Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Choosing the right location for your event is one of the most important decisions to make. Celebrate your special event at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in one of three unique spaces, including a Victorian Greenhouse, wooded log cabin or large Carousel Building with an indoor working carousel. Centrally located between Greenwich and New Haven, we can accommodate parties up to 200 people.

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 a Victorian Greenhouse, wooded log cabin with fireplace 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.  Visit www.beardsleyzoo.org to choose which one of our spectacular venues is right for you!

Give your guests a reception they will "howl" about...Book today!

Frequently asked questions:

How many people can each venue accommodate?  Do you have any photos I can view?

Visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/parties-rentals/corporate-events.asp) to view information on capacity for our buildings and pictures of other events held in them. 

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.  Visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/parties-rentals/rates-details.asp to see our rates.

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.

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.  Our preferred vendor list is located at www.beardsleyzoo.org/parties-rentals/preferred-caterers.asp. 

Do I need to choose one of the Zoo’s preferred caterers?

You do not need to work only with these caterers.  If you have a caterer that you would like to use that is not on this list, we will work with them to make sure they are comfortable with the Zoo’s requirements.  We provide this list as a convenience to you.

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.

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.

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 wedding are especially beautiful in our outdoor areas.  Your guests will have full access to visit the Zoo during your event.

How do I book a tour of the property?

Tours of the venues are done by appointment.  Call our Special Events Department at 203-332-4243 to book a day/time.

Can I have an animal at the wedding?

Our Education Department may be able to provide an animal for viewing and discussion.  Guests will not be able to touch the animal.  Additional charges will apply.

For more information or to make reservations, please e-mail lmott@beardsleyzoo.org or contact our Special Events Department at (203) 332-4243.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a Green Vendor

Connecticut's Beardley Zoo is a green vendor for several reasons! Being focused on conservation as one of our core commitments means we recycle and reduce all we can within our business. We educate the public on green initiatives and things that they can do in their homes to help protect the greater environment that our animals come from. We also participate in many conservation research projects throughout the year focused on keeping Connecticut Green!