Venue Rental
Where Events Become Unforgettable
Set along the harbor-front, Ocean Institute combines a naturally romantic setting with a collection of indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer candlelit dinners or cocktails on the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center Wharf, we can transform the event of your dreams into a beautiful reality. An evening on our tall ship will wow guests before the first hors d’oeuvre is served.
With spectacular views of the beautiful Pacific, award-winning architecture, and our historic vessel the Spirit of Dana Point, Ocean Institute provides the perfect venue for weddings, private events, meetings, and more.
Every moment at Ocean Institute will leave you and your guests with a memory that will last a lifetime.
Ocean Institute is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Site fees for all private events helps Ocean Institute sustain its year-round calendar of education programs for the community.
Weddings & Dances
For more information on planning a wedding, school dance, or other large events, please contact our venue coordinator, Jennifer Swartz at info@oceaninstituteweddings.com or call 949-599-4546.
Rental Packages
Private Charters
Our 65-foot research vessel, the Sea Explorer, is available for private charters and whale watching cruises. Our tall ship, the Spirit of Dana Point, is also available for private charter and dockside use.
For burials at sea, please see our bereavement packages.
Request More Information
Venue Inquiry
MADDIE JAMES MARITIME WHARF:
- Access to the space for three hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
- Choice between two layouts:
- Layout 1: 10 cocktail tables and two rectangular tables for refreshments
- Layout 2: Round tables with seating for 30 guests and two rectangular tables for refreshments
- Black linens for tables
- Bluetooth speakers for music
- Up to 60 guests
- COST: $1,265
SURF DECK:
- Access to the space for three hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
- Choice of the following layouts:
- Six 72” round tables with 10 chairs per table plus two rectangular tables for refreshments
- 60 chairs setup classroom style (facing the front of the room), three cocktail tables in the back of the room, plus two rectangular tables for refreshments.
- 10 cocktail tables setup throughout the room plus two rectangular tables for refreshments
- Black linens for tables
- Caterers and bartenders may be utilized per Ocean Institute Event Agreement but must be setup/cleaned up within the three-hour time limit.
- COST: $1,725
SAMUELI CONFERENCE CENTER & COURTYARD:
- Access to the space for four hours total – this includes setup & cleanup.
- Standard Package includes:
- Up to 200 chairs classroom style in Samueli + 10 Cocktail Tables in the Courtyard
- Use of screen for slideshow
- Audio system with microphones
- Firepit on in courtyard
- Black linens for tables
- Deluxe Package includes:
- Seating for up to 150 at round tables with chairs + 10 Cocktail Tables in the Courtyard with black linens
- Use of screen, microphones, speakers, and firepit as outlined in standard package.
- Caterers and bartenders may be utilized per Ocean Institute Event Agreement but must be setup/cleaned up within the four-hour time limit.
- STANDARD PACKAGE: $2875
- DELUXE PACKAGE: $3,220
BURIAL AT SEA
- 2 hour use of vessel
- We offer the use of our research vessel, Sea Explorer, for the spreading of ashes and burial at sea.
- The client is required to provide a copy of the death certificate, a Permit for Disposition of Cremated Human Remains (HSC 103050), (HSC 103055), and a signed Ocean Institute release form.
- Anything that will be thrown into the ocean with the ashes must be biodegradable.
- We will accommodate location requests as long as they are 3 miles offshore and reachable within the time frame.
- CAPACITY: 45 people
- COST: $2,300
Samueli Lecture Hall & Conference Center
Conference Center Features:
This space transforms into an extravagant dining room, wedding hall or banquet, and includes an outside courtyard overlooking the Dana Point harbor. This picturesque venue offers up incredible photo opportunities.
- Ideal for weddings, receptions, seminars, conferences, meetings, team-building seminars, and more.
- Spectacular view of Dana Point Harbor and the Headlands
- Single-story space with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows
- Approximately 3,000 sq. feet
- Audio visual system capable of accommodating any medium
- Home of “Gray-Sea,” a majestic 25 foot Gray-Whale Skeleton
- Photos depict rental chairs provided by client.
Courtyard Features:
- Adjacent outdoor space is included in the rental of the conference center
- Approximately 2,000 square feet
- Gas-powered fire-pit and seating
- Tidepool tank with local marine life
- Seats up to 100 additional guests
Rates:
- Mon-Thurs: $1,725 per hour
- Fri-Sun: $2,300 per hour
- Included in this fee is the following:
- Use of both spaces and the firepit
- 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
- Tables & Chairs
- Black linens for tables
- Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
- Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
- A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.
Capacity:
The room can comfortably seat up to 180 persons seated at tables, up to 220 people in theater style seating, and up to 250 people standing.
Surf Deck
Nestled next to the Headlands, the Surf Deck is a covered, open-air space on the second level of our facility, with 180-degree views of the ocean and the harbor. This is an indoor space with open-air windows, built in benches, plenty of space for tables & chairs, and a balcony for guests to sit facing the ocean.
Rates:
- Mon-Thurs: $750 per hour
- Fri-Sun: $1,150 per hour
- Included in this fee is the following:
- 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
- Tables & Chairs
- Black linens for tables
- Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
- Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
- A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.
- Usage of private restrooms only accessible to your event party
Capacity:
The Surf Deck comfortably seats ~60 people at round tables or up to 80 persons standing.
Executive Boardroom
Ocean Institute’s boardroom is a great way to brighten up any meeting! Comfortably seating 12 guests around a large wooden table or 18 in the room with a balcony to enjoy the ocean and harbor view, you can bring your team offsite to reconnect and rejuvenate. The room includes a Smart TV with HDMI, AirPlay, and USB capabilities as well as a sound bar to play videos and sound clips. The boardroom is on the second floor of Ocean Institute’s main building with restrooms and water fountains just down the hall.
Rates:
Mon-Fri: $140 per hour
Sat-Sun: $200 per hour
Hourly rate from 8AM-5PM. Extended hours available for an additional fee ($230 per hour)
Capacity:
Accommodates up to 12 around the conference table and 18 with additional seating.
Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Maritime Wharf
This outdoor space is about as waterfront as you can get! Connected to our dock leading into Dana Point Harbor, you can watch boats, kayakers, and wildlife enjoying the water all from your seat. This beautiful open-air space has views of the entire harbor and the jetty beyond it. The wharf features working replicas of tall-ship sails, barrels, and other ship features that can be great décor or can remain covered under linen covers.
Rates:
Mon-Thurs: $630 per hour
Fri-Sun: $1,000 per hour
Included in this fee is the following:
- 1 event walkthrough of the space prior to the event
- Tables & Chairs
- Black linens for tables
- Tables & chairs setup to your preferred layout before your arrival
- Use of our catering kitchen for caterers
- A staff member present to assist as needs arise, tend to restrooms, etc.
Capacity:
The wharf comfortably seats up to 60 people or accommodates up to 80 persons standing.