Wedding Venues
Wedding Suppliers
Wedding Websites
Planning Tools
Advice
Affordable
Barn
Castle
Country House
Hotel
Intimate
Luxury
Outdoor
Pub / Restaurant
View All Wedding Venues
Photographers
Florists
Music
Videographers
Catering
Entertainment
Cakes
Wedding Dresses
Menswear
Wedding Rings
Planners & Celebrants
Beauty, Hair & Makeup
Stationery
Transport
Decoration & Hire
Marquee Hire
View All Wedding Suppliers
Checklist
Budget
Guest List
View All Planning Tools
General Advice
Expert Advice
Wedding Budget
Guests
Ceremony
Post-Wedding
Real Wedding
View All Advice
Price: £2,500 – £8,500
Guests: 150
Bedrooms: 51
Deals available: 4
Limited-Time Offers & Deals (4)
Description
Description
The Square is a stunning new venue based in the original stable block where the zoo began back in the 1930s. Offering a large open plan venue as well as a set of unique smaller meeting spaces, the Grade II listed building has been sustainably renovated into a timeless space where old meets new. You’ll find The Square in a secluded setting in the heart of the zoo. Featuring an impressive gated entrance, the building features a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, large feature windows overlooking the garden and a host of original features which tell the story of the original building.
The Oakfield is where it all began for the zoo, serving as our pioneering founder George Mottershead's family home. Beautifully restored and renovated in 2018, The Oakfield retains many stunning original features like the intricate wood panelling in the Library and the sumptuous luxury of the Boardroom. Since then, The Oakfield has had many uses from a family home to an aquarium, before becoming a stunning Grade II listed wedding venue. Today, the building’s original structure has been retained, and its original features preserved.
The Reserve is a spectacular safari style lodge resort that opened its doors to guests in August 2025. The Reserve features 51 beautifully designed lodges, some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras and blesbock antelope roam, and others nestled beside a peaceful lake. Includes dining at the new Amboseli Restaurant and the Tsavo Lounge where guests can enjoy a drink or delicious food.
By choosing Chester Zoo as your wedding venue, you join us in our fight to prevent extinction. As you celebrate your happy day, you can do so with the added joy of knowing that you’ve made a difference.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1931
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
40
Overview of Chester Zoo
Wedding Venue Type
Barn / Farm
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
150
Reception Capacity
180
Wedding Venue Accommodation
No. of Bedrooms
51
Sleeps No. of People
4
Bridal Suite
Changing Only
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding license
Sound system available
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Wedding Venue Details
On-site parking
In-house wedding coordinator
Outdoor Reception Space
Grade I/II Listed Building
Landscaped gardens
Disabled access
Bridal Changing Facilities
Exclusive use
Wedding Catering
In-house catering
Alcohol license
Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
In-House Wine List
External catering permitted
Vegan catering
Bar
Pricing for Chester Zoo
Pricing for Chester Zoo
What's Included?
Private room(s) included (non-exclusive use)
Furniture included
Varying from room hire only, to a dry-hire cost for your own catering
Hide detailsReviews (41)
- HHannah & Ashley21/03/2026My perfect wedding dayMy perfect wedding dayThe team at Chester Zoo, especially Rachel, were so supportive with the organisation, planning and delivering our wedding day. We had such an enjoyable wedding planning process. We truly appreciated every meeting and every conversation. You accommodated our every suggestion and made the day truly unforgettable. It was so brilliant that it is surreal, we can hardly believe that it was actually our wedding day. We would love to do it all again! I cannot fault the team in any way. The team at Chester Zoo, especially Rachel, were so supportive with the organisation, planning and delivering our wedding day. We had such an enjoyable wedding planning process. We truly appreciated every meeting and every conversation. You accommodated our every suggestion and made the day truly unforgettable. It was so brilliant that it is surreal, we can hardly believe that it was actually our wedding day. We would love to do it all again! I cannot fault the team in any way.
