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 130 guests (with a dance floor).
The Chickee – an outside covered pavilion with waterfront views for 56-100 guests built by members of the Seminole Indian tribe, giving your event an authentic Old Florida feel.
Aquarium and Courtyard – spacious venue for 50-400 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.
History
Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the oldest marine research laboratories in Florida. Orginally, the lab opened in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, Florida. The Lab was later renamed to honor a major benefactor, William R. Mote and the contributions he and his family made to help the facility grow in size and reputation. Today, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is located on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, and the Florida Keys.
