The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in West Hartford, CT

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in West Hartford, CT

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


2 Wedding Venues in West Hartford, CT

Aquariums, zoos
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo 

5.0

Bridgeport, CT
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Choosing the right location for your wedding is one of the most important and often the most challenging decisions to make. Let your imagination run wild at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! Celebrate your special event in one of three unique spaces, including our Victorian Greenhouse, rustic Hanson Building or large Carousel Building with an indoor working carousel. Whether it’s your ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner, we are sure to have a venue to meet your wedding vision!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Does not have a dance floor
We had a beautiful wedding at the greenhouse of the Beardsley Zoo. The GlowWild light festival in the evening simply added to the magic of the event. The coordinators were wonderful in helping us set up and organize everything. If I had one piece of constructive feedback, it would just be that the head coordinator, Lindsay, was sometimes tricky to get in contact with via telephone for things like making our deposit and final payment for the venue.
Amanda L., 2 years ago
Mystic Aquarium 

5.0

Mystic, CT
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $7,500

Welcome to a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, where Oak View Group Hospitality & Mystic Aquarium unite to create an unforgettable dining experience beneath the waves of love. As you embark on this celebration of union, our commitment to excellence in every bite & unparalleled service will be your compass through the currents of joy. At Oak View Group Hospitality, we pride ourselves on curating a menu of high-quality fare that is as exquisite as the love you share. Our dedication to sustainability echoes the enduring nature of your commitment, ensuring that every dish reflects our shared responsibility to the planet. Join us as we dive into a world where gastronomic delight meets aquatic enchantment, promising a wedding feast that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the soul.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
  • No free parking
We had a wonderful evening at Mystic Aquarium! The food was delicious, and the staff was super friendly. Loved being surrounded by all the fishes! Definitely recommend booking your event with them.
Michael, 9 months ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near West Hartford, CT

About wedding venues in West Hartford, CT

Why Is West Hartford the Perfect Wedding Destination?

West Hartford combines historic New England charm with modern sophistication that you'll immediately feel when visiting. The area showcases stunning venues like The Riverview and the Pond House Cafe where you can celebrate surrounded by picturesque settings that make for unforgettable photos. You'll appreciate the central Connecticut location that makes it super convenient for guests coming from Boston or New York, plus most venues are just a reasonable drive from Bradley International Airport so your out-of-town guests won't have trouble joining your celebration.

What's the Cost of a Wedding in West Hartford?

Wedding costs in West Hartford change depending on how many people you invite and which venue you choose. Here's what you can expect to spend:

Guest CountEstimated Total Budget
50 guests (small wedding)$24,172
100 guests$39,982
150 guests$54,842
200 guests$68,120
250 guests$81,398
300 guests (large wedding)$94,676
Venues in West Hartford typically cost around $9,243 which makes up about 17% of your total wedding budget for a 150-guest celebration. This actually compares favorably to the national average where couples spend between $6,500 and $12,000 on their venue which is closer to 25% of their overall budget. This means you might get more value for your venue dollar in West Hartford than in other parts of the country.

Which Premium Venues Should You Consider in West Hartford?

Delamar West Hartford offers you elegant spaces and upscale accommodations that will impress even your most discerning guests. Their Artisan Restaurant has earned serious acclaim for its exceptional catering so you can count on memorable culinary experiences that will have everyone talking about your wedding for years to come. The Pond House Cafe sits beautifully within Elizabeth Park's garden giving you access to stunning landscaping without any additional decoration costs. You'll love its refined comfort and peaceful seclusion while your guests will rave about the quality food. The venue works perfectly for intimate gatherings or mid-sized celebrations accommodating up to 165 guests in a setting that feels both special and welcoming.

How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Services in Connecticut?

For a wedding with 150 guests in West Hartford you'll need to plan for several key service costs. Expect to spend about $6,399 on florals which takes up 12% of your budget while catering typically runs around $7,395 representing 13% of your total spend. Bar services will cost approximately $5,916 or 11% of your budget and photography comes in at about $4,977 making up 9%. Wedding planners in the area usually charge around $5,119 which is another 9% and if you want video coverage you're looking at roughly $4,266 or 8% of your total budget. These figures help you prioritize what matters most for your special day.

Where Can You Find Fully Accessible Venues Near West Hartford?

The Riverview in Weatogue accommodates large celebrations with seating for up to 500 guests and features complete accessibility throughout the property. You'll find smooth movement for all your guests regardless of mobility needs which eliminates worry about anyone feeling excluded. The Pond House Cafe offers accessible indoor and outdoor spaces making it a welcoming choice for guests with mobility challenges. You can also check out The Mansion at Bald Hill and The Society Room of Hartford which both provide thoughtful handicap accessibility features so everyone can fully participate in your celebration.

What Options Exist for Foodies in West Hartford?

Pond House Cafe has earned its reputation for exceptional food that's as beautiful as it is delicious. You and your guests will enjoy creative dishes presented with artistic flair in a charming setting. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar while primarily known for hosting fantastic rehearsal dinners offers nationally recognized quality steaks and impressive wine selections that food-loving couples appreciate. Delamar's Artisan Restaurant gives you a chic event space combined with exquisite cuisine prepared by talented chefs who can customize menus to your preferences making your wedding meal truly memorable.

