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Host Your Event at Houston Zoo

Wedding Receptions

Looking for a stunning backdrop for your special day? With multiple indoor and outdoor venues to choose from, Houston Zoo is the perfect spot for an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Venue Options

Explore our unique private event venues below to find your perfect fit. Whichever venue you choose, the event specialists at Houston Zoo will work to bring your event to life.

Wedding Receptions are not available during Zoo Lights. 

Download our Venue Map to see where these venues are located within the Zoo.

Have Questions? Want Pricing?

Submit an inquiry using the form below, and a Houston Zoo event specialist will respond with more information.

Contact Us – Inquiry Form

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

Host an upscale dinner or happy hour and explore the wonders of the Galápagos Islands’ dynamic underwater life. Experience unending views of the 290,000 gallon aquarium featuring sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish in a coral reef habitat.

Seating for 20 included
Evening rental
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 20
Cocktail style: 40

Seating style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 115

Evening rental only
Sea lion tunnel available

Immerse yourself in the Galápagos Islands and dine underwater in the majestic Sea Lion Caves. This remarkable venue gives you an underwater look into our sea lions’ 362,000-gallon saltwater home. Complete your oceanic experience by adding on the One Ocean aquarium.

Seating for 40 included
Evening rental
Private restrooms
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 40
Cocktail style: 75

Seating style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 115

Evening rental only
Sea lion tunnel available

 

Nestled above our expansive gorilla habitat sits the Nau Family Gorilla Treehouse. This intimate and exclusive space is perfect for smaller wedding receptions.

Incredible 30 foot maple table seats 32 or divides into separate tables seating a total of 60 ($500 fee applies to separate table)
RENTAL FEE: $3,000

Audio-video capability
Daytime or evening rental
One-of-a-kind views of the gorilla and red river hog habitat
Private restrooms inside building

Capacity:
Boardroom style: 32
Dinner style: 60

This space is for grown ups only!

Enter Africa with panoramic scenery of the gorilla and red river hog habitat. Take the views to the next level by adding the Gathering Tent to your event.

Seating for 60 included
Daytime or evening rental
Built-in service bar
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 60
Cocktail style: 70

Addition of the Gathering Tent available for an additional fee
Evening rental only
Cocktail style capacity for both spaces combined: 120

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a picturesque view into the nearly half-an-acre chimpanzee habitat.

Seating for 60 included
Evening rental
Private restroom inside building
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 60
Cocktail style: 100

The restaurant’s French Colonial ambiance and soaring ceilings will transport you on an African adventure. Make it a true African experience by adding the patios that overlook the giraffe and rhino habitats.

Seating for 72 included inside restaurant at existing tables
Evening rental
Light music permitted inside building
Music with dancing permitted in plaza

Capacity: 
Seating: 72

Addition of the Giraffe and Rhino Patios for an additional fee
Capacity:
Seating – Giraffe: 55
Seating – Rhino: 65

Addition of the Plaza for an additional fee
Capacity:
Seating: 180

This richly earth-toned venue has beamed ceilings and features vibrant displays of all things gorilla. Expansive windows showcase the inspiring Gorilla Day Room.

Seating for 80 included
Gorilla statues perfect for photo ops
Daytime or evening rental
Dimmable lighting
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 80
Cocktail style: 100

Addition of the Onstead Foundation Chimpanzee Habitat available for an additional fee
Evening rental only
Seating style capacity for both locations: 140
Cocktail style capacity for both spaces combined: 200

The Reptile House offers an unforgettable setting for a most unique gathering. Treat your guests to an unusual “house” party that is sure to intrigue everyone in attendance.

Seating for 100 included
Evening rental
Distinctive desert and tropical displays in exhibits
Light music permitted inside building
Music with dancing permitted outside building

Capacity:
Seating: 100
Cocktail style: 200

Tucked away beneath some of the Zoo’s oldest oak trees, enjoy a night under the stars. This habitat provides an enchanting backdrop as you mix and mingle with your guests.

Seating for 100 included
Evening rental
Tranquil waterfall in exhibit
Music with dancing permitted
Enhance your cocktail hour by adding the McNair Elephant Habitat for an additional fee

Capacity:
Seating: 120
Cocktail style: 200

This room without walls captures the simplicity and serenity of the Zoo.

Seating for 150 included 
Daytime or evening rental
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted

Capacity:
Seating under tent: 150
Cocktail style: 300

George R. Brown Conservation Education Center

This indoor hall is a great “spot” for a cocktail or dinner reception.

Seating for 100 included
Daytime or evening rental
Private restrooms inside the building
Music with dancing permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 180
Cocktail style: 350

With expansive views of the Galápagos Islands exhibit on the north end and overlooking the historic Reflection Pool on the south end, this one-of-a-kind venue will bring wonder and sophistication to your next corporate or social event.

Seating for 100 included
Private restrooms
Music with dancing permitted
2 built-in screens that can be concealed
2 terraces for outdoor viewing

Capacity:
Seating: 200
Cocktail Style: 270

Nestled in the heart of the Zoo, this open tent is the perfect place for an unforgettable event.

