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First images of Chester Zoo’s stunning new luxury wedding venue released

The Grade II-listed restored venue space is set to open in 2023.

Emily Sergeant - 3rd May 2023

The very first images of a brand-new luxury wedding venue opening its doors at Chester Zoo have finally been released.

After the UK’s largest charity zoo announced back in July 2022 that it would be venturing into the events scene with the opening of one of the North West‘s most unique wedding venues this year, the jaw-dropping first images of the luxury 200-capacity space, known as The Square, have officially been revealed to the public.

The Square is set to open following a three-year project to restore a Grade II-listed stable block, which has stood at the heart of the zoo since it opened in 1931.

The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals including lions, bears and chimpanzees – but now, the historic building offers a unique setting for weddings, with couples able to tie the knot surrounded by 27,000 animals.

When wedding bells aren’t ringing though, the venue can also be booked exclusively for meetings and corporate events.

Featuring a whole host of preserved original features that Chester Zoo says “tell the story of its remarkable history”, the building boasts an impressive gated entrance, a large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and large windows overlooking newly created gardens, while many of the patterns and textures used throughout draw inspiration from some of the endangered species the zoo is working to protect.

Conservationists say income generated by every occasion held at the new venue will contribute to the zoo’s charitable efforts to prevent extinction.

It’s also hoped the venue will go on to stage important global summits on wildlife conservation.

“There’s nothing else quite like this stunning new venue anywhere in the UK,” admitted Chester Zoo’s CEO Jamie Christon.

“It’s an incredible building that’s stood at the heart of the zoo for approaching a century and, through careful restoration, it’s now been brought to life to create a one-of-a-kind space which not only embodies the zoo’s rich history and character, but offers modern luxuries and comforts.

“And what’s more, who wouldn’t want to get married or have a company away day surrounded by 27,000 animals?

“Most importantly, each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission to prevent extinction, helping us to secure a brighter future for wildlife worldwide.

“That’s what makes our new venue incredibly special and we can’t wait to start welcoming people to it.”

The Square can accommodate 200 guests inside its main room, The Atrium, while three other reception and breakout rooms take the total capacity of the building to 380.

Each of the rooms can be used independently or in combination, giving the building the flexibility to be able to host any type of event, large or small.

Read more:

• Chester Zoo is opening a brand new wedding venue and there’s availability for 2023
• Immersive ‘out of water’ shark experience with life-sized models to make UK debut at Chester Zoo
• The beautiful Manchester building that’s like a year-round wedding fair

Find out more and enquire about booking on the Chester Zoo website here.

Featured Image – Chester Zoo