The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is the perfect venue to add a unique experience for your event or wedding. Located closely to Downtown Sanford, FL, we're just minutes away from local shops, nightlife, and hotel accommodations.
Our Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for Ceremonies and Cocktail Hour, while our Safari Ballroom can accommodate up to 180 guests seated for your reception space.
You're also able to host and enjoy your function immersed in the natural surroundings at the Rainforest Pavilion. This private, covered facility has seating for up to 100 guests, food preparation areas, restrooms, and plenty of space for games and activities.
Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, or social gathering, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will make your event an unforgettable experience!
For pricing and availability, please email alexandraw@centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450 ext. 136.
Being animal lovers, this venue was perfect for us. We loved that there was space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all at the same venue - no transportation between. There is an outdoor space with foliage and a gazebo used for ceremonies, then the bug zoo/patio for cocktail hour, then the safari room ballroom space for reception. Adjustments during COVID were minimal - we only reduced guest count (from ~125 to 50) and could not have animal encounters at the reception. This may have been due to the mild weather on our event day, but the doors to indoor spaces were also kept open to help with air flow. The venue fee includes some coordination, and their staff was great. Jillian was particularly responsive and helpful the closer we got to the event. We opted for an in-zoo photoshoot during our cocktail hour and the staff helped encourage some of the animals to come closer if they were out. We can't wait to see how such memorable photos came out. Sonny's BBQ catering is affordable, and an excellent value that comes out more elegant than you'd expect for BBQ. However, there is a fee if you did not want to use Sonny's. Overall, we'd happily recommend Central Florida Zoo to anyone getting married in the Orlando area with 150 guests or less.
Sent on 01/20/2021
Kristen A.
· Married on 06/15/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Alex was a rockstar
On June 15, my husband and I had our reception at the wedding. Through everything Alex was such a huge help. Our wedding reception was amazing and it wouldn't have been without Alex. This wedding venue is so unique and you can do so much with it. We will remember this day for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Central Florida Zoo for an awesome wedding reception.
-Kristen and Dalton
Sent on 07/11/2019
Debra M.
· Married on 05/04/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Excellent wedding venue
The Central Florida Zoo is a unique and special venue. Alex was an extraordinary wedding coordinator. We credit her with the total success of our wedding event. Also, Terrell, Sonny’s Catering Manager was great. Terrell and his team exceeded all expectations and provided outstanding service to the wedding party and our guests.
Sent on 05/28/2019
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens's reply:
Thank you Debra! You were a great help in the wedding planning too and we wish you and your family the best! :)
Beautiful Venue and great prices with amazing packages available. The staff at the Central Florida Zoo is very professional and pleasant to work with. Our clients enjoyed having their event in the Safari Room, 3400 sq. ft room with an attached porch and courtyard leading to a beautiful botanical garden. It's simply beautiful.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens frequently asked questions
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
Tables
At Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, what items and services related to wedding catering are included in the cost?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
Server(s)
At Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, what does the bar service starting price include?
The bar service starting price at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens includes:
Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Wine
What are the most important characteristics of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in terms of venue type, style and location?
The space offered by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for wedding events is known for:
Banquet Hall
Garden
Zoo
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for wedding events?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor
What kind of wedding events does Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offer?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers the following types of wedding events:
Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
What services does Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offer for wedding events?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers the following services for wedding events:
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Lighting / Sound
Set Up
Wifi
What furniture and decorations does Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens have available for wedding events?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Tables
What percentage of users recommend Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
