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Event Planners Guide

A white wave shape.
Private events at the Seattle Aquarium

Welcome to the Seattle Aquarium Event Planner’s Guide

This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in planning a flawless event at the Seattle Aquarium. From understanding our unique spaces and catering options to important logistics and policies, this guide covers everything you need to know to create an extraordinary experience for your guests.

Tables and chairs set up for a formal event in front of the Window on Washington Waters habitat at the Seattle Aquarium. The large glass window of the habitat showcases different fish swimming underwater.
The One Ocean Hall area of the Seattle Aquarium's Ocean Pavilion, as seen from the ground floor looking toward The Reef and Archipelago habitats. Video projections of underwater habitats line the floor and wall.
From left to right, a woman and two men all wearing former attire standing in the Underwater Dome area of the Seattle Aquarium. They are holding drinks as if participating in a toast. A table with candles, food, and various items is in front of them.

Venue details and capacities

A decorated tall circular table placed in front of a viewing window into the Ocean Pavilion's Reef habitat. Different plates of food have been placed on the table. Tropical fish can be seen swimming inside the habitat through a large viewing window.

Ocean Pavilion

The Ocean Pavilion provides a stunning setting that transports your guests from the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant Indo-Pacific. Ideal for hosting intimate receptions, corporate events, or special celebrations, this space blends modern amenities with a captivating underwater backdrop that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and create unforgettable memories.

Wedding guests sitting at different long rectangular decorated tables for a dinner service in the Puget Sound Hall at the Seattle Aquarium. A large viewing window into the underwater Window on Washington Waters habitat is near, with a variety of fish swimming through the habitat.

Pier 59

Located within the heart of the Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59 offers a flexible and inviting indoor venue space, perfect for hosting corporate mixers, cocktail parties, or any event where the unique ambiance of Puget Sound and its marine life take center stage. With its versatile layout, this space provides guests with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Washington Waters habitat, including a captivating touch pool experience. For those seeking an additional highlight, the back pier offers stunning views of the Seattle waterfront, enhancing any event with a picturesque touch.

A group of adults, all wearing former attire standing in the Underwater Dome area of the Seattle Aquarium. They are holding drinks as if participating in a toast. A table with candles, food, and various items is in front of them.

Pier 60

Pier 60 offers a unique outdoor event experience, providing guests with the opportunity to add an exciting element to your event. As an ideal addition, this space allows attendees to enjoy immersive animal experiences the aquarium has to offer, all while taking in the stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Venue space Capacity Ideal for
Puget Sound Hall
Up to 250
Corporate events, large receptions
Life on the Edge
Up to 250
Cocktail receptions, corporate receptions
Back Pier
Up to 300
Cocktail receptions, birthday parties, summer parties
Mezzanine
Up to 100
Small gatherings, breakout sessions
Pier 60
Flexible
Ideal for on-flow and experiential activations
Ocean Pavilion
Flexible
Corporate events, large receptions

Set-up options: Theater, banquet, classroom, cocktail and custom configurations available.

AV equipment: Projectors, screens, microphones and sound systems available for certain spaces. Please contact us for detailed availability.

Catering and beverage services

Customized menus by Sea View Catering

Our catering team specializes in crafting personalized menus that reflect the best of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary offerings. Each menu is designed with freshness, uniqueness and high-end presentation in mind.

  • Menu options: Plated dinners, buffets, hors d’oeuvres, cocktail receptions and interactive food stations are available.
  • Dietary accommodations: We cater to all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and more.
  • Sustainability: All ingredients are sustainably sourced, with a focus on local suppliers and seasonal produce.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Sea View Catering will bring a personalized touch, ensuring that your food and beverage experience is as delightfully memorable as the stunning surroundings.

A slice of steak sitting on top of mashed potatoes, with a side of greens.
Different desserts placed on a wooden plate which has been decorated with flower petals. An individual has reached to take one of the desserts off the plate with their hand.
Bite-sized lettuce cup appetizers filled with different foods sitting on top of a decorative platter.
Five different multicolored mixed drinks lined up on a table top. Each drink is in a different shaped glass with unique garnishes including flower petals, rock candy, limes and blackberries.

Beverage packages

Choose from a variety of beverage packages, including hosted and cash bars, signature cocktails and premium wine selections. Our bartenders are certified and experienced in creating a fun and responsible atmosphere.

  • Non-alcoholic options: Fresh juices, mocktails and soft drinks are available.
  • Specialty bars: Consider adding a champagne toast, coffee station or custom cocktail bar to elevate your event.

Make your event memorable

Enhancements and add-ons

  • Underwater messages: Display a personalized message underwater for a truly unique touch.
  • Animal encounters: Engage your guests with live encounters featuring our marine animal ambassadors.
  • Interactive habitats: Incorporate the interactive touch pool habitats into your event for added fun.
Guests attending a private event at the Seattle Aquarium looking at and reaching into the touch tidepool habitats in the Life on the Edge area of the Aquarium.
Wedding guests standing around the sea otter habitat at the Seattle Aquarium watching an Aquarium staff member, who is standing on a ladder with a large metal bucket, conduct a sea otter feed.

Special event FAQ's

Pricing varies based on event type, time and customization needs. Contact us for a personalized quote.

We can accommodate up to 600+ guests, depending on the event type and setup.

Yes, parking is available at nearby garages for a fee.

No, our dedicated team will assist you with every aspect of hosting your event on site, from coordinating the details to ensuring a seamless experience. While we provide support in organizing your event, please note that we are not a full-service wedding planner. If you prefer, we’re happy to work alongside your selected event planner to bring your vision to life.

Live music is welcome in Puget Sound Hall (P59) and P60, with volume levels regulated to ensure the comfort of Aquarium animals. DJ and live band performances are not allowed in Ocean Pavilion; only acoustic music is permitted.

Policies and important information

Event timings

  • Setup and teardown: Set-up for events begins at 5:30pm for Puget Sound Hall and 6pm for all other spaces in the Aquarium. Teardown must be coordinated with the on-site team.
  • Noise restrictions: Please note that sound levels must be maintained to ensure the well-being of the marine life.
  • Final event numbers: Final guest counts are due a minimum of seven days in advance. We will do our best to accommodate last-minute additions, but please note that additional costs may apply. Once orders have been placed, reductions in guest counts cannot be accommodated.
  • Events are not hosted during public aquarium hours. 

Parking and accessibility

  • Parking: Paid parking is available at nearby garages. We recommend sharing transportation details with your guests.
  • Accessibility: The Seattle Aquarium is fully ADA-compliant. Please inform us of any specific accessibility needs.

Food and beverage

  • There is a food and beverage minimum to book any event, starting at $7,500, and varies based on the day of the week you are booking.

Decorations and rentals

  • Decorations: All decorations must be approved by the event team. We do not allow balloons, confetti or open flames. To ensure the well-being of wildlife and maintain ethical standards, we do not permit seashell décor or any other aquatic or animal-related decorations.
  • Rentals: We provide tables and chairs. Specialty rentals can be arranged through our preferred vendors.

Cancellations and refunds

  • For cancellations made more than 180 days before the event date, Sea View Catering will refund any payments made toward the estimated event price. This excludes the facility fee, which is non-refundable and will be forfeited in full.
  • Cancellations made within 180 days of the event date are subject to a cancellation fee in addition to the non-refundable facility fee.
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