Chester Zoo Disney Themed Zoo Wedding
CRACKING CHESTER ZOO WEDDING
Animal & Disney Theme
PLANNING A CHESTER ZOO WEDDING
Oakfield Chester Zoo wedding is such a cool novel day, bride and groom and guests can get to explore the zoo between the ceremony and wedding breakfast
For animal-loving couples, it’s the perfect way to say “I do” at the zoo
Our couple, so considerate to guests (and photographers!) with a well-planned timeline
Preps took place on-site – we even captured the girls arriving at the zoo with their hair done and ready for makeup
Plenty of time between the 12 Noon ceremony and the wedding breakfast at 4 pm, so nicely paced day for guests to enjoy exploring Chester Zoo
There was time to enjoy canapes after the ceremony, and have some group pics, and whilst the bride and groom had pics around the zoo guests were free to explore the zoo.
It was a bit of an overcast day but a perfect temperature for guys in suits! plus even light for photography
TIPS FOR YOUR CHESTER ZOO WEDDING
So for a relaxed day please consider your timeline when planning – our animal lovers definitely wanted plenty of time to go around part of the zoo
Chester Zoo is huge so prioritise the couple’s favourite animals – in this wedding Giraffes were top of the list.
Work out a route beforehand and take comfy shoes!
Keep on the good side of the coordinator and make sure to be back in time for the meal.
During preps, a delicious breakfast platter of fruit and croissants was delivered by the zoo – so good to see the girls enjoying and tucking in.
Carl’s pocket watch – a copy of one given to the American president
The New Orangery Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo
Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo has undergone a stunning transformation for weddings and events
A beautiful new orangery now graces the front aspect of Oakfileds. It’s modern and the skylight makes it light and airy for the reception space.
This new space means the gastropub can still function.
Plans for a marquee and event space n the near future will mean more options for weddings at the zoo – watch this space!
The ceremony room is now where the after-ceremony room used to be Wood panelled and with windows down one side it’s a warm cosy space for ceremonies
After the ceremony guests flow out through the original entrance door through the orangery to collect celebratory drinks and out to the patio beyond.
Groups on the lawn outside and then off to explore the zoo,
For wedding couples, the nearby Japanese gardens, Roman gardens, sunken gardens as well as animals provide multiple photo opportunities.
The lions have been re-housed so lion roars no longer interrupt ceremonies or speeches!
RECEPTION CHESTER ZOO WEDDING
The wedding cake fitted the Disney and Zoo theme perfectly with a Mickey and Mini mouse cake topper.
The elegant 3-tiered cake was decorated with flowers and cute giraffe, lion, and monkey figures at the base.
The tables were all zoo animals featured at Chester Zoo of course with the holder being Mickey mouse.
The table favours included a Mickey bottle opener and the quizzes were accompanied by a Chester Zoo pencil
Due to limitations on dancing for this wedding, the Bridesmaids organized a Mr and Mrs game.
Rather than using shoes, our couple personalised by using swim paddles – they had met at swimming at university
You can see the difference in the size of the swim paddles!
This was followed by a Disney Quiz
The story of their meeting in the speeches too was really amusing.
Bethan and Carl – thank you for organising such a wonderful wedding for yourselves, your guests, and us as photographers.
The day just flowed beautifully, it was the perfect day for you and we wish you much happiness, Dave & Sandy xx
To plan your Chester Zoo Wedding Find out more at: www.chesterzoo.org/weddings
Oakfields is a stunning Grade II listed building, at the heart of the zoo and where it all began. Check out the historic photos inside.
The surrounding 25 acres of award-winning zoological gardens and over 27,000 of the most amazing animals on earth make for amazing memories to be captured.
The new Orangery can accommodate up to 50 guests.
THE SQUARE CHESTER ZOO
UPDATE: Great news for those wishing for larger numbers at their Zoo wedding.
From spring 2023 Chester Zoo will have a new reception area using an extension of grade II listed stable block – once home to the Zoo’s first animals.
Called The Square it will have a large private courtyard and huge windows that overlook the Zoo’s botanical gardens.
The main event room is planned to have a 200 capacity and the reception and breakout rooms bring the total capacity of the building to 380.
For those into conservation, it’s good to know that profits from all events will help fund the Zoo’s conservation work to help prevent extinction around the world.
A Chester Zoo wedding is unique we love photographing here – find out about our Zoo Wedding Experience Photography Packages
Venue – Chester Zoo Oakfield
Dress – Cherish the Bride
Flowers – Holly Rose Florist
MUA – Jennifer Fletcher
Cake – Moon Bakery West Kirby
Photographer – Pixsmiths Creative Photography
Video – Kevin Joseph Films