The Akron Zoo offers a unique atmosphere for wedding ceremonies and receptions after the zoo is closed to the public. Celebrate with an intimate gathering in the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens or host a larger reception in Komodo Kingdom. Minimum of 60 day advanced booking required on all packages. Maximum of 150 people.
- Ceremony - $1,200 for one hour
- Reception - $2,000 up to 3 hours - Gardens only 6 - 9 p.m.
- Reception - $2,300 up to 4 hours - Komodo Kingdom only
- Reception & Ceremony $2,800 up to 4 hours
- Each addtional hour - $200
Wedding Photos - Available June - September
Savor the memories of your special day in the Akron Zoo’s Lehner Family Zoo Gardens. The gardens offer an elegant backdrop to your wedding photos. This area is complete with water fountains and plants and flowers native to northeast Ohio. A zoo employee will escort you and your guests to the photo location. 25 person maximum.
- Wedding photos 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - $125 for 1 hour
- Wedding photos 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. $225 for 1 hour
Prices subject to change. No refunds.
Akron Zoo Wedding Rental Policy
Lehner Family Zoo Gardens – Available May – August from 6 – 9 pm.
The Lehner Family Zoo Gardens are available for a wedding ceremony or reception no earlier than one hour after the zoo’s regular closing time until 9 pm. The fee includes use of the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens, Nature’s View and parking. Nature’s View seats up to 50 people. The park is closed and animals are off exhibit. Three hour rental with up to 150 guests maximum:
Ceremony – up to 1 hour - $1,200
Reception – up to 3 hours - $2,000
Ceremony and reception – up to 4 hours - $2,500
Komodo Kingdom Education Center – Available year round.
Komodo Kingdom is available for a wedding ceremony or reception no earlier than one hour after the zoo’s regular closing time until 11 pm. As is, indoor seating is available for up to 128 people and outdoor seating holds up to 130 people. The facility is rented “as is”. An additional labor fee may be added for events that require additional set up from zoo staff. Up to 200 guests maximum:
Ceremony – up to 1 hour - $1,200
Reception – up to 4 hours - $2,300
Ceremony and reception - up to 4 hours - $2,800
Each additional hour - $200
Barnhardt Family Welcome Center Atrium – Available year round.
The Barnhardt Family Welcome Center Atrium is available for a wedding ceremony or reception no earlier than one hour after the zoo’s regular closing time until 11 pm. As is, this area does not include tables and chairs. The room capacity is 130 seated and approximately 175 for a cocktail-style reception.
Ceremony – up to 1 hour - $1,200
Reception – up to 4 hours - $2,300
Ceremony & reception – up to 4 hours - $2,800
Each additional hour - $200
Photographs – Available June – September.
The Lehner Family Zoo Gardens may be used for photography purposes during or after regular zoo hours. Reservations required a minimum of 30 days in advance. Packages start at the following rates and include up to 20 people. Deposits are non-refundable, except in the event of rain on the day of the wedding. The Akron Zoo MUST be notified by noon on the day of the event to receive a full refund.
10 am – 4 pm - $125
4 pm – 7 pm - $225
Reservations
Reservations for wedding ceremonies and receptions are accepted in advance and no later than 90 days prior to the rental date. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required by MasterCard, Visa or Discover with the completed signed Akron Zoo Wedding Rental Agreement to secure a date. The deposit is applied to the balance due. Final payment is due 7 days prior to the rental date and may be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. If the Akron Zoo is providing catering services for your event, final catering payment, count and menu are due 14 days in advance.
Inclement Weather Policy
The zoo stays open regardless of weather. The zoo is unable to schedule inclement weather reservations.
Cleanup
It is the group’s responsibility to leave the zoo in the condition it was found in upon arrival.
Rental Equipment/Deliveries
Groups may rent available equipment from the zoo as listed below. Outside rentals are not permitted unless the zoo is unable to provide. Zoo staff will set up all equipment rented from the zoo. The zoo staff is not responsible for setting up equipment rented from an outside vendor. The zoo may, however, set up outside rental equipment for a fee. Equipment rentals and deliveries must be coordinated with the Community Relations Manager a minimum of two weeks in advance. Any materials delivered by an outside vendor must be delivered during the zoo’s regular delivery hours on the day of the event and must be picked up the following day by 9 am. Vehicles are not permitted on grounds unless approved by a zoo representative.
