Wedding Packages at the Georgia Aquarium Start Around $5,000 and Go Up Significantly

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers wedding ceremonies and receptions in several spaces, but the total cost depends heavily on your guest count, which spaces you rent, and what services you include. A small ceremony in one of the aquarium's gallery spaces with 50 guests might start near $5,000 to $7,000 for the venue rental alone, while a larger reception with 200 guests in multiple spaces can easily exceed $25,000 or more. These are venue fees only—they do not include catering, flowers, photography, or other vendors you will hire separately.

The aquarium does not publish fixed pricing on its website. Instead, you contact their events team directly with details about your guest count, preferred date, and which spaces interest you, and they provide a custom quote. This means two weddings of the same size can have different prices depending on the day of the week, season, and current demand. Weekend events typically cost more than weekday events, and peak wedding season (spring and fall) commands higher rates than winter months.

Key Takeaways

  • Venue rental at the Georgia Aquarium ranges from roughly $5,000 for a small ceremony to $25,000 or more for a large reception, depending on guest count and spaces used.
  • The aquarium offers multiple event spaces, including gallery areas with aquarium views, and you pay based on which rooms you reserve and how long you use them.
  • Catering, flowers, photography, and other services are separate costs not included in the venue fee, and you may be required to use the aquarium's preferred vendors or pay outside catering fees.
  • Weekday and off-season events cost less than weekend and peak-season dates, so timing your wedding can significantly affect your total venue expense.
  • You must contact the aquarium's events department directly for a quote, as pricing is customized based on your specific needs and date.

What Spaces Are Available and How They Affect Price

The Georgia Aquarium has several event spaces, each with different capacities and features. The Ocean Ballroom is one of the largest and can hold up to 600 guests for a reception. Gallery spaces overlooking the whale shark tank or other exhibits offer a more intimate setting with aquarium views. Some couples rent a single gallery for a ceremony and cocktail hour, then move to the ballroom for dinner and dancing. Others use multiple smaller spaces throughout the building.

Each space you add to your event increases the rental cost. A ceremony in one gallery plus a reception in another gallery costs more than using just one space. The ballroom, being the largest and most flexible, typically carries the highest per-hour or flat rate. If you want exclusive use of certain areas during your event—meaning other visitors cannot access them—that also increases the price. The aquarium's events coordinator will walk you through which combinations make sense for your guest count and budget during your consultation.

Catering and Vendor Requirements

The Georgia Aquarium requires you to use their in-house catering service for food and beverages. You cannot bring in an outside caterer. This simplifies planning in one sense—you have one point of contact for all food service—but it also means you are locked into their menu and pricing. Catering costs vary based on the package you choose, the number of guests, and the type of service (cocktail reception, plated dinner, buffet, and so on). A basic package might run $40 to $60 per person, while premium options with premium proteins or more elaborate presentations can exceed $100 per person.

For other services like flowers, photography, and music, the aquarium has a list of preferred vendors. You are not required to use them, but if you bring in an outside vendor not on the preferred list, you may be charged an outside vendor fee—typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the service. This fee covers the aquarium's coordination and liability. If you use a preferred vendor, you avoid this extra charge. Ask the events team for the preferred vendor list when you first inquire about your date.

Timing and Seasonal Price Differences

The day of the week and time of year both affect what you pay. Saturday evening events in May or October (peak wedding season) will cost significantly more than a Wednesday afternoon event in January. Some couples save thousands by choosing a Friday instead of a Saturday, or by planning their wedding in the summer or winter when fewer people are getting married.

The aquarium is also open to regular visitors during most events, which means your guests will share the building with paying aquarium guests. If you want the aquarium closed to the public during your event—exclusive use of the entire facility—that is a premium option that costs substantially more. Most couples accept that other visitors will be present and plan their timeline accordingly, such as having the ceremony when the aquarium is less crowded.

Additional Costs Beyond the Venue

Once you have paid the venue rental and catering, several other expenses typically follow. Flowers and decorations are not included in the venue fee, though the aquarium's décor already includes the aquarium itself. Photography and videography are separate. If you want a DJ or live band, that is an additional cost. Rentals such as linens, chairs, and tables may or may not be included in your catering package—confirm with the events team. Invitations, favors, and a wedding cake or dessert bar are also separate line items.

Many couples also budget for a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, which can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on how much help you need. If you are planning the event yourself, you save that cost but invest your own time in coordinating with the aquarium, caterer, and vendors.

How to Get a Quote from the Georgia Aquarium

Start by visiting the Georgia Aquarium's website and looking for their events or weddings page. You will find a contact form or phone number for their events department. When you reach out, have ready the following information: your preferred wedding date (or a range of dates), your expected guest count, which spaces interest you, and any special requests or must-haves for your event.

The events coordinator will ask follow-up questions about your vision, timeline, and budget. They will then send you a custom proposal that breaks down the venue rental, catering options, and any additional services or fees. This proposal is not binding—it is a starting point for negotiation and planning. If the price is higher than you expected, ask whether a different date, smaller guest count, or different space combination would lower the cost. Some couples also ask whether the aquarium offers any discounts for off-peak dates or smaller events.

Comparing the Georgia Aquarium to Other Atlanta Venues

The Georgia Aquarium is a premium venue because of its unique setting and the experience it offers guests. Other Atlanta event spaces—hotel ballrooms, historic estates, or outdoor gardens—may have lower venue rental fees, sometimes starting at $2,000 to $3,000 for smaller events. However, those venues do not include the aquarium experience, which is part of what you are paying for at the Georgia Aquarium.

If the aquarium's price is beyond your budget, consider whether a smaller guest count, a weekday event, or an off-season date would bring it within reach. Alternatively, you could hold your ceremony or cocktail hour at the aquarium and move to a more affordable venue for the reception. Some couples also explore the aquarium's smaller event spaces, which may be less expensive than the ballroom while still offering the aquarium backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have my wedding at the Georgia Aquarium on a specific date I have in mind?

Availability depends on the date and how far in advance you book. Popular dates, especially Saturdays in spring and fall, book months or even a year ahead. Contact the events team as soon as you have a target date in mind. If your first choice is unavailable, they can suggest nearby dates that may be open and potentially less expensive.

Does the Georgia Aquarium price include decorations and flowers?

The venue rental includes the aquarium itself as your backdrop, but not fresh flowers or additional décor. You hire a florist separately, and if they are not on the aquarium's preferred vendor list, you pay an outside vendor fee. Some couples keep decorations minimal because the aquarium's exhibits are already visually striking.

What if I want to invite more guests than the space can hold?

The Georgia Aquarium's largest space, the Ocean Ballroom, holds up to 600 guests. If you need more capacity, you would need to split your event into two seatings or hold it elsewhere. Contact the events team to discuss your guest count and they will recommend which spaces work best.

Can I bring my own caterer to save money?

No, the Georgia Aquarium requires you to use their in-house catering. You cannot bring in an outside caterer. However, you can work with the catering team to choose a menu package that fits your budget, and they can often adjust portions or service style to reduce per-person costs.

How far in advance do I need to book a wedding at the Georgia Aquarium?

Popular dates book 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for weekend events in peak season. If you are flexible with your date or willing to choose a weekday or off-season event, you may be able to book with less notice. Contact the events team to check availability for your preferred timeframe.