Extraordinary Weddings at America's First Zoo!

Philadelphia Zoo is a unique wedding venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions surrounded by lush gardens, extraordinary wildlife, and one-of-a-kind event spaces. From intimate dinners overlooking animal habitats to larger celebrations beneath the open sky, America's first zoo gives couples an opportunity to create a wedding experience that's anything but ordinary.

Wedding Spaces & Capacity

Philadelphia Zoo offers a variety of distinctive event settings, with capacities depending on the space and reception layout.

• PECO Primate Reserve: Accommodates up to 150 seated guests or 200 for a cocktail-style event, with views of the Zoo's primates.

• Rare Animal Conservation Center: Accommodates up to 160 seated guests or 200 cocktail-style. The adjacent Impala Plaza offers an outdoor setting for cocktail hour.

• Impala Plaza: An outdoor event space featuring a fountain, mature trees, and views of the Zoo360 animal trails. Accommodates up to 200 seated guests.

• KidZooU: Offers indoor galleries and an outdoor animal experience, with space for up to 160 seated guests.

• Tiger Terrace Dining Room: Accommodates up to 75 seated guests, with windows overlooking Bird Lake.

• Garden Pavilion: A flexible event setting accommodating approximately 180 to 200 seated guests.

• Impala Lawn: A spacious outdoor location for larger celebrations, accommodating up to 500 seated guests in published event configurations.

The Zoo also offers opportunities to combine event spaces for cocktail hours and receptions, with custom wedding arrangements available through its events team.

A Wedding Experience With a Wild Side

Imagine welcoming guests with cocktails near exotic animal habitats, exchanging vows surrounded by greenery, and celebrating in a setting where wildlife and conservation are part of the experience.

Philadelphia Zoo offers couples a memorable alternative to a traditional wedding venue, with landscaped grounds, fascinating exhibits, and distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces.

Optional experiences, such as animal ambassador appearances, can add another unexpected moment to the celebration, subject to availability and Zoo approval.

And yes, the wedding photos may include a few guests who weren't technically invited. They live there.

As a nonprofit organization, Philadelphia Zoo also connects every private celebration to its broader mission of wildlife conservation and education.

Why Couples Love Philadelphia Zoo

• Unique wedding setting at America's first zoo

• Indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options

• Event spaces overlooking animal habitats and gardens

• Intimate celebrations and large-scale wedding possibilities

• Opportunities for customized animal-related experiences

• Exclusive on-site catering

• Flexible arrangements across multiple event spaces

• Accessible guest amenities and on-site parking

• Convenient Philadelphia location

• Wedding celebrations that support wildlife conservation

Looking for a Philadelphia wedding venue that combines nature, unforgettable guest experiences, and a little unexpected magic? Contact Philadelphia Zoo to explore custom wedding packages, available dates, and event spaces.