Looking for a wedding venue as unique as you? Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the place for you. You’ve heard about wedding in our Botanical Gardens, but what about the Zoo for your wedding reception? Zoo side weddings are growing more and more popular as couples are looking for a fun and memorable venue for their big day. Planning a ZOOper wedding is easy and enjoyable at Riverbanks!
While the newlyweds get their photos taken, guests can make their way through the small mammal tunnel as they venture towards the reception in the Ndoki Lodge, a venue guaranteed to make a lasting impression on your guests. With high, up-lit ceilings, wood paneling, and exposed beams, Ndoki Lodge captures a rustic, exotic theme. The café bulbs strung across the beams adds soft, modern lighting. Ndoki Lodge also comes with a patio lit up by tiki torches and string lights in the trees. A working fire pit is located on the patio. Perfect for a late night treat of s’mores!
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden requires the use of our full service catering and bar. This saves you the headache of searching for caterers! From heavy hors d’oeuvres to plated dinners, the possibilities are endless. Our food is truly magnificent and not typical “zoo food” by any means! All of our food stations are beautifully decorated by our staff and keep the rustic, lodge feel. All of our menus and bar packages can be viewed online and our Wedding Representative will calculate the minimum food and beverage spend depending on your guest count and event date.
After your event ends and all the party animals are ready to call it a night, your exit will take everyone through the small mammal tunnel, allowing one last look at some of Riverbanks’ finest. A potential sendoff would be great in here. Perhaps glow sticks through the tunnel? Or you can head out of the Main Entrance for a sparkler exit, if you want an exit that everyone will remember!
Tables, chairs and linen are all provided in your rental. Our team handles complete venue set up of the event. Upon arrival that afternoon, Ndoki Lodge will be awaiting the finishing touches from your other vendors. Also, don’t forget that we have plenty of parking available for all of your guests.
Looking to add more animals to your special day? During cocktail hour, you and your guests can interact with two farm animals, some furry critters, or a few cold-blooded friends. We offer three different animal encounter options; small mammal, reptile, and farm animal encounters. If you are looking into have a little bit larger of an experience, you and your guest can feed our giraffe herd. Head toward the giraffe feeding deck to get up-close and person with some of Riverbanks tallest members!
Let Riverbanks Zoo & Garden help make your wedding special. For more information, fill out our online form or call our Private Events Department at (803) 602-0900 to speak to one of our representatives.