How Can Couples Include Remote Guests in Their West Hartford Wedding?

Anthony's Ocean View near Hartford truly excels with dedicated event concierges who handle all the technology integration for you. They go far beyond simple streaming to create engaging experiences that make your remote guests feel like they're really part of your celebration. The Waterview takes virtual participation to another level with cutting-edge virtual reality experiences and personalized engagement platforms. Your guests can interact in real-time rather than just passively watching which means even those who can't attend physically will still have meaningful involvement in your special day.

When Should You Book Your West Hartford Venue?

Most couples book their West Hartford venues about 14 months before their wedding date with many starting their venue search in November for celebrations the following year. You'll want to move quickly if you're considering premium venues as they often require deposits 16-18 months ahead for Saturday dates during the busy season. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance of securing your perfect location and preferred date before someone else falls in love with the same spot.

Why Is West Hartford the Perfect Wedding Destination?

West Hartford combines historic New England charm with modern sophistication that you'll immediately feel when visiting. The area showcases stunning venues like The Riverview and the Pond House Cafe where you can celebrate surrounded by picturesque settings that make for unforgettable photos. You'll appreciate the central Connecticut location that makes it super convenient for guests coming from Boston or New York, plus most venues are just a reasonable drive from Bradley International Airport so your out-of-town guests won't have trouble joining your celebration.

What's the Cost of a Wedding in West Hartford?

Wedding costs in West Hartford change depending on how many people you invite and which venue you choose. Here's what you can expect to spend:

Guest CountEstimated Total Budget
50 guests (small wedding)$24,172
100 guests$39,982
150 guests$54,842
200 guests$68,120
250 guests$81,398
300 guests (large wedding)$94,676
Venues in West Hartford typically cost around $9,243 which makes up about 17% of your total wedding budget for a 150-guest celebration. This actually compares favorably to the national average where couples spend between $6,500 and $12,000 on their venue which is closer to 25% of their overall budget. This means you might get more value for your venue dollar in West Hartford than in other parts of the country.

Which Premium Venues Should You Consider in West Hartford?

Delamar West Hartford offers you elegant spaces and upscale accommodations that will impress even your most discerning guests. Their Artisan Restaurant has earned serious acclaim for its exceptional catering so you can count on memorable culinary experiences that will have everyone talking about your wedding for years to come. The Pond House Cafe sits beautifully within Elizabeth Park's garden giving you access to stunning landscaping without any additional decoration costs. You'll love its refined comfort and peaceful seclusion while your guests will rave about the quality food. The venue works perfectly for intimate gatherings or mid-sized celebrations accommodating up to 165 guests in a setting that feels both special and welcoming.

How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Services in Connecticut?

For a wedding with 150 guests in West Hartford you'll need to plan for several key service costs. Expect to spend about $6,399 on florals which takes up 12% of your budget while catering typically runs around $7,395 representing 13% of your total spend. Bar services will cost approximately $5,916 or 11% of your budget and photography comes in at about $4,977 making up 9%. Wedding planners in the area usually charge around $5,119 which is another 9% and if you want video coverage you're looking at roughly $4,266 or 8% of your total budget. These figures help you prioritize what matters most for your special day.

Where Can You Find Fully Accessible Venues Near West Hartford?

The Riverview in Weatogue accommodates large celebrations with seating for up to 500 guests and features complete accessibility throughout the property. You'll find smooth movement for all your guests regardless of mobility needs which eliminates worry about anyone feeling excluded. The Pond House Cafe offers accessible indoor and outdoor spaces making it a welcoming choice for guests with mobility challenges. You can also check out The Mansion at Bald Hill and The Society Room of Hartford which both provide thoughtful handicap accessibility features so everyone can fully participate in your celebration.

What Options Exist for Foodies in West Hartford?

Pond House Cafe has earned its reputation for exceptional food that's as beautiful as it is delicious. You and your guests will enjoy creative dishes presented with artistic flair in a charming setting. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar while primarily known for hosting fantastic rehearsal dinners offers nationally recognized quality steaks and impressive wine selections that food-loving couples appreciate. Delamar's Artisan Restaurant gives you a chic event space combined with exquisite cuisine prepared by talented chefs who can customize menus to your preferences making your wedding meal truly memorable.

How Can Couples Include Remote Guests in Their West Hartford Wedding?

Anthony's Ocean View near Hartford truly excels with dedicated event concierges who handle all the technology integration for you. They go far beyond simple streaming to create engaging experiences that make your remote guests feel like they're really part of your celebration. The Waterview takes virtual participation to another level with cutting-edge virtual reality experiences and personalized engagement platforms. Your guests can interact in real-time rather than just passively watching which means even those who can't attend physically will still have meaningful involvement in your special day.

When Should You Book Your West Hartford Venue?

Most couples book their West Hartford venues about 14 months before their wedding date with many starting their venue search in November for celebrations the following year. You'll want to move quickly if you're considering premium venues as they often require deposits 16-18 months ahead for Saturday dates during the busy season. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance of securing your perfect location and preferred date before someone else falls in love with the same spot.

What types of wedding venues are in West Hartford, CT?

What other West Hartford vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?