal we selected came with dessert for everyone, so we had cake we
provided plus crème brulee on a dessert table. Everyone raved about the
crème brulee. Overall, we had a great time and would strongly
recommend the Maritime to other couples! -
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![Crystal]()
Crystal Sent on 11/15/2023Fun Venue!
I was surprised when I initially found out that the venue hosts wedding events and caters! Elisa and her team made the entire process A to Z straight forward and supported my husband and I. The venue is great so the guests don’t have to feel like they have to stay on one place. Guests were able to explore the museum and the touch tank was popular! -
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![Elizabeth]()
Elizabeth Sent on 07/31/2022Unique, classy, and ridiculously fun venue!
The Maritime Aquarium is a fantastic venue! I won't really comment on the food or service from the caterers (although both was excellent), since the Aquarium is currently switching their designated caterer and your future experience may be different. But the space itself is fantastic! There are so many great photo opportunities inside, and the nearby park along the waterfront makes for some beautiful backdrops for outdoor photos.
Our ceremony was held in the cafeteria. If, like me, you might be worried that your big day could smell like hot dogs, put your mind at ease--it's actually a gorgeous space, and when the tables are put away, you can barely tell it's a dining room. Wooden beams support a high, airy ceiling with lots of windows. The red brick walls and iron accents make the space feel warm and welcoming, while also recalling the building's origins as an ironworks. A HUGE ceremony might be awkward to hold here, since the pillars could block the view for some guests in the back, but it was perfect for our gathering of around 75 people.
We did cocktail hour among the exhibits, which was beautifully atmospheric and provided an exciting space for people to offer their congratulations and get to know one another. The Newman's Own Hall, where we did dinner and dancing, was plenty big enough for dinner tables and a sizable dance floor... though honestly, once dinner was over, our guests were so busy at the touch tanks that not everyone had time to dance.
You should be aware that whatever seasonal decor is in place at the time of your wedding likely cannot be changed. For instance, our June wedding was accented with giant rainbow banners for Pride Month. I barely noticed, but a few of our guests commented on it, so if you have a very specific "look" in mind for your wedding, it's something to be aware of. Also, don't count on any specific animals to be present--they may be asleep (especially the seals), hiding, or off exhibit during your event.
Like all aquariums, this one books up WAY in advance. We booked a year out and we only barely got the date we wanted. Make your plans far enough ahead so that you don't wind up disappointed.
Getting married here is a really special experience--I'll never forget the moment when I pulled my new husband aside for a quiet moment in front of the flamboyant cuttlefish, watching hypnotic waves of colors roll down its body. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Maritime Aquarium to any prospective couple. -
![Meaghan]()
Meaghan Sent on 04/27/2019Love this vendor
We have had nothing but a positive and wonderful experience with this vendor. Looking forward to working with them for our wedding.
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