Wedding Ceremony at the Calgary Zoo

Yes – in fact, we encourage it!  We’d be thrilled to welcome you to the zoo for a private Tour of our facilities.  Site Tours are free and we will take you through the Ceremony locations and Reception Venues for any of the locations that you’re interested in.  Please contact us to schedule the Site Tour. 

You may book a Wedding Ceremony & Reception or a Wedding Reception – you do not have to book a Ceremony with the Calgary Zoo.  We recognize that couples may already have a special location in mind when it comes to holding the Ceremony, so we leave that decision to you.  

Our Wedding pricing has three essential components: 

In order to guarantee your Wedding date and Venue selection, you must provide your initial deposit along with the signed Contract Agreement.  This deposit is equal to the Venue Rental Fee for the Venue that you selected.  50% of the anticipated charges are then due 60 days prior to the Wedding date with the remaining balance due 10 days prior to the Wedding date (with this balance being based on fully anticipated charges).

You have the right to cancel the Wedding and terminate the Contract Agreement by giving the Calgary Zoo written notice.  Cancelation will result in the forfeiture of your deposit(s) – please note that there are no refunds for Weddings regardless of the amount of written notice provided.  Weddings cancelled within two (2) months of the Wedding date will result in the full anticipated charges of the Wedding being invoiced.

At the Calgary Zoo, the exotic experiences don’t end with the animals.  Our chefs extend that feeling of discovery and excitement with inspired creations to delight your senses.  With one of the largest catering teams in the city, we’re confident that your guests will enjoy a first-rate dining experience as civilized or wild as your taste!  No outside food or beverage is permitted except for a Wedding cake. 

Absolutely, yes!  Please consult with your Event Sales Coordinator on the full list of prohibited items (due to the safety and welfare of the animals) which include but are not limited to: all balloons, rice, confetti, piñatas, sparklers, fireworks, and all open flames.  All décor must be free standing and the setup time allocated is up to 3 hours (including time for Catering to set the Venue).  Upon request, your Event Sales Coordinator can check the availability of your Venue for earlier setup.  

Yes, you may hire the Wedding vendors of your choosing.  If you don’t already have them selected, we’d be happy to provide a short-list of preferred (independent) partners that have a familiarity with the Calgary Zoo.  Please note that vendors are required to carry their own WCB insurance and should be able to provide proof of insurance when asked.  Uninsured vendors will be asked to sign a waiver before being permitted on grounds. 

Generally speaking, we allow setup within three hours prior to the agreed upon Wedding Ceremony or Reception time.  Upon request, your Event Sales Coordinator will search the availability of your Venue for a potential earlier setup.  It is not uncommon to be granted access to your Venue the day before the Wedding for setup purposes only – we just cannot guarantee this.

The guest parking location will be determined by your Venue (E.g. where the Reception is being held).  Weddings taking place in the ENMAX Conservatory (on Saturday’s and Sunday’s) will be permitted to have their guests park in the Administration Lot.  Weddings taking place in Safari Lodge and Grazers Restaurant, will see guests parking and entering through the main North Parking Lot gates located on St. Georges Drive.  Please note that parking is not included in your Wedding.  The cost is $12 per vehicle daily.  Any attendees with a valid Engage or Inspire membership may use their pass for parking access.  Please note that all vehicles must be moved by 11:00 am the following day or they will be towed at the owner’s expense.