LOVE GONE WILD
When most people think of wedding venues, a zoo might not be the first location that comes to mind. But at Perth Zoo, love is truly in the air and nature is part of the magic. Just minutes from the heart of the city, Perth Zoo offers a unique blend of lush botanical gardens, exotic wildlife and a touch of wild romance that’s hard to find anywhere else. Western Australia Wedding & Bride’s Jessica Muller sits down with Nichole Shervington, the wedding coordinator at Perth Zoo, to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to tie the knot nestled among lush gardens and the ambient sounds of wildlife.
Perth Zoo offers guests an idyllic background and playful atmosphere for couples to say “I do.” Only an eight-minute drive from Perth’s CBD, and nestled in lush gardens, the Zoo is a peaceful yet vibrant picturesque setting for your special day. “As an alternative to traditional wedding venues, Perth Zoo is anything but ordinary,” Shervington says. “Couples can be as imaginative and adventurous as they like. From serene garden ceremonies to elegant receptions with a wild twist – like exclusive hire of the African Savannah – our versatile venue brings your vision to life.”
Arguably Perth’s most memorable wedding venue, Perth Zoo has a reputation for creating remarkable wedding memories, partnering with couples to make something truly special without compromising on style or quality. “We pride ourselves on creating a seamless and personalised experience with creative flexibility and a commitment to conservation. Your special day is guaranteed to be both magical and meaningful,” Shervington assures.
Special Spaces
The Zoo has a range of unique ceremony locations to choose room based on the size of your guest list and personal preferences. The Japanese Gardens is a peaceful oasis tucked within the Zoo featuring traditional landscaping, a koi pond and bamboo surrounds. It is ideal for smaller ceremonies, offering a serene, romantic atmosphere for couples seeking quiet elegance. The Oak Lawn is a spacious, open-air lawn framed by mature trees and vibrant greenery. “This versatile space embodies natural elegance, making it the perfect canvas for larger ceremonies that are both sophisticated and unforgettable,” Shervington describes. The Pavilion is a covered, semi-open structure that blends comfort with nature. It offers couples a refined space that embraces the outdoors while providing shelter and style, ideal for those seeking a harmonious balance between elegance and the elements.
Perth Zoo recently unveiled a new exceptional venue, the Maali, which offers a contemporary space for wedding receptions, nestled among Australian-inspired gardens and the ambient sounds of wildlife. “This stunning space, bathed in natural light, offers indoor and outdoor wedding reception spaces for hosting guests amongst our serene and calming environment. With exceptional service and cuisine to match, it is perfect for creating your dream celebration,” Shervington details.
The venues are conveniently located toward the front of the Zoo, away from habitats, to immerse the day in the natural atmosphere while ensuring there are no unnecessary long-distance walks for guests. “Each ceremony package includes the assistance of being escorted around the grounds via the iconic zebra car for less time spent walking around for the couple,” Shervington assures.
Natural Wonders, Styled
When it comes to styling, the team at Perth Zoo prioritises letting the natural landscape and setting lead the way. “We always encourage couples to work with the venue’s natural beauty as it offers an endlessly stunning backdrop,” Shervington says. “We recommend letting the venue’s iconic charm guide the vision for a beautiful celebration.” With a team of experts at your service, you’ll have help ensuring every detail is carefully curated for an unforgettable experience.
“Styling should enhance, not compete with the setting. Couples should choose tones and textures that complement the ceremony and reception location including colour palettes that suit natural and practical finishes for comfort and weather,” Shervington advises. “Our tip is to go with elevated style that plays to the strengths of the Zoo, yet is personal to the couple,” she adds.
More specifically, the team at Perth Zoo recommends using botanical greens, soft neutrals and natural textures to complement the lush surroundings. “Rather than leaning into animal motifs, we encourage drawing inspiration from the landscape by choosing natural textures like timber and stone, and botanical tones that echo the Zoo’s habitats. The result is a celebration that feels elegant, grounded and truly connected to its setting,” Shervington describes. “In a lush and unique setting like Perth Zoo, earthy tones work best – sage, taupe, ivory and terracotta. These shades blend beautifully with the natural surroundings and feel timeless,” she adds. For added depth, Shervington recommends muted jewel tones like emerald, dusty rose or navy, which offer richness without overpowering.
Some finishing touches to consider to elevate the aesthetic are festoon lights, which add warmth and romance, especially for outdoor evening receptions and ceremonies. “Wooden furniture, seagrass rugs and naïve florals will bring effortless foundation and let you build an elegant and personalised final look,” Shervington adds. “The Zoo’s natural beauty offers the perfect canvas for a range of elegant styling options. Couples are always surprising us with their creative touches.”
Two Lovebirds In Focus
“At Perth Zoo, nature is part of the magic,” Shervington says. “Couples can elegantly weave in the wildlife and their surrounds by reflecting the natural setting through textures and tones that echo the Zoo’s habitat.” But for couples wanting to take it a step further, there are some excellent photo opportunities for an iconic wedding album. “For a truly memorable touch, the giraffe tower photo opportunity offers stunning once-in a-lifetime moments, adding personality without feeling too cliché,” Shervington details. Couples can also head to the Zoo’s carousel, which is the perfect way for them to have some fun with the bridal party while retaining a timeless aesthetic.
So, if you’re ready to embrace your wild side and this magical setting for a wedding as wonderful as your love story, the team at Perth Zoo are ready to help. “We look forward to welcoming you and helping celebrate your momentous day in an unforgettable way,” Shervington concludes.
Images courtesy of Perth Zoo.