Special Occasions

Proposals and Weddings

Celebrate Special Life Moments at DRC!

Over the years, many marriage proposals and weddings have taken place at Dolphin Research Center.  We offer different options for these special moments.

Proposals

For your special occasion, you could participate in a public Dolphin Encounter for the cost of $225.00 per person or book an Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter for up to six people for $2,189. One of DRC's professional staff photographers will capture the event on beautiful, high-resolution digital images that are available for purchase for an additional fee after your Encounter is complete. Photos are included in the cost of the Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter.

If you wish, we can even arrange for the dolphin to deliver the ring, contained in a water proof container that floats, of course. Just let us know ahead of your visit!

There is no additional charge to propose marriage during either of these programs. 

If you prefer to propose out of the water, there are several beautiful, scenic locations around the facility such as by the waterfall, in the Veterans' Garden, or a few feet from the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the causeway.  

Weddings

Imagine saying "I do" with a dolphin as your attendant!  You can get married in the water during an Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter. The program includes an orientation with your own trainer at a private dock with a dolphin. The bride and groom along with the person officiating then enter the water for the brief ceremony and enjoy the private swim experience.  A DRC staff photographer will be on hand to capture the ceremony and the swim on beautiful, high-resolution digital images. These are included in the cost of your Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter.  

We require that in-water wedding ceremonies take place during an Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter so that we can focus on the couple. This also ensures that nothing is taken away from the experience of other guests doing a Dolphin Encounter at the same dock. The cost of an Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter is $2,189 for up to six people. Additional general admission prices apply for any wedding guests who join you at DRC to observe your wedding from land.

If you prefer, you can get married out of the water at one of our scenic locations such as the waterfall, in the Veterans' Garden, or at the end of the causeway overlooking the Gulf of Mexico near the end of our regular business day. If you choose this option, you can also participate in a public Dolphin Encounter earlier in the day for a cost of $225.00 per person. Digital photos from your Encounter can be purchased after the program.  As with the in-water option, general admission fees apply for your other guests.

Larger wedding parties, with the wedding ceremony taking place on DRC grounds after regular business hours, can be accommodated. Sample itineraries and pricing are available upon request. This option requires the most planning and must be scheduled at least three months in advance with a longer lead time preferred. Please remember that scheduling and activities must be flexible and vary depending on the time of year. For example, events in late fall or early winter must take place earlier due to the earlier sunset times.

How to Arrange Your Event

For more information, or to arrange your proposal or wedding, please contact Amy at 305-289-1121, ext. 241 or via email at drc@dolphins.org.  She will be happy to answer any questions and discuss your individual wishes.