Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a unique wedding venue located in Sarasota, Florida. You and your guests can experience cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the aquarium, dinner among the sharks, and rehearsal dinners at the Chickee Hut that provides a Southwest Florida-feel. The spectacular animal exhibits and breathtaking views provide a one of a kind setting for your most special occasion, and its waterfront location showcases everything that is special about Sarasota and her islands. Mote is proud to offer our services to ALL loving couples.

Facilities and Capacity

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers both indoor and outdoor unique venue options to host an unforgettable ceremony and reception. Their venue spaces include:

• The New Pass Room - a 4,300 square-foot room featuring a 1,300 square foot balcony that provides spectacular views of Sarasota Bay, New Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, accommodating 150 guests (with a dance floor).
• The Chickee - an outside covered pavilion with waterfront views for 56 to 100 guests built by members of the Seminole Indian tribe, giving your event an authentic Old Florida feel.
• Indoor Aquarium Gallery - an intimate and immersive space where your guests will be surrounded by the beauty of the ocean while enjoying a formal dinner for 50 or a cocktail reception for up to 200.
• Aquarium Courtyard - spacious venue for 50 to 400 guests, includes access to all Mote Aquarium exhibits, such as the 135,000-gallon shark tank and reef fish exhibit.
• WAVE Center - a large, multi-purpose location complete with full audio-visual capabilities and WiFi, accommodating 150-250 guests.

About Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence in marine, estuarine and environmental research and education. It is one of the few remaining independent marine research facilities in the United States. Founded in 1955 in Placida, Florida, it was originally known as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory. The name was changed to Mote Marine Laboratory in 1967 in honor of the family of a major benefactor, William R. Mote.

The Aquarium — open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — is a major attraction hosting visitors from throughout the United States and abroad, providing guests with a fascinating look at the local marine life and the work of Mote scientists, which now includes more than 20 different research programs.

Pricing & Additional Information

Please visit mote.org/venuerental