Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
About
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a wildlife park wedding venue located in Columbia, South Carolina. Home to more than 2,000 magnificent animals, the zoo offers indoor and outdoor event facilities that exhibit elegance, class, and an extraordinary experience for couples and their guests to enjoy. An exotic alternative to the traditional wedding venues, the zoo facilities provide weddings with a nature-inspired setting, as well as great backdrops for photo opportunities.
Facilities and Capacity
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces that can accommodate both intimate celebrations and festive galas. Ceremonies are held after hours in the property's Magnolia's Garden Terrace, Ndoki's patio, or Riverbanks' Entry Plaza. Receptions, cocktail hours, and rehearsal dinners can be held in venue's five event facility options:
- Ndoki Lodge is a safari-themed space featuring high beam ceilings, panoramic views of forest foliage, and at certain times, the opportunity for an elephant or meerkat sighting. The lodge can accommodate up to 500 guests with use of indoor and outdoor space.
- Magnolia Room is one of the most breathtaking and unique spaces in the zoo, accommodating up to 350 guests using indoors and patio space. It features French doors that open out onto a bricked terrace, boasting views of stately fountains, cascading waters, seasonal flowers, and Riverbanks’ beautiful gardens.
- Tuskers is an ideal space for cocktail parties and can accommodate up to 250 guests. At night, the venue transforms into a chic event facility, featuring bamboo cloud lighting, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a dance floor area, and a viewing deck overlooking zebras, ostriches, giraffes, and a ten-foot alligator.
- The ARC or Aquarium Reptile Complex, is perfect for a smaller wedding or any other evening celebration. It showcases a 55,000-gallon coral reef tank with sharks, moon jellyfishes, and gharial crocodiles perfect for a strolling cocktail hour or reception.
- The Birdhouse can accommodate up to 175 guests. It is a sky-lit atrium where guests can have the opportunity to be accompanied by penguins, hornbills, and other exotic birds.
Services Offered
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden provides event rentals for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and bridal showers. The venue also accepts appointments for bridal portrait shoots, held after park hours at the Botanical Garden or zoo. Other services offered by the venue include:
- Bridal suites (dependent on wedding space and date)
- Lighting and sound system rentals
- In-house bar and catering
- Set up and clean up
Cuisines
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a proud partner of SSA Group, LLC. the event caterer based in the zoo premises. SSA's executive head chef, Andrew Humphreys, customizes menus and create new dishes exclusively for the event. SSA supports sustainability, helps local farmers, and showcases a variety of different cuisine options. The caterer offers couples the following serving-style options:
- Buffet
- Hors-d'oeuvres
- Plated dinners
- Stations
- Cocktail receptions
- Family-style
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
What is the starting price per person for bar service?
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
Describe your venue:
What kind of settings are available?
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
What event services do you offer?
What catering services do you offer?
What bar services do you provide?
What event items are available?
What food and beverage items are available?
What transportation and access is available?
What months are included in your peak season?
What months are included in your off-peak season?
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Team

Hey there! I'm Kayleen, Wedding Sales & Venue Coordinator here at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. I just relocated from Colorado to Columbia, SC in 2020. Prior to my role here, I worked in events and catering in various industries from hotels and hospitality, to the radio industry.
I would be your point of contact for your facility, catering, bar, and rental needs for your wedding at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. I hope to hear from you soon and can't wait to see your special day come to life!
Professional Network & Endorsements
3 Endorsements
Love working with the professional team at Riverbanks Zoo! Courteous, organized and always pros! Beautiful venue and FANTASTIC food. Exciting, appealing displays and again...just a terrific staff.

Lovely venue and facilities! Know that your wedding arrangements are in the hands of friendly and helpful experts! The ambiance here is that you are in a magical place! Great background for your memories and photos as well.
Map
9:00-5:00pm Mon-Fri (Event Sales Office), 9:00-4:00pm Mon-Fri (Site Tours, by appointment)

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden frequently asked questions
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden?
- Chairs
- Clean Up
- Linens
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
At Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, what items and services related to wedding catering are included in the cost?
- Cake Cutting
- Dessert
- Server(s)
At Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, what does the bar service starting price include?
- Bartender(s)
- House Beer
- House Wine
- Limited Bar
- Open Bar
What are the most important characteristics of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in terms of venue type, style and location?
- Garden
- Park
- Zoo
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden for wedding events?
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
- Scenic Views
What kind of wedding events does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offer?
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Rehearsal Dinner
What services does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offer for wedding events?
- Bar Services
- Catering Services
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Get Ready Rooms
- Liability Insurance
- Lighting / Sound
- Set Up
- Wifi
What furniture and decorations does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden have available for wedding events?
- Audio Equipment
- Centerpieces
- Chairs
- Dance Floor
- Decor
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Tables
What percentage of users recommend Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?