Venue Options

Explore the wedding reception venues below. These spaces are ordered with your guest count in mind. Whichever you choose, the Special Events staff at the Zoo will work with you to make your private event elegant and unique.

Choose from our Many Venue Options

The Robert & Janice McNair Foundation Great Ape Gallery – up to 60 guests

• Evening events only
• Gorilla statues perfect for photo ops
• Views of the Houston Zoo’s gorilla day room
• Seated capacity: 60
• Cocktail style capacity: 100
• Addition of the Arrival Building and the Gathering Tent available for an additional fee – cocktail style capacity for three spaces combined: 300

Gorilla Arrival Building – up to 60 guests

• Evening events only
• Built-in service bar
• Gorgeous view of habitat through the wall of windows
• Seated capacity: 60
• Cocktail style capacity: 70
• Addition of the Gathering Tent available for an additional fee – cocktail style capacity for both spaces combined: 200

The Onstead Foundation Chimpanzee Habitat - up to 60 guests

• Evening rental only
• Private restroom inside venue
• Light music permitted inside building
• Seating capacity: 60
• Cocktail style capacity: 100

Sea Lion Deck - up to 60 guests

• Evening rental only
• Light music permitted in area
• No glass or china permitted on deck
• Seated capacity: 60
• Cocktail style capacity: 120

Herbert A. & Elizabeth N. Kipp Memorial Aquarium -
up to 60 guests

• Evening rental only
• Guests surrounded by aquatic exhibits
• Light music permitted inside building
• Music with dancing permitted outside building
• Seating capacity: 60
• Cocktail style capacity: 80

Twiga Café - up to 90 guests

• Evening events only
• Seating for 90 included inside restaurant
• Music with dancing permitted in Plaza for an additional fee
• Addition of the Giraffe and Rhino Patios for an additional fee- seating capacity for three spaces combined:150

The Carruth Natural Encounters Building - up to 100 guests

• Evening rental only
• Built-in sound system
• Built-in service bar
• Tranquil waterfall at entrance to greet guests
• Private restrooms inside the building
• Light music permitted inside building
• Music with dancing permitted outside building
• Seating capacity: 100
• Cocktail style capacity: 150

Reptile House - up to 100 guests

• Evening rental only
• Distinctive desert and tropical displays in exhibits
• Light music permitted inside building
• Music with dancing permitted outside building
• Seating capacity: 100
• Cocktail style capacity: 200

Jaguar Habitat - up to 120 guests

• Evening rental only
• Tranquil waterfall in exhibit
• Surrounded by oak trees
• Music with dancing permitted
• Seating capacity: 120
• Cocktail style capacity: 250

The Brown Education Center - up to 150 guests

• Evening rental only
• Restrooms inside the building
• Music with dancing permitted inside building
• Seating capacity: 150
• Cocktail style capacity: 300

Karamu Outpost - up to 200 guests

• Evening rental only
• Easy access to restrooms
• Music with dancing permitted
• Seating capacity under tent: 200
• Lawn seating capacity: 100
• Cocktail style capacity: 800

Masihara Pavilion - up to 400 guests

• Evening rental only
• Easy access to restrooms
• Music with dancing permitted
• Seating capacity under tent: 400
• Lawn seating capacity: 200
• Cocktail style capacity: 1,200

Reflection Pool - up to 500 guests

• Evening rental only
• Canopy of oak trees
• Tranquil water fountains
• Music with dancing permitted
• Ample seating for large groups
• Seating capacity around pool: 500
• Lawn seating capacity: 1,000
• Cocktail style capacity: 2,500
• Additional lighting recommended

Testimonials

“ The Houston Zoo was an amazing place to hold our wedding…we enjoyed every minute! The Zoo staff was great to work with and everything was absolutely beautiful for our big day!”
– Lindsey Mathews

“ We are still getting compliments about our wedding held at the Zoo. It was such a unique way to celebrate the start of our lives together…I’d highly recommend having your next event at their facility. Very fun and unique!”
– Megan Stasio

Catering

We provide extensive, full-service catering detailed to fit your specific reception needs. Our variety of delectable catering packages are just what you need to complete your special day. By serving locally sourced and sustainable products, we have the capabilities and resources to make your reception a truly unique experience.

Wedding Reception Menu

Reception Enhancements

If you’re looking to have the most unique wedding reception in town, we’ve got plenty of exciting experiences and extras to ensure your guests have the best time. From animal experiences to beautiful décor, we can help you create the perfect reception.

Animal Experience

$500 for one hour (up to four touch animals)
This educational experience includes a keeper bringing small animals to your event space to interact with guests. Guests will learn about the importance of the animals and their habitats, as well as be able to touch and take photos with the various ambassadors. This experience is based on weather conditions and must be requested at least two weeks in advance

Centerpieces

Personalize your event with beautiful wildlife-friendly centerpieces. Choose from our reusable in house options or take it to the next level with natural, in season floral arrangements. Ask your event coordinator for all that we offer!

DJ and Bands

Provide music for your party animals! Pricing upon request.

Find Out More

Questions? Need Pricing? For more information, fill out our convenient form, and a Houston Zoo Special Events representative will contact you with all the answers.

Houston Zoo Special Events
713-533-6833
events@houstonzoo.org