Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
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Say "I Do" at the Zoo

Choosing the right location for your wedding is one of the most important and often the most challenging decisions to make. Let your imagination run wild at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo!

Celebrate your special event in one of three unique spaces, including our Victorian Greenhouse, rustic Hanson Building or large Carousel Building with an indoor working carousel. Whether it’s your ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner, we are sure to have a venue to meet your wedding vision!

Centrally located between Greenwich and New Haven, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo can accommodate parties for up to 200 guests. Choose which one of our spectacular venues is right for you and contact our Rental & Events department by e-mailing Lindsay at ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org or calling 203-332-4243
RATES & DETAILS
EVENT GUIDELINES

Photo Gallery

    ​​Preferred Wedding Vendors

    Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo provides this list as a courtesy – outside vendors are permitted.  We do not charge these vendors for being listed or working at our facilities. We also do not recommend any particular vendor.
    ​
    Contact our Rental & Events Department for more information at (203) 332-4243 or ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org.

    CAKE/ DESSERT

    • Crave Custom Cakes  - (203) 947-3659
    • Donut Crazy - (203) 386-1999
    • J Cakes - (203) 488-2800
    • Sugar Bakery - (203) 469-0815

    CATERERS 

    • Bourassa Catering - (203) 269-9266​
    • David Grant Caterers – (203) 924-2623
    • Festivities - (203) 847-7774
    • ​Joey C’s Boathouse - (203) 870-4838
    • Joey C's Roadhouse - (203) 301-3299
    • Riverhouse Catering - (860) 404-5051
    • Smokin' with Chris - (860) 458-4508
    • Spice Catering - (203) 516-5665

    FLORISTS

    • Flowers from the Farm -  (203) 248-2987
    • Fruits and Flowers - (203) 366-8458
    • The Green Petal - (203) 848-7545 

    ENTERTAINMENT

    • David Jason Entertainment - (203) 667-1968
    • Mike Iovino, EXLR8 Music - (203) 814-0650 
    WEDDING COORDINATOR
    • Stephanie from Two Cents Bridal
      @twocentsbridal

    FOR THE BRIDE

    • Accessories: 
      • Chic Noemi 
    • Dress: 
      • Occassions Bridal Boutique, Bethel, CT
    • ​​​Hair:
      • Blow Outs by Abbe
      • Jill Salvi - (203) 530-4802
      • Julie Torres
      • Tara's Beauty Studio - (860) 372-6405
    • ​Makeup:
      • Makeup by Rose

    PHOTOGRAPHERS

    • A Storybook Image - (203)-612-5044
      ​Info@astorybookimage.com
    • Della Bella Photography - (203) 558-0453
    • Jennifer Lynn Photography - (203) 521-3821
      jenniferlynnphoto@yahoo.com
    • Jonathan DeNicholas Photography
      @jdenicweddingphoto
      jdenicweddingphoto@gmail.com
    • Lights Camera DJs - (203) 283-7892
    • Nick Benson Photography - (203) 635-2592
    • Patti Hopkins Photography - (203) 874-8839
      hopkinsprophoto@aol.com
    • Tim Nosenzo Photography - (203) 501-8307
      tim@timnosenzophoto.com 
    • ​Zack Wussow Media - (860) 424-7529
      zwussow@gmail.com

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. How many people can each venue accommodate?  Do you have any photos I can view?
      Click here to see the details on capacity for our buildings and pictures of other events held in them.
      ​
    2. What does each venue cost to rent?
      Rates are based on a four-hour rental and can be adjusted according to the length of your event. Click here to see our rental rates.

    3. What type of deposit do you require?
      We request a deposit of 50% of the site fee at the time of contract signing and the remaining 50% due the week before the event.

    4. Do you have an on-site caterer?
      No, we do not have an on-site caterer. However, we have compiled a list of caterers who have worked with the Zoo in the past and are familiar with the requirements of the Zoo.  Click here to view our list of preferred vendors.

    5. Do I need to choose one of the Zoo’s preferred caterers?
      You are not required to work with these caterers.  We provide this list as a convenience to you.  If you have a caterer who you would like to use that is not on this list, they will need to contact us to make sure they have the proper documentation we require.

    6. Can we have alcohol on Zoo grounds?
      Alcohol is allowed on Zoo grounds during evening events.  Your caterer or server will need to provide the Zoo with their insurance certificate of liability.  In the event your caterer or server does not carry an insurance certificate, we can provide contacts to licensed bartenders for your event. Alcohol is allowed during the day in our Hanson Exploration Station only.  The same insurance liability requirements apply for daytime events.

    7. Can I hold my wedding in the evening at the Zoo?
      All of our venues are available in the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. year-round.  You may also choose to rent the entire Zoo, allowing for all exhibits to be open for your guests to enjoy, keep only specific exhibit areas open or have one of our animal handlers give a tour of an exhibit area for an additional charge.

    8. Do you only host evening weddings, or can we hold our wedding during the day?
      Yes, the Zoo can host a daytime wedding, however, we are open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Our lush gardens and unique buildings provide a wonderful backdrop for an unforgettable event. Daytime weddings are especially beautiful in our outdoor areas.  Your guests will have full access to visit the Zoo during your event.

    9. How do I book a tour of the property?
      Tours of the venues are done by appointment.  Call our Rentals & Events Department at 203-332-4243 to book a day/time.

    10. Can I have an animal at the wedding?
      Our Education Department may be able to provide an animal for viewing and discussion.  Guests might be able to touch the animal.  Additional charges will apply.​
     
    CONTACT US
    For prices and details, visit our Rates & Details or Event Guidelines.
    ​For more information or to make reservations, please email Lindsay Durkee  ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org or contact our Rentals & Events Department at 203-332-4243.
    PRESS
    JOBS
    CONTACT US
    EN ESPANOL
    ​203-394-6565
    ​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
    1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
    Open 9am-4pm daily
    ​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

    Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

    2019 Kids Out and About #1
    Association of Zoos & Aquariums
    Connecticut - Still Revolutionary
    Weekly Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2014
    FC Buzz Events - Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
    © 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
    • Home
    • About
      • Blog
      • Contact Us
      • Jobs
      • Press
    • Guest Info
      • Accessibility
      • Calendar
      • For Kids >
        • Coloring Pages
        • Zoo Patrol
        • Zoo Tots
      • Our Animals >
        • Eastern Rat Snake
      • Our Plants
      • Parents
      • Zoo Cams >
        • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
        • Indoor Red Panda Cam
        • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
        • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
        • Otter Cam
      • Zoo Etiquette
      • Zoo Map
    • Membership
    • Education
      • Zoo to You!
      • Digital Programs
      • Kids & Teens
      • Field Trips
      • Cool Blue Bridgeport
      • Educational Resources
    • Support
      • Animal Sponsorship
      • Appeal
      • Corporate Support
      • Donate
      • Events
      • Gift Guide
      • Honor & Remember
      • Monthly Giving
      • Naming Opportunities
      • Wish List
    • Birthdays, Private Events & Weddings
      • Birthdays
      • Private Events
      • Weddings
      • Rates and Details
    • Volunteer
      • Interns
    • Buy Tickets