Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Imagine saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the beauty of nature and the allure of wildlife. The Melbourne Zoo offers just that: a truly magical experience that blends romance, adventure, and a deep connection with the earth. The natural setting provides a serene and majestic backdrop, perfect for those seeking something beyond the conventional banquet hall or garden ceremony.
Getting married at the Melbourne Zoo isn’t just about the unique location; it’s about creating a day that’s as unforgettable as it is beautiful. Read on to see why…
A venue that engages all the senses
The sounds of nature, the beauty of the outdoors, and the presence of animals create a vibrant atmosphere that is both exhilarating and calming. This Serengeti sanctuary is an absolute vision: floor-to-ceiling windows allow for an abundance of natural light, with views that look out onto lush greenery. The minimalist interior features a neutral colour palette that’s complemented by the natural wooden beams and floor, creating an ideal blank canvas to add a dreamlike element to your special occasion.
Photo opportunities at the Melbourne Zoo
And can we take a moment to talk about the photo opportunities at the Melbourne Zoo? Imagine capturing your special moments with a backdrop of peacocks displaying their splendid feathers, or a giraffe towering in the distance. These unique photo ops ensure your wedding album will be as extraordinary as your love story.
Ready for a rumble in the jungle? We caught up with Jasmine Maxwell, Wedding & Events Coordinator at the Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo, and asked her a few questions about hosting unforgettable events amidst wildlife wonders.
What do you love most about weddings?
“I love LOVE! As cheesy as that is… I love talking to my couples on the first day when they are just starting out by looking at venues. They are always so excited and ready to start the planning journey. We go through so much together and I often hear all of their highs and lows, so it makes me so overjoyed when I get to see their dream day come together! Their faces are always so lit up and happy and I get to go home feeling so smitten that my couple I have spoken to every day for the past year+ is having the best time!”
What are some unique features that couples enjoy when having their wedding at the Melbourne Zoo?
“So many things! One of the biggest things I hear from our couples is that they love that they can have a ceremony with a beautiful green backdrop, in amongst the flowers and the leaves, followed by a fun night celebrating their reception in one of our many spaces with animals directly next to them! If you are an animal lover, the Melbourne Zoo showcases some fantastic enclosures right next door to your ceremony and reception! Your guests are never bored as they watch the macaw soar through the sky, the giraffes reach for the leaves and the lions roar all night long! Youare basically partying with the animals – how fun!”
The most memorable thing I’ve seen at a wedding is…
“I had a beautiful couple get married in early 2023. They were sooo nervous about their first dance as they knew that it was going to be a BIG hit – Never Tear Us Apart by INXS! They came into the venue almost every week practicing and practicing to make sure it was perfect. When their big day rolled around they couldn’t stop shaking as they were so scared. After seeing them perform their first dance, the happy tears that came pouring from their eyes were incredible! They were so stoked that they did their dance in front of all of their loved ones and didn’t make a single mistake! Seeing the absolute joy on their faces as they went back to socialise made me feel so happy and excited for them.”
Of course, at EW, we love a wedding tip – what did Jasmine tell us?
“Come prepared with questions! Know what you are looking for and don’t be afraid to ask any questions, that’s what we are here for! Every venue is different and will have different rules, packages, pricing, etc. As long as you know what your non-negotiables are and what you are willing to compromise on, you will have a great experience when venue shopping!”
