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Weddings

Pricing information

Price range: $1,500 - $7,000 Price range: $1,000 - $5,000
Couples usually spend $5,000 Couples usually spend $4,000
Reception
$3,000 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price
Reception
$3,000 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price

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About

On WeddingWire since 2013

Blank Park Zoo is an exotic wedding venue located in Des Moines, Iowa, that provides a unique and exciting setting for weddings. Nestled on 22 acres of land, this wildlife park allows guests to be entertained by zoo animals during the cocktail hour, offering an out-of-the-ordinary wedding experience.

Facilities and Capacity
This venue provides five outdoor and indoor facilities that can host up to 400 guests. The Discovery Center ballroom is best suited for weddings of 120 people or less and overlooks our indoor rainforest. The brand new Holmes Foster Event Center can accomodate up to 350 guests banquet style for larger wedding parties.

Services Offered
Blank Park Zoo offers spaces for hosting wedding ceremonies, receptions, baby showers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, and other special events. It has a friendly, attentive staff to choreograph and ensure that the event will be a complete success. They will help provide the following services:

  • Set up
  • Bride & Groom suites
  • Event planning
  • Sound/AV
  • Linens
  • Clean up


Other Services
Aside from being a wedding venue, Blank Park Zoo also offers educational and fun classes, educating young children and even adults on how to take care of the animals. The park also accommodates fun, educational field trips and camping, exhibiting the park’s rainforest and zoo animals.

Take a 360° Virtual Tour and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek today!

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$3,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$3,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Event Planning
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Server(s)

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
December
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Reviews of Blank Park Zoo

4.5 out of 5 rating
4.5 out of 5 rating
7 Reviews
90% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.4 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.4 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.4 out of 5 rating
R
Reid D. Sent on 01/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic throughout the whole process

This was our second wedding we had to plan due to Covid. The Blank Park Zoo was so helpful and accommodating every step of the way. They really provided a great experience.
User2648814 Sent on 06/15/2016
5 out of 5 rating
After first, it was a little rocky, because we ended up working with 3 coordinators, but once we got in contact with Gavin, it was smooth sailing. He was very accommodating and made things stress free during the big day. I was definitely happy we ended up having our wedding at the zoo, it's different and super easy to entertain your guests with. I would recommend this venue 100 times, they were truly amazing! :)
A
Ashli Sent on 09/01/2014
5 out of 5 rating
The Zoo was by far the greatest venue I could have anticipated! Caitlin, the events coordinator at the zoo, was absolutely fantastic, and working with the staff at Johnny's (Audrey) was amazing! The day went so smoothly! A large part of that was meeting with Caitlin early on and being on the same page from the beginning. Everyone knew what was going on and where things needed to be. Caitlin has a ton of experience, and she was able to ask questions you might not typically think about, as well as give ideas of what other brides have done with the venue. It was a beautiful day, our pictures were stunning, and we are so thankful we had our wedding at the zoo!
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Awards

7

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 Endorsements
Lauren Campbell Photography Lauren Campbell Photography Wedding Photographers

The staff at the Blank Park Zoo goes above and beyond to make every wedding and event perfect. Every request my most recent bride made during her event was met with an upbeat, positive response. Great staff to work with, great catering from Johnny's, and a fantastic venue!

A Special Event DJ & Photobooth A Special Event DJ & Photobooth Wedding DJs

If you are looking for a unique venue, and a great team to help you plan your event - look no further than Blank Park Zoo! They work hard to make sure you are thrilled with your ceremony & reception!

Absolute Music DJ Service Absolute Music DJ Service Wedding DJs

A wildly different place to have your reception and ceremony, if you like. Very friendly and easy to work with.

Preferred Vendors

Baratta's Restaurant & Italian Catering
4.8 out of 5 rating , 45 Reviews
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Something Chic Floral
4.9 out of 5 rating , 45 Reviews
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Bella Flora Event Design
4.9 out of 5 rating , 75 Reviews
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Crème Cupcake + Dessert
4.9 out of 5 rating , 11 Reviews
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Puttin' on the Hitz
4.9 out of 5 rating , 255 Reviews
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Rush Street Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 6 Reviews
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