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:
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:
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:
23 Reviews for Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Recommended by 95% of couples
5 User photos
Island S. · Married on 05/18/2019
Absolutely fantastic venue and staff!
We worked closely with their catering and special events department and I have to say I could not have been happier! They had great communication leading up to the event, and day of was even better. Whenever we encountered a problem they were quick to work with us to find a solution in a fast and professional manner!
Sent on 09/25/2019
If you are looking for a beautiful event space with a phenomenal staff I could not recommend the Riverbanks Botanical Garden catering and special events staff more!
Megan · Married on 03/23/2019
So many options!
Multiple areas to hold your ceremony and reception. McKenzie answered any and all questions we had and was very quick to respond to emails. There are a ton of add-ons available to make your experience more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!
Sent on 01/15/2019
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's reply:
Megan, we cannot wait to host your special day here at Riverbanks! We are looking forward to getting into the planning process to get those perfect details for your big day!Casey C. · Married on 11/03/2018
Wedding/reception
We had Mckenzie Roland to help us with everything. He was great to work with and very friendly. The staff with Riverbanks that helped us the day of were wonderful as well.
Sent on 11/13/2018
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's reply:
Hey there Casey,Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Price Rates
Team of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Kayleen Peretto
Social Sales and Venue Coordinator
Hey there! I'm Kayleen, Wedding Sales & Venue Coordinator here at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. I just relocated from Colorado to Columbia, SC in 2019. 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!
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.
Preferred Vendors
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
At Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, what items and services related to wedding catering are included in the cost?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
At Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, what does the bar service starting price include?
The bar service starting price at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden includes:
What are the most important characteristics of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in terms of venue type, style and location?
The space offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden for wedding events is known for:
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden for wedding events?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
What kind of wedding events does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offer?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers the following types of wedding events:
What services does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offer for wedding events?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers the following services for wedding events:
What furniture and decorations does Riverbanks Zoo & Garden have available for wedding events?
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
What percentage of users recommend Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?
