Rhiannon Hendricks
Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, is a unique and exciting venue for weddings. The zoo offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, with the option to include animal viewing for guests. Couples who have chosen the zoo as their wedding venue have praised the staff for their helpfulness and expertise, ensuring that their big day was perfect. The venue provides a memorable experience for couples and their guests, with the opportunity to enjoy carousel rides and interact with zoo animals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Venue Capacity | Up to 450 guests, with smaller spaces for 50-150 guests |
| Facilities | 5 outdoor and indoor facilities, including the Discovery Center ballroom, Holmes Foster Event Center, outdoor pavilion, and sea lion deck |
| Packages | Full wedding packages, ceremony-only packages, and reception-only packages with add-ons like animal viewing and carousel rides |
| Catering | Baratta's Catering and Army Post Hy-Vee are the exclusive caterers; Baratta's Catering is licensed for alcohol service |
| Reviews | Positive reviews for unique venue, accommodating staff, and smooth planning process; some complaints about coordination and catering changes |
| Pricing | $3,500 - $8,000 for full wedding packages, $1,000 - $3,000 for ceremony-only packages, $3,000 - $6,000 for reception-only packages |
| Deposits and Payments | Non-refundable deposit of 50% due at reservation; final payment due 30 days prior; security charge of $35/hour/guard |
| Restrictions | No smoking, vaping, or consumption of tobacco/illegal drugs; no cancellations due to weather |
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What You'll Learn
Positive reviews
Many couples have left positive reviews after hosting their weddings at Blank Park Zoo. The venue offers a unique setting for weddings, with indoor and outdoor spaces available, and guests entertained by zoo animals during the cocktail hour.
One couple who got married at the zoo in December 2020 described their experience as "perfect". They held their ceremony in the Aquarium, which provided a unique backdrop, and also had the opportunity to feed the giraffes. They praised the planning process as "unique and fun" and said that the staff were "great to work with".
Another couple who got married at the zoo in August 2023 also had a positive experience. They described the venue as amazing and magical, and appreciated having the zoo to themselves and their guests. They held their ceremony in the outside pavilion, cocktail hour by the sea lions and big cats, and their reception in the events centre. They also had their first look with the giraffes and were able to feed them.
A couple who had to postpone their wedding due to the Covid pandemic also praised the zoo as a venue. They described the staff as "amazing" and said that the zoo provided a great experience. They appreciated having the zoo available for their guests to wander through and enjoyed the carousel rides.
Another couple who got married at the zoo in September praised the venue as beautiful and budget-friendly. They also appreciated the convenience of their zoo membership, which allowed them to visit the zoo anytime before their wedding.
Overall, couples who have had their weddings at Blank Park Zoo have praised the unique setting, the entertainment provided by the zoo animals, and the helpful and accommodating staff. The venue has been described as perfect and amazing, with one couple recommending it "100 times".
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Indoor and outdoor spaces
Blank Park Zoo offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, with packages designed to allow couples to create their own unique experience. The zoo can accommodate weddings of up to 450 guests, with smaller, more intimate spaces for 50-150 guests.
The Holmes Foster Event Center is a large, flexible space that can accommodate up to 350 guests banquet-style and can be transformed to fit the style of the event. The Discovery Center ballroom is a smaller space that is best suited for weddings of 120 people or fewer and offers a breathtaking view of the indoor tropical rainforest and aviary. The ballroom can also be split into three smaller rooms, the Waterfall and Palm Rooms, for more intimate gatherings.
For outdoor ceremonies, couples can choose the outside pavilion, while cocktail hour can be held by the sea lions and big cats. The zoo also offers the option of adding animal viewing during the cocktail hour, with indoor viewing of rhinos, giraffes, tortoises, penguins, and the Discovery Center exhibits available in the winter months.
The zoo provides private rooms for the bride and groom to get ready, and these are included for free when booking a ceremony and/or reception. The zoo also has preferred caterers and can provide A/V equipment, tables, and chairs.
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Catering and alcohol
Baratta's Catering can provide black or white linens for your tables, and you are welcome to bring in wedding cakes and desserts provided they are from a licensed entity. If you would like to include a cocktail hour in your wedding celebrations, the zoo offers unique locations such as the sea lion deck, Africa Pavilion, and admissions lobby. Imagine enjoying cocktails and canapes with your guests while taking in the sights and sounds of the zoo!
For a truly magical experience, consider reserving the zoo after it closes for the day. This will give you and your guests exclusive access to the entire zoo, with no distractions or crowds. The first 400 guests are free, and any additional guests are charged at a discounted rate of $6 per person.
The Holmes Foster Event Center is a large and versatile space that can accommodate up to 350 guests banquet-style. You can transform this blank canvas to fit the style and theme of your wedding, creating a truly personalized experience.
Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor wedding at Blank Park Zoo, the catering and alcohol options are designed to enhance your special day. With the help of their exclusive caterers and the option for a private zoo rental, your wedding is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
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Security and smoking
While there are no explicit details on the security measures at Blank Park Zoo for weddings, the zoo offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, with the largest space accommodating up to 450 guests. The zoo's staff and event coordinators are praised for their helpfulness, expertise, and accommodation, ensuring that weddings run smoothly.
As for smoking, while there are no explicit rules mentioned for Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, it is common for zoos to be non-smoking areas. For example, the zoo in San Diego, California, is a non-smoking facility, and smoking is also prohibited in the entire Balboa Park area where the zoo is located. It is likely that Blank Park Zoo has similar non-smoking policies in place to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all visitors, especially considering the presence of animals and children.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, it is recommended to inquire directly with the Blank Park Zoo staff about their specific security measures and smoking policies for weddings. Their contact information is available on their website, and they can provide comprehensive details to assist in planning a secure and memorable event.
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Event coordinators
The zoo's event coordinators work closely with couples to create their dream wedding, offering a variety of customisation options, including animal viewing and other add-ons. They also handle all the necessary logistics, such as setup and tear down of tables and chairs, and are known for their friendly and accommodating attitude.
While the zoo has had some issues with staff turnover, with some couples reporting having worked with multiple coordinators during their planning process, they have also received praise for their expertise and dedication. Coordinators like Allison, Molly, Vania, Mo, and Gavin have been specifically mentioned for their helpfulness and ensuring a stress-free experience.
Overall, the event coordinators at Blank Park Zoo strive to provide an exceptional level of service, ensuring that couples and their guests have a truly magical experience on their special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many couples have chosen Blank Park Zoo as their wedding venue. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with couples citing the unique setting, helpful staff, and smooth planning process as highlights.
The Discovery Center ballroom, which overlooks the indoor rainforest, can accommodate up to 120 people. The Holmes Foster Event Center is a large, customisable space that can hold up to 350 guests banquet-style. There are also two private rooms that serve as bride and/or groom suites.
Blank Park Zoo offers five outdoor facilities, including the Africa Pavilion and the Sea Lion Deck. The outdoor spaces can accommodate up to 400 guests.
Full wedding packages, which include a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception space, range from $3,500 to $8,000 for weddings with 0-2000 attendees. There is also a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost due at the time of reservation. Zoo members receive a 10% discount on rentals.
