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Get Married at Seymour Marine Discovery Center Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Santa Cruz · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Seymour Marine Discovery Center?
Yes. A Seymour Marine Discovery Center micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Santa Cruz, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
The Center is on the Coastal Science Campus, so get the right parking pass from the events team to avoid ticketing guests.
In brief
Seymour Marine Discovery Center micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Seymour Marine Discovery Center. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Contact the UCSC Seymour Center events team directly: seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/events or (831) 459-3800.
Good to know
Bring it in
The Center is on the Coastal Science Campus, so get the right parking pass from the events team to avoid ticketing guests.
Ceremony spaces
On the land
The whale skeleton terrace (outdoor) and ocean lab (indoor) are the main ceremony/reception spaces.
How to book
How to book Seymour Marine Discovery Center for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Contact the UCSC Seymour Center events team directly: seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/events or (831) 459-3800.
2
Step 2
The whale skeleton terrace (outdoor) and ocean lab (indoor) are the main ceremony/reception spaces.
3
Step 3
Catering is managed through their approved vendors. Rental includes museum access for guests.
4
Step 4
Capacity: up to 150 outdoor, up to 80 indoor.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
Uniquely cool. The 87-ft blue whale skeleton ('Ms. Blue') is in the outdoor area. It photographs like nothing else.
OLW tip
Santa Cruz is 1.5 hrs from SF. Great for couples who want something a bit different and don't need to be in the city.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Seymour Marine Discovery Center for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Bantam
Wood-fired pizza and California wine, Santa Cruz downtown, private dining
15 min drive from Seymour Center
Real Weddings
Couples who got married in Santa Cruz
Real weddings Our Little Wedding planned in Santa Cruz.
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Seymour Marine Discovery Center wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Seymour Marine Discovery Center?
Yes. Contact the UCSC Seymour Center events team directly: seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/events or (831) 459-3800.
How many guests can I have at Seymour Marine Discovery Center?
Seymour Marine Discovery Center accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Seymour Marine Discovery Center?
Permit processing at Seymour Marine Discovery Center typically takes several weeks. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Seymour Marine Discovery Center, chairs, decor, flowers?
The Center is on the Coastal Science Campus, so get the right parking pass from the events team to avoid ticketing guests. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
Can Our Little Wedding help with a Seymour Marine Discovery Center ceremony?
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Seymour Center photo: Smart Destinations, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
