FAQs

Question

Can we explore the zoo?

Answer

Nope, sorry. The zoo will be closed when we begin our reception. We will have golf carts to escort guests to and from the reception area. Of course, you will most likely see some animals on the way, and there just may be some animal surprises after dinner...

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please have your RSVP's in by January 10. We will need to get final numbers to the zoo staff for all of our vendors. If you don't RSVP, then you may not be allowed into the zoo. This is a private event for us, and the zoo staff will have a list of names to ensure no one that is not supposed to be there sneaks in.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code is typical wedding dress code. Cocktail or church attire, as long as you are comfortable! Animal prints are encouraged but not required.

Question

Whats the deal with the ceremony?

Answer

The Houston Zoo does not allow ceremonies on their property. Because of this, we have decided to do what Hermann Park refers to as an "impromptu ceremony". We will be at McGovern Lake, right outside of the zoo entrance, about 20 minutes before 6. We will do a quick ceremony, then make our way into the zoo for the party to begin! If the weather looks like it will be bad, we will do a small family only ceremony that morning.

Question

Is this indoors or outdoors?

Answer

For the most part, the reception is indoors. We have Twiga Cafe reserved. There is patio seating, and dancing will also take place in the Plaza outside of the cafe. We do have heaters on standby if its a little chilly that day!

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We have a block of rooms at the Courtyard Houston-West University. The rooms are reserved at $109 a night as long as you book by January 10. The hotel is a ten minute drive from the zoo. Link to get discounted rate: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1573746487699&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Question

What about food and drinks?

Answer

We will have a full dinner as well as a full bar, along with tea, water, and sodas. After dinner we will have cake and a coffee bar.

Question

Registry information?

Answer

Since we have lived together for quite some time, as well as built up quite the collection of things each on our own, we have decided to mostly forgo the traditional registry. If you would like to give us a gift, we have registered for our honeymoon, as well as some local experiences for us to have date nights.

Question

How long will the reception be?

Answer

We have the reception hall reserved from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Question

Parking?

Answer

Parking will be free and in the zoo parking lot. Since the zoo will be closed, there shouldn't be any issues finding a space.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We have very limited space and very large families, so we have a strict limit. If a dates name is not listed in the RSVP section, then they are not formally invited.

Question

I still have questions! Who should I ask?

Answer

Any more questions, feel free to email Ashlyn at ajones915@yahoo.com

Question

Information from the zoo

Answer

The zoo is under going construction near the entrance. Because of this, our wedding guests will not be using the main entrance of the zoo, but the entrance at Gate 8. This entrance is actually closer to the parking lot, along the fence that faces the parking lot. There will be a private event sign at that gate, as well as a sign at the main entrance to direct you to our entrance. This gate will open at 6 pm for guests. Also due to the construction, when guests leave the zoo at the end of the reception, we all have to take the golf carts out. There is minimal lighting, and we don't want anyone getting lost or hurt! Upon arrival, a zoo employee will direct all guests to Twiga Cafe where the reception is being held.

Question

Seating

Answer

We will have seating both indoors and outdoors. We have heaters outside but please bring a coat to be safe! The outside seating will be overlooking the giraffe enclosure.