Getting Married Surrounded by 27,000 Animals – Chester Zoo Offers New Wedding and Event Venue “The Square”

Starting this spring, Chester Zoo will offer the opportunity to get married or host other events among 27,000 animals. A former stable building that sits in the middle of the zoo and was once home to the zoo’s first animals will soon be available for weddings. The building’s “rich history and character” will remain, while some areas will be outfitted with sustainable, wildlife-friendly materials. In the process, the luxurious and bright venue called “The Square” can accommodate 200 people – with reception and group rooms 380. It also features its own large courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens.

"Heart of Africa" “While the zoo has, for some time, offered an intimate wedding and events space at ‘The Oakfield’ gastropub, which can hold around 50 guests, we’re frequently asked if we can accommodate larger scale events. That’s why we’re really excited to begin welcoming guests to this incredible new venue […] but what’s particularly special is that income generated by each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission and help us to secure a brighter future for wildlife on our planet.”

In addition to the new event location, a new African habitat called “Heart of Africa” (in 2019, the project was originally announced as “Grasslands”) is also planned at the zoo, which welcomed around two million visitors last year. The centrepiece of the area will be a recreated savannah that will house various endangered animal species. Around it, overnight accommodations for zoo guests will be built in the form of 28 lodges and 14 African-style safari tents by the lake. At present, building permission is still awaited. Furthermore, construction of a new snow leopard enclosure is planned for next year. The expansions are part of a multi-year, multi-million-euro strategic development plan to create themed animal experience worlds with modern enclosures that mimic natural habitats (see Opening of “Islands” at Chester Zoo, EAP 6/2015). (eap)