May 09, 2008 Conservation, Education and Fun
Blank Park Zoo, Iowa's wildest adventure
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Wedding Packages
Say I Do at the Zoo
 
Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions
Giraffe wedding
The Deluxe Outdoor Package                                                              
Use of the whole Zoo
Discovery Center Ceremony  (180 people)
Pavilion Plaza Reception (250 people)
Outside Zoo Exhibits 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Discovery Center Indoor Exhibit 5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This package offers time for guests to walk the grounds, view the animals and enjoy a cocktail reception in a specified exhibit area.
 
The Deluxe Indoor Package                                                                                         
Use of the whole zoo
Pavilion Plaza Ceremony (200 people)
Discovery Center and Lobby (120-150 people)
Outside Zoo Exhibits 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Discovery Center Indoor Exhibit 5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.
This package offers time for guests to walk the grounds, view the animals and enjoy a cocktail reception in a specified exhibit area.
 
The Lion Package                                                                                                       
Ceremony in Pavilion 1 (200 people)
Reception in Discovery Complex (120-150 people)
Dinner in the Discovery Center
Dancing in Lobby
Buffet in hallway
For an additional fee add our Discovery Center Exhibit and Cocktail hour
 
The Tiger Package                                                                                          
Ceremony in Discovery Center (180 people)
Reception in Pavilion Plaza (250 people*)
Dinner in Pavilion 1
Dance Pavilion 3
Cocktails and Reception area in Admissions Plaza
* with seating in Pavilion 1 & 3 170 people, with seating in Pavilion 1 & 3 and the plaza area up to 250 people.
 
Rental times are from 5:30 p.m. to 12 p.m., unless otherwise specified.  Setup time prior to 5:30 p.m. can be arranged with your event coordinator.  Additional costs may occur for rented items. Animal exhibits are seasonal, please call for availability.
 
 
Train wedding
Wedding Ceremonies
The Pavilion 1 Ceremony (200 people)
 
The Discovery Center Ceremony (200 people)

The Aquarium Ceremony* (25 people)
     
*Aquarium and other intimate
locations can be used from 5 to 8pm.
Please ask about other available exhibits.
Cost reflects a four hour rental time for the
Discovery Centerand Pavilion 1.
 
 
 
 
Wedding Receptions
 
The Pavilion Plaza Reception                                                              
(120 people sit down dinner, 300 appetizer reception)                   
Dinner in Pavilion 1
Dance floor in Pavilion 3
Cocktails and Reception area in Admissions Plaza
* with seating only in Pavilion 1 & 3 170 people for a sit down dinner; with seating in
Pavilion Plaza area up to 250 people.
 
 
The Discovery Complex Reception                                                                  
(150 people sit down dinner, 200 appetizer reception)                   
Dinner in the Discovery Center
Dancing in Lobby
Buffet in hallway
For an additional fee add our Discovery Center Exhibit and Cocktail hour in the Aquarium.
 
Rental times are from 5:30 p.m. to 12 p.m.  Setup time prior to 5:30 p.m. can be arranged with your event coordinator.
 
 
Details

Facility Rental Includes:

  • Use of entire zoo for pictures (prior to 5 p.m.) Swan wedding
  • 400 white wedding chairs (indoor and outdoor use)
  • 144 black and chrome chairs (inside use only)
  • 144 chrome folding chairs (outside use only)
  • 15 5’round tables
  • 44 8’ rectangular tables
  • 6 cocktail tables
  • Wedding arch and cake table arch
  • 4 x 8 foot platform
  • Setup and takedown
  • Coat Racks
 
 
Food & Beverage
 
We are proud to say that we have Baratta’s as our preferred caterer at the Blank Park Zoo.  Baratta’s offers complete food and beverage service and their staff will work with you to customize the cuisine for your event.  Whether you are looking for a simple menu, or something elegant Barattas has menus that meet every style and price range. 
 
You are free to select the licensed bakery of your choice for your wedding cake.  Baratta’s does have a selection of cakes, tortes and cheesecakes available for your dessert needs.
 
Baratta’s Receptions Include:
  • Food and Beverage
  • Linens and table skirting
  • Centerpieces
  • China and Flatware
  • Cake Cutting Service
  • Professional Staff
  • Security
Visit Barattas website at www.barattas.com for more information
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What is your rain policy?
 All venues are indoors or covered.  If inclement weather is forecasted for your wedding day the event coordinator and bride will make a decision one week in advance as to location.
 
Can I have a rehearsal the day before my wedding?
Please call your event coordinator to discuss rehearsal time.  Rehearsals depend on the
calendar of events for the week.  The Zoo also features rooms for your rehearsal dinner, ask your event coordinator for details.
 
Can we decorate the room for our event?
Yes, with approval from BPZ Guest Services management. A Licensed florists or wholesaler must provide live floral arrangements.  Flowers and plants may not be brought from home gardens or from farmers markets.  Confetti, streamers, Mylar shreds, glitter, straws, swizzle sticks, plastic stirrers, little toys, glass containers, rice, birdseed and liquid bubbles are not allowed in the indoor exhibits or outdoor zoo grounds.  We also do not permit the use of nails, hooks, tacks, or screws to be attached to any part of the indoor facilities.
 
Can we have a band or DJ?
Yes, you may have music at your event.  Your event manager, for the safety of the animals, will control music levels.  We do not allow fog or bubble machines, strobe, laser or cop lights in exhibit areas, also for the safety of the animals.  Your event manager will assign all bands and DJ’s to a location.
 
Do I need to bring my own audio visual equipment?
BPZ does have some audio visual equipment for our guests to use, please discuss your needs with the BPZ sales staff.  Additional costs may occur if equipment rental is needed.
 
Is there a deposit required to reserve a room at the BPZ?
A non-refundable deposit (room rental fee) that is applied to room rental is required at the
signing of contract.
 
Is there a security charge?
BPZ requires the use of security at any event that is dispensing alcoholic beverages and/or is using the any of the outdoor facilities after normal Zoo business hours. The charge for security is $35 per hour with a minimum of two hours and is billed through Baratta’s Catering.
 

For more information please email the Special Events Coordinator at sales@blankparkzoo.org or call 515.323.8304 to schedule a tour!
 
 


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