The Seymour Center provides an affordable, intimate oceanfront wedding experience with a unique twist. Located on the Central Coast, this venue offers stunning ocean views, bluff-top terraces, and glimpses of Monterey Bay’s marine life.
The venue is set among various quaint, wooden structures situated on a secluded cliff overlooking the pristine Santa Cruz coastline and Monterey Bay.
There’s also the chance to support local wildlife and conservation when you have your wedding here.
In September 2022 our associate photographer Jeremi captured Alexis & Erick’s down-to-earth celebration here at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. In this blog post, I’m delighted to share photos from their wedding as well as information that can help you plan your future celebration here.
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About Seymour Marine Discovery Center for weddings
As wedding photographers, we had the pleasure of capturing this celebration at the Seymour Discovery Center, a hidden gem situated along the oceanfront.
With stunning views of the ocean and multiple terraces perched on cliffs, we’ve witnessed couples exchanging vows amidst the gentle sound of crashing waves and panoramic open-water vistas. Returning indoors, guests enjoy cocktail receptions in the presence of Monterey Bay’s marine wildlife.
Featuring multiple interconnected rooms, two spacious decks, and a flexible space that can accommodate personal touches to each wedding celebration, the Seymour Discovery Center provides an experience your guests will never forget.
Located within UC Santa Cruz’s 100-acre marine science campus, a striking feature greeting visitors upon arrival is “Ms. Blue,” – an 87-foot long blue whale skeleton basking in the sunlight.
During your wedding, you might spot several species of marine life such as seals, sea lions, southern sea otters, humpback or gray whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Local wildlife like monarch butterflies, snowy egrets, and nesting barn swallows further embellish the striking surroundings.
Renting this facility involves becoming a “Friend of the Center” – a simple, inexpensive, and tax-deductible way to support the organization.
Areas within Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Most wedding ceremonies like Alexis and Erick’s are held at the Shipwreck Deck adjacent to the Exhibit Hall, facing a native meadow and the serpentine coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Guests can admire the nearby coastal prairie and wetlands teeming with red-winged blackbirds and hawks. The salty sea air engulfs everyone as they witness the couple exchange their vows. A picturesque nature trail hugs the cliffs leading towards the deck with various flora swaying gently in the breeze.
Once the couple has said their “I do”s, it’s an ideal opportunity for them to explore the grounds alongside their wedding photographer. Simultaneously, the guests can immerse themselves in a unique cocktail hour experience within the Center’s exhibit halls.
The display pods double as buffet tables where guests enjoy refreshments while interacting with exhibits like listening to phone calls from seals or touching sea anemones, purple iridescent starfish, and shy hermit crabs. This involves booking the “touch-table” which is currently available without further cost, but must be booked in advance.
Receptions follow in the La Feliz Room and Patio – a versatile indoor/outdoor space featuring open-beamed ceilings and large windows with captivating views.
An aquatic-themed decoration of shell motifs and ocean-inspired accents complements this space perfectly. Guests can also enjoy additional seating on La Feliz Patio under a star-filled sky.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center, with its natural beauty, unique experiences, and eco-friendly ambiance, is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable wedding venue. As a wedding photographer, I can attest to the unforgettable moments captured at this stunning location.
What’s included with your rental at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center
As of the time of publishing this post, rentals currently include:
- 9 – 13 hours of venue rental time
- Two ocean view patios
- Multiple bluff-top paths
- Free admission to the Seymour Center for your guests during our open hours (10 AM to 4 PM) on your wedding day
- Full access to the Discovery Center and aquarium after we close to the public
- Two volunteer docents stationed at our seawater touch table for up to two hours during your wedding reception
- Tables, chairs, A/V
- Timeline support
- A wedding rehearsal
- Ample parking
- Venue coordinator
Please check with the venue directly, as offerings are subject to change without notice.
Vendor Credits
Venue: Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Photography: Zoe Larkin Photography (Associate Photographer)
Planning: TB Parties
Dress: Janene’s Bridal
Shoes: Bali ELF
Rings: Padis
Catering: Sons of Guam
Rentals: Alexis Party Rentals
Officiant: Marry Me in Santa Cruz
Photos from Seymour Marine Discovery Center wedding
About Zoe Larkin Photography
Looking for a Santa Cruz wedding photographer? You can learn more about our services at the links below:
Hoping we’ll be back at Seymour Marine Discovery Center soon, shooting your lovely wedding!
Zoe Larkin
I’m Zoe, a wedding photographer based in San Francisco! My style is candid, capturing authentic moments for my couples all over the Bay Area and Northern California. Creating content is my passion! Follow along the blog and Insta!