Skip to Content
Host An Event

Wedding Receptions

Looking for a stunning backdrop for your special day? With multiple 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 aquarium and sea lion cave: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both aquarium and sea lion cave: 115

Evening rental only
Sea lion tunnel available

Immerse yourself in the Galápagos Islands and dine underwater in the majestic Sea Lion Cave. 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 aquarium and sea lion cave: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both aquarium and sea lion cave: 115

Evening rental only
Sea lion tunnel available

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

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

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

A journey through Natural Encounters is like a journey through an entire continent. See the homes of animals from the river’s edge, rainforest canopy, desert, and coral reef. Make it an elegant encounter with a seated dinner or party with the piranhas as you crawl through a see-through tunnel that looks into their exhibit.

Seating for 100 included
Evening rental
Built-in sound system
Built-in service bar
Light music permitted inside building
Music with dancing permitted outside building

Capacity:
Seating: 100
Cocktail style: 150

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. The Vulture 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

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

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