The Toledo Zoo

We loved having our wedding and rehearsal dinner at the zoo. We wanted something different than the average wedding venue. We did our rehearsal dinner in the polar bear exhibit and it was a really neat experience. I would recommend to someone even if they want to use the zoo just for a rehearsal dinner. Our ceremony was in the theater (rainy weather) and our reception was in the Great Hall. There are a few different buildings that you can choose from based on what you like and amount of guests which I think is awesome. We loved the Great Hall though and it looks beautiful decorated. The food at our reception was excellent and they saved a plate of appetizers for us from cocktail hour. We got to go to a tasting day and bring 2 guests to help us pick out our choices. They had lots of options to choose from and it was a lot of fun. We also chose to use Timberline Bakery, at the zoo, for our wedding cake and our cookie favors. Made things very simple and they did a great job. Everything tasted great. Working with Colleen, the sales manager, was wonderful. She is very professional but a lot of fun to work with. She tries to make your wedding planning as painless as possible. We enjoyed the time we spent with her. She tried to take care of and address any minor issues/blips that came up in a timely manner and made sure we were happy. She was very quick to respond to any questions that we had (we had a lot!). It was very rainy on our wedding day and we opted to do the rainy day plan and have our ceremony inside the theatre. I think it's such a great part of their contract that they have this option! Jennifer, our day of coordinator was fabulous. Any issues that came up she was wonderful and took care of them and made me feel at ease like when the question of the bad weather came up and I was trying to decide on inside/outside. She even carried my dress train for me as my husband I were walking through taking our photos outside and it was getting dirty. I can't say enough nice things about her. She was always available and making sure everything ran smoothly. She went above and beyond! Thanks Colleen and Jennifer! I would recommend the zoo to anyone looking for a fabulous venue in the Toledo area!

I was looking for a venue that could hold both the ceremony and reception. I met with Colleen at the Toledo Zoo and immediatly decided this was the place. She is not only great at her job, it's obvious she loves doing it. She was enthusiatic, provided immediate feedback, and kept on top of everything the entire process. Her staff, along with the catering staff really put their heart into making my day sepcial. It rained on my wedding day, yet never once did I worry about my guests comfort as the zoo provided such dedication to my event there was nothing left for me to worry about....trust me future brides, this kind of service is priceless! Also, Kristin who is in charge of the wedding cakes is awesome!! The cake was exactly how I dreamed it to be and my family still talks about my cake to this day! It's obvious she too loves her job! These people really have wedding/event planning down pat. Kuddos to the TOledo Zoo!

Colleen Rocked ! The zoo made my husband and I very happy everything I or he asked for was done ! Everyone loved the food and the way we where treated!

The moment we saw the Formal Gardens at the Toledo Zoo we knew we had found the perfect place for our wedding. We loved that we were able to have the wedding and reception all in one place. The venue was unique yet still beautiful. The Toledo Zoo was able to cater the wedding and the Timberline Bakery provided the cup cakes. The food was delicious and the service was incredible. Every step of the planning process was smooth and the staff at the Toledo Zoo was organized and energetic. They were helpful and kind. The staff went above and beyond in every aspect of our big day, including making sure my aunt had a special dinner plate delivered to her seat at the reception because she has severe food allergies. We researched several venues and honestly believe the Toledo Zoo was the best experience and value for our money. Our wedding day was stress free and we enjoyed every minute!!

The Toledo Zoo wedding was the most beautiful wedding I've ever seen! My ceremony was in the Formal Gardens, we were in a secluded area surrounded by trees, bushes, flowers, grass! Everything was in bloom providing the most gorgeous and lush ceremony site ever! We had our reception in The Lodge, and oh my gosh it was perfect. The zoo staff were so helpful and did all the work for me. They helped me with every detail and made the event wonderful. Their chefs made the MOST AMAZING food. Included in the buffet style was 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 veggies and 2 starches. They let me change to 3 veggies and 1 starch with no problems. Colleen Dandar was my contact at the zoo, and she was too amazing! She was quick to answer any and all questions, and her motto was: You're the bride! During the event, Jamie Anaya kept everything on track, before the wedding, she called all my vendors to coordinate arrival times and make sure they knew how to get into the back gate with their gear. She took all the worry off my shoulders and got everything done! Both Colleen and Jamie clearly love their jobs, and are very good at them. The best thing I did was have my wedding at the zoo. All my guests said this was the most beautiful, and most fun wedding they've ever been too, including their own weddings.

The Toledo Zoo was an AMAZING venue for our daughter's wedding reception. She and her husband were looking for a location that would allow them to have an "indoor/outdoor" experience - the Zoo was the right place! Our guests enjoyed a wonderful cocktail hour on the overlook in the African Savanna watching the animals in their environment. They were then treated to a fabulous meal and night of dancing in the Nairobi Pavilion. Guests were able to enjoy the festivities inside the pavilion or step outside for some fresh air. It was a wonderful evening and we received many compliments on the unique experience and exceptional service. The zoo staff went out of their way to entertain and educate our guests as they took them to/from the parking lot in the golf carts. Several children signed up for classes at the Zoo as a result of the interest created by the staff!

The Toledo Zoo is the perfect place to get married, we loved it. They are great there and are there for your every need!

Having my Wedding at the Toledo Zoo was so different and unusual. Everything was great. The food was excellent. There could have been heat lamps - many people were cold and better lighting for the cake table but other than that - FABULOUS!