Seating for 200 included
Daytime or evening rental
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted
Option to close tent panels
3 large ceiling fans

Capacity:
Seating under tent: 200
Lawn seating: 100
Cocktail style: 400

On the edge of the African Forest sits this vibrant, covered party venue. It is the perfect place to gather and dance the night away with family and friends!

Seating for 200 included
Daytime or evening rental
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted
Option to close tent panels
4 large ceiling fans

Capacity:
Seating under tent: 400
Lawn seating: 200
Cocktail style: 1200

Spend your evening under a canopy of oak trees alongside this serene pool. Let this iconic locale serve as a breathtaking backdrop to your al fresco dining experience.

Seating for 200 included
Evening rental
Tranquil water fountains
Music with dancing permitted

Capacity:
Seating around pool: 500

Additional lighting recommended

Catering

From buffets to stations to seated dinners, you will enjoy distinctive menus and flavorful fare. Taste Catering at Houston Zoo has exclusively designed menu packages for your unforgettable reception.

Wedding Reception MENU

Event Enhancements

Want to ensure your guests have a roaring good time? Add on a few of the event enhancements below to create an exciting experience like no other in town.

Event Enhancements

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

“The Zoo staff, event coordinators, and zoo keepers worked to ensure the night went off without any problems. The food provided by the Zoo was exceptional. We received so many compliments at how unique and fun the venue was… We’ve recommended Houston Zoo to all our friends and colleagues with hopes that they will have their next event there and, of course, invite us.”

– Matthew and Kayla Strausser

Houston Zoo Wedding Reception FAQs

Can I have my wedding reception at Houston Zoo?

Yes! Houston Zoo has 15 unique venues you can rent for an after-hours wedding reception. Our Houston wedding reception venues offer a one-of-a-kind setting surrounded by nature and wildlife. 

Can I have my wedding ceremony at Houston Zoo?

No. Wedding ceremonies are not allowed to take place at Houston Zoo. 

How many guests can Houston Zoo accommodate?

Houston Zoo offers wedding reception venues in Houston for celebrations of many sizes. 

Individual venues can accommodate: 

  • As few as 20 guests 
  • Up to 2,500 guests cocktail-style 
  • Up to 700 seated guests 

Our entire Zoo rentals can accommodate up to 6,000 guests. 

Does Houston Zoo provide catering for wedding receptions?

Yes! Houston Zoo has a dedicated on-site catering team for private events. 

Can I bring my own food or outside catering?

No. We do not allow outside catering for events at Houston Zoo. 

The only exception is a wedding cake, which can be brought in from a baker with a health certificate. 

What is included in a Houston Zoo wedding reception rental?

Each wedding reception venue rental includes: 

  • The venue for four hours (must take place between 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) 
  • Security 
  • Seating 
  • An event specialist to help plan your event and be onsite the day of your event 

The amount of seating included will vary based on the venue. Fill out an inquiry form to learn more. 

How far in advance should I book my wedding reception at Houston Zoo?

You can book events as far in advance as one year. All events must be booked at least two weeks prior to the event date, pending availability. 

For wedding receptions, we recommend booking a minimum of six months in advance for the most seamless experience. 

What is required to reserve a Houston Zoo wedding venue?

To reserve a venue at Houston Zoo, we require: 

  • A signed initial contract 
  • Signed terms and conditions 
  • A 50% deposit of the venue rental cost 

Can I combine multiple venues for a larger wedding reception?

Yes. Some venues can be combined to accommodate a larger event. Reach out to us with your event needs, and we would be happy to suggest options. 

Are animal encounters available during wedding receptions?

Yes! Animal encounters are available to add to an event on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The welfare of our animals is a top priority, and animal encounter options will vary based on venues. 

Is Houston Zoo available for wedding receptions year-round?

Wedding receptions are available to book from January through October. 

Please note that we do not host receptions on federal holidays or during spring break and winter break due to general admission crowds. 

We are also unable to host receptions during Zoo Lights and Zoo Boo extended hours due to the Zoo being open to the public in the evening. 

Can my guests walk around the Zoo during my wedding reception?

Evening events do not include access to walk around the Zoo unless you choose an entire Zoo rental. 

Is there a place for me to change or get ready?

No. Houston Zoo does not have spaces available for changing or getting ready. 

There are cameras throughout the Zoo for the safety and security of our animals and guests, so the only areas available for changing would be restrooms. 

Can I add entertainment and décor to my wedding reception?

Yes! We can book a variety of entertainment and décor options, including: 

  • Florals 
  • Centerpieces 
  • Linens 
  • Backdrops 
  • Photo booths 
  • DJs 
  • Bands 
  • Face painters 
  • Airbrush tattoo artists 
  • Bounce houses 
  • Crafts 

Reach out to us with your event needs, and we would be happy to suggest options. 

What makes Houston Zoo different from other wedding venues in Houston?

Houston Zoo is a unique and historic wedding venue in Houston, surrounded by nature with animals just footsteps away. 

When you book a wedding reception at Houston Zoo, you are also helping save animals in the wild. We are a nonprofit organization that connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.