Venues

Located among tree-covered hills only minutes from downtown, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is not only filled with beauty, but also inhabited by some of the most intriguing and delightful animals you could ever want to meet. These were probably among your first friends, so why not include them at your most important events?

Whether your guest list is long or short, your event casual or formal, the zoo has facilities and settings that will suit every occasion.

You and your guests will enjoy outstanding cuisine and service in picturesque surroundings, guaranteed to make your event memorable to everyone – including the elephants! Best of all, your event helps benefit the animals of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

You can make your day even more memorable by inviting one of our charming animal "ambassadors" to meet and mingle with your guests.

Elephant Overlook

Ceremony at Elephant Overlook

Start your “Ever After” with Elephants! Hold an unforgettable wedding ceremony on the main overlook of the Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve. This newly available venue offers an awe-inspiring view of magnificent Asian elephants interacting in the preserve just below.

Penguin Coast

Ceremony at Penguin Coast

Say “I Do at the Zoo” with the perfect party of witnesses – our colony of Humboldt penguins! The patio at Penguin Coast offers a unique spot to say your vows in front of the best-dressed birds at the zoo. Add a little splash to your wedding as our penguins swim and dive nearby! Include a fun bubble enrichment for the penguins after your vows and watch the action!

Banquet Room

Seats 200 (25 rounds of 8)
Seats 230 Theater Style
Seats 125 Classroom Style
(includes access to private outdoor patio)

Our beautiful banquet facility can be divided into a smaller banquet room for a more intimate social gathering or opened to create a ballroom space for a large gathering. Our banquet room features brand new wood-grain floors and neutral earth-toned décor that offers a blank slate for any theme or color scheme. Access to an adjacent private outdoor patio is included.

Private Outdoor Patio

(located adjacent to the banquet room)
100 person maximum

Our outdoor patio offers the perfect spot for your cocktail hour. Mix and mingle or break from the party inside. Our patio is surrounded by trees, wooden arbors, flowering plants and hanging Edison lights, making this a unique space and a great spot for one of our ambassador animals to greet your guests.

Central Courtyard

Cocktail reception for up to 300 guests
Available 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Our courtyard changes with the seasons. Blanketed by beautiful flowers, trees and exotic plants, it features a central gazebo that makes a charming staging area for weddings and other ceremonies. The main pond, teeming with waterfowl, is a hub from which guests may wander on numerous walkways and admire the diverse wildlife, gardens and ponds that make this such a superb place to celebrate

Indoor Zoo

Available 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Featuring: U.S.S. Antiquities: Greeting you at the entrance is our window to the sea—a saltwater aquarium housing several species of fish, sea anemones and stars, and featuring our fascinating giant Pacific octopus. Once inside, you will encounter fish, amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles, and explore how they have evolved over time.

Diversity of Birds: Home to nearly two dozen dazzling species of colorful birds varying in sizes, shapes and lifestyles, the free-flight aviary is a must-see, especially for fans of spoonbills and ibises.

Adaptation of Animals: In low light, guests will discover nature’s nocturnal animals that have adapted unique features over time in order to survive.

Social Building: Here, you will come face-to-face with our Amur leopards and watch the amusing antics of our meerkats, primates and apes.

Outdoor Zoo

(Includes access to the Indoor Zoo)
Available 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., May through September

Featuring:
Waterfowl Wetlands: A stroll through the courtyard and beyond provides guests an opportunity to enjoy our scenic wetlands, featuring an abundance of beautiful birds including ducks, swans and flamingos.

Wildlife Trail: This half-mile trail is the domain of many endangered species such as grey and red wolves, Amur tigers, white-lipped deer, red pandas, snow leopards, an Andean bear and more.

Domestic Animals: Visit with some of the animals that have helped humankind for hundreds of years, such as alpacas, Guinea hogs and rare heritage breeds of domestic livestock.

Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve: The largest of the zoo’s land mammals, our six magnificent elephants eagerly welcome visits from their human friends. As a special feature included in your rental of the outdoor zoo, your group will be treated to an exclusive VIP elephant demonstration at the Overlook.

What our clients say...

I have told everyone I know who is getting married
to consider the zoo – you will not be disappointed!​

Mathew and Meghan Craner​