Minnesota Zoo Weddings

If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a wedding surrounded by nature, lush greenery, tropical warmth, and serene lake views, the Minnesota Zoo offers one of the most unique and surprisingly elegant venues in the Twin Cities.

As a photographer who’s documented countless celebrations across Minnesota, I love how the Zoo combines modern design, natural backdrops, and a sense of adventure that makes every photo feel alive. Whether you’re planning something timeless and classic or bold and unexpected, this venue truly transforms with your vision.

🦋 Why Couples Love Weddings at the Minnesota Zoo

The Zoo isn’t just for family trips. After hours, it becomes a stunning private event space. Here’s what makes it special:

• Tropical Warmth All Year: Say “I do” surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery inside the Tropics Trail, perfect for cozy, destination-style winter weddings.
• Lakeside Elegance: The Call of the Wild Room features massive windows overlooking the lake, ideal for a more classic, refined reception space.
• Sea-Inspired Modernity: Discovery Bay brings a sleek, ocean-themed atmosphere with glowing blue light and aquarium views for a contemporary twist.

Each space offers its own personality, and as your photographer, I help you bring that natural beauty into every frame, from golden light streaming through glass to moonlit portraits on the staircase.

💍 Minnesota Zoo Wedding Packages (Quick Overview)

• Tropics Ceremony + Call of the Wild Reception – From $2,950
  • Up to 150 guests for ceremony, 275 for reception
  • Food & beverage minimum: $3,000–$6,000
• Tropics Ceremony + Discovery Bay Reception – From $3,750
  • Up to 150 ceremony guests, 240 reception guests
  • Food & beverage minimum: $3,000–$6,000
• Discovery Bay Reception Only – From $2,200
  • Up to 240 guests
  • Food & beverage minimum: $3,000–$6,000

All catering and bar service are handled by Lancer Catering, offering full-service options and customizable menus.

🌿 Good to Know

• Catering: Exclusive to Lancer Catering (outside cakes allowed from licensed bakeries; $2/person cutting fee).
• Access: Events take place after hours, with access limited to your booked areas.
• Music: DJs and live bands (up to 8 members) welcome in the Call of the Wild Room; Tropics Trail is a quiet zone for the animals.
• Decor: Allowed with Zoo approval, all florals must come from licensed florists.
• Alcohol: Must be provided and served by Lancer Catering.
• Booking: Reserve early, popular dates go fast! A 50% deposit of the rental fee is due upon booking.

For full details or to schedule a tour, contact the Zoo’s event team directly:

📍 Minnesota Zoo, Weddings & Events
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
📞 (952) 431-9585 | ✉️ sales@mnzoo.org

📸 Photography at the Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo offers one of the most visually dynamic backdrops in the Twin Cities, from the glassy reflections in Discovery Bay to the jungle warmth of the Tropics Trail.

As a wedding photographer based in Minneapolis, I love capturing the play of natural light, textures, and emotion this space creates. Your images here don’t just look beautiful. tHey feel alive.

If your love story deserves a setting as unique as you are, let’s create something unforgettable together at the Minnesota Zoo.

Explore more of my wedding photography

If you’d like to see more things weddings hop on over to my full wedding portfolio.

Jackson Tyler Eddy is a Minneapolis wedding photographer with 17+ years behind the camera, hundreds of weddings photographed, and a place in The Knot Hall of Fame. His landscape work has been featured by National Geographic in its Daily Dozen, and that same artist's eye carries into every wedding he photographs. Available for weddings throughout Minnesota and destinations worldwide.

More about Jackson → See wedding collections →