​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​*Currently we are not accepting private event bookings. Please check back later for more details, availability and options for your special event.*

Facility Rentals for Private Events & Weddings

Bring your private event to life! The Virginia Aquarium is the perfect place ​​for a unique and memorable private event.

Main Building

We offer a selection of rooms for evening events. Mix and match rooms to fit your needs, or rent the entire Bay & Ocean Pavilion, and amaze up to 1,200 guests!

Promenade Room

The Promenade Room features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Owls Creek, perfect for a wedding, family gathering, or business reception. At 1,560 square feet, the Promenade Room accommodates up to 120 guests seated around a dancing area, with additional guests accommodated for a standing reception.

Sharks and Sea Turtles Gallery

For a truly unique experience, enjoy dinner with the sharks, stroll by the sea turtles, or spend some private time with our octopus and jellies. The Sharks & Sea Turtles Gallery, located adjacent to the Promenade Room, accommodates up to 50 guests for dinner or 300 for a standing reception.

Restless Planet Gallery

Include this spectacular exhibit in your event. Komodo dragons, rare crocodiles, hedgehogs, and the walkthrough Red Sea Tunnel will delight up to 350 guests.

Marsh Overlook Deck​ (Outside)​

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Approximately halfway along the Nature Trail, this lovely outdoor area can be tented or left open-air for an early evening wedding ceremony, reception, garden party, or musical recital for up to 150 guests.

Atlantic Explorer

Our 65-foot catamaran, the Atlantic Explorer, is a great venue for casual office parties, family reunions, birthdays, receptions, and more. Up to 120 guests can relax and mingle while enjoying the sights of Owls Creek, Lake Rudee, Rudee Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean. To book, please contact Private Events Coordinator Cecelia Campbell at (757) 385-0306 or email her at CSCampbe@virginiaaquarium.com .​

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Birthday Parties

**Birthday parties are not currently being scheduled. Please watch for updates.**

 

​Photography Policy at the Aquarium

Paying guests are welcome to take pictures of their visit to the Virginia Aquarium. We are currently not offering private photography or videography shoots.

More details to come regarding commercial or broadcast photography, videography, and recording,  and scheduling a private photography/videography session at the Aquarium.