Question 1

What’s the booking process?

Accepted Answer

The process begins when you place a two week hold on an available date. At the end of the two week period, to confirm your reservation, we need: 1. Event Questionnaire (a Google form to get information about your event) 2. $20% non-refundable deposit, paid by check made out to UC Regents. Once we receive the questionnaire, we’ll send a contract via DocuSign. Once you have all your vendors confirmed, we’ll send one last contract called a Use Permit, also via DocuSign.

Question 2

Do you have UCSC alumni and faculty discounts?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not. Events paid for through UC accounting get special rates, but we do not have discounts in place for alumni or faculty at this time.

Question 3

Is my down payment refundable?

Accepted Answer

It is not. Deposits cover the staff time taken to help coordinate your event, even if you cancel.

Question 4

I can’t do a tour during the week. Do you offer weekend tours?

Accepted Answer

We offer weekend tours on a case by case basis. Email us your availability and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Question 5

How do we pay for parking and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

Parking is enforced Monday through Friday, 8AM - 5PM. It is $1.95 an hour or $9.45 for the day. The easiest way to pay for parking is through the Park Mobile app.

Question 6

Can we have music on the decks?

Accepted Answer

We allow amplified music on the decks during wedding ceremonies. After the ceremony, we only allow amplified music inside and acoustic music on the decks. You can play amplified music inside and have the doors open.

Question 7

Will the Ocean Discovery shop be open during our event?

Accepted Answer

The Ocean Discovery Shop is open from 10AM - 4PM, Wednesday through Sunday.

Question 8

Can we set some things up in the parking lot?

Accepted Answer

The Seymour Center does not own our parking lot so this is decided on a case by case basis. No alcohol is permitted in the parking lot.

Question 9

Can I have a live band?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! An acoustic band is permitted anywhere in the space. A band playing amplified music must remain indoors.

Question 10

Can we use a caterer who is not on your preferred list?

Accepted Answer

You may use a caterer not on our preferred list. Any outside caterer must provide a certificate of insurance (COI) that lists “The Regents of the University of California” as additionally insured two months before your event, sign our caterer agreement and if possible, tour the space ahead of the event.

Question 11

How many people can fit in your space?

Accepted Answer

250 is the maximum number of guests allowed at the Seymour Center. The capacity of the La Feliz room and deck is 120.

Question 12

Can we have food and drink in the Exhibit Hall?

Accepted Answer

Once we are closed to the public, food and drink is permitted throughout the Exhibit Hall, except by our seawater touchtable.

Question 13

Do you have staff to help setup and break down the event?

Accepted Answer

We do not. We recommend hiring a full- service caterer, a coordinator or cleanup crew.

Question 14

Can I pay extra to set up in the Exhibit Hall earlier than 4PM?

Accepted Answer

Only on days when we are closed to the public. We do not offer this option on days we are open to the public because our first priority is educating people about the role scientific research plays in the understanding and conservation of the world’s oceans.

Question 15

Can we leave things overnight?

Accepted Answer

We charge $500 for clients to set up for two hours the evening before their event and leave the items overnight. If there are no events the following morning, clients can leave rentals on the La Feliz deck overnight free of charge. If you would like to come the following day to break down and clean up your event, it must be arranged in advance and is not guaranteed. This option also costs $500.

Question 16

Can I have lighting on the deck?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, as long as the lighting doesn’t disturb the native plants.

Question 17

Do you have a dolly we can use?

Accepted Answer

We do not. We recommend you bring one to help take out the trash and take things to your car.

Question 18

Do you have a ladder we can use?

Accepted Answer

We do not. It’s a liability issue so we ask clients to bring their own.

Question 19

Can we tape things on the walls?

Accepted Answer

Please keep all tape on the designated boards in the La Feliz room.

Question 20

Can we have real flowers? What about fake ones?

Accepted Answer

Both real and artificial flowers are permit- ted, but please keep them on the tables. No flowers or flower petals (real or fake) are allowed on the ground outside.

Question 21

Can I have candles?

Accepted Answer

Candles are fine as long as they’re in a container that is one inch higher than the flame.

Question 22

Can we decorate the Exhibit Hall?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, as long as decorations are free standing or tied up. Please do not tape, tack or nail items anywhere in the Exhibit Hall. Keep in mind that set-up in the Exhibit Hall cannot begin until after we close the public at 4PM so it’s best to keep decorations to a minimum.

Question 23

Do we need a wedding coordinator?

Accepted Answer

A wedding coordinator or a full-service caterer is strongly recommended, but only required for weddings with more than 100 guests. If you do not have a wedding coor- dinator or a full-service caterer, you must have a sober day of contact and have your cleanup plan approved by the Private Events Office.

Question 24

What do we do if it’s raining?

Accepted Answer

In the event of rain, ceremonies can be moved inside to the Exhibit Hall or the La Feliz room.

Question 25

Can we get married on the point overlooking the ocean (by the grey whale skeleton)?

Accepted Answer

The point sits on top of the seawater pump that supplies the water for all the Long Marine Lab’s live animals. Unfortunately, nothing can be set up on or around the access to the pump.

Question 26

What’s a common ceremony time?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonies on the La Feliz deck can happen at any time. Ceremonies on the Shipwreck Deck normally take place at 4:30 or 5PM, depending on how much decoration and other setup you’re planning.

Question 27

Is there a space for the bride to get ready?

Accepted Answer

If it is not being used by our School Programs department, you can rent one of our classrooms for a private changing and storage space. Please note that there is no running water or mirrors in the classrooms.

Question 28

How do we schedule our rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

About a month before your wedding, you can reach out to the Private Events Office to schedule your rehearsal. We do our best to schedule your rehearsal the day before your wedding, but it may vary based on our event calendar. Need to have your rehearsal the day before? We’ll charge you $500 and give you two hours to setup the La Feliz room on the eve of your wedding.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the booking process?

Do you have UCSC alumni and faculty discounts?

Is my down payment refundable?

I can’t do a tour during the week. Do you offer weekend tours?

How do we pay for parking and how much is it?

Can we have music on the decks?

Will the Ocean Discovery shop be open during our event?

Can we set some things up in the parking lot?

Can I have a live band?

Can we use a caterer who is not on your preferred list?

How many people can fit in your space?

Can we have food and drink in the Exhibit Hall?

Do you have staff to help setup and break down the event?

Can I pay extra to set up in the Exhibit Hall earlier than 4PM?

Can we leave things overnight?

Can I have lighting on the deck?

Do you have a dolly we can use?

Do you have a ladder we can use?

Can we tape things on the walls?

Can we have real flowers? What about fake ones?

Can I have candles?

Can we decorate the Exhibit Hall?

Do we need a wedding coordinator?

What do we do if it’s raining?

Can we get married on the point overlooking the ocean (by the grey whale skeleton)?

What’s a common ceremony time?

Is there a space for the bride to get ready?

How do we schedule our rehearsal?

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