Weddings at Brookfield Zoo

Corporate Events at Brookfield Zoo

 

Brookfield Zoo's lush grounds and tranquil settings form a lovely and unique backdrop for your special day. Your guests will enjoy "Cocktails with the Animals" in one of the zoo's magnificent wildlife habitats--from the deserts and rain forests of far-off lands, to the underwater world of our famous bottlenose dolphins. Then it's off to your elegant dinner complete with themed decorations. Enjoy live music and outstanding food as you and your guests dance the night away. Be sure to allow plenty of time for unforgettable pictures among the sculpted gardens and with an animal or two! 
 

Contact Us Today

Interested in hosting your daytime event here at Brookfield Zoo? Just fill out the form below and a representative will contact you shortly with more details.


Unique Reception Venues

Unique Venues

Brookfield Zoo's venues provide an ideal backdrop for your event, whether you want a casual setting for a company picnic or a formal space for a very special day. Each venue provides a unique spin on your daytime event needs. However, no matter which one you choose, our catering team will ensure that it's a time your guests will never forget. 

Read below for the full list of year-round and seasonal reception venues throughout the zoo.

Dining and Meeting Venues
  • Discovery Center
    Serving as Brookfield Zoo's premiere banquet facility, Discovery Center offers an array of room options ideal for receptions, banquets, dances and business meetings:
    Savannah Room - Capacity: 350 (reception); 300 (banquet rounds); 350 (theater)
    Founders Room - Capacity: 100 (reception); 80 (banquet rounds); 80 (theater)
    Riverside Lobby - Capacity: 150 (reception)

  • The Pavillions
    If you want to host a “wild” function at Brookfield Zoo, you can choose from four new exotic venues. The Pavilions at Brookfield Zoo are located near the North Gate entrance, with 235 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds as background, and can accommodate approximately 2,000 guests for both day and evening events.The space can be rented out from early spring through late fall. The Pavilions area is gated, offering privacy for guests. In addition, a full-service kitchen has been incorporated into the design so staff can better serve clients.
    Swan Pavillion - Capacity: 750 (reception); 500 (seated)
    Bison Pavillion - Capacity: 300 (reception); 200 (seated)
    Dolphin Pavillion - Capacity: 300 (reception); 200 (seated)
    Peacock Pavillion - Capacity: 120 (reception)

  • Bocaditos
    This beautiful banquet and meeting facility features hardwood floors, hand-carved South American artwork, and stunning balcony views. Available for receptions, dinners, dances, and meetings.
    Capacity: 250 (reception); 150 (banquet); 150 (theater); 40 (u-shaped)

Cocktails with the Animals

As part of your evening at Brookfield Zoo, treat your guests to “Cocktails with the Animals.” View fascinating animals from around the world and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres amid the beautiful décor of one of our world-class exhibits. Some animal exhibits can accommodate dining.

  • Great Bear Wilderness
    Explore the wilderness and celebrate among playful grizzly and polar bears. Enjoy fresh air in a scenic, lush landscape or trek below the surface to enjoy dual underwater viewing windows with bears swimming through your backdrop.
    Capacity: 200 (reception)

  • Tropic World
    Explore the lush rain-forest canopies of Africa while monkeys, apes, birds, and other amazing animals look on.
    Capacity: 400 (reception)

  • The Swamp
    Drift along a Cajun country bayou and get close to crocodiles, wood storks, snapping turtles, river otters, and a host of other wetland creatures.
    Capacity: 400 (reception)

  • Seven Seas
    Enjoy the graceful antics of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they provide a constantly changing backdrop to your festive event.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

  • The Living Coast
    Break away to the coastal waters of South America and see moon jellies, sharks, green sea turtles, and a myriad of sea creatures.
    Capacity: 200 (reception)

  • Habitat Africa!
    Visit the plains of Africa and mingle with giraffes and other magnificent animals as they move gracefully across the savannah. Both indoor and outdoor event venues are available.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

     

Seasonal Venues
  • Feathers and Scales: Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians
    Your event will soar to new heights in this newly renovated exhibit a variety of fine-feathered friends, including hornbills, toucans, cookoos, and roadrunners.
    Capacity: 150 (reception)

  • Pinniped Point
    Watch sea lions and seals splish and splash in their open-air exhibit. Go nose to nose with these playful pinnipeds as they glide past you in the Underwater Viewing Area.
    Capacity: 250 (reception)

  • Butterflies!
    Discover hundreds of dazzling butterflies flitting about in this lush, open-air, garden setting. This seasonal exhibit is open late May through mid-September.
    Capacity: 100 (reception)