Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is a wedding venue and zoological garden that can set the stage for a truly unforgettable and distinctive celebration.
Business details last verified on 30th of September 2026 by Chester Zoo.
Prices & Capacity
Prices
Typical Price: £POA
Price Range: £5,294 - £17,994
Capacity
Ceremony: 180
Standing: 180
Seated Meal: 180
About Chester Zoo
For couples looking for a truly unique wedding venue in Cheshire, Chester Zoo offers an unforgettable setting surrounded by nature, conservation, and extraordinary scenery. Set within expansive landscaped grounds, this one-of-a-kind venue allows you to celebrate your wedding day in an environment unlike any other in the UK. Chester Zoo is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions, with a choice of distinctive spaces that blend historic architecture with contemporary design.
The Oakfield
At Chester Zoo's charming Oakfield manor house, your nearest and dearest are bound to be impressed by the vintage architecture. A listed building that has been lovingly restored, it is replete with detailed wood panelling, and the walls are lined with old-fashioned photos. You and your partner can say 'I do' in the gardens, a wonderful place to make your union official. After your ceremony, you can explore the zoo while enjoying your photoshoot. The zoo is home to 27,000 species of animals, and you are welcome to pose beside them. Ceremonies and receptions can take place inside the mansion.
The Square
A stunning new venue based in the original stable block where the zoo began back in the 1930s.We’re breathing new life into square one of our zoo. You’ll find The Square in a secluded setting in the heart of the zoo. Featuring an impressive, gated entrance, the building features a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, large feature windows overlooking the garden and a host of original features which tell the story of the original building.
The Reserve
A spectacular safari style lodge resort that opened its doors to guests in August 2025. The Reserve features 51 beautifully designed lodges, some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras and blesbock antelope roam, and others nestled beside a peaceful lake. Includes dining at the new Amboseli Restaurant and the Tsavo Lounge where guests can enjoy a drink or delicious dining.
Services Offered
The Chester Zoo staff is passionate about helping soon-to-be newlyweds with planning their special days. As such, they offer a variety of services designed to do just that. Consultations, planning assistance, and day-of coordination are just a few of the duties they are happy to perform. In addition, the venue's exceptional culinary team can complement your event with a mouth-watering meal.
The Details
Type of Ceremony
Civil ceremony licensed
Receptions Only
Venue Setting
Countryside
City
Town
Venue Type
Exclusive use
Country House
Manor House
Unique & Unusual
Additional Facilities
Orangery Or Marquee
Dance floor
Live music permitted
Discos permitted
Wedding coordinator
Onsite car parking
Licensed bar
Wedding packages
Bespoke weddings
Catering Options
Inhouse Caterers
Pre-approved Caterers Only
Champions of
Sustainability
LGBTQIA+ Weddings
Contact & Location
Chester Zoo
Oakfield Manor, Caughall Road, Upton, CH2 1LH, Cheshire, United Kingdom
FAQs
We can offer exclusive hire of The Square venue, and even The Reserve with our new 'Exclusive Wedding Package' including overnight accommodation of 51 luxury lodges!
Yes we are licensed in multiple venues and areas around the Zoo, speak to our team of dedicated co-orindators for more information on your Chester Zoo outdoor ceremony options!
Absolutely (weather dependant!)
You're welcome to bring your own supply of wine onsite, corkage is charged from £15 per bottle
Yes we do offer a dry hire package if you would like to bring your own caterers in!
Access is permitted from 8.00am on the day of your wedding
Your wedding would conclude with us by 1.00am
Yes
Unfortunately no fireworks are permitted
We only allow bubbles to keep our animals safe!
Battery powered candles are permitted
We have 2 x VIP Giraffe Lodges if you want to make your wedding night extra special, or even get ready in front of the giraffes the morning of too!
We have 51 luxury lodges at The Reserve!
Yes we can recommend local hotels too
Our Sustainability Commitments
The Square building itself is being sustainably renovated. From sedum roofs, to the use of reclaimed materials and air source heating solutions.
Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Couples
Love is for everyone, and we’re delighted to celebrate LGBTQIA+ couples at Chester Zoo. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment where every couple can feel completely comfortable being themselves and enjoy a wedding day that’s uniquely theirs.
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