- AAnne & David Smith16/03/2026The Very Best experience you could wish for!The Very Best experience you could wish for!Chester Zoo went above and beyond to make our day incredible. ● Both Frances and then Jess were absolutely wonderful in organising meetings to discuss details and finalise choices. ● The Oakfield boardroom is so beautiful and was perfect for our ceremony. We were allocated a co-ordinator who calmed all our nerves, made sure everything was perfect, we were all where we should be and the right music played at the right moments, as well as everything else behind the scenes. ● The food was divine - local produce prepared to such a high standard! We still talk about the delicious food!! ● The service from the whole team (and they ARE an amazing team) was exceptional. ● The venue cost less than others we'd looked at but was far superior in beauty, quality, style, friendliness, environmental friendliness and fine dining. Added to that, the money goes to the Zoo & its continued conservation & care for animals. ● We felt we were treated like the most special people in the World! ● We cannot praise this awesome team highly enough! ● Don't hesitate over it - Book Chester Zoo for your Wedding!! ♡ THANK YOU ALL ♡Chester Zoo went above and beyond to make our day incredible. ● Both Frances and then Jess were absolutely wonderful in organising meetings to discuss details and finalise choices. ● The Oakfield boardroom is so beautiful and was perfect for our ceremony. We were allocated a co-ordinator who calmed all our nerves, made sure everything was perfect, we were all where we should be and the right music played at the right moments, as well as everything else behind the scenes. ● The food was divine - local produce prepared to such a high standard! We still talk about the delicious food!! ● The service from the whole team (and they ARE an amazing team) was exceptional. ● The venue cost less than others we'd looked at but was far superior in beauty, quality, style, friendliness, environmental friendliness and fine dining. Added to that, the money goes to the Zoo & its continued conservation & care for animals. ● We felt we were treated like the most special people in the World! ● We cannot praise this awesome team highly enough! ● Don't hesitate over it - Book Chester Zoo for your Wedding!! ♡ THANK YOU ALL ♡
- MMr & Mrs Scott20/01/2026A Unique and Perfect Wedding VenueA Unique and Perfect Wedding VenueThe Twilight Wedding Package offered by Chester Zoo ticked all the right boxes for us. The capacity was large enough, but even if we had had less guests, the venue rooms could be made smaller. We knew we wanted a location to reflect our happy and carefree personalities, and what better place could there be than at arguably the best zoo in the country. The venue have great local suppliers, and not being local to the area, we were put in touch with people who knew what was needed and were within our budget. We had access to the zoo from 8am, the ceremony was planned for 4pm, but this gave everyone time to set up and get changed at the venue, which worked well for us. We had our own playlists playing before we exchanged our vows in The Square on a gloriously sunny afternoon, and after a few reception drinks (which included personalised cocktails), we went on a tour of the of the zoo. Our wedding party was around 140 people and we (i.e. the very capable staff) managed to get them all into small groups for a team of zoo keepers to show around. Guests loved this treat, from babies to octogenarians; we even had mobility scooters on standby! As the late summer sun started to set, we sat down to a wonderful feast, catering to our dietary needs and preferences. I cannot fault a single thing. The staff were all so considerate, helpful, accommodating and insightful. Throughout the day our wedding coordinator, Amy, worked hard so we didn't have to think about anything other than having fun with our guests. And note, this package even threw in the DJ with the price! He was brilliant at playing our songs, having engaged us beforehand to make sure he had all the right music. The evening weather allowed us to use the outdoor courtyard as well as the dance floor, so there was plenty of space for people to chat away from the hubbub when they wanted to. It will forever be the happiest day of our lives, as we have beautiful memories, pictures and stories of our perfect wedding day at Chester Zoo. P.S. We want to especially name our Event Planning Coordinator, Jess Hampton, who first spoke with us, showed us around, listened to our ideas and really, genuinely, made our wedding dreams come true. The Twilight Wedding Package offered by Chester Zoo ticked all the right boxes for us. The capacity was large enough, but even if we had had less guests, the venue rooms could be made smaller. We knew we wanted a location to reflect our happy and carefree personalities, and what better place could there be than at arguably the best zoo in the country. The venue have great local suppliers, and not being local to the area, we were put in touch with people who knew what was needed and were within our budget. We had access to the zoo from 8am, the ceremony was planned for 4pm, but this gave everyone time to set up and get changed at the venue, which worked well for us. We had our own playlists playing before we exchanged our vows in The Square on a gloriously sunny afternoon, and after a few reception drinks (which included personalised cocktails), we went on a tour of the of the zoo. Our wedding party was around 140 people and we (i.e. the very capable staff) managed to get them all into small groups for a team of zoo keepers to show around. Guests loved this treat, from babies to octogenarians; we even had mobility scooters on standby! As the late summer sun started to set, we sat down to a wonderful feast, catering to our dietary needs and preferences. I cannot fault a single thing. The staff were all so considerate, helpful, accommodating and insightful. Throughout the day our wedding coordinator, Amy, worked hard so we didn't have to think about anything other than having fun with our guests. And note, this package even threw in the DJ with the price! He was brilliant at playing our songs, having engaged us beforehand to make sure he had all the right music. The evening weather allowed us to use the outdoor courtyard as well as the dance floor, so there was plenty of space for people to chat away from the hubbub when they wanted to. It will forever be the happiest day of our lives, as we have beautiful memories, pictures and stories of our perfect wedding day at Chester Zoo. P.S. We want to especially name our Event Planning Coordinator, Jess Hampton, who first spoke with us, showed us around, listened to our ideas and really, genuinely, made our wedding dreams come true.
- AAndy and Louise05/01/2026The best day of our lives.. The best day of our lives..Wow what a day, was such a beautiful day with family and friends. All was beautiful and the staff did a grand job of setting up with all the bits. Thank you Wow what a day, was such a beautiful day with family and friends. All was beautiful and the staff did a grand job of setting up with all the bits. Thank you
- AAmy & Dan29/12/2025Our Perfect Day!Our Perfect Day!Chester Zoo is a venue that is very close to our hearts as we have been member a there for a number of years. So when we got engaged (also at the Zoo) it was the first place we thought of for the wedding and I am so happy we made the decision to book. From us attending the wedding showcase and making our initial enquiry to the day of our wedding we cannot fault the Zoo or any of the staff for a single thing. We were kept informed all the way through to the day and any questions we had were answered quickly and clearly. On the day the staff could not do enough for us and were so attentive without being intrusive. Our day was perfect and that was in no small part to the Zoo staff and surroundings. Chester Zoo is a venue that is very close to our hearts as we have been member a there for a number of years. So when we got engaged (also at the Zoo) it was the first place we thought of for the wedding and I am so happy we made the decision to book. From us attending the wedding showcase and making our initial enquiry to the day of our wedding we cannot fault the Zoo or any of the staff for a single thing. We were kept informed all the way through to the day and any questions we had were answered quickly and clearly. On the day the staff could not do enough for us and were so attentive without being intrusive. Our day was perfect and that was in no small part to the Zoo staff and surroundings.
- AAmy & Josh10/12/2025The most amazing wedding ever!The most amazing wedding ever!We had our wedding at Chester Zoo in The Square. It was THE MOST AMAZING day we could ever have wished for. From the very beginning of our experience when we went to view the venue, right up until the very end of our evening, the staff and everyone involved was fantastic, friendly and just simply amazing. Everyone went above and beyond for us and allowed us to have the most amazing day. The venue was absolutely beautiful and such an experience being able to walk around the zoo in the dress and suit! Simply amazing. For anyone who is considering having a wedding at Chester Zoo, we would absolutely recommend 100000 times over. It was the best experience of our lives and we don't regret a single thing. Huge thank you to all the staff involved in our day - you really were all amazing. Thank you!We had our wedding at Chester Zoo in The Square. It was THE MOST AMAZING day we could ever have wished for. From the very beginning of our experience when we went to view the venue, right up until the very end of our evening, the staff and everyone involved was fantastic, friendly and just simply amazing. Everyone went above and beyond for us and allowed us to have the most amazing day. The venue was absolutely beautiful and such an experience being able to walk around the zoo in the dress and suit! Simply amazing. For anyone who is considering having a wedding at Chester Zoo, we would absolutely recommend 100000 times over. It was the best experience of our lives and we don't regret a single thing. Huge thank you to all the staff involved in our day - you really were all amazing. Thank you!
- SSimon and kirstie07/12/2025Lovely venue exceptional staffLovely venue exceptional staffWe chose Chester zoo as we wanted something a little more informal. We could not have been happier, the attention to detail from Jess and her team was incredible and made our day a truly special one, they even escorted us around the zoo after hours to get some quiet time photos. Well you have to make use of the surroundings don’t you? Thank you Chester zoo, We chose Chester zoo as we wanted something a little more informal. We could not have been happier, the attention to detail from Jess and her team was incredible and made our day a truly special one, they even escorted us around the zoo after hours to get some quiet time photos. Well you have to make use of the surroundings don’t you? Thank you Chester zoo,
- RRichard and Kate06/12/2025The Ultimate Wedding Venue in the UKThe Ultimate Wedding Venue in the UKHonestly just a fantastic experience start to finish. The venue is incredible, and so unique for a wedding. The food was fantastic and the BBQ buffet was such a hit. The staff made it so special, they explained every aspect, helped us plan the perfect day and were so generous with their time, sorting any queries rapidly, which is just what you need when your planning your big day. Driving into a zoo in a wedding car, ehile it is still open is truly a once in lifetime experience, and the zoo public were great cheering and clapping the car through. We were exceptionally lucky as can be seen from the photo i have included, we were able to sneak away from the wedding party for pictures outside the venue and we had the snow leopard come right up to the glass for the best wedding pictures ever. A fantastic day... truly....cannot speak highly enough of Chester Zoo a world famous Zoo and first class wedding venue.Honestly just a fantastic experience start to finish. The venue is incredible, and so unique for a wedding. The food was fantastic and the BBQ buffet was such a hit. The staff made it so special, they explained every aspect, helped us plan the perfect day and were so generous with their time, sorting any queries rapidly, which is just what you need when your planning your big day. Driving into a zoo in a wedding car, ehile it is still open is truly a once in lifetime experience, and the zoo public were great cheering and clapping the car through. We were exceptionally lucky as can be seen from the photo i have included, we were able to sneak away from the wedding party for pictures outside the venue and we had the snow leopard come right up to the glass for the best wedding pictures ever. A fantastic day... truly....cannot speak highly enough of Chester Zoo a world famous Zoo and first class wedding venue.
- HHolly & Carl05/12/2025Dream Come True Dream Come TrueFrom our very first show round up to our stay at the Reserve after the wedding, the zoo took care of us all the way! We can’t thank the team enough for all they did especially our main coordinator Rachel, she made the whole process easy and was always on hand to help with any questions we had. All our guests are still raving about the day and how unique the venue was, as well as how amazing the food was! On the day Steph was amazing, especially when reminding my now husband about the rings which he had left at the hotel! She was smiling the whole day and you can tell how much she loves her job! Honestly nothing we could fault, it honestly was everything we dream of ✨From our very first show round up to our stay at the Reserve after the wedding, the zoo took care of us all the way! We can’t thank the team enough for all they did especially our main coordinator Rachel, she made the whole process easy and was always on hand to help with any questions we had. All our guests are still raving about the day and how unique the venue was, as well as how amazing the food was! On the day Steph was amazing, especially when reminding my now husband about the rings which he had left at the hotel! She was smiling the whole day and you can tell how much she loves her job! Honestly nothing we could fault, it honestly was everything we dream of ✨
- AAlex & Louise05/12/2025Couldn't have asked for a better dayCouldn't have asked for a better dayAt every step in the process, the staff in the Chester Zoo events team have been nothing but professional and flexible. I don't think the wedding would have been half as good as it was without them, and can't sing their praises enough!At every step in the process, the staff in the Chester Zoo events team have been nothing but professional and flexible. I don't think the wedding would have been half as good as it was without them, and can't sing their praises enough!
Location & Contact Details for Chester Zoo
Location & Contact Details for Chester Zoo
Latest from Instagram
Wedding Showcase
28th April 2026
Join us for an enchanting evening at Chester Zoo, where dreams of your special day begin to take shape. Includes a glass of fizz, tasty canapes, and chatting to our expert team and suppliers!
Bouquet & Bells Wedding Fayre
21st May 2026
Whether you’re just beginning your wedding planning journey or putting the finishing touches on your big day, Chester Zoo Wedding Fayre offers the chance to meet a huge variety of trusted suppliers!
FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs
What makes Chester Zoo a unique wedding venue?
Our couples can celebrate surrounded by nature, exotic gardens and conservation habitats, perfect for memorable photos with your guests and a one of a kind experience!
Are exclusive hire options available at Chester Zoo?
Booking The Square at Chester Zoo includes exclusive hire of the full venue, perfect for the quieter, more private moments away from other zoo visitors!
We have also launched our Exclusive Weddings at The Reserve package. This includes The Square venue for your full day & evening celebrations plus exclusive use of our 51 luxury lodges for your guests to stay for the night, waking up to either a beautiful lake or breathtaking giraffe habitat and breakfast for everyone before saying your goodbyes.
Will guests be able to explore the zoo on the day?
All of our wedding packages include wedding guest admission on the day of the wedding during zoo opening hours, perfect for a once in a lifetime backdrop. Ask our events team for more information on upgrading to include a private zoo ranger tour for your wedding party, or intimate animal experiences.
Is there parking available for guests?
Yes we have a separate private events entrance located around the corner from the main entrance. This allows you and your guests to arrive peacefully, park up and enjoy a short 2 minute walk through our gardens until you reach the wedding venue.
Do you offer sustainable wedding options?
Sustainability has been built in from the ground up, we've used bricks and tiles from the original buildings, home to some of the zoo's first animals. Some ingredients in your wedding menus are grown here onsite and we're working with suppliers to ensure we only buy deforestation-free products.
When you get married at Chester Zoo, you and your guests will become part of our incredible sustainability.
How does booking a wedding at Chester Zoo support conservation?
For over 90 years, we have been bringing visitors closer to the wonders of the natural world and to some of the worlds most endangered animals. As a charity, every wedding held at Chester Zoo contributes to conservation efforts at home and abroad.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Absolutely, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and any other dietaries and allergies can be catered for, it's something our chefs accommodate regularly and take very seriously.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Our roasted Cheshire fillet with duck fat chip and béarnaise sauce is stunning and gets great feedback.
Can you provide a space for the bridal party to get ready in?
Yes, either of our venues have a bridal suite accessible from 8am on the morning of the wedding. Alternatively, you can stay with us the night before at The Reserve and enjoy a relaxing morning of getting ready in your own private lodge.
Can we hire our own suppliers?
Yes - your wedding coordinator will ask to speak to your suppliers in advance of your wedding day to make sure they're suitable for the zoo. We also have our own trusted suppliers that we can recommend to you too.
Press & Awards
All our awards & press mentions
