Events and Parties

Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions

The zoo offers a myriad of wedding ceremony and reception sites ranging from the quaint and intimate to the exotic and grandiose. No matter which location you choose you can be assured your wedding will be a “wild” affair that will keep your guests talking for weeks on end. By choosing the Nashville Zoo as your venue you are not only ensured a truly “zoonique” experience, but can feel confident in your choice knowing that your rental fees help spread the zoo’s mission of animal education and conservation.

In addition to the zoo’s extraordinary spaces we offer the best in cuisine and service from our exclusive on-site caterer, Taste of the Wild. Offering a variety of menus, a la carte items and custom options, Taste of the Wild provides a delectable selection for any size group or palette.

Call our events sales office at 615-445-7825 or fill out an online form for more information.

Areas

Jungle Terrace

Jungle Terrace Pavilion: This covered 50 x 90 tent is nestled amongst a lush landscape, perfectly situated between the whimsical wild animal carousel and fanciful Jungle Gym. It is the perfect backdrop for an evening outdoor wedding reception.

 •   Capacity: 350 cocktail style reception / 250 seated dinner.
 •   Reception Fee: $3,000 + $500 refundable deposit
 •   Rehearsal Dinner Fee: $2,800 + $500 refundable deposit

      * Rehearsal Dinner fee based on Friday night assumption.






Croft Home Weddings

Croft Historic Home: The Croft Historic Home Lawn, built in 1810, is the ideal backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The picturesque scenery engages an expanse of rich history paired with a quaint and intimate setting– perfect for a romantic ceremony. A Historic Home Lawn Ceremony is only rented in conjunction with a reception rental site.

 •   Capacity: 350 seated front lawn / 150 seated back lawn.
 •   Ceremony Fee: $600







Botswana

Coming Spring 2010
Botswana: With a gorgeous view of the African Savannah you and your guests will feel like you have traveled to exotic lands. Botswana is available for ceremonies or receptions but can only be booked in conjunction with another rental site.

 •   Capacity: 75 ceremony seating/100 cocktail style reception.
 •   Ceremony Fee: $500
 •   Reception Fee: $1,000 + $500 refundable deposit
 •   Rehearsal Dinner Fee: $700 + $200 refundable deposit

Have the elephants join you for your evening under the stars! Ask for our two beautiful ladies to stay out until 7:30 p.m. (or dusk if earlier) for additional $500.




African Savannah

African Savannah: Tall Savannah Grasses & meandering pathways create an ambiance of adventure perfect for a couple desiring a destination wedding inside city limits.

 •   Capacity: 600 cocktail style reception / 100 dinner seating
                      in upper Savannah viewing area.
 •   Reception Fee: $1,500 + $500 refundable deposit
 •   Rehearsal Dinner Fee: $1,200 + $500 refundable deposit

      * Rehearsal dinner fee based on Friday night assumption.

Have the elephants and giraffes join you for your evening under the stars! Ask for our towering and majestic friends to stay out until 7:30 p.m. (or dusk if earlier) for additional $1,000.







CarouselWild Animal Carousel: For the couple young at heart, this whimsical setting is sure to fulfill all your wildest dreams. The Wild Animal Carousel can be used for a small reception or is an ideal location for a cocktail hour for your guests between ceremony and reception. While you have your wedding pictures taken, why not let your guests take a wild spin on a Giant Anteater or Clouded Leopard? Carousel must be booked in conjunction with another rental site.

 •   Capacity: 80 cocktail reception / 200 cocktail hour
 •   Reception Fee: $1,200 + $500 refundable deposit
 •   Cocktail Hour Fee: $225/hour


Have another spot at the Zoo in mind? There are several other options available upon request to make even your "wildest" Zoo wedding dream come true...

Important Information regarding your wedding at Nashville Zoo

  • All weddings and receptions are allowed after Zoo Closing only. Our hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15 through Oct. 14 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 through March 14. Exceptions to this based on Events Department discretion.
  • Taste of the Wild Catering is the exclusive onsite caterer for all events taking place on Zoo grounds. They can customize menus to suit your palette. To view the Taste of the Wild menu, click here.
  • Nashville Zoo has a preferred list of vendors that must be used for wedding services including floral arrangements, photography, DJ services, videographers, cake providers, and décor and rental companies. These providers have been trained on Zoo policies and regulations. To see a list of providers, click here. If you opt to go off of this list additional fees do apply.
  • Alcohol in the form of wine and beer only are allowed to be brought in by client for use after Zoo closing only. A licensed bartender(s) will be assigned through your catering contract.
  • The Zoo’s mission is “To inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership.” Our priority is our animal collection and Zoo grounds. All wedding requests and activities must not infringe or cause any undue stress on our animals. Should any concern arise during the planning or execution of your event actions will be taken to protect the Zoo.
  • For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

Testimonies from 2009:

"Our wedding at the Zoo was PERFECT! Such a unique and beautiful environment and the staff could not have been more helpful and accommodating. Our guests are still talking about it!"
- August Bride 2009

Call our events sales office at 615-445-7825 or fill out an online form for more information.