Blank Park Zoo
Updated
Blank Park Zoo Photos
About This Vendor
Say I Do at the Zoo!
Blank Park Zoo is the perfect venue for a truly unique and memorable wedding. From an intimate ceremony in the aquarium, to renting out the entire Zoo for you and your guests, Blank Park Zoo will make your wildest wedding day a dream come true!
Amenities & Details
Ceremony Area, Covered Outdoors Space, Dressing Room, Handicap Accessible, Indoor Event Space, Liability Insurance, On-Site Accommodations, Outdoor Event Space, Reception Area, Wireless Internet
Guest Capacity300+
Ceremony TypesCivil Union, Commitment Ceremony, Elopement, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-Religious Ceremony, Religious Ceremony, Second Wedding, Vow Renewal Ceremony
Venue Service OfferingsBar & Drinks, Food & Catering, Planning, Rentals & Equipment, Service Staff
SettingsBallroom, Garden, Park, Trees
Business AttributesPricing for Blank Park Zoo
| Option | Value |
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| Starting Cost | Affordable |
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Browse Blank Park Zoo pricing PDF below for sample services and estimates.
View PricesBlank Park Zoo Reviews
Heidi Laird (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
We got married at the zoo on 5-20-2023. When we first booked the zoo, we were working with Vania. As it got closer, we started working with Molly. Molly and Mo were very helpful and were great at answering any questions that we had. We had our ceremony in the outside pavilion, cocktail hour was by the sea lions and big cats and then our reception was in the events center. We did our first look with the giraffes and we were able to feed them. Also, in the evening, Wild Lights was going on and Molly and Mo were both very helpful in providing some crowd control so then we could get a few photos and videography with the lights. Overall, it was an amazing experience! Having the zoo to just ourselves and wedding guests was truly a magical experience. I would highly recommend getting married at the Blank Park Zoo!
Reviewed on 25-05-2023
We got married at the zoo on 5-20-2023. When we first booked the zoo, we were working with Vania. As it got closer, we started working with Molly. Molly and Mo were very helpful and were great at answering any questions that we had. We had our ceremony in the outside pavilion, cocktail hour was by the sea lions and big cats and then our reception was in the events center. We did our first look with the giraffes and we were able to feed them. Also, in the evening, Wild Lights was going on and Molly and Mo were both very helpful in providing some crowd control so then we could get a few photos and videography with the lights. Overall, it was an amazing experience! Having the zoo to just ourselves and wedding guests was truly a magical experience. I would highly recommend getting married at the Blank Park Zoo!
Reviewed on 25-05-2023
Shannon Williams (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-10-2022
We first booked Blank Park Zoo back in early 2019 for what would have been a 2020 wedding date. After a few delays and a change in our coordinators, we finally had our big day this past weekend. I really can't say enough good things about Blank Park Zoo as a venue and their staff, especially Molly and Vania, were absolutely amazing to work with! Having the zoo available to our guests to wander through and enjoy was a delight and the carousel rides were wonderful and enjoyed by adult and child alike. The new event center was beautifully set up and the suites for the bride, groom and wedding party were absolutely perfect! We were in great hands on the day of the wedding and their staff seemed to anticipate our every need and were incredibly accommodating and really made sure that everything went perfectly on the day of our wedding celebration. I can't recommend them highly enough. The venue was perfect and you really can't beat having an entire zoo to yourselves! Thank you again for helping us make wonderful memories.
Reviewed on 10-10-2022
Wedding Date 08-10-2022
We first booked Blank Park Zoo back in early 2019 for what would have been a 2020 wedding date. After a few delays and a change in our coordinators, we finally had our big day this past weekend. I really can't say enough good things about Blank Park Zoo as a venue and their staff, especially Molly and Vania, were absolutely amazing to work with! Having the zoo available to our guests to wander through and enjoy was a delight and the carousel rides were wonderful and enjoyed by adult and child alike. The new event center was beautifully set up and the suites for the bride, groom and wedding party were absolutely perfect! We were in great hands on the day of the wedding and their staff seemed to anticipate our every need and were incredibly accommodating and really made sure that everything went perfectly on the day of our wedding celebration. I can't recommend them highly enough. The venue was perfect and you really can't beat having an entire zoo to yourselves! Thank you again for helping us make wonderful memories.
Reviewed on 10-10-2022
Noel Moriarty (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-09-2022
Vania and Molly were absolute pros! They were always happy to help with any questions we had and gracious with any fumbles we made along the way. Their expertise made a stressful process smooth sailing from start to finish, and our guests loved how unique the venue was. Everything when perfectly in no small part to their fantastic effort.
Reviewed on 08-09-2022
Wedding Date 03-09-2022
Vania and Molly were absolute pros! They were always happy to help with any questions we had and gracious with any fumbles we made along the way. Their expertise made a stressful process smooth sailing from start to finish, and our guests loved how unique the venue was. Everything when perfectly in no small part to their fantastic effort.
Reviewed on 08-09-2022
Alicia Vermeer (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 30-12-2020
My husband and I got married at the Blank Park Zoo on December 30, 2020. Due to pandemic restrictions we had an intimate ceremony in the Aquarium which provided a really unique backdrop for our wedding! When you get married at the zoo there are a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities for photos and we even had the opportunity to feed the giraffes! Allison and her team are great to work with and make the planning process unique and fun! Allison promptly responds to all questions and communication. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough for anyone who is interested in a unique experience for you and your guests!
Reviewed on 12-01-2021
Wedding Date 30-12-2020
My husband and I got married at the Blank Park Zoo on December 30, 2020. Due to pandemic restrictions we had an intimate ceremony in the Aquarium which provided a really unique backdrop for our wedding! When you get married at the zoo there are a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities for photos and we even had the opportunity to feed the giraffes! Allison and her team are great to work with and make the planning process unique and fun! Allison promptly responds to all questions and communication. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough for anyone who is interested in a unique experience for you and your guests!
Reviewed on 12-01-2021
Natalie Hedberg (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 01-07-2017
We had an amazing wedding, the new events coordinators just have some kinks to work out. From the time we initially reserved our space (January 2016) to our wedding (July 2017) they changed their events coordinator as well as their exclusive caterer and didn't do anything to make up for the fact that our original caterer would've been less expensive. The day of they also didn't know that they had the linens there already so when we got there we couldn't set up the tables right away- but it was eventually discovered. Other than that the experience was great and many of our guests told us that it was the most fun wedding they'd ever been to!
Reviewed on 24-07-2017
Wedding Date 01-07-2017
We had an amazing wedding, the new events coordinators just have some kinks to work out. From the time we initially reserved our space (January 2016) to our wedding (July 2017) they changed their events coordinator as well as their exclusive caterer and didn't do anything to make up for the fact that our original caterer would've been less expensive. The day of they also didn't know that they had the linens there already so when we got there we couldn't set up the tables right away- but it was eventually discovered. Other than that the experience was great and many of our guests told us that it was the most fun wedding they'd ever been to!
Reviewed on 24-07-2017
Trinity White (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 08-08-2015
We haven't even gotten to the bug day yet but i had to share! I'm a picky, controlling, & sensitive bride to be. My mom is equally controlling and nit picky. Caitlin has beyond impressed all of us and gone above and beyond to help us. She even sent me blue prints of the rooms with measurements so I could plan better! Plus even when I know we must sound crazy or irritating (like a freaked out Saturday night email)she is calm, enthusiastic, and kind. ...10 out of 5 stars!
Reviewed on 11-11-2014
Wedding Date 08-08-2015
We haven't even gotten to the bug day yet but i had to share! I'm a picky, controlling, & sensitive bride to be. My mom is equally controlling and nit picky. Caitlin has beyond impressed all of us and gone above and beyond to help us. She even sent me blue prints of the rooms with measurements so I could plan better! Plus even when I know we must sound crazy or irritating (like a freaked out Saturday night email)she is calm, enthusiastic, and kind. ...10 out of 5 stars!
Reviewed on 11-11-2014
Ashli Fanning (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 07-06-2014
The Blank Park Zoo was a beautiful wedding! I never imagined getting married at a zoo, but I wanted a venue where I could have an outdoor wedding with a backup plan in case it rained. The pavilion offered coverage if it rained with beautiful green scenery. The zoo offered beautiful scenery for pictures, and separate changing areas for the bridal party. Meeting with the coordinator was great, and all in all, it was a fantastic, perfect day!!
Reviewed on 17-07-2014
Wedding Date 07-06-2014
The Blank Park Zoo was a beautiful wedding! I never imagined getting married at a zoo, but I wanted a venue where I could have an outdoor wedding with a backup plan in case it rained. The pavilion offered coverage if it rained with beautiful green scenery. The zoo offered beautiful scenery for pictures, and separate changing areas for the bridal party. Meeting with the coordinator was great, and all in all, it was a fantastic, perfect day!!
Reviewed on 17-07-2014
Chelsea Wilson (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 31-05-2014
The venue was beautiful, the staff helped tremendously and answered any e-mails and questions promptly.
Reviewed on 17-06-2014
Wedding Date 31-05-2014
The venue was beautiful, the staff helped tremendously and answered any e-mails and questions promptly.
Reviewed on 17-06-2014
lisas603 (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Our first date was at the zoo so we chose to have our ceremony in the aquarium. Just the right size for 30 guests, and Caitlin was SO helpful! She and Amelia took care of everything so we didn't have to stress that day. We got some great pictures too!
Reviewed on 14-05-2014
Our first date was at the zoo so we chose to have our ceremony in the aquarium. Just the right size for 30 guests, and Caitlin was SO helpful! She and Amelia took care of everything so we didn't have to stress that day. We got some great pictures too!
Reviewed on 14-05-2014
Brooke Zimmer (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 26-04-2014
We had our wedding at the blank park zoo. It was beautiful! Caitlin was amazing, very helpful, and on top of everything. We loved getting to feed the giraffes, although they tried to eat or flowers! There are tons of great places for amazing pictures. The pavilion was beautiful, and a great space for our 200 guests. We had an amazing time!
Reviewed on 28-04-2014
Wedding Date 26-04-2014
We had our wedding at the blank park zoo. It was beautiful! Caitlin was amazing, very helpful, and on top of everything. We loved getting to feed the giraffes, although they tried to eat or flowers! There are tons of great places for amazing pictures. The pavilion was beautiful, and a great space for our 200 guests. We had an amazing time!
Reviewed on 28-04-2014
Emily Riesberg (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2013
I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding! The zoo was a beautiful location to get married and our pictures with the animals in the backround were phenomenal! The only downside is that I feel we overwhelmed the staff capacity with our 180 guests.
Reviewed on 08-10-2013
Wedding Date 21-09-2013
I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding! The zoo was a beautiful location to get married and our pictures with the animals in the backround were phenomenal! The only downside is that I feel we overwhelmed the staff capacity with our 180 guests.
Reviewed on 08-10-2013
Katie VanMeter (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 31-05-2013
The Blank Park Zoo was a fantastic location for our wedding! We had a few kinks due to staff turnover, but the final event coordinator was great and on-the-ball!\r\rYou can't beat the price of the zoo for the unique location. All of the zoo staff and caterers were fantastic. Bonus -- Johnny's is the exclusive caterer. Delicious food!\r\rWe were extremely happy with how things turned out.
Reviewed on 18-09-2013
Wedding Date 31-05-2013
The Blank Park Zoo was a fantastic location for our wedding! We had a few kinks due to staff turnover, but the final event coordinator was great and on-the-ball!\r\rYou can't beat the price of the zoo for the unique location. All of the zoo staff and caterers were fantastic. Bonus -- Johnny's is the exclusive caterer. Delicious food!\r\rWe were extremely happy with how things turned out.
Reviewed on 18-09-2013
Mark Sorter (groom) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 30-08-2013
Me and my Wife searched the internet, for quite some time, to find our wedding venue. We had no idea that the zoo could be an option, until we stumbled upon it. We are so glad that we did, it was perfect for us.\r\rBlank Park Zoo offers many locations on the property to host your ceremony and reception. We were only planning a small wedding, and hosting the reception elsewhere. So we chose to use their aquarium room, and rented out the discovery center. \r\rThe discovery center is a large indoor zoo, with free roaming birds, plants, trees, and other critters. There is a path you fallow to look at all the exhibits, eventually leading you to the aquarium room.\r \rThe aquarium room is beautiful, with a wall sized salt water fish tank. There are several other tanks in the room, along with plants,(kinda jungle like) and the sounds of the giant waterfall that's in the discovery center. \r\rThe staff is super friendly and very helpful. The coordinator did all they could to accommodate our needs. We thought the sound of the waterfall was too loud, so they shut it off for our ceremony. \r\rThe coordinator helped with everything, from the time we booked our date. Email was good way of communicating, she would get back to you pretty quickly, sometimes responding in the evening hours. On the day of, she even helped unload the decorations, and helped set up what she could. She seemed stressed on the day of, and i took that as a good thing. It showed how much she cared about our big day. We appreciated that very much :)\r\rOverall, it was perfect. Our wedding was nothing like anyone else s, and the family thought it was beautiful. It was a very budget friendly venue as well. \r\rI would recommend booking your date well in advance, as the popularity of the zoo as a venue seems to be growing.\r\rWe spent around $800, including our zoo membership cost. The membership saved more then its own cost, using its discount to rent the venue. Also the membership is useful, you and your fiance, will be able to visit the zoo anytime before your big day, with free admission.. \r\rBest of all, the Blank Park Zoo, is a non profit organization, meaning that the money your spending, is going to help take care of their animals, and or make future upgrades.
Reviewed on 10-09-2013
Wedding Date 30-08-2013
Me and my Wife searched the internet, for quite some time, to find our wedding venue. We had no idea that the zoo could be an option, until we stumbled upon it. We are so glad that we did, it was perfect for us.\r\rBlank Park Zoo offers many locations on the property to host your ceremony and reception. We were only planning a small wedding, and hosting the reception elsewhere. So we chose to use their aquarium room, and rented out the discovery center. \r\rThe discovery center is a large indoor zoo, with free roaming birds, plants, trees, and other critters. There is a path you fallow to look at all the exhibits, eventually leading you to the aquarium room.\r \rThe aquarium room is beautiful, with a wall sized salt water fish tank. There are several other tanks in the room, along with plants,(kinda jungle like) and the sounds of the giant waterfall that's in the discovery center. \r\rThe staff is super friendly and very helpful. The coordinator did all they could to accommodate our needs. We thought the sound of the waterfall was too loud, so they shut it off for our ceremony. \r\rThe coordinator helped with everything, from the time we booked our date. Email was good way of communicating, she would get back to you pretty quickly, sometimes responding in the evening hours. On the day of, she even helped unload the decorations, and helped set up what she could. She seemed stressed on the day of, and i took that as a good thing. It showed how much she cared about our big day. We appreciated that very much :)\r\rOverall, it was perfect. Our wedding was nothing like anyone else s, and the family thought it was beautiful. It was a very budget friendly venue as well. \r\rI would recommend booking your date well in advance, as the popularity of the zoo as a venue seems to be growing.\r\rWe spent around $800, including our zoo membership cost. The membership saved more then its own cost, using its discount to rent the venue. Also the membership is useful, you and your fiance, will be able to visit the zoo anytime before your big day, with free admission.. \r\rBest of all, the Blank Park Zoo, is a non profit organization, meaning that the money your spending, is going to help take care of their animals, and or make future upgrades.
Reviewed on 10-09-2013
Emily Bodling (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-09-2012
We had a September wedding at the zoo, using their outdoor facilities. The venue was amazing and kids and adults had a fantastic time. We paid extra to have use of the carousel and have zoo workers walk around with small animals for people to pet during cocktail hour. We decorated ourselves and the pavilions turned out beautifully. The only complaint I have is that the wedding coordinators there did not do the best job. They were very helpful and supportive through email in the weeks leading up to the wedding, but they were NOT helpful on wedding day. They really disappointed us on wedding day. That being said, the venue was so wonderful, I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Reviewed on 19-09-2012
Wedding Date 02-09-2012
We had a September wedding at the zoo, using their outdoor facilities. The venue was amazing and kids and adults had a fantastic time. We paid extra to have use of the carousel and have zoo workers walk around with small animals for people to pet during cocktail hour. We decorated ourselves and the pavilions turned out beautifully. The only complaint I have is that the wedding coordinators there did not do the best job. They were very helpful and supportive through email in the weeks leading up to the wedding, but they were NOT helpful on wedding day. They really disappointed us on wedding day. That being said, the venue was so wonderful, I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Reviewed on 19-09-2012
Marie Spies (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 04-08-2012
Fantastic! Can't say enough how amazing it turned out. We were able to keep the zoo open to our guests through our cocktail hour. We used the outdoor pavillion for our dinner and dancing. It really turned out amazing. I would reccommend this to anyone!
Reviewed on 10-09-2012
Wedding Date 04-08-2012
Fantastic! Can't say enough how amazing it turned out. We were able to keep the zoo open to our guests through our cocktail hour. We used the outdoor pavillion for our dinner and dancing. It really turned out amazing. I would reccommend this to anyone!
Reviewed on 10-09-2012
Jessica Schmidt (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 03-08-2012
the service was great
Reviewed on 18-08-2012
Wedding Date 03-08-2012
the service was great
Reviewed on 18-08-2012
Taylor Swenson (guest) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 19-05-2012
Awesome and different place to have the reception! Everyone enjoyed it.
Reviewed on 24-06-2012
Wedding Date 19-05-2012
Awesome and different place to have the reception! Everyone enjoyed it.
Reviewed on 24-06-2012
Carla Offenburger (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-02-2011
The Blank Park Zoo is a great place to have a party and bring family members of all ages together.
Reviewed on 28-03-2011
Wedding Date 17-02-2011
The Blank Park Zoo is a great place to have a party and bring family members of all ages together.
Reviewed on 28-03-2011
kristin williams (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 25-12-2010
Thought the facility would be great for a wedding. The staff was very friendly and helpful and answered my questions thoroughly. Very appreciative of this!
Reviewed on 12-01-2011
19 Reviews, with a Rating of 4.74 out of 5.0Wedding Date 25-12-2010
Thought the facility would be great for a wedding. The staff was very friendly and helpful and answered my questions thoroughly. Very appreciative of this!
Reviewed on 12-01-2011
Contact Info for Blank Park Zoo
| Contact | Value |
|---|---|
| https://www.facebook.com/blankparkzoo | |
| X (Twitter) | blankparkzoo |
| blankparkzooi-do-at-the-zoo | |
| blankparkzoo | |
| Website | www.blankparkzoo.com |
| Phone | (515) 974-2533 |
| Address | 7401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50315 |
| sales@blankparkzoo.net |
Blank Park Zoo on the map
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