Host an Event FAQ

Yes, as long as they follow the guidelines of the contract. All setup and breakdown of any items not provided by The Florida Aquarium are the responsibility of the client. All vendors must have active liability insurance with coverage up to $1,000,000. Please speak with the Sales & Events team on load-in times and procedures for vendors.

This is dependent upon meeting space availability. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for additional information.

Yes. We offer a variety of animal encounters for private events. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for additional information.

Admission add-on options are available. Please speak with the Sales & Events team about pricing and details.

Yes. The Florida Aquarium Station – stop #7 – is located next to our parking lot. For more information and Streetcar hours, visit the TECO Streetcar website.

Yes. More information on parking can be found here. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for more information.

There will be Sales & Events team members on-site, but hiring a planner is highly encouraged.

Yes! We have in-house catering through the SSA Group. View cuisine and menu offerings here. We cannot accommodate any outside food & beverage items. The only exception is a baker bringing in a cake.

No. Cake cutting is included in your event package.

Yes. For more information on our preferred vendors, please contact a member of the Sales & Events team.

Using preferred vendors is not required but strongly encouraged. Since we are an attraction by day, we have some unique set-up times and spaces. If you would like to use a vendor that is not on our preferred list, the Sales & Events team must approve it.

Yes. We offer a variety of animal encounters for private events. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for additional information.

Yes. More information on parking can be found here. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for more information.

There are several hotels close to the Aquarium in downtown Tampa. Learn More.

Yes. The Florida Aquarium Station – stop #7 – is located next to our parking lot. For more information and Streetcar hours, visit the TECO Streetcar website.

There will be Sales & Events team members on-site to assist your wedding planner.

Ceremony site, cocktail-hour site and reception site.

Four-hour hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres display at cocktail hour, mercury glass votive candles for cocktail hour, banquet tables and chairs, floor length black or white table linens, black or white napkins, champagne or sparkling cider greet, cake-cutting service, assorted rolls and butter.

No. We recommend arriving at The Florida Aquarium dressed and fully ready. If you would like to wait until you arrive at the Aquarium to put on your wedding gown, we can accommodate. Please speak with the Sales & Events team to discuss timelines and availability.

Yes, we offer a variety of animal encounters for weddings. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for additional information.

Yes! We have in-house catering through the SSA Group. We cannot accommodate any outside food & beverage items. The only exception is a baker bringing in a wedding cake.

In an effort to reduce long bar lines at the beginning of cocktail hour, we offer a champagne greet immediately following the ceremony. When guests start to explore the Aquarium, they already will have a celebratory drink. Sparkling cider and water are also provided.

No. Cake cutting is included in your wedding package.

Yes. For more information on our preferred vendors, please contact a member of the Sales & Events team.

Yes, using preferred vendors is required. Since we are an attraction by day, we have some unique setup times and spaces. For further questions, please reach out to the Sales & Events team.

Yes. More information on parking can be found here. Please speak with the Sales & Events team for more information.

Yes. Guests have the first 20 minutes of cocktail hour to explore the Wetlands dome and Bays and Beaches galleries. If you would like to extend this time, please speak with the Sales & Events team.

There are several hotels close to the Aquarium in downtown Tampa. Learn More.

Yes. The Florida Aquarium Station – stop #7 – is located next to our parking lot. For more information and Streetcar hours, visit the TECO Streetcar website.