Rooms with a View

Each year, millions of visitors travel to Sarasota to enjoy its beautiful beaches and exotic and fascinating marine life. At The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory, we showcase the best that the region has to offer in several unique settings perfect for your wedding or other special event — venues that don’t require you to get wet to have a great time!

Mote Aquarium is one of Sarasota’s premier attractions, hosting more than 300,000 visitors each year. Our venues offer you and your guests a departure from the ordinary with spectacular animal exhibits and breathtaking views.

Our waterfront location showcases everything that is special about Sarasota and her islands.

• Click here for our new brochure to review our venue rental options and a list of our preferred professionals.
• Click here to see some reviews from brides.
  

Did you know that zoos and aquariums are becoming the most popular places for unique wedding experiences? Click here to learn more. At Mote, you can have cocktails at the reef, dinner among the sharks, luaus at a tiki-hut and rooms with great views. Mote venues are available for private rentals from 8 a.m. to midnight each day of the week, including weekends. Prices are reasonable and — best of all — proceeds generated from rentals support Mote research and public education efforts.

NEW PASS ROOM
In the Keating Marine Education Center

The New Pass Room is 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. New Pass Room is also perfect for hosting seminars and includes complete A/V capabilities for an extra charge.

New Pass Room Capacity: 200 for cocktail receptions. 150 for sit-down dinner, with tables and chairs provided.
Hours Available: 8 a.m. to midnight

Price: $2,100*
*Includes tables & chairs for up to 150 guests

View from the Balcony of the New Pass Room:

THE CHICKEE
Outside Mote Aquarium

Built by members of the Seminole Indian tribe, the Chickee picnic area is an outside covered pavilion next beautiful Sarasota Bay. It’s one sure way to give your event an authentic Old Florida feel and is a wonderful place to hold birthday parties, company picnics or casual wedding rehearsal dinners. Picnic area includes electricity, water, grill, wooden picnic tables and chairs.

Chickee Capacity: 60
Hours Available: 8 a.m. to midnight

Price: $350/4 hours
1-60 people

AQUARIUM AND COURTYARD
Inside Mote Aquarium

Mote Aquarium is perfect for an evening reception and rental includes access to all Mote Aquarium exhibits, such as the 135,000-gallon shark tank and reef fish exhibit. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy a get-together: watching the sunset and beautiful undersea creatures.

Dinner Capacity: 500 (tables and chairs not included.)
Cocktail Reception Capacity: 1,000
Hours Available: 5 p.m. to midnight

Prices:
1-75 people ... $1,900
76-150 people ... $2,300
151-250 people ... $3,100
251-350 people ... $3,300
351-500 people ... $4,200
>500 people: Please call Paula Clark at 941-388-2252 for a quote.

JEAN PURCELL HENDRY CONFERENCE HALL
In the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Our newest rental facility is located in the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabiliation Center. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Mote Aquarium dolphin lagoon on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other. Approximately 3,500 square feet can accommodate groups of up to 225 people. Tables and chairs are included in the rental price and the facility can be rented during the day or for evening functions. Full Audio/Visual capabilities are available for an additional fee.

Marine Mammal Center Room Capacity: 300 for cocktail receptions. 250 for sit-down dinner, with tables and chairs provided.
Hours Available: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. to midnight

Price: $2,900 PLEASE NOTE: THE HENDRY CONFERENCE ROOM WILL BE UNAVAILABLE FOR RENTAL WHILE WE ARE UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS BEGINNING JAN. 1, 2013 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Audio/Video needs may be provided for an additional charge and include video, PowerPoint, slide projector, overhead, microphone and technician. Groups and/or their caterer are responsible for setting up the room to their specifications.

Please note that all food/beverage for any event must be provided by one of Mote's exclusive caterers.

• For more information, please call (941) 388-2252 or e-mail Paula Clark at pclark@mote.org

Some of Mote's Preferred Professionals

Accommodations
The Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
941.388.2181
www.helmsleysandcastle.com

Bartenders
Morton’s Gourmet
Market & Catering
941.955.9856
www.mortonsmarket.com

Cakes & Desserts
Sarasota Catering Company
941.927.7675
www.sarasotacateringcompany.com

Catering
Fete Catering & Ballroom
941.782.0899
www.caterfete.com

Harry’s Continental Kitchens
941.383.0777
www.harryskitchen.com

Mattison’s
941.921.3400
www.mattisons.com

Morton’s Gourmet
Market & Catering
941.955.9856
www.mortonsmarket.com

Nellie’s Catering
941.924.2705
www.nelliescatering.com

Sarasota Catering Company
941.927.7675
www.sarasotacateringcompany.com

Dining/Rehearsal Dinner
Nellie’s Catering
941.924.2705
www.nelliescatering.com

Event Decor & Design
Flowers by Fudgie
941.349.9212
www.flowersbyfudgie.com

Event Planning
Nellie’s Catering
941.924.2705
www.nelliescatering.com

Weddings of Sarasota, Inc.
941.923.4333
www.weddingsofsarasota.com

Florist
Flowers by Fudgie
941.349.9212
www.flowersbyfudgie.com

Photography
Weddings of Sarasota, Inc.
941.923.4333
www.weddingsofsarasota.com

Wedding resource
eleGALA.com
www.eleGALA.com