Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium) at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a truly one-of-a-kind wedding venue located in Sarasota, Florida. Celebrate your love surrounded by stunning marine life, panoramic views, and modern event spaces designed to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. From cocktail receptions among the aquarium galleries to elegant dinners surrounded by marine life, Mote SEA offers a magical setting unlike any other.

With its scenic UTC location and immersive aquarium exhibits, Mote SEA showcases everything that makes Sarasota so special. Mote is proud to welcome and celebrate ALL loving couples.

Facilities and Capacity

Mote SEA offers a variety of unique indoor and outdoor venue options ideal for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and wedding-related celebrations. All events take place within the Mote SEA campus and may include exclusive access to aquarium galleries and exhibits.

Event Spaces Include:

Exploration Hall
Mote SEA’s largest indoor venue, offering 10,000 square feet of open, adaptable event space ideal for ceremonies, receptions, and grand celebrations. Guests enjoy access to the immersive 400,000-gallon Gulf Waters exhibit, creating a breathtaking backdrop surrounded by marine life, with capacity for up to 400 - 600 guests depending on setup. Exploration Hall can be configured as one grand space or divided into two distinct rooms:

• Gulf Room – Offers direct access to the 400,000-gallon Gulf Waters exhibit in a bright, flexible space accommodating up to 250 - 350 guests depending on layout.

• Bay Room – Provides a more intimate setting overlooking the future Seagrass Point, accommodating up to 130 - 250 guests depending on configuration.

Quaterdeck Boardroom & Terrace
An elevated and intimate venue option ideal for rehearsal dinners, smaller receptions, or welcome events. The indoor boardroom opens to a private waterfront terrace overlooking Nathan Benderson Park and UTC, offering a relaxed yet polished atmosphere.

Aquarium Galleries
Host an unforgettable celebration surrounded by sharks, rays, reef fish, and other marine life. Couples may choose from three immersive aquarium galleries for cocktail hours, seated dinners, or unique late-night receptions, creating an experience guests will never forget.

Catering & Bar Services

Mote SEA proudly partners with Deep Blue Hospitality as the exclusive caterer for all weddings and events. Deep Blue Hospitality provides full-service catering and bar services, along with professional event support including setup and tear-down, linens, and bar coordination. Their experienced team works closely with couples to create a seamless and stress-free celebration, handling all food and beverage needs from start to finish.

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. Founded in 1955, Mote is one of the few remaining independent marine research institutions in the United States and is internationally recognized for its scientific impact.

Mote SEA serves as the organization’s premier public-facing aquarium and education center, connecting guests with local marine life and the important research conducted by Mote scientists across more than 20 research programs.

By hosting your wedding at Mote SEA, you are not only celebrating your love story — you are also supporting ocean conservation, research, and education.

Pricing & Additional Information

For current pricing, availability, and event details, please fill out our inquiry form at:
mote.org/venuerentals