Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Zoo

wri0543

I really want to have my reception at the Water's Edge at the Pittsburgh Zoo. I'm also on a smaller budget so I was wondering if anyone knows if the zoo also allows wedding ceremonies. I thought it would be cost efficient and easier on everyone if we were able to have the ceremony and reception at the zoo. Does anyone have any more information about the zoo beyond what they provide on their website? Has anyone had a ceremony and/or reception at the Pittsburgh Zoo and how was your experience? Thanks

pantherRN

They do not allow ceremonies. A few girls have had their reception at the Zoo, if they are around, they'll chime in.

wri0543

Any suggestions for places for the ceremony close to the zoo? I'm on a tighter budget and would prefer an outdoor wedding but open to anything really. I've just been so confused on this zoo ceremony idea. I didn't think they had ceremonies there but I've read reviews/comments that couples have had their wedding there.

LetsHikeToday

I had my reception at the zoo. They do not allow ceremonies though. However, Jaime told me a lot of girls have their ceremony outside at Mellon park (I think that is the park up the street from the zoo). You only have to pay the park and recreation fee of $25. The zoo prices online include food, space rental, all tables, chairs, linens, glasses, flatware, bartender fees, tip, taxes, and gratuity. There are no hidden costs which was really nice. Plus you can bring your own alcohol and that saves a lot of money.

Flowerstar1023

It's not the zoo, but the Aviary has that feeling but does allow ceremonies.

cgyvhu

ditto flower - the aviary is an affordable ceremony/reception option.  I also found Water's Edge to be too dark for a wedding reception, and didn't like how they would have to set up the food in the different hallways.  That said, I've seen good pictures from water's edge weddings:

http://randivossphotography.com/2010/06/lisa-and-mikes-wedding-at-the-waters-edge/

goldie602

I also looked into doing my wedding at the zoo, but found you cannot have your ceremony there.  And just to add to the aviary - I went there to check it out and the outdoor space is very nice for a ceremony/reception. however, i want an indoor reception and I didn't like the indoor area - and there was a bit of a smell (not extreme but enough..) from the animals, so i scratched it off my list. you can always go look without making an appointment if you are interested.

cas4atpitt

I had my reception at the Zoo in the main aquarium.  It was definitely a wonderful experience.  Let'sHikeToday pointed out a lot of the really nice things like that there was no hidden pricing....the per plate price was the price you paid and that it was nice to be able to bring your own alcohol.  I found all the people there very easy to work with.  They got back to me in a timely manner & answered all my questions.  They also did a great job during the actual reception...we had an issue where the beer we ordered didn't show up (Steel City Beer lost our paperwork) & they made sure we were aware of the issue as soon as we arrived at the reception so it could be handled accordingly. They even went as far to tap an emergency keg until we got the beer during dinner.  I would definitely recommend having your reception there....many guests have told us what a wonderful time they had & what an awesome venue it was.

As for the ceremony....we had ours in Oakland at the University Club. We had our ceremony inside but they do have a terrace where a ceremony can be held.  Mellon Park is also very close to the Zoo..it is right on 5th Ave in Shadyside. 

Hopefully this helps you w/your decision

teryan2321

We had our reception at he zoo and LOVED it. Any little bumps they took care of right away. All of our guests raved about the food. The don't have tastings, but the food was wonderful. I'd do it again.

rachiella

I had my wedding at Water's Edge. I think they did ceremonies in the past, but no longer allow it. It was a challenge to find a good ceremony site, but we were set on the zoo so we made it work. We ended up having a small ceremony at Phipps for immediate family only and then had the reception at the zoo.

They don't do tastings, but the food was amazing. Even the foodies in my family who eat at top restaurants raved. They took care of so much that it took a lot off of my plate.

Everyone at the zoo, especially Jamie and Bob, were so helpful. I couldn't find a thing to complain about.

It was dark, but we liked it that way. It was a challenge for photography, so don't go with an amateur.