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Weddings

About

Break out of the ballroom and experience the freshwater elegance of hosting after hours celebrations at Great Lakes Aquarium! We can accommodate all your needs, from the wedding shower through the Big Day. We offer space for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, room for seated receptions for up to 160 people, and a sparkling 24-foot water wall as a backdrop for the first dance through the last call. Learn more about all the ways we can make your celebrations special!

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Frequently asked questions

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

Yes

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

Yes

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Clean Up
Event Planning
Parking
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Park

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Event Rentals

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access
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Reviews of Great Lakes Aquarium

Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.3 out of 5 rating
4.3 out of 5 rating
3 Reviews
87% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.3 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.3 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.3 out of 5 rating
Weddingwire
4.3/5 3 reviews
Google
4.5/5 3960 reviews
S
Sylwia Sent on 09/26/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Couldn't have chosen better place for our ceremony and party. Everyone had something to do: kids plenty of exhibits to explore and adults neat venue with dance floor next to the waterwall. We were on a budget but this venue was worth every penny. Alexis (the event coordinator) is the sweetest and most accommodating person I've ever met. I couldn't have asked for a better service!
K
Kendra Sent on 10/22/2017
4 out of 5 rating
GLA is a great place for a wedding ceremony! There's a beautiful private courtyard behind the building for ceremonies, with a lovely harbor view. There's also an indoor "backup" space that also has an awesome view. This is the only venue that I know of where the indoor location also has a water view, so that was a huge deal to my husband and me. After the ceremony, guests loved exploring the aquarium exhibits. Our reception was next door at the DECC which worked perfectly - our guests stayed in Canal Park and walked everywhere! They do have free parking for those who drive. However, your guests to ask for the free parking. A lot of our guests were charged because the parking attendant didn't ask if they were there for our wedding. I wish we could have given the attendant a list of our guests so people were not charged. The event coordinators were very kind, professional and accommodating throughout the whole process. Thanks GLA!
H
Heather Sent on 01/08/2008
4 out of 5 rating
This was a fabulous ceremony site - unique, memorable, and striking. Guests enjoyed touring the aquarium prior to the event, it was a great value for a ceremony only, and we had breathtaking photos right outside the door. The facility was great for our small wedding - the only problem was sound, in front of the waterfall it was difficult to hear the officiant. Highly recommended. During my engagment a new events director took over, and she was great - Annie.
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