Dream Destination: Mystic Aquarium

Marsh Trek exhibit / Courtesy photo

The sea has always been associated with romance: the surging waves, the endless horizon, the dark depths—the ocean truly symbolizes the intensity of being in love.

What better way to dive right in than to dine, dance, and celebrate your life together with a wedding at the Mystic Aquarium? This seaside site in Mystic, Connecticut, is yours to explore with family and friends.

Arctic Coast / Courtesy photo

This magical setting can comfortably seat up to 350 for dinner or accommodate up to 700 for an outdoor reception. In addition to their main exhibit floor, you could enjoy the Arctic Coast, a serene setting for your ceremony, cocktails, and hors d’ oeuvres next to their graceful beluga whales. Or step onto the Ocean Planet Pavilion, a gorgeous outdoor courtyard overlooking the Arctic Coast that can accommodate 200-plus seated guests. For a more intimate reception, consider the Mezzanine, overlooking the main exhibit floor and the Coral Reef for up to 60 guests.

Main exhibit floor / Courtesy photo

Their exclusive caterer Ocean Blue helps with all the important decisions (chocolate fountain, cotton candy, or both?), as well as tasty options for either a buffet or seated dinner.

Go buffet style, and you can indulge in a potato bar, chef-manned carving stations, pasta bars, and more. Sit-down menus keep both landlubbers and seafarers happy with dishes such as chili-rubbed seared pork tenderloin, “Twin Tournedos of Beef,” and local Bomster seared scallops. To complete the night, opt for add-ons such as passed champagne and strawberries, a sundae bar, candy buffets, cotton candy, cordial carts, and chocolate fountains.

Ocean Planet Pavilion / Courtesy photo

Although you hope to be the center of attention most of the night, you can also share the spotlight with your friends in the sea, by adding a live meet-and-greet with their African penguins. For one hour during your cocktail reception or dinner, two penguins with their trusty trainers introduce themselves to your guests. Bonus: They’re already wearing tuxedos. Or make an even bigger splash with a 30-minute private sea lion show with Coco, Surfer, Boomerang, and Jetty, the aquarium’s resident sea lions.

For a wedding full of romance combined with a hint of the sexy intrigue of the deep dark sea, the Mystic Aquarium delivers.

The Mystic Aquarium is located at 55 Coogan Blvd in Mystic, Connecticut.

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