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 total of 175 guests for a large banquet. 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 that 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.
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:
Recommended by 93% of couples
Luz · Married on 07/23/2017
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!
Sent on 07/28/2017
Sarah · Married on 06/24/2017
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.
Sent on 06/26/2017
Emily · Married on 04/29/2017
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.
Sent on 05/13/2017
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.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Price Rates
2 Endorsements
As a sister facility to NW Trek, I highly recommend this venue and their caterer Lancer.
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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