Private Events at the Zoo

Plan an Event at the Zoo

From intimate affair to gala celebration, the single most important ingredient to the success of any event is the location.

The natural setting of the Virginia Zoo – with its well-appointed landscapes, gardens and public spaces – is the picture-perfect location for your group event.

Today, many brides and grooms are looking for something different from the same old hotel ballrooms and banquet halls – well you don't need to look any farther than the Virginia Zoo! We have an outdoor pavillion, beautiful gardens and some very fun party animals. Read why zoos and aquariums are increasing in popularity for brides & grooms celebrating their special day by clicking on this link.

Not only are we one of Virginia’s most popular and most accessible destinations, our ability to entertain thousands of visitors each day make us especially well suited to accommodate groups of 15 to 500.

We offer different options for various types of events.  But two variables are standard with all Virginia Zoo event packages: originality and fun.

There’s so much you can do at the Zoo!

Details, details. Don’t fret ‘em. We’ll handle ‘em.

One of the many beautiful things about planning your event at the Zoo is the ease in which every detail is covered.

We’ll help you rent amusements like a bounce house or casino games through Big Top Entertainment, schedule special encounters with some of our animal ambassadors, and so much more.

Click here (PDF) to see a list of our venues and pricing or here (PDF) to view our Wedding Ceremony Packages.

For more information, contact Kelsey Bethune, Special Events Coordinator at (757) 441-2374, ext. 253 or kelsey.bethune@norfolk.gov. Please have the following information available when you call: type of an event (picnic, wedding, birthday party, etc...), preferred event date, preferred event venue, number of guests, if your organization is a non-profit.

Please be aware that we are unable to accept bookings for third party events.