Private Events at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is available for rent for private events such as weddings, receptions, reunions, holiday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, proms, and more. Let your imagination run wild. Imagine your guests sipping cocktails on an African savanna overlooking giraffes, roaming through the Land of the Tiger, dining in a quaint South American village, or dancing at an elegant Tuscan riverside garden.
Plan Your Event at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Today
To book a wedding or event at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, or if you have any questions, please contact Christine at 904.757.4463 ext.103 or email lorussoc@jacksonvillezoo.org.
Planning a company picnic, family reunion, or outdoor gathering? Check out our Picnic Packages!
A portion of proceeds from weddings and private events help care for our Zoo animals and help to save their counterparts in the wild through our conservation programs.
Event Spaces at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has multiple areas ideal for private events. Whether you’re hosting a formal wedding or soiree or a fun outing with your team, we offer a variety of areas available for private use.
Gardens at the Trout River Plaza
Seating Capacity: 50-500
With a beautiful view of the Trout River, our partially-walled botanical garden offers a semi-private plaza. Central to the plaza is a large fountain surrounded by mosaic pebble flooring that features a menagerie of zoo residents.
Springing from lush garden beds are thirteen Grecian-style columns topped with flowering urns which provide a classic aesthetic. A planted trellis featuring lush, fragrant vines and a number of large shade trees and themed lights create a special area that can be enjoyed for private parties after hours.
The Riverview Courtyard is designed as a private area just off of the garden plaza and is an ideal space for small, private lunches and dinners. The area can be converted for outdoor wedding ceremonies with a beautiful view of the Trout River as a backdrop or for cocktail parties with a variety of buffet serving areas. Adjacent to the plaza is the Great Lawn, an open area capable of hosting large events both open air or tented.
Range of the Jaguar
Seating Capacity: 50-500
Located just a short walk from the Giraffe Overlook, the Range of the Jaguar offers a breathtaking backdrop for your next event. From the replica Mayan stone temple to the enchanting three-tiered water fountain featuring a large stage and beautiful landscape lighting, this location offers multiple options for a stunning after hour affair.
The jaguars, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, and other nearby animals in this venue are left on exhibit during your private event for a unique experience your guests won’t soon forget.
Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms Garden
Seating Capacity: 50-150
Located near the center of the park, the Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms Gardens are stunning replicas of an African Savanna. The elevated viewing platform allows your guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience with the zoo’s gentle giants.
Guests can mingle among the giraffes or take a stroll through the beautiful garden while enjoying cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres. This location is the perfect addition to any after hours event and also serves as a stand alone area for private events.
Asian Bamboo Gardens and Land of the Tiger
Asian Bamboo Garden Seating Capacity: 50-150
Land of the Tiger Seating Capacity: 50-150
Our newest garden space is located in the back of the park along the Trout River and features a tranquil garden with a variety of Asian decor. As you enter through the Moon Gate you will see the Weeping Tree Bridge that connects the yin and yang terraces, the perfect location for cocktails and serving stations.
From the bridge you’ll see the beautiful lotus pool and koi pond. The pavilion features various types of orchids which provide a shady resting spot during the day and as a private event space after hours.
Shaba Terrace
Seating Capacity: 100-400
Our large open air terrace with magnificent dual stairwells, an elevator, and private restrooms is located upstairs in the Main Camp area. A beautiful thatched roof with versatile lighting and overhead fans or heaters, microphones, and a sound system make this the perfect location for both casual and formal celebrations and for corporate or private events.
Mount Kenya Boardroom
Seating Capacity: 22
Located upstairs at the Zoo’s entrance, the Mt. Kenya Boardroom is a unique and impressive boardroom featuring a wood conference table and comfortable executive chairs. Bamboo décor, hardwood floors, and a thatched ceiling complete this themed room. Adjustable lighting is available.
Samburu Room
Seating Capacity: 90
The Samburu Room is an enclosed climate-controlled room located downstairs near the zoo’s main entrance. A range of lighting settings and the option to utilize a podium and microphone with a dropdown screen make this room the perfect setting for business meetings, luncheons, workshops, or private gatherings.