WEDDINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Whether planning the wedding of your dreams or a social event to remember, let us offer a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests. Get married under a pavilion on the riverfront then dine and dance your way through the night inside the Aquarium. We have a host of premium caterers to choose from as well as a multitude of downtown hotels for your guests. Simply contact Meredith Lewallen and she will get your event started in the right direction.

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Venues & Prices

Tennessee Aquarium Experience
If you really want to impress your guests on your wedding day, treat them to a spectacular night on the river. Your guests can start out with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres inside Ocean Journey while perusing through our lagoon area petting baby sharks and stingrays; strolling through a luscious garden bursting with butterflies; then heading downstairs to discover a world teeming with sea life.

Next, your guests can wander over to River Journey and continue their evening where river otters swim and play inside a cove forest, alligators and snapping turtles lurk inside a delta swamp, and amazing seahorses and sea dragons shine. Then, gather round for a night of toasting, dining and dancing.

• $2,400 rental fee for up to 100 guests. Includes use of outdoor pavilion.
• Additional guests $20 each.
• Available nightly from 7 — 10:30 p.m.
• Food, tables & chairs provided at additional cost through approved caterers.
• Drink and bar options provided by the aquarium.
• See FAQ for more information.

 

River Journey
Our original aquarium is the perfect place for your special day. Your guests can wander through the Aquarium while you’re taking pictures, then meet back in the main lobby for a night of dining and dancing. Maximize your rental of this building by including the outdoor pavilion as the perfect place to say “I do.” Or, simply use this space for cocktails before heading inside for dinner.

• $1,600 rental fee for up to 100 guests. Includes use of outdoor pavillion.
• Additional guests $13 each.
• River Journey accommodates 200 for a sit-down dinner and 700 reception style.
• Available nightly from 7 — 10:30 p.m.
• Food, tables & chairs provided at additional cost through approved caterers.
• Drink and bar options provided by the aquarium.
• See FAQ for more information

 

Ocean Journey
Turn your wedding reception into a tropical soirée. With spectacular views of the riverfront, a breathtaking lagoon-like area, and some of the most spectacular undersea life, your guests will never forget your big day. Bring in some light music and enjoy your own private oasis inside the new saltwater aquarium all evening long.

• $1,300 rental fee for up to 100 guests.
• Additional guests $11 each.
• Ocean Journey accommodates 50 for sit-down dinners or 200 for stand-up reception.
• Available nightly from 7 — 10:30 p.m.
• Food, tables & chairs provided at additional cost through approved caterers.
• Drink and bar options provided by the aquarium.
• See FAQ for more information.

 

River Gorge Explorer
Host a truly unique rehearsal dinner aboard the River Gorge Explorer while taking an exciting cruise down the Tennessee River. Let our captains perform your intimate ceremony and then enjoy a reception with breathtaking views of the Tennessee River Gorge as well as the Chattanooga Riverfront.

• $2,000* base rental fee for a 2½ hour cruise.  (*may be subject to a fuel surcharge)
• More time can be reserved at an additional cost of $750 per hour.
• Accommodates up to 70 people for early-bird, afternoon lunch or sunset cruises.
• CD, DVD, and powerpoint are available on the boat.
• Limited catering and beverage options are available. Contact us for details.

 

IMAX Theater
For an elegant reception filled with dinner, music and dancing, the IMAX Theater and Great Hall is the place to be. Enjoy a private viewing of one of our current shows and a festive dinner in the Great Hall.

• $1,500 rental fee for up to 150 guests. Additional guests $7.75 each. Weekend rentals may be subject to additional fee.
• Great Hall accommodates 300 guests for receptions or 150 for sit-down dinners.
• Food, tables & chairs provided at additional cost through approved caterers.
• Drink and bar options provided by the aquarium.