FAQs
Question
A wedding at a zoo?!
Answer
Yep! The Cleveland Zoo has a beautiful event space built to perfectly accommodate a wedding. Which is great for us, because we're animal lovers of course! While it is at the zoo, you can definitely expect a full out wedding complete with elegant florals, sappy speeches, abundant love, a big ol' dance party, and great food. Amenities: Changing Rooms, Decorative Fountain, Drinking Fountain, Patio, Fireplace, Restrooms
Question
What date should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP as soon as possible and no later than June 27th.
Question
Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail my RSVP?
Answer
Please use this website to submit your RSVP online. We want to make sure we get your food order and guest count correct :) If you have any trouble, feel free to reach out.
Question
Will I have to walk a ton?
Answer
No more than you might at any other wedding, I promise. The zoo requires our guests to be shuttled in and out of the park so no need to anticipate walking up the big hill (if you know, you know). The ceremony and cocktail hour will be held outside immediately adjacent to the reception venue. The reception will be indoors (with access to an outdoor patio) with air conditioner and plenty of space for mingling, dancing, and an entrance vestibule if you or your little one need a little extra space away.
Question
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
A little bit of both. The ceremony is outdoors under a shaded pavilion. The cocktail hour is held at the pavilions, but has lots of sunny open space to hang out in. The reception is indoors.
Question
Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel?
Answer
There will be a shuttle to and from the hotel (https://www.theschofieldhotel.com/). It will be available to board at 4:30pm and will leave the hotel promptly at 4:45pm. It will run from the zoo back to the hotel at 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm.
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
"Colorful Cocktail": Wear summery colors, floral prints, suits in lighter hues, etc. We're going for light and breezy, but also take the opportunity to dress up a little :) We kindly request that black dresses be avoided.
Question
What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30pm. (But you said 5 on the invite?!) We encourage all guests to arrive with plenty of time to take the shuttle from the parking lot to the ceremony space. Note that the zoo will be closed to general visitors at the time of the ceremony and you will not be allowed entry without taking the shuttle.
Question
Cecily's mom told me there's going to be asian lanterns? What?
Answer
Our wedding coincides (on purpose) with one of Cleveland's most charming events, The Asian Lantern Festival. You may be thinking of actual lanterns, but prepare to be blown away by the ingenuity of the light installations all around the zoo. While we are SO excited to have this gorgeous backdrop to our wedding, we do want to encourage you to make time to visit the festival on a different night. Guests are politely discouraged to leave the private venue area and highly encouraged to enjoy the lights on display surrounding the venue from the comfort of our fabulous party.
Question
How do I get from the hotel (or downtown) to the zoo?
Answer
We have contracted a shuttle bus to take guests staying at the hotel or near the hotel to and from the zoo. The shuttle leaves the hotel at 4:45pm and will make two loops if absolutely necessary depending on number of people who need to take it (please don't count on a second loop though!). It will be available to take from the zoo back to the hotel at 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm.