Book a Private Tour of the Observatory
At Lick Observatory, we offer private daytime and evening tours from April through October.
Here is a brief outline of each of our private tour packages:
Daytime Tours
A daytime tour starts at our Visitor’s Center and is a walking tour of the Observatory, including behind the scenes access to the 3-m Shane Reflecting Telescope (the main research instrument used by the astronomers at Lick) and the 36″ Great Refractor. History and current science conducted at the observatory are highlighted on the tour. Typically 2 hours long. Each tour can accommodate groups of up to 40 participants.
- $675
- $500 Non-Profit Organization
Add a History Lecture about James Lick and the building of the Observatory.
- $100
- $75 Non-Profit Organization
Evening Tours
An evening tour starts at our Visitor’s Center and guests can look forward to behind the scenes access at the 3-m Shane Reflecting Telescope (the main research instrument used by the astronomers at Lick) and learning about the ongoing research in astronomy and astrophysics, history lecture, and, weather permitting, viewing astronomical objects through the historic 36″ Lick Refractor. Typically 4.5-5.5 hours long. Each tour can accommodate groups of up to 40 participants.
- $2,250
- $1,700 Non-Profit Organization
- $1125 College Physical Science Class
- No Charge for UC Astronomy/Physics Classes
During each of these tours, participants may purchase photographs, posters, booklets, T-shirts, etc. at the Gift Shop.
Tours can be scheduled anytime between the months of April and October, as long as the facilities and staff are available.
For more information and availability, please register at the UCSC IRIS site: https://ucsc.irisregistration.com/Form/licktours.
Private Events/Weddings
Custom events and parties can be arranged. Maximum group size is 150 people.
Facilities Use Fee (up to 8 hours):
- $3,800 per event
- $2,850 per event Non-Profit Organization
Add Caterer Use Fee (if you are having the event catered):
- $925 per event
- $700 per event Non-Profit Organization
Add Telescope Viewing Fee (if you are requesting telescope viewing for your guests):
- $1,300 per event
- $975 per event Non-Profit Organization
Private viewing sessions only, up to three hours, through the historic 36-inch Lick Refractor telescope can also be arranged. Astrophotography aficionados can inquire for more information about using their camera on the Lick Refractor. Maximum group size for telescope viewing only is 40 people.
- $1,800 per event
- $1,350 per event Non-Profit Organization
For more information and availability, please register at the UCSC IRIS site: https://ucsc.irisregistration.com/Form/lickrequest. A non-refundable 20% deposit will be required to save the date once the event is confirmed.
Lick Observatory offers spectacular views above the city of San Jose, with a romantic venue that can accommodate up to 150 guests for a wedding that is truly out-of-this-world.
Our packages include indoor or outdoor ceremony location, use of the 36″ Refractor dome for photoshoots, use of the outside areas around the main-building for stunning views above the city, and/or private telescope viewings after dark.
Weddings are available year-round from Monday – Wednesday, noon to midnight, and Thursday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Dates may be limited from June through August due to our public events: Music of the Spheres, Evening with the Stars, Public Evening Tours, and Photography Nights.
For more information and availability, please register at the UCSC IRIS site: https://ucsc.irisregistration.com/Form/lickrequest. A non-refundable 20% deposit will be required to save the date once the event is confirmed.
Conferences/Business Meetings
Includes use of lecture hall and A/V equipment. Maximum group size 70 people.
Daytime Facilities Use Fee:
- $1,300 per event
- $975 per event Non-Profit Organization
For more information and availability, please register at the UCSC IRIS site: https://ucsc.irisregistration.com/Form/lickrequest. A non-refundable 20% deposit will be required to save the date once the event is confirmed.
After Hours Observatory Access
Maximum group size 10 people.
Outdoor Access around the historic Main Building, for up to 3 hours after 5pm:
- $525 per event
- $375 per event Non-Profit Organization
Indoor/36″ Dome Access for up to 3 hours after 5pm (Note this does not include viewing through the 36″ Lick Refractor):
- $575 per event
- $425 per event Non-Profit Organization
For more information and availability, please register at the UCSC IRIS site: https://ucsc.irisregistration.com/Form/lickrequest. A non-refundable 20% deposit will be required to save the date once the event is confirmed.