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Pricing information

Reception
$5,000 starting price
Ceremony
$1,500 starting price
Reception
$4,000 starting price
Ceremony
$1,000 starting price
These prices are available for the months of May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec. These prices are available for the months of Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov.

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2008

Weddings at the New England Aquarium are a truly unique experience. Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by awe-inspiring marine life and dancing the night away under the stars. Located in the heart of Boston on the iconic Central Wharf, the Aquarium offers a variety of stunning event spaces, from the Main Exhibit Gallery to the Harbor View Terrace. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, experienced event staff will work with you to create a customized wedding package that fits your vision and budget. Your guests will be treated to delicious cuisine, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to explore the Aquarium after hours. Plus, you can feel good knowing that your event supports the Aquarium's mission of protecting the blue planet. A wedding at the New England Aquarium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you and your guests will never forget.


Facilities and Capacity
The Main Exhibit Gallery allows you to dine alongside penguins and view the Giant Ocean Tank. The space can accommodate 375 for a seated dinner. The West Wing Gallery accommodates up to 75 guests and features the largest shark tank on the East Coast. The Harbor View Café offers views of the waterfront and Boston skyline, and accommodates up to 100 guests. The Harbor View Terrace and Tent can accommodate up to 300 guests with breathtaking views of the harbor. The entire aquarium can be used to accommodate up to 1,399 guests for a seated dinner.

Services Offered
The New England Aquarium offers the following wedding services:

  • Event planning
  • Event rentals
  • Dance floor
  • Tents
  • In-house catering
  • Servers
  • Furniture
  • Linens
  • Barware

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?

$5,000

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

$4,000

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?

$1,500

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

$1,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Server(s)

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

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

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

30

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Museum

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?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

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

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Tables
Tents

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
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Any other questions?

Reviews of New England Aquarium

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
70 Reviews
94% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The New England Aquarium in Boston is described as an outstanding wedding venue offering a memorable and stress-free experience. The location by the ocean with a backdrop of the harbor was highlighted as picturesque and convenient for out-of-town guests. Guests enjoyed exploring the exhibits during the cocktail reception, and the catered food from the Patina Restaurant Group was praised. The event staff, including Amanda and Abigail, are commended for their professionalism, responsiveness, and for going above and beyond to accommodate requests, making it a dream wedding venue for many.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The New England Aquarium in Boston is described as an outstanding wedding venue offering a memorable and stress-free experience. The location by the ocean with a backdrop of the harbor was highlighted as picturesque and convenient for out-of-town guests. Guests enjoyed exploring the exhibits during the cocktail reception, and the catered food from the Patina Restaurant Group was praised. The event staff, including Amanda and Abigail, are commended for their professionalism, responsiveness, and for going above and beyond to accommodate requests, making it a dream wedding venue for many.

Weddingwire
4.7/5 70 reviews
Google
4.4/5 23287 reviews
C
Cara S. Sent on 09/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

New England Aquarium- the wedding of a lifetime

Outstanding venue for a wedding! The coordinator Amanda and staff on site were extremely accommodating and made everything stress free. Our guests raved about the experience and many said it was the best wedding they ever attended. They especially liked the food and the cocktail reception amongst the exhibits. The tent on the harbor was beautiful. Overall it was an incredible experience for everyone.
Haley
Haley K. Sent on 09/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing and unique venue and awesome service!

We LOVED our choice to get married at the New England Aquarium for so many reasons. We would recommend to everyone.
Unique locations - location is beautiful and truly so unique. Everyone enjoyed cocktail hour with the fish and penguins and then the harborwalk was beautiful for the ceremony and at night
Catering / Food - Food was delicious and we got many compliments on it
Value - For a wedding in the heart of Boston it's a great value!
Service - The staff from the aquarium / internal catering team (Patina group) were exceptional. they were so responsive and made our dreams come true in many many ways! They are also so flexible (as long as it doesn't endanger the animals!) on the ideas we had

Thank you!!
M
Marley H. Sent on 09/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Magical Wedding on the Boston Harbor

My husband and I got married at the New England Aquarium in Boston, and it was truly magical!

Venue/Location: We wanted a wedding venue that was (1) outside, preferably by the ocean, (2) close to the airport for our many out-of-town guests, and (3) memorable. After months of searching and almost settling on a venue that was beautiful but outside of the city, on a whim, we booked a tour with the Aquarium. I knew instantly that it was the perfect venue. Right on the water with a beautiful backdrop of the harbor, in the heart of Boston, the Aquarium offered the picturesque, convenient, and memorable experience we were looking for. On our wedding day, we lucked out with perfect weather (always a risk with outdoor venues), and in spite of a few congratulatory yells from excited boaters on the harbor, it was everything we’d hoped for and more. Our guests easily navigated to/from the airport, loved the opportunity to explore/sight-see in Boston, and told us over and over how awesome, fun, and special it was to explore the Aquarium.

Food/Event Staff: The Aquarium contracts exclusively with the Patina Restaurant Group for its catering and event services, so please note I am not certain about who on the staff was associated with each group. That said, the food was spectacular, the chef and day-of service staff were highly professional and accommodating, and the planning/coordination team will forever be in our hearts as the most awesome group of people to work with. A few notable examples (of many):
- Only two of our guests (including my mom) are vegan, so we weren’t thrilled about having to choose a vegan meal for the vegetarian option. Amanda and Abigail (primary and secondary points of contact/dream team) worked with the chef to create an entirely vegan meal for the two guests and make a vegan version of some of the passed hors d’oeuvres. My mom was so happy.
- Throughout the planning process, Amanda and Abigail were responsive and supportive. They frequently made useful recommendations, followed up on questions and logistics, and were extremely accommodating to our budget.
- As I was about to walk down the aisle, I suddenly felt worried that my vows never made it from the photographer's camera bag to my MOH. By some miracle, and without anyone else noticing, Amanda worked her magic so that my vows were in my sister's hands by the time I needed them.
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Awards

70
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

5 Endorsements
Steel Rhythm Steel Drum Band Steel Rhythm Steel Drum Band Wedding Bands

Always a breathtaking and fun venue to work at with an amazing staff!! Highly recommend!!!

Piper Jo Nevins Photography Piper Jo Nevins Photography Wedding Photographers

Such a fun venue for a wedding, rehearsal dinner, or other special event. Your guests will enjoy their surroundings, adding to your special occasion. Plus, you're right on Boston Harbor.........stunning location for photographs!!! Always a pleasure to photograph at the New England Aquarium.

Michael Brook Photography Michael Brook Photography Wedding Photographers

On a warm August evening while celebrating your wedding on edge of the Boston Harbor you might be surprised by a fireworks show from the North End. Something magical always seems to happen there. The coordinators and staff take such great care of clients and guests - it's easy to give them my highest recommendation.

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New England Aquarium frequently asked questions

New England Aquarium includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
New England Aquarium includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at New England Aquarium includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
The space offered by New England Aquarium for wedding events is known for:
  • Museum
New England Aquarium offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
New England Aquarium offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
New England Aquarium offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Wifi
New England Aquarium offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Furniture
  • Tables
  • Tents
New England Aquarium is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.7 in quality of service, 4.7 in average response time, 4.7 in flexibility, 4.7 in professionalism and 4.6 in value.

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