🦒 A Wildly Romantic Wedding Venue: Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo
- Ian Bennett
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Looking for a wedding venue that’s both unique and unforgettable? Nestled within 128 acres of zoological gardens, Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo offers a once-in-a-lifetime setting for couples who want to tie the knot somewhere truly special. With stunning Grade II listed architecture, access to exotic animals, and the opportunity to support conservation efforts while celebrating your love, this venue is nothing short of extraordinary.
🌿 The Setting: Historic Charm Meets Wildlife Adventure
Originally the family home of George Mottershead—Chester Zoo’s founder—Oakfield Manor is steeped in character. Restored in 2018, it boasts beautiful wood paneling, large bay windows, and timeless Victorian elegance, all surrounded by the vibrant energy of one of the UK's most beloved zoos.
For couples wanting something more modern, Chester Zoo also offers The Square—a sleek, open-plan converted stable block with a rustic-industrial edge, vaulted rafters, and private courtyard space.
Whichever space you choose, you’ll enjoy exclusive use and a venue unlike any other.
🐘 Why Oakfield Manor Stands Out for Weddings
Exclusive Use: Say "I do" in total privacy with your closest friends and family.
Access to the Zoo: Guests can explore the zoo during room turnarounds—something they’ll never forget!
Conservation Impact: Your celebration directly supports Chester Zoo’s mission to prevent extinction.
Stunning Backdrops: From giraffes to tropical plants, your photo ops are second to none.
Superb Catering: Wedding guests rave about the food, with canapés like rare Angus beef crostini and main courses that surpass typical event fare.
Dedicated Team: Couples praise the event staff—especially planners like Frankie and Rachel—for their kindness, organisation, and ability to execute a flawless day.
💃 DJ Reviews of Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo
As a DJ who has worked events at Oakfield Manor, I can confidently say that while the venue has some quirks, it delivers a charming and professional experience overall.
The Good:
✅ No Sound Limiter – A huge bonus! DJs can play without worry of automatic volume cuts.
✅ Helpful Staff – Venue staff are friendly, flexible, and understand event flow.
✅ Solid Flooring – Permanent wooden dancefloors make for a solid, reliable performance space.
✅ Adequate Power Access – There are plenty of 13A sockets near setup areas.
The Bad:
⚠️ No In-House Lighting – DJs should bring their own effects for dancefloor lighting.
⚠️ Limited Setup Space – The DJ booth is usually in a corner or bay window, which can be tight for larger rigs.
⚠️ No Air Conditioning – On warm days, it can get toasty without ventilation.
⚠️ Haze/Smoke Prohibited – DJs using atmospheric effects will need to skip them here.
⚠️ No Stage or Dedicated Dancefloor Area – The layout is charming but doesn’t include a raised stage or typical club-style dancefloor.
Setup & Access:
🚗 Parking: Easy access via the delivery entrance—just inform security and they’ll escort you in.
🎛️ Access to Setup Area: A short walk over a patio and up a couple of steps. Manageable even with medium-size setups.
🔌 Power: Multiple sockets within easy reach.
Overall DJ Verdict:
While Oakfield Manor isn’t built like a nightclub, it makes up for it in atmosphere, charm, and guest experience. DJs with compact or mid-sized setups will find it easy to work here. Larger rigs can fit with a bit of planning. The crowd is often in high spirits thanks to the excitement of the day and the incredible surroundings. And let’s be honest—how many DJs get to say they performed at a zoo?
🦓 Guest Experience Like No Other
Guests are often invited to explore the zoo during quieter moments of the day. From wandering among lemurs to sipping champagne in sight of the elephants, there’s a joyful and adventurous tone to weddings here that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Multiple couples mentioned how thrilled their guests were to be able to walk through the zoo, with one describing it as “the best wedding they’d ever been to.”
💰 Pricing & Packages
Wedding packages range from £5,294 to £17,794, depending on the time of year, day of the week, and size of your celebration. This includes:
Venue hire