The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Novato, CA

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Novato, CA

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4 Wedding Venues in Novato, CA

Aquariums, zoos
Exploratorium 

5.0

San Francisco, CA
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $11,900

Our LEED platinum sustainably designed facility—located in the vibrant heart of the historic Embarcadero at Pier 15—is an unforgettable venue for everything from intimate gatherings to large events. With spectacular views of both city and Bay—plus access to our lively landscape of hundreds of exhibits—the Exploratorium’s waterfront home offers an exciting, imaginative setting for just about anything you can dream up.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Dressing room available
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
The staff and venue exceeded expectations. They provided great suggestions and stayed in contact to answer any questions and concerns. The venue was beautiful and provided ample space for all vendors and guests. We would definitely return for other celebrations.
P C., a year ago
CuriOdyssey 

5.0

San Mateo, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Welcome. Now booking events at CuriOdyssey! CuriOdyssey is the ideal location for your event, wedding, meeting, birthday party, and more Enjoy our outdoor zoo & exhibits until sundown. All events held at CuriOdyssey must abide by San Mateo County Health orders, including the use of face coverings and social distancing. Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering in the Zoo, or a lavish affair with 200 of your closest friends, CuriOdyssey is the ideal venue choice.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
We loved this venue and all our memories from our wedding. We worked with Narod who helped in all communication. We also got help from Ryan in AV. They were both so easy going and great to work with! We loved how beautiful the setup is. The ceremony outside was so nice. The Redwood Hall is also so gorgeous for photos and fun for dancing. We also really liked the cocktail area. We got an animal ambassador and guests had fun seeing the ferret and kestrel. We got nothing but compliments related to how fun the venue was. We are so happy we chose this place for our wedding. We loved the experience. Thank you to CuriOdyssey for going above and beyond. From communication early on to day of. It was amazing!
Natalie M., 3 months ago
The Marker San Francisco 
San Francisco, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $125

The Marker is a San Francisco wedding venue and historic hotel with modern and updated facilities. Housed in an iconic turn-of-the-century building, this boutique and luxury hotel near Union Square is in a convenient downtown San Francisco location. Vibrant and comfortable accommodations, expansive event venues and distinct amenities sourced from local vendors are just some of the features that have made The Marker a popular spot for couples to wed. Set your celebration a tier above with high-quality catering services nothing short of amazing. We aim to surpass your every expectation with years of experience and a menu of savory dishes.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Quick responder
Children's Fairyland 
OAKLAND, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

With whimsical sets, 10 acres of beautifully tended gardens, colored fairy lights, and a picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Merritt, our park is the ideal venue for a one-of-a-kind wedding. We offer a canopied amphitheater with both indoor and outdoor seating options, an expansive lawn, water features, and a number of themed areas perfect for receptions and sit-down dinners. Guests will delight in discovering a pirate ship and dragons or taking a ride on the iconic Jolly Trolly train. The Chapel of Peace offers a picturesque backdrop for wedding and engagement photos. Guest capacity varies. Please contact the Fairyland Team.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • Surrounded by nature

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No free parking

Location flexible? Discover venues near Novato, CA

About wedding venues in Novato, CA

Novato's wedding scene combines wine country aesthetics with Bay Area accessibility. Nestled between San Francisco and Sonoma, you'll find venues with Mediterranean microclimates that practically guarantee perfect outdoor ceremony conditions throughout most of the year. August tops the charts as the busiest booking month for local celebrations, so you might want to plan accordingly if you're dreaming of a summer wedding in this charming location.

What Makes Novato Wedding Venues Special?

StoneTree Estate showcases stunning craftsman-style architecture with sweeping valley views that will take your breath away. The grand hall features beautiful stone fixtures throughout, creating a rustic yet elegant atmosphere you and your guests will love. Marin Country Club gives you that Tuscan-style experience with its gorgeous clubhouse surrounded by olive trees and fragrant lavender gardens. Just 20 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the University of Redlands Marin Campus offers a perfect blend of historic buildings and peaceful outdoor spaces for your special day. Unity Center in Marin stands out with its distinctive Spanish architecture, where you'll find shaded colonnades and charming garden pathways that create the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.

How Much Do Novato Wedding Venues Cost?

Wedding budgets in Novato vary widely based on your guest count and venue choice:

  • 50 guests (small ceremony): $24,896
  • 100 guests: $41,538
  • 150 guests: $57,180
  • 200 guests: $71,154
  • 250 guests: $85,129
  • 300 guests (large wedding): $99,103

Venue costs typically take up about 18% of your total wedding budget, averaging around $10,131 for a wedding with 150 guests. This puts Novato venues right in line with premium markets nationwide, where the benchmark ranges from $6,500 to $12,000. You're getting excellent value for a location that offers both wine country charm and Bay Area convenience.

Which Novato Venues Offer the Best Accessibility?

StoneTree Estate features spacious outdoor pathways and a grand hall with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The venue can easily accommodate guests with mobility needs so everyone can fully enjoy your celebration. At the University of Redlands Marin Campus, you'll find accessible features throughout its historic grounds while still experiencing all the small-town charm this venue has to offer. The Quest provides a large parking lot with direct venue access and comfortable facilities for up to 100 guests, making arrival and navigation stress-free for everyone. Marin Country Club has earned high ratings for its accessibility and typically offers excellent accommodations for all your guests.

What Should I Budget for Other Wedding Services in Novato?

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total Budget (150 guests)
Venue$10,131.8818%
Catering$8,105.5014%
Florists$7,430.0513%
Bar Services$6,484.4011%
Photography$4,525.578%
Wedding Planners$4,593.128%
Videography$4,093.087%
Bands/DJs$1,615.003%
Hair & Makeup$570.001%
Cakes/Desserts$776.781%

Where Can I Find Outstanding Wedding Cuisine in Novato?

Marin Country Club creates world-class cuisine that will impress even your foodie guests, served in elegant banquet settings that elevate your entire reception experience. At StoneTree Estate, you'll enjoy Wedgewood Weddings' gourmet packages featuring wine country-inspired dishes that perfectly complement the venue's rustic elegance. Unity Center works with professional catering options known for exceptional quality, giving you flexibility while ensuring a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for amazing wine pairings, nearby Viansa Winery and Cline Family Cellars offer exceptional wine experiences alongside their catering services that will delight your guests.

When Should I Book My Novato Venue?

Most couples book their Novato venues about 16 months (457 days) before their wedding date. Since August sees the highest number of inquiries, you'll find better availability and possibly more favorable rates if you consider winter or early spring dates. For premium venues like StoneTree Estate, you should start touring about 18 months in advance to ensure you get your preferred date. This timeline gives you plenty of breathing room to make other important decisions after securing your perfect location.

Novato's wedding scene combines wine country aesthetics with Bay Area accessibility. Nestled between San Francisco and Sonoma, you'll find venues with Mediterranean microclimates that practically guarantee perfect outdoor ceremony conditions throughout most of the year. August tops the charts as the busiest booking month for local celebrations, so you might want to plan accordingly if you're dreaming of a summer wedding in this charming location.

What Makes Novato Wedding Venues Special?

StoneTree Estate showcases stunning craftsman-style architecture with sweeping valley views that will take your breath away. The grand hall features beautiful stone fixtures throughout, creating a rustic yet elegant atmosphere you and your guests will love. Marin Country Club gives you that Tuscan-style experience with its gorgeous clubhouse surrounded by olive trees and fragrant lavender gardens. Just 20 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the University of Redlands Marin Campus offers a perfect blend of historic buildings and peaceful outdoor spaces for your special day. Unity Center in Marin stands out with its distinctive Spanish architecture, where you'll find shaded colonnades and charming garden pathways that create the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.

How Much Do Novato Wedding Venues Cost?

Wedding budgets in Novato vary widely based on your guest count and venue choice:

  • 50 guests (small ceremony): $24,896
  • 100 guests: $41,538
  • 150 guests: $57,180
  • 200 guests: $71,154
  • 250 guests: $85,129
  • 300 guests (large wedding): $99,103

Venue costs typically take up about 18% of your total wedding budget, averaging around $10,131 for a wedding with 150 guests. This puts Novato venues right in line with premium markets nationwide, where the benchmark ranges from $6,500 to $12,000. You're getting excellent value for a location that offers both wine country charm and Bay Area convenience.

Which Novato Venues Offer the Best Accessibility?

StoneTree Estate features spacious outdoor pathways and a grand hall with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The venue can easily accommodate guests with mobility needs so everyone can fully enjoy your celebration. At the University of Redlands Marin Campus, you'll find accessible features throughout its historic grounds while still experiencing all the small-town charm this venue has to offer. The Quest provides a large parking lot with direct venue access and comfortable facilities for up to 100 guests, making arrival and navigation stress-free for everyone. Marin Country Club has earned high ratings for its accessibility and typically offers excellent accommodations for all your guests.

What Should I Budget for Other Wedding Services in Novato?

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total Budget (150 guests)
Venue$10,131.8818%
Catering$8,105.5014%
Florists$7,430.0513%
Bar Services$6,484.4011%
Photography$4,525.578%
Wedding Planners$4,593.128%
Videography$4,093.087%
Bands/DJs$1,615.003%
Hair & Makeup$570.001%
Cakes/Desserts$776.781%

Where Can I Find Outstanding Wedding Cuisine in Novato?

Marin Country Club creates world-class cuisine that will impress even your foodie guests, served in elegant banquet settings that elevate your entire reception experience. At StoneTree Estate, you'll enjoy Wedgewood Weddings' gourmet packages featuring wine country-inspired dishes that perfectly complement the venue's rustic elegance. Unity Center works with professional catering options known for exceptional quality, giving you flexibility while ensuring a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for amazing wine pairings, nearby Viansa Winery and Cline Family Cellars offer exceptional wine experiences alongside their catering services that will delight your guests.

When Should I Book My Novato Venue?

Most couples book their Novato venues about 16 months (457 days) before their wedding date. Since August sees the highest number of inquiries, you'll find better availability and possibly more favorable rates if you consider winter or early spring dates. For premium venues like StoneTree Estate, you should start touring about 18 months in advance to ensure you get your preferred date. This timeline gives you plenty of breathing room to make other important decisions after securing your perfect location.

What types of wedding venues are in Novato, CA?

What other Novato vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?