Make your wedding unforgettable. The Santa Barbara Zoo offers a spectacular location for a wedding. Guests will enjoy nearly 30 acres of lush gardens, majestic ocean views, and our diverse collection of animals. We work with you every step of the way to make sure your wedding day is perfect. You may bring in caterers and vendors of your choice, giving you the maximum flexibility and control over the style of your wedding day. We offer many after hour options including leaving the animals out on display, keeping the train running exclusively for your guests, and a bird greeting as guests begin to arrive. We provide two event hosts the evening of your wedding to ensure that all of the details are taken care of. After the park closes at 5:00 p.m., your group will have the entire Zoo to roam and enjoy in privacy. The Zoo is available for private event use from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. year round; however, your group may enter the Zoo as early as 4:00 p.m. Capacity Our two ceremony sites can accommodate between 250-300 guests and our two reception sites each have estimated capacities of between 150 and 200. Fees The ceremony and reception site fee is $3,000 for up to 250 guests. If your guest count exceeds 250 people, there is a $11 fee per additional guest. Deposit We request a deposit of 50% of the site fee and a refundable $300.00 security deposit at the time of reservation. Decorations The Zoo gift shop offers many options for party favors and decorations for your event. From fun merchandise, such as stuffed animals, to elegant options like candles with animal prints, the Zoo's gift shop can help add that "something wild" to your event. Contact the gift shop for pricing and options at (805) 962-5339, ext.19. Alcohol All types of alcohol are permitted. No fees or licenses are required if you are hosting an open bar. If you are hosting a cash bar, a liquor license must be provided and the Zoo must be notified of the liquor license number two weeks prior to the event. Please download our Private Event Kit for more detailed information. Please contact the Private Events department to learn more about weddings at the Santa Barbara Zoo. (805) 962-5339, ext. 27, or email Katharine Buford. Watch Wedding Videos View Wedding Photos Daytime Events Evening Events 2008 Private Events Kit 2009 Private Events Kit