Get married at the zoo? You can in Gulf Shores

By KARA MAUTZ
Reporter
kara@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 6/21/23

As we approach peak wedding season, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is offering a unique option for couples looking to take a walk on the wild side. The zoo hosts weddings at Savannah Manor, which offers the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Get married at the zoo? You can in Gulf Shores

Posted

As we approach peak wedding season, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is offering a unique option for couples looking to take a walk on the wild side.

The zoo hosts weddings at Savannah Manor, which offers the opportunity to have animal ambassadors visit with guests during the celebration.

"It's up to the guests when they want the animals to visit. There are 45 minutes allotted, and guests can choose from ambassador packages or giraffe feedings," Public Relations and Social Media Manager Marcale Sisk said. "They can choose from the small mammals, birds, reptiles or our celebrity animals. Those would be any of the named animals, which are usually fan favorites."

Weddings are booked year-round, and Sisk said there are several packages to choose from Prices start at $1,500 and can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Sisk said the ambassador animal package ranges from $250-350, while the giraffe feeding package is $500. For guests who are looking for an exotic touch but don't want wildlife attending the ceremony, there is also an option to do a wedding photoshoot with the animals instead.

According to zoo's website, the photo package is $750 and includes a two-hour photoshoot with two animal ambassadors. Sisk said that the while the venue generally books six months to a year out, the zoo can accommodate a wedding party less than two weeks in advance if the date is available.

"We offer wedding tours. If people want to come and visit the location before booking, they can tour and we can answer any questions they may have," Sisk said. "Most of our weddings are booked after hours, so the zoo is usually closed to the public."

Sisk said that while the wedding party is not permitted access to the entire grounds, there is an option to add unlimited zoo access, which includes the zipline, safari cars and carousal.

"It's not every day that you can have giraffes attend your wedding," Sisk said. "Many people don't realize that you can have your wedding here, but we offer a truly unique experiences with features that you can't get anywhere else."