Did You Know You Can Get Married at a Zoo?

I don't know about you, but it feels like everyone I know got engaged over the holidays! Now that 2022 has begun, a lot of those engaged couples are beginning to plan their weddings, and, most importantly, choose their wedding venues.

There is no shortage of impressive wedding venues here in Iowa, but as far as I can tell, there is only one that includes exotic animals. Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines invites couples to "Say I Do at the Zoo," with several different event spaces and wedding packages. The website reads:

"Allow guests the chance to walk through the rainforest as they make their way to your ceremony location. Invite turtles, baby alligators, rabbits and other furry creatures to entertain your friends and family during cocktail hour. You even have the option to extend the hours of the exhibits, exclusively for your guests."

Blank Park Zoo is able to host anywhere from 30 to 300 guests at their various event spaces, and has overwhelmingly positive reviews from brides. The popular wedding website The Knot gives it 4.7 out of 5 stars based on input from couples that got married there, and ranks it as "affordable." Plus, all of the photos featured on the site look INCREDIBLE. Some include the happy couples with backdrops featuring giraffes, lions, seals, the aquarium, the carousel, and the train. You can check them out HERE.

Other unique and popular wedding venues in Iowa include the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines, the Celebration Farm in Iowa City, West End Architectural Salvage in Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher.

What wedding venue here in Iowa is your absolute favorite? Let us know in the comments!