Skip to main content
Weddings

About

Clearwater Marine Aquarium makes a unique wedding venue. Music, food and a fun atmosphere with an outstanding marine facility as an overlay. You may utilize the entire facility or just a few rooms. Contact us for a customized quote for your wedding, reception and/or proposal and our staff will do the rest!

illustration popular

Venues you may like

See other venues that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$2,350

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$1,400

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$950

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$670

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
Clean Up
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Dessert
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$30

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

25

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Marina
Museum
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Outside Vendors

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
June
July
August
September

Reviews of Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Lindsie
Lindsie Sent on 11/17/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Couldn't Have Been Better

Ashley was amazing throughout the whole process! We picked the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for its uniqueness and also to support a local non-profit right in our backyard but Ashley was able to add all the details to make our day special. Her and I met regularly as the planning began and she was always responsive when I had questions. She helped with the recommended vendors and even did email introductions with all of them to make it a smooth process. She coordinated and communicated with the vendors, which included the timeline for the big day to keep everything on track. The day itself was beyond anything I could have imagined, largely in part to Ashley. I gave her my inspo pics and as she coordinated with the vendors, she had a good idea of what we wanted it to look like, and it turned out even better than that! Ashley was a vital part of making the day as stress-free and special as possible and I am so happy we chose her and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Sara
Sara Sent on 06/14/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Dolphins! and a great cause

Why make the owner of a hotel richer, when your money can be used to aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals with the possibility of a movie star in some of your photos. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is such a great place to visit and all of the employees are always so nice and friendly. If you haven't watched Dolphin Tale, you should, so you can understand what they do. The venue was very accomodating and the dolphins swimming behind us during the ceremony made a wedding our guests will not forget.
A
Amanda Sent on 02/22/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Unique and unforgettable rehearsal dinner experience

From the moment we contacted the Clearwater Marine Aquarium about hosting our rehearsal dinner there we knew we were in good hands. Ashley answered all of our questions and was available when we had other questions come to mind. From planning months prior, to cleanup the night of the event working with the aquarium was an absolute breeze. All of our guests ranged and raved about how fun and different the night was from traditional rehearsal dinners. We were able to have the event catered (with alcohol). Since the event was after normal business hours the entire aquarium was rented out to our guests. The staff surprised to groom and myself the night of bringing us down into the platform at the dolphin tank. We fed Hope, she gave us “kisses” and waved goodbye. I can’t recommend this experience enough. Thank you to the entire aquarium staff & residents (animals) for hosting all of our friends and family for one of the best nights of our lives!
T
Teresa Sent on 02/18/2020
5 out of 5 rating

#mcchristies2020

We hosted a wedding kick off/rehearsal party a few weeks ago for over 90 guests. By far a wonderful experience. The venue was perfect and working with Ashley was a breeze. Coordinating the details for the event long distance was so easy as Ashley made suggestions, walked me through the process and was on site to ensure all went well for my kids big event. Thank you all for making the start of the weekend celebrations a event to remember
A
Adrienne Sent on 10/02/2018
5 out of 5 rating
The Entire Staff at the Wonderful Clearwater Marine Aquarium made Our 36th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal & Reception Magical & Fintastic!!! This venue is Amazing and it combined Our Love for Each Other with Our Love for the Beautiful, Sweet Sea life that the CMA lovingly cares for in their Mission of Rescue, Rehab & Release.
U
User1821875 Sent on 09/21/2014
5 out of 5 rating
It was the best day ever thank you ivy for all you did
C
Christal Sent on 01/13/2014
5 out of 5 rating
I had a dolphin in my wedding party! If you want something other than the run-of-the-mill wedding ceremony and reception, this is THE PLACE to hold your event. We had our ceremony next to the tank with Nicholas the dolphin and he served as my ring-bearer. During the ceremony his trainer had him do jumps and flips in celebration. It was awesome and all our guests loved it. During the reception we had long tables set up on the deck and enjoyed the beautiful water views and sea breezes. The Aquarium was staffed with assistants at all the animal habitats so our guests could walk around and see the dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and pet the sting rays. The dolphins love attention and interacted with the children. We got some fantastic pictures. We looked at several beach hotels for venues but after visiting this aquarium and seeing what fun it would be, no place else really had a chance. The price is very reasonable, includes admission for all your guests after it's closed to the public so you have it all to yourself and your guests; you get to meet a movie star (Winter the Dolphin) and you get a built-in event coordinator to handle all your vendors. Ivy was wonderful to work with and aside from a few requirements regarding animal safety (no straws and no balloons) she was open to lots of ideas. She also has vendor recommendations who are familiar with the aquarium and the unique logistics so that helped a lot. Why spend thousands more for a big hotel venue and have the money go to a big corporation when you could have your event at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and have a built-in wedding coordinator, the money goes for a great cause, and people will be talking about your "wedding where the dolphin was the ring bearer" for years to come! Thanks IVY!!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

7

Map

Clearwater Marine Aquarium frequently asked questions

Clearwater Marine Aquarium includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Clearwater Marine Aquarium includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Clearwater Marine Aquarium includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
The space offered by Clearwater Marine Aquarium for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Marina
  • Museum
  • Waterfront
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Outside Vendors
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
Next Museum Weddings: ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Other vendors in Tampa for your wedding

Wedding Venues