The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in California

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in California

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11 Wedding Venues in California

Aquariums, zoos
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Green Gables 

5.0

San Marcos, CA
  • Up to 425 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $15,950

Earthy, light, airy and feathery- In the shade of a lush, landmark forest, this historic garden estate is surrounded by ivy-covered arbors, blooming rose gardens, trickling fountains, picturesque statuary, and thousands of bright twinkling lights. A grand bridal parlor and vintage gentlemen’s speakeasy, outfitted with timeless, charming accents and furnishings, provide the perfect scenery for your preparations before reciting your vows in one of our three breathtaking ceremony spaces.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Blends luxury with trendiness

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
We had a great experience with Trademark at GG. It’s a semi all inclusive venue so they provided a planner (we had Courtney, she was great!) set up meetings throughout the planning process to go over timeline, details & food. The food was amazing as well! We did family style. The venue was stunning, especially at night. I highly recommend working with Trademark at any of their venues.
Brian G., 3 years ago
Quick responder
Exploratorium 

5.0

San Francisco, CA
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $11,900

Our LEED platinum sustainably designed facility—located in the vibrant heart of the historic Embarcadero at Pier 15—is an unforgettable venue for everything from intimate gatherings to large events. With spectacular views of both city and Bay—plus access to our lively landscape of hundreds of exhibits—the Exploratorium’s waterfront home offers an exciting, imaginative setting for just about anything you can dream up.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Dressing room available
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
The staff and venue exceeded expectations. They provided great suggestions and stayed in contact to answer any questions and concerns. The venue was beautiful and provided ample space for all vendors and guests. We would definitely return for other celebrations.
P C., 6 months ago
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center 

5.0

Santa Cruz, CA
  • Up to 140 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,010

The Seymour Center is an oceanfront hideaway for an intimate wedding that your guests will be talking about for years to come. One of the most unique wedding venues on the Central Coast, The Seymour Center boasts breathtaking ocean views and multiple bluff-top terraces. After the ceremony, come inside and sip cocktails while your guests gaze upon the marine life of the Monterey Bay. Unveil a one of a kind wedding at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Call or email us directly to learn more.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • Does not allow pets
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
Our wedding at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center was an absolutely unforgettable experience, and we're still glowing from the memories! The venue itself is breathtaking, with that stunning ocean overlook providing the most magical backdrop for our ceremony and photos. The unique combination of natural beauty and the interactive exhibits and aquarium really made our celebration stand out. Our guests were absolutely charmed and engaged throughout the entire event – it was truly a 'fin-tastic' time! We can't say enough about the entire team. On-site, Venk and Cassidy were simply phenomenal. Their professionalism and friendly demeanor were invaluable during the planning process and on the day itself. They were incredibly responsive, attentive to every detail, and truly went above and beyond to ensure our wedding was perfect. Their expertise and genuine enthusiasm made us feel completely at ease. They were always there to lend a 'helping fin' and made sure everything went 'swimmingly.' Behind the scenes, Emily and Audrey were equally amazing, providing prompt and helpful responses to all our email inquiries. They really helped us 'navigate' the planning process with ease. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center delivered a truly unique and memorable wedding experience. If you're looking for a venue that combines natural beauty, educational charm, and exceptional service, we wholeheartedly recommend it. Our wedding was a dream come true, and we're so grateful to Venk, Cassidy, Emily, Audrey, and the entire team for making it so special. We were 'hooked' from the start, and it was a day we'll 'sea-riously' never forget!
BrideOfTheTide, 3 months ago
Quick responder
Botanica 

5.0

Oceanside, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $15,950

This hidden tropical paradise surrounded by natural spring bed waterfalls and ponds enjoys refreshing coastal breezes. This venue is host to one wedding per day with an undeniable sense of privacy and tranquility.

Botanica was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding! From the moment we first reached out, their communication was prompt, professional, and incredibly generous. The venue itself is lush, beautiful, and perfectly clean - the ideal backdrop for our special day. They went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of, from helping us organize our large family for extended photos to making sure my husband and I were well-fed and hydrated throughout the night. We're also so grateful to our amazing planner Molly, who was endlessly kind and flexible in working with the Botanica team. Our guests are still raving about the stunning space and impeccable service. We can't recommend Botanica highly enough!
Krystal, 7 days ago
Quick responder
Reptacular Animals Ranch 

5.0

Sylmar, CA
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $4,995

Reptacular Animals specializes in hands-on entertainment with live kid-friendly animals. We have reptiles, pony rides, petting zoos, parrots, bunnies, puppies, bugs and so much more. With 3 locations to serve you, we offer shows throughout Southern California! Reptacular Animals was created to fulfill the dreams of children and adults everywhere, giving audiences an opportunity to interact directly with animals in a safe environment. Reptacular Ranch is owned by Jennifer and Cory Lagusker whose lifelong passion for animals brought them together. They built Reptacular Ranch, and together, took a bunch of animal enthusiasts and turned us into a Reptacular family.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
My husband and I had an amazing wedding at the fun, unique, beautiful and animal-filled Reptacular Animal Ranch!!! We looked at a LOT of options, and this was hands down our favorite. I would highly recommend this venue for anyone looking for an event space that is customizable and will keep guests talking for a long time. We had several animals at our wedding. Alpacas, dressed as a bride and groom, greeted guests as they arrived for the ceremony, we had a petting zoo for guests to explore during happy hour and we rode in on camels for our grand entrance. The camels were the highlight of our year and a great surprise for our guests! The owners, Cory and Jen, are very responsive to texts, calls and emails, helped with an array of questions and day-of needs and provided all information in an organized and easy to understand manner, with no hidden fees. They are open to creativity, with most things being allowed, so long as it is legal and safe for their animals and permit weddings to go on until 2AM, if you choose. The pricing structure is fair and reasonable. We took advantage of many of the venue offerings, such as: a firepit, a bar, large fridge (for drinks, cake and leftovers), the dance floor, free parking, changing trailer, restrooms, alter, tables and chairs. My husband and I love this place so much that we would like to go back to the ranch for our anniversary! *I would NOT recommend Diana as the day-of coordinator.
Nicole K., 8 months ago
New
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation ~ Discovery Center 
Carlsbad, CA
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

The Discovery Center is the perfect place for your small coastal and boutique wedding, with sweeping views of the lagoon and sunsets and a variety of outdoor spaces and gardens. Whether looking for a reception space, or ceremony and reception, we can cater to your needs. Wedding packages are designed to use the entire Discovery Center Space.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic charm with elegance
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Requires outside catering services
The Marker San Francisco 
San Francisco, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $125

The Marker is a San Francisco wedding venue and historic hotel with modern and updated facilities. Housed in an iconic turn-of-the-century building, this boutique and luxury hotel near Union Square is in a convenient downtown San Francisco location. Vibrant and comfortable accommodations, expansive event venues and distinct amenities sourced from local vendors are just some of the features that have made The Marker a popular spot for couples to wed. Set your celebration a tier above with high-quality catering services nothing short of amazing. We aim to surpass your every expectation with years of experience and a menu of savory dishes.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
CuriOdyssey 
San Mateo, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Welcome. Now booking events at CuriOdyssey! CuriOdyssey is the ideal location for your event, wedding, meeting, birthday party, and more Enjoy our outdoor zoo & exhibits until sundown. All events held at CuriOdyssey must abide by San Mateo County Health orders, including the use of face coverings and social distancing. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering in the Zoo, or a lavish affair with 200 of your closest friends, CuriOdyssey is the ideal venue choice.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Children's Fairyland 
OAKLAND, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

With whimsical sets, 10 acres of beautifully tended gardens, colored fairy lights, and a picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Merritt, our park is the ideal venue for a one-of-a-kind wedding. We offer a canopied amphitheater with both indoor and outdoor seating options, an expansive lawn, water features, and a number of themed areas perfect for receptions and sit-down dinners. Guests will delight in discovering a pirate ship and dragons or taking a ride on the iconic Jolly Trolly train. The Chapel of Peace offers a picturesque backdrop for wedding and engagement photos. Guest capacity varies. Please contact the Fairyland Team.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • Surrounded by nature

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No free parking
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles 
Los Angeles, CA
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

The Natural History Museum (NHM) occupies a special place in Los Angeles: It's one of L.A.’s oldest cultural institutions, and today, it's the anchor of an emerging cultural, educational, and entertainment hub in Exposition Park. We show off extraordinary specimens in exhibitions such as Age of Mammals, the Dinosaur Hall, the Gem and Mineral Hall, and our beloved dioramas. But in addition to sharing the history of the planet, we also explore the transformation around us right now: Becoming Los Angeles, the outdoor Nature Gardens, and the Nature Lab look at the relationship between environment and people, past and present, in L.A. In all of these experiences at the museum, whether they're inside or outside, we’re interested in the intersection of nature and culture—in L.A. and beyond.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
GemHidden gem
Hartley Farms 

5.0

San Miguel, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $8,925

Private organic farm in the heart of California’s Central Coast Wine Country. Unpack for the weekend and celebrate with family & friends. Our 1.5 acre garden, campgrounds, and indoor accommodations are all for your private use. Only 12 weddings are booked per calendar year - are you ready for this exclusive escape?

Why you'll love this venue

  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Allows pets
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Additional event staff required
Hartley Farms was the perfect wedding venue for us! From the beginning, the team was very quick to respond to our questions and incredibly kind throughout the entire planning process. They offered so many great ideas and were so helpful with all the details, which really made our wedding day run smoothly. We loved how Barbara and her husband had all the little things covered, from creative decor suggestions to making sure our guests were well taken care of. People are still raving about how amazing our wedding was, and we couldn't agree more - Hartley Farms is a 100/100 in our book!
Courtney, 3 months ago

About wedding venues in California

California offers an incredible 840 miles of coastline, 3,000+ wineries and ancient redwoods for your wedding day. When you choose the Golden State, you're getting exceptional natural lighting for your ceremony across diverse settings from Mediterranean coastal zones to alpine mountain backdrops. Each region has its own distinctive character that can perfectly match your vision.

What Makes California Wedding Venues So Special?

Northern California's Napa Valley welcomes you with rolling vineyards and Spanish colonial architecture where intimate wine cave ceremonies create unforgettable moments. Head to Southern California and you'll find oceanfront venues like Duke's Malibu where you can exchange vows with the Pacific stretching out behind you while enjoying fresh coastal-inspired cuisine. Palm Springs offers dramatic desert venues with mountain backdrops and striking midcentury modern architecture that photographs beautifully.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in California Cost?

Wedding venues in California typically run between $9,600 and $11,700 which aligns nicely with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. Your overall costs will vary based on guest count:

  • 50 guests: $26,190
  • 100 guests: $43,692
  • 150 guests: $60,141
  • 200 guests: $74,836
  • 250 guests: $89,530
  • 300 guests: $104,224

Which California Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and separate preparation spaces for couples. You might also consider Holman Ranch Sunstone Winery and Villa del Sol d'Oro though you'll want to directly confirm their specific accessibility features when you visit. Accessibility options have improved greatly across California venues in recent years.

When Should You Book Your California Wedding Venue?

October leads venue inquiries in California with couples typically booking venues about 13 months (400 days) before their wedding date. If you're dreaming of a Northern California wine country wedding during peak season you'll want to book up to 18 months in advance. Southern California venues offer more flexibility especially during winter months when you can still enjoy beautiful weather while potentially securing better rates.

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in California?

La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla delivers impeccable service with menu options from lobster bisque to perfectly prepared steak. You'll love Vibiana in Los Angeles with its chef-driven menus served in a stunning restored cathedral setting. Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park offers Michelin-star fine dining while Bali Hai Restaurant serves authentic Polynesian cuisine with breathtaking views overlooking San Diego Bay. California's culinary scene truly elevates the wedding experience.

How Do California Wedding Costs Break Down?

VendorAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$10,66518%
Catering$8,53214%
Florists$7,82113%
Bar Services$6,82611%
Photography$4,7648%
Wedding Planners$4,8358%
Videography$4,3097%
Hair & Makeup$6001%
Cake & Desserts$8181%

Which California Venues Offer Enhanced Remote Participation?

Parq Event Center in San Diego features state-of-the-art sound LED screens and projection walls that support advanced streaming capabilities for guests who can't attend in person. You'll find Exchange LA and Wing Tip in San Francisco offer flexible spaces that adapt beautifully for innovative tech integration. These can include virtual reality experiences interactive live streaming and 360-degree cameras that make remote guests feel like they're right there with you. Technology has transformed how we can include loved ones from anywhere in the world.