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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a unique wedding venue located in Sarasota, Florida. You and your guests can experience cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the aquarium, dinner among the sharks, and rehearsal dinners at the Chickee Hut that provides a Southwest Florida-feel. The spectacular animal exhibits and breathtaking views provide a one of a kind setting for your most special occasion, and its waterfront location showcases everything that is special about Sarasota and her islands. Mote is proud to offer our services to ALL loving couples.
Facilities and Capacity
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers both indoor and outdoor unique venue options to host an unforgettable ceremony and reception. Their venue spaces include:
- The New Pass Room - a 4,300 square-foot room featuring a 1,300 square foot balcony that provides spectacular views of Sarasota Bay, New Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, accommodating 150 guests (with a dance floor).
- The Chickee - an outside covered pavilion with waterfront views for 56 to 100 guests built by members of the Seminole Indian tribe, giving your event an authentic Old Florida feel.
- Indoor Aquarium Gallery - an intimate and immersive space where your guests will be surrounded by the beauty of the ocean while enjoying a formal dinner for 50 or a cocktail reception for up to 200.
- Aquarium Courtyard - spacious venue for 50 to 400 guests, includes access to all Mote Aquarium exhibits, such as the 135,000-gallon shark tank and reef fish exhibit.
- WAVE Center - a large, multi-purpose location complete with full audio-visual capabilities and WiFi, accommodating 150-250 guests.
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. It is one of the few remaining independent marine research facilities in the United States. Founded in 1955 in Placida, Florida, it was originally known as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory. The name was changed to Mote Marine Laboratory in 1967 in honor of the family of a major benefactor, William R. Mote.
The Aquarium — open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — is a major attraction hosting visitors from throughout the United States and abroad, providing guests with a fascinating look at the local marine life and the work of Mote scientists, which now includes more than 20 different research programs.
Pricing & Additional Information
Please visit mote.org/venuerental
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Message vendorReviews of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Review summary
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a highly recommended wedding venue with exceptional service and a unique setting. The staff, including Veronica and Annabel, were praised for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism throughout the planning process and on the day of the event. Multiple reviewers mentioned the beautiful and picturesque locations, such as the Chickee Hut, courtyard, and New Pass Room, which added to the overall experience. The venue's recommended vendors and budget-friendly options were also appreciated by reviewers. Overall, customers highly recommended Mote Marine as a wedding venue.
Aquarium wedding!
Best place to have a beach wedding with a nautical theme!!
Beautiful and Unique
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Team
Veronica joined the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium team in 2021, serving as Events Manager. Veronica is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all internal events as well as venue rentals.
As a Florida native (originally from the Jupiter area) Veronica was raised to love the ocean and to deeply appreciate the coastal lifestyle we are fortunate to experience as Floridians. After college, she began her career as Development Manager for Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL where she was able to combine her passion for ocean conservation with her professional goals. After moving to Sarasota, Veronica worked for a local organization responsible for hosting several large-scale community events, including the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival.
Veronica is thrilled to be the newest member of Mote’s events team. Mote’s venues offer you and your guests a departure from the ordinary with spectacular exhibits and breathtaking, waterfront views
After graduating from the University of Florida with her bachelors degree in the Spring of 2022, Sam joined us at Mote as Events Coordinator. Throughout her college career, she pursued her interests in non-profit leadership via her coursework and internship at a land trust in Gainesville, Florida. There, she assisted with running fundraising and outreach events and researching conservation legislation.
As a Florida native, Annabel grew up on the Manatee River and has always loved marine life, specifically manatees. After receiving her degree in Telecommunication from the University of Florida in the Fall of 2022, Annabel joined us as the Events Venue Coordinator. Annabel has worked in the customer service industry for over 7 years and is passionate about working with others and bringing people together. She looks forward to helping people from all over find the perfect venue at Mote Marine Laboratory for their events and celebrations.
Professional Network & Endorsements
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If you are looking for a unique venue to host your wedding or reception, be sure to consider Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. The Aquarium offers several distinctive locations to choose from, breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, and the ability to get up close and personal with a myriad of marine life. These wonderful features, along with the courteous staff of wedding professionals led by the wonderfully talented Allison Whitten, will ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
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