- Is zoo admission included in my rental fee?
Assuming your ceremony and reception begin after the Zoo has closed to the public, then there will be no additional admission fees for your guests. If your guests would like to tour the Zoo during normal business hours, then they will pay a reduced rate ($10) for admission.
- Do all rentals include tables and chairs?
Yes, all rentals include setup/tear down of tables and chairs. Table layout and chair quantity is due 10 days in advance of your event date. Black or white linens are included when using Baratta’s as your caterer.
- Can I have a rehearsal the day before my wedding?
Please discuss rehearsal time with your event supervisor. Rehearsals are set for 90 minutes and depend on the calendar of events for the week.
- Can we decorate the room for our event?
Yes, in our indoor spaces, we encourage you to add linens, LED candles, centerpieces, florals, etc. to personalize your special day. We do have restrictions on fog machines, glitter, confetti, as well as adhering décor to walls and doorways. Contact us for specific décor questions.
- Can we have a band or DJ?
Yes, you may have a band or music at your event. In outdoor areas music levels cannot exceed 90 decibels nor can strobe, laser, or cop lights be allowed for animal welfare. These restrictions do not apply inside the Holmes Event Center or Discovery Center.
- Do I need to bring my own audio visual equipment?
Blank Park Zoo offers various audio visual equipment for your use. Projector and screen, microphone and speakers are available in most spaces. Please discuss further details with your event coordinator.
- Is there a deposit required to reserve a room?
A non-refundable deposit (half of the rental fee) is required at the signing of the contract. The sooner you sign, the sooner you save the date!
- Is there a security charge?
Yes, Blank Park Zoo requires an on-site security guard at all weddings. The security charge is $35 per hour/per guard. One security guard will be required for each 250 guests. Payment to be made 30 days in advance of event.
- Are there bridal and groom suites?
Yes, we have two private rooms, which serve as a bride and/or groom suites. These are included free when you book a ceremony and/or wedding reception.
- What is your catering policy?
We have two exclusive caterers from which to choose: Baratta’s Catering and Army Post Hy-Vee. We encourage you to contact them regarding your specific menu ideas. Baratta’s (Michelle Dodds) 515-710-0516 / HyVee (James McCaffrey) 515-285-6394
- What is your alcohol policy?
Baratta’s Catering is the licensed entity for all alcohol served at the zoo. They have several packages available for your wedding needs. Contact Michelle Dodds at 515-710-0516.
- What is your wedding cake / dessert policy?
You are welcome to bring in wedding cakes/desserts provided they are from a licensed entity. Please note, cake cutting service and serving utensils are not provided by zoo.
- Is animal viewing included in my event? Will the animals be out for my entire event?
Zoo animal exhibit packages are available for an additional charge. (See add-on elements on Page 3 of the wedding packet.) All animals go in 30 minutes before sunset and are available for up to 3 hours from April to October. Please contact our Private Events Supervisor for further information.
- Can I view the animals if my wedding is during the winter months?
Yes, indoor viewing of rhino, giraffe, tortoises, penguins, and the Discovery Center exhibits are available in the winter months (November through March) when the remainder of the zoo’s animal enclosures may not be available due to weather conditions.
- Is payment and contract required to reserve wedding spaces at the zoo?
Yes, A non-refundable payment (half of the total rental fee) is required at the signing of the contract. Final payment is due 30 days prior to event date.
- What happens if we have to cancel our event?
Should you cancel the event more than one year prior to the scheduled event date, a refund of 50% of the paid rental will be given. Should you cancel the event less than one year prior to the scheduled event, no rental refund can be given.
- Are extra hours available for events?
Yes. Additional hours are available upon request and availability. The rate is $300 per hour and must be scheduled 15 days in advance of the event.
- Is guest event setup and clean-up time included?
Yes, the facilities are available during the times listed in the contract for event setup and cleanup of the event as well as vendor load in/out. If the clean-up/load out lasts longer than the stated time a fee of $75 per hour will apply.
- What is the tobacco use, smoking, vaping policy?
The Zoo prohibits smoking, vaping, chewing, or any consumption of tobacco products and all illegal drugs on Zoo grounds in accordance with state law and for the health and safety of our animals.
- What is your rain policy?
If your event is due to take place outside, we offer our indoor facilities for 25% of the specified rental rate in case of an unwanted weather emergency. Please note, this offer is contingent on space availability.
