Weddings
Vows with Views
Located high on a bluff with dramatic ocean views, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a unique and engaging venue for any event. Our one-of-a-kind facility includes more than 60 diverse marine habitats and features a two-story Giant Kelp Tank where guests feel surrounded by the ocean world. The rental provides a unique opportunity for you and your guests to enjoy exhibits and panoramic views at your leisure. Birch Aquarium is the public outreach center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. You and your guests will dive deeper into the cutting-edge research being done to understand, protect, and preserve the planet.
Evening Rental Fee
Wedding Ceremony and Reception events: Starting at $5,500*
Rental time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Parking included for up to 230 spaces
*Fees are subject to change without notice and other fees apply.
Event Spaces
Our beautiful spaces and breathtaking views combine to create a day you’ll never forget!
FULL FACILITY
At more than 30,000 square feet, Birch Aquarium can accommodate up to 1,500 guests with multiple indoor/outdoor setup configurations available. Guests will be able to explore ocean habitats, get hands-on with Scripps Oceanography science, and enjoy some of the best ocean views in San Diego.
THE GALLERIA
The Shelia Marie Davis Galleria features multi-story windows and stunning ocean views. At 4,200 square feet, this unique indoor space accommodates 400 people for a stand-up reception, 200 for a sit-down dinner, 160 for buffet-style service, and 375 for a theater-style event.
TIDE POOL PLAZA
Featuring one of the most spectacular views at Birch Aquarium, Preuss Tide Pool Plaza is a 3,750-square-foot outdoor space with access to the aquarium’s tide pool exhibits. The split-level accessible space accommodates 500 people for a stand-up reception, 140 for a sit-down dinner and 175 for a wedding ceremony.
THE DIRECTOR'S DECK
Our spacious conference room is a single room with a whiteboard, 90” TV, internet, and A/V connections. This room can accommodate up to 60 guests and has access to the Director’s Deck, which provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a wonderful spot for breaks or lunch.
CAFÉ PAVILION
Located at the entrance of Birch Aquarium, this 10,000 square-foot open-air pavilion accommodates 1,000 people for a stand-up reception or 500 seated. It is a spacious area for a variety of events and features dramatic life-sized brass statues of breaching gray whales.
ENTRANCE COURTYARD
This 3,000-square-foot entirely open air space is a great area to extend your party from the indoor Galleria. It accommodates 300 for a reception and 170 for a sit-down dinner.
BLUE BEACH
Blue Beach is a flexible 6,000-square-foot plaza that features stunning ocean views as well as a 4,500-square-foot floor mural depicting a map of the underwater canyons off La Jolla Shores. Blue Beach accommodates 550 people for a stand-up reception or 300 seated, and is also available for semi private rentals during the aquarium’s operating hours.
For More Information
We encourage you to tour Birch Aquarium at Scripps with a representative from the Special Events department and explore the many options available to you. Please fill out our Special Event Information Request Form and we will get back to you soon.
At Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. Your special event directly supports Birch Aquarium’s mission. Not only will an event at Birch Aquarium create lasting memories and support exhibits, animal care, and education programs that inspire ocean conservation. No matter the size of your wedding, our experienced Special Events Team is here to help you create the event of your dreams.
Photo by True Photography