Say, "I do" at the Zoo

Jacci & Mark meeting the tigers on their special day
© Evolve Photography

Since acquiring our license to host wedding ceremonies last year we’ve seen a whole new business begin to blossom at DZP.

There are many fantastic wedding venues around Devon, and together they represent some serious competition, but we were confident that our unique setting would attract enough attention to make our efforts worthwhile. However, we’ve been thrilled to be taking so many enquiries and bookings from prospective wedding couples.

Unlike most other venues we’ve applied the same ‘open door’ attitude that has proven so successful in our research and education activities. By limiting the amount of restrictions we allow prospective couples to tailor their special day to their specific needs.

Most couples have chosen to have their ceremony in the main house at the centre of the zoo overlooking our walk-through enclosure and the countryside beyond. It’s proven to be an ideal setting both for the ceremony itself and the pre and post ceremony celebratory drinks.

Post ceremony celebrations
© Evolve Photography

The zoo itself is of course our best asset. Many of the couples we talk to breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that they don’t have to worry about the enormous logistical problem of organising the day across a number of venues. Here at the zoo, not only is everything in one place, but between all the important events the guests are free to enjoy the zoo; a real bonus especially when there are kids to keep entertained.

Jacci and Mark came to us after having considered a number of venues in the area, for their ceremony and celebration last September. The weather was kind and they had a fantastic day.

"We had the most wonderful wedding ceremony in the Main House,” says Mark. “The setting was better than perfect. But what really made our day special was the attention and kindness we received from the staff.”

It was a real pleasure to share this important day with them, especially the smiles on their faces when they met our tigers, Vlad and his sisters, Blotch and Stripe.

It is in the nature of the business that most of the preparations happen well in advance so we’re already taking bookings well into 2014. Our next ceremony is in March.

You can find out more about weddings at DZP here or better still, contact Naomi to find out why it's a really good idea to say, "I do" at the zoo.

You can see more images of Jacci and Mark’s day here. Photos courtesy of Evolve Photography.