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90 years in business

We speak English

Just me

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a wedding venue located in Tacoma, Washington that will create a unique event experience for your special occasion. With sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range, this venue provides a picturesque setting that will complement any special occasion.

Facilities and Capacity

The Education Center at Point Defiance is a 3,000-square-foot space that has a private entrance and the option of being split up into three separate rooms. For cozier celebrations, you can rent a portion of the space or the entire facility for a large banquet for a total of 175 guests. The Asian Forest Sanctuary is a lush five-acre exhibit complex that offers the perfect space for an outdoor celebration, accommodating 300 total guests. It has six romantic exhibit areas that can be used for a ceremony or seated dinner, overlooking two waterfalls, exotic flowers, and a bamboo forest. There are also two viewing pavilions along with the Asian Dayroom that provide a covered space for buffets and partially covered events. The Pacific Rim Plaza has spectacular views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier and a globe-shaped plaza area that is ideal for outdoor ceremonies. The South Pacific Aquarium is best utilized for intimate gatherings of up to 85 guests, giving you and your guests a total sensory experience. You will be transported to the tropical beaches of the Lagoon Exhibit, which is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and shark exhibits. The Plaza Cafe can be used for both small and large events, fitting anywhere from 80-120 guests.

The new state-of-the-art Pacific Seas Aquarium, a spectacular and unique venue with stunning art and mesmerizing marine life, is now available for booking. Rent a portion for a more intimate wedding or the entire facility for a large reception. Get married under the Baja Bay tank and eat dinner with the fish in Northwest Waters. Up to 300 guests can be accommodated in this beautiful Aquarium.

Services Offered

The one-of-a-kind venues offered at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium truly make it a remarkable place for memorable events. You can also delight your guests with a private animal appearance or simply the experience of having the zoo as the background. The experienced staff will provide you with seamless service and exceptional food that will make your day exactly how you envisioned it. Services and rentals include:

  • Bridal suite
  • Event planning
  • Rehearsal
  • Setup and cleanup
  • Tables and Chairs
  • Bar and beverage services
  • Glassware, linens and china

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FAQ

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?

$1,000

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

$1,000

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

No

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

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Tables

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

Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$5

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Garden
Park
Zoo

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Elopements

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Weddingwire
4.7/5 24 reviews
Google
4.5/5 15514 reviews
L
Luz Sent on 07/28/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We had our ceremony in the Plaza with our reception in the South Pacific Aquarium, in front of the shark tanks. From start to finish, Lancer Catering (Chip Venzone specifically) was great about answering all of our questions in a very timely manner. We were on a pretty tight budget, but Chip helped us put together a night that we will never forget. We had several compliments on the wedding, and both my wife and I agree that it was even more than we had hoped for. I would absolutely recommend PDZA as a venue!
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 06/26/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Can't say enough good things about the venue and Lancer catering. Multiple guests mentioned how awesome the venue and food were. Chip and Michael and their staff were great to work with both for the catering and event management parts of the wedding. Wedding and reception took place in Asian animal exhibit and the animal experiences were a highlight of the evening.
E
Emily Sent on 05/13/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We LOVED working with Chip at PDZA! Our venue and catering were the two things we never worried about because we knew Chip had it covered.

If you're worried about "zoo food" at your wedding, don't be! The food was fresh, tasty, and all around amazing. Our guests raved about the garlic mash and delicious chicken.

The venue was itself was lovely and we could explore both the top and bottom floors. This was especially nice for our more introverted guests since if they didn't want to dance they could look at fish and explore the aquarium.

I could go on and on about how great this venue is! If you're even considering go take a tour, trust me, it's well worth your time.
G
Gloria Sent on 05/07/2017
5 out of 5 rating
My husband and I had our wedding and reception at the aquarium on April 1st this year. We were more than pleased with the venue and staff. From the planning to the end of the event, everything was perfect. Chip, Michael and their staff at Lancer Catering did an amazing job. Tours were easily arranged, questions we had throughout the planning were answered almost immediately and everything was done with professionalism and sincere kindness. The wedding and reception went off without a hitch. The venue was perfect and the food was amazing! Everyone, including my mother who can be difficult to please, raved about every aspect of the event. If I could do it all again, I would, just to have another party there.
S
Shelley Sent on 02/03/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Wonderful venue to help make magical memories
J
Jeremy Sent on 12/10/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We were absolutely floored by the outstanding service provided by Chip, Emily, and the team of Lancer Catering. My wife and I could not be happier about this venue and catering. Chip and Emily constantly kept us in the loop, answered all of our questions (even if we'd already asked the same questions a thousand times), met with us when we needed, were patient and considerate the entire time, and even stayed during the wedding to make sure everything on their part ran smoothly. To say they are professional is an understatement. They were flat out amazing.

And the zoo and aquarium were breathtaking for our wedding. From the view of the water in our backdrop to the cocktail hour and reception in the aquariums, everything was perfect. Chip even helped us arrange to have the stingray touch tank open for guests during the cocktail hour!

Last but not least, the food was spectacular. We didn't hear one bad report of the food. In fact, we heard tons of comments raving about the food. Everyone loved it! The chefs clearly take pride in what they make. Couldn't have asked for a better first meal with my wife.

Overall, it was everything we wanted and more. We had awe inspiring views, aquariums to keep guests entertained, a great dinner, and overall just an amazing day. And one of the nicest parts about it was that the price of this venue and catering is incredibly competitive. They beat out so many of our other venues that had far less to offer. What a fantastic place. Many thanks to Chip, Emily, and the entire staff of Lancer Catering.
M
Melissa Sent on 11/17/2014
5 out of 5 rating
You will not find a more professional or courteous group of wonderful people to work with. My family is grateful for the services Lancer Catering provided for my daughters wedding. Chip Venzone and Emily Treadwell provided this first time catering client a total piece of mind so I could focus on all the other aspects of a wedding. The staff on the event night were amazing looking after every small detail so the guests could truly enjoy the wonderful and magical aquarium. Thank you again
A
Adam Sent on 04/06/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Our wedding at the Point Defiance Zoo was outstanding. Since the wedding on March 22nd my wife and I have received countless comments on how beautiful the venue turned out to be and how amazing the food was. Lancer Catering and Chip Venzone were amazing from the time we started planning until the end of the event.
S
Sabina Sent on 10/14/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Everything went smoothly. Chip made the whole process easy and stress free.
S
Sabina Sent on 07/22/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful venue and amazing service
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Awards

24
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
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Professional Network & Endorsements

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Park & Outdoor Weddings

As a sister facility to NW Trek, I highly recommend this venue and their caterer Lancer.

Chaplain Dale Weddings Chaplain Dale Weddings Wedding Officiants

If your goal is to have a wedding that your guests will remember and talk about for a long, long time, this is your place. Spectacular setting and scenery and an attentive staff. Nothing quite like Point Defiance!

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Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium frequently asked questions

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Tables
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The space offered by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Garden
  • Park
  • Zoo
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Elopements
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is recommended by 93% 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, 4.6 in professionalism and 4.6 in value.
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