6 ft. table - $10 per table
8 ft. table - $10 per table
LCD projector - $40
Screen - $20
Sound System - $75
Podium - $15
Black linen - $4 per table
Catering
The Akron Zoo is able to handle all your catering needs. Outside caterers are permitted after receiving approval from a zoo representative, however, groups of 200 or less will be charged $200 to use a caterer other than the Akron Zoo. Groups with 201 or more guests will be charged $250 to use an outside caterer. The fee is waived if using a caterer on the zoo’s Preferred Caterer list.
Caterers other than the Akron Zoo are responsible for staffing and providing all equipment for events. Use of Komodo Café’s storage and equipment is not permitted. Use of Komodo Kingdom’s kitchen is limited based on the zoo’s operating hours.
For Akron Zoo Komodo Kingdom Café Catering, payment, final count and the Akron Zoo Catering Order Form are due 14 days prior to your event. Cancellations and refunds will be honored up to 15 days prior to your event. Once the food order is placed, the group is responsible for full catering payment.
The zoo will provide electricity for a caterer where available. All caterers are responsible for removing the trash and mess that is generated from the food. Open fire is prohibited. Propane grilling is permitted in certain locations in the zoo by a certified, insured caterer and the Akron Zoo reserves the right to deny any outside caterer or vendor. The Akron Zoo must be notified 14 days prior to the event if a caterer plans to grill on zoo grounds.
Set up
Groups may begin setting up 60 minutes prior to the rental time, but may not interfere with the zoo’s regular visitors.
Guests
Wedding guest’s zoo admission is not included in the rental fee. Guests are not permitted to roam the zoo while the zoo is still open to the public. Zoo grounds will be cleared of all daily visitors prior to the start of the event.
Storage
The zoo will not store items for events. The zoo does not provide refrigeration/freezer space for outside groups.
Signage
All signage must be approved by the Akron Zoo prior to the event date. Signs may not be placed throughout the zoo while open to the public. Set up of all signage and banners is the responsibility of the group after receiving permission from the zoo. No thumbtacks, tape, nails etc. on walls, ceilings and tents.
Entertainment
Music and entertainment are permitted with the approval of an Akron Zoo representative. The zoo will be happy to make suggestions of entertainers that perform regularly at the zoo. Special activities must be pre-approved by a zoo representative. The Community Relations Manager must have a contact name and telephone number for all vendors at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Akron Zoo Members
Akron Zoo members will receive a 5% discount off any rental package if the initial contact is a member at the reservation time or if he/she purchases a membership before final payment is due. Discounts do not apply to admission fees, extras, equipment rental or catering.
Invitations/Printed Material
The Akron Zoo Communications Department needs to review and approve any advertising or printed material concerning the zoo before distribution. This includes, but is not limited to, tickets, invitations and promotional material mentioning the zoo. Allow sufficient time for approval.
Other general guidelines
No pets are permitted
No balloons or straws
No piñatas
No grilling or open flame
No smoking on zoo grounds
*Alcoholic beverages – see policy
*Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic Beverages are permitted for after hour groups as long as the following criteria are met.
· All regular zoo visitors must be off grounds before the event begins.
· All alcoholic beverages must be contained in one area of the zoo.
· Glass is not permitted.
· An Akron Police Officer must be hired by and paid for by the group if alcohol is served for groups over 50 people. APD must be paid directly by the group.
· All alcoholic beverages must be served by an insured professional caterer or bartending service.
· Any organization serving alcoholic beverages on zoo grounds must name the Akron Zoo as an additional insured on the company’s business insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in coverage.
· The Akron Zoo must receive proof of insurance a minimum of two weeks prior to the event. If the certificate is not received, alcohol will not be permitted under any circumstances.
· No exchange of money may take place for the alcohol; whether it be in the form of a cash bar or built in the event ticket price.
The Akron Zoo is not liable for and will not assume responsibility for damage or loss of property left in the zoo prior to, during, or following the event.
