Say "I Do" At The Melbourne Zoo

Romance isn’t the sole domain of human beings. Sea horse couples hold hands (well, tails), albatrosses date before choosing a life-long partner and bonobo chimpanzees like to kiss and gaze into each other’s eyes. It’s little wonder smitten people are called lovebirds as our avian friends are known for cuddling one another. Animal loving couples can find a wonderful way to involve their fauna friends in proceedings by saying “I do” at the Melbourne Zoo.

The zoo’s two dedicated events and wedding co-ordinators, Vanessa and Catherine, will guide you (and up to 500 of your nearest and dearest) on your bridal adventure. There are a number of places within the zoo to hold ceremonies. Vanessa’s favourite spot for taking vows is the Japanese Garden which is quite removed from the main part of the zoo. “It’s our smallest ceremony space and it’s just really beautiful and intimate as well as being quite serene. There are two water features and our horticulture team take such good care of the gardens, so they are beautifully manicured.”

We love the idea of having a ceremony in the dreamy Butterfly House too. It’s a good bet the beautiful creatures will be drawn to your bouquet! Couples can also consider getting married on the platypus lawn, on the giraffe deck (as a curious giraffe family looks on), in the Australian bush amphitheatre or under the boughs of a majestic Moreton Bay fig tree.

When it comes to the reception, the Melbourne Zoo has a quartet of venues in which to host a wild-at-heart party. Their Lake Room has an outdoor terrace and views over the Japanese gardens and lake, the Asian-inspired Bong Su Room is situated in the midst of the elephant trail with entry via a forest of bamboo whilst the Leopard Lodge is close enough to the big cat enclosures that you might hear the odd lion’s roar if you’re very lucky. We are quite charmed too by the idea of the Zoo’s Rainforest Room. It has its own private exhibition of cheeky Tamarin monkeys who could be your extra special guests for the day (we can’t guarantee they’ll stick to proper formal etiquette however).

Unique photo opportunities abound at the zoo. You and your bridal party can pose on the historic, grand carousel for official pictures. Whilst the zoo’s first priority is the welfare of its animal residents, couples can get up close and personal with giraffes. “Newlyweds can actually go into the enclosure with one of the giraffe keepers and feed the giraffes with a big bouquet of branches and leaves and all the things that giraffes like to eat. You can take photos too – it’s a really special experience,” says Vanessa.

Such a natural and inspiring backdrop can lead to some very creative wedding planning. Recalls Vanessa, “we had a bride and groom and their celebrant all dress up in the theme of ‘The Lion King’ recently. They had the masks from the musical and one of their guests was even dressed up as Tarzan!” So much fun!