YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE IN CALGARY

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo provides the perfect mix of elegance and fun for you and your Wedding guests. Enjoy an unforgettable event with our one-of-a-kind wedding venues and delicious locally sourced cuisine. Exploring St. George’s Island, your guests will be treated to a unique wedding settings as the zoo is home to nearly 1,000 creatures across 119 species.

A SETTING LIKE NO OTHER!

Capturing the beautiful moments you dreamed of, in outdoor and indoor wedding spaces.

Penguins
Flamingos
ENMAX Gardens
Arbour Peacock
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Bakos

Looking For The Best Wedding Venue In Calgary?

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is proud to have been named Avenue Magazine’s 2023 Winner for “Best Unique Wedding Venue in Calgary”! We work hard to make each Wedding on our grounds a truly unforgettable experience.

SAY “I DO” AT THE ZOO!

Whether it’s an intimate occasion or a big bash, we have a unique wedding venue to give it a special flair. From formal affairs to more casual parties, we can accommodate groups of 15 to 350 plus. Our ample parking, central location and LRT access make the zoo the perfect place for your special day.

By supporting the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo not only do you feed your guests but you also help feed our residents. Revenue generated supports animal conservation and research efforts.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING NOW!

Explore our Wedding Venues

ENMAX Conservatory

 

Venue Capacity (*Plated Reception): Up to 150 Guests

Venue Rental Price: $2,300

Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend: $3,200 to $6,250

Venue Size (Sq. ft.): 2,376

 

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Grazers Restaurant

 

Venue Capacity (*Plated Reception): Up to 80 Guests

Venue Rental Price: $1,100

Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend: $1,150 to $2,500

Venue Size (Sq. ft.): 1,400

 

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Safari Lodge

 

Venue Capacity (*Plated Reception): Up to 280 Guests

Venue Rental Price: $2,550

Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend: $4,500 to $8,750

Venue Size (Sq. ft.): 4,000

 

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Asia Lawn & Tent

 

Venue Capacity (*Plated Reception): Up to 300 Guests

Venue Rental Price: $2,250

Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend: $4,000 to $5,500

Venue Size (Sq. ft.): 3,570

 

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Looking for a simple Wedding option?!

Take a look at our Inclusive Wedding Package.  Two simple prices based on the day of your Wedding.

Available in the ENMAX Conservatory, Safari Lodge, and Grazers Restaurant.

$95/Guest on Sunday to Thursday

$105/Guest on Friday & Saturday

Click here for our Brochure!

A TASTE FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the exotic experiences don’t end with the animals. Our chefs extend that feeling of discovery and excitement with inspired creations to delight your senses. With one of the largest catering  teams in the city, we’re confident your guests will enjoy a first-rate dining experience as civilized or wild as your taste.

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EXPLORE OUR BEAUTIFUL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WEDDING CEREMONY LOCATIONS!

ENMAX Reception Gardens
ENMAX Reception
Grazers - Indoor Ceremony
Tent Ceremony Outdoors
Regan
ENMAX Terrace Ceremony
Safari Ceremony Indoors

Contact us today for a Wedding Site Tour!

Phone: (403) 232-7770

Email: [email protected]

BOOK YOUR WEDDING NOW!

FAQs

Can we come to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to do a Site Tour of your Wedding Venues?

Yes – in fact, we encourage it! We’d be thrilled to welcome you to the zoo for a private Tour of our facilities. Site Tours are free and we will take you through the Ceremony locations and Reception Venues for any of the locations that you’re interested in. Please contact us to schedule the Site Tour.

Do I have to book a Ceremony and Reception, or can I just book the Reception?

You may book a Wedding Ceremony & Reception or a Wedding Reception – you do not have to book a Ceremony with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. We recognize that couples may already have a special location in mind when it comes to holding the Ceremony, so we leave that decision to you.

What is your cancellation policy?

You have the right to cancel the Wedding and terminate the Contract Agreement by giving the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo written notice. Cancellation will result in the forfeiture of your deposit(s) – please note that there are no refunds for Weddings regardless of the amount of written notice provided. Weddings cancelled within two (2) months of the Wedding date will result in the full anticipated charges of the Wedding being invoiced.

How does your Wedding pricing work?

Our Wedding pricing has three essential components:

  1. Venue Rental Fee (which varies based on the location that you select)
  2. Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend (which varies based on the location that you select)
  3. Ceremony Fee ($3 per guest if you choose to hold your Ceremony at the zoo)
What would the payment schedule look like for my Wedding?

In order to guarantee your Wedding date and Venue selection, you must provide your initial deposit along with the signed Contract Agreement. This deposit is equal to the Venue Rental Fee for the Venue that you selected. 50% of the anticipated charges are then due 60 days prior to the Wedding date with the remaining balance due 10 days prior to the Wedding date (with this balance being based on fully anticipated charges).

Do you have an in-house caterer? Can we bring our own food & beverage?

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the exotic experiences don’t end with the animals. Our chefs extend that feeling of discovery and excitement with inspired creations to delight your senses. With one of the largest catering teams in the city, we’re confident your guests will enjoy a first-rate dining experience as civilized or wild as your taste! No outside food or beverage is permitted except for a Wedding cake.

Are we allowed to decorate our Venue?

Absolutely, yes! Please consult with your Event Sales Coordinator on the full list of prohibited items (due to the safety and welfare of the animals) which include but are not limited to: all balloons, rice, confetti, piñatas, sparklers, fireworks, and all open flames. All décor must be free standing and the setup time allocated is up to 3 hours (including time for Catering to set the Venue). Upon request, your Event Sales Coordinator can check the availability of your Venue for earlier setup.

Can I hire my vendors or is there a preferred vendor list we need to stick to?

Yes, you may hire the Wedding vendors of your choosing. If you don’t already have them selected, we’d be happy to provide a short-list of preferred (independent) partners that have a familiarity with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Please note that vendors are required to carry their own WCB insurance and should be able to provide proof of insurance when asked. Uninsured vendors will be asked to sign a waiver before being permitted on grounds.

What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the Wedding?

Generally speaking, we allow setup within three hours prior to the agreed upon Wedding Ceremony or Reception time. Upon request, your Event Sales Coordinator will search the availability of your Venue for a potential earlier setup. It is not uncommon to be granted access to your Venue the day before the Wedding for setup purposes only – we just cannot guarantee this.

Where do guests park?

The guest parking location will be determined by your Venue (E.g. where the Reception is being held). Weddings taking place in the ENMAX Conservatory (on Saturday’s and Sunday’s) will be permitted to have their guests park in the Administration Lot. Weddings taking place in Safari Lodge and Grazers Restaurant, will see guests parking and entering through the main North Parking Lot gates located on St. Georges Drive. Please note that parking is not included in your Wedding. The cost is $13 per vehicle daily. Any attendees with a valid Engage or Inspire membership may use their pass for parking access. Please note that all vehicles must be moved by 11:00 am the following day or they will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Other questions?

Reach out to our friendly team today.

Contact Us