Dartmoor Zoo, near Plymouth on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, is one of Devon’s most unusual wedding venues.
Set in 33 acres of woodland and gardens, the zoo is home to an amazing collection of animals, so your wedding day comes with rather more exciting surroundings than most.
Natalie and Gary’s wedding
I had the pleasure of conducting a wedding at Dartmoor Zoo for Natalie and Gary. As I unloaded my sound equipment into the Goodamoor House Ceremony Room, I could hear the majestic roar of a nearby lion – not something I’m particularly used to!
This was the perfect location for Natalie and Gary – not only had they spent many happy family times there, they had a veritable menagerie of animals at home. I was even introduced to their pet tortoise during our initial meeting!
Goodamoor House is a lovely intimate setting, with an original wooden floor and fireplace, and space for up to 50 seated guests. It’s right in the heart of the zoo, surrounded by greenery and animal enclosures.
For larger celebrations, there are options including the Jaguar Restaurant, the Jaguar Suite and summer marquees surrounded by the zoo’s greenery and animal enclosures. The Jaguar Restaurant can accommodate larger receptions and has views towards Dartmoor and the African paddock.
And then there’s the part that makes a wedding at Dartmoor Zoo really different…
Wildlife, Dartmoor and a wedding with a difference
One of the great things about Dartmoor Zoo is that you get both the wildlife and the Devon countryside.
You’re surrounded by woodland and gardens, with views across Dartmoor, while the zoo’s animals provide a backdrop that makes the whole experience feel more like an adventure than a conventional wedding day.
It’s particularly well suited to couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, memorable and a little bit different.
And if you’ve always thought that a traditional wedding venue looked a bit…well… traditional, this could be the place for you.
Dartmoor Zoo is at Sparkwell, near Plymouth, making it an option for couples looking for a distinctive wedding venue in Devon, particularly if you’re drawn to the Dartmoor and South Devon area.
If you’re considering Dartmoor Zoo for your wedding, it’s worth arranging a visit and seeing the spaces, the surroundings and, of course, the animals for yourself.
