Cosley Zoo’s newest exhibit: weddings

Beginning next year, Cosley Zoo will see at least two new kinds of animals roaming its facility: bride and groom.

The Wheaton Park District’s zoo is expanding its rental options from just children’s birthday parties to include weddings and other special events on its five-acre lot. Officials say it’s a way to generate revenue and keep up with costs of caring for and feeding the owls and llamas, among other animals and programs, that draw visitors.

“We call it the happiest place on earth. It’s our little Disneyland,” said Dan Novak, superintendent for special facilities for the park district. “We’re just trying to capitalize on the great facility we have and maximize its use.”

Already two couples have booked receptions for next spring – one after hours to celebrate privately among the zoo’s rabbits and cows, and one during the zoo’s operating hours, which will include a wedding ceremony at the facility’s small amphitheater, which seats about 40 and is traditionally used for children’s programs, said Tami Romejko, the zoo’s education supervisor who also oversees rentals.

To complement the facility rental, the park district is exploring vendor partnerships that can assist with meal catering and equipment rental, so couples who seek a zoo wedding can have their pick of fine linens and menu options, Romejko said.

Park officials hope the zoo, at 1356 N. Gary Ave., can be a destination not only for newlyweds but also, eventually, corporate or other formal events. The entire facility can be rented out for private use for $1,495 for three hours, but smaller and less costly options are available. The zoo’s duck pond pavilion, a picnic area near a small pond that can be reserved for $175 for two hours, according to its website. There’s also indoor classroom space and a large front lawn, among other amenities.

Kristina Nemetz, who organizes weddings at the park district’s Arrowhead Golf Club, said once marketing efforts pick up for using the zoo as wedding space, she expects interested couples to pour in.

A wedding planner for more than 10 years, Nemetz said in recent years some couples have shown interest in doing “something different,” like zoo nuptials.

“People are looking for a really unique space,” Nemetz said. “People want to move away from the banquet facility but they also want to be the only couple at a particular place.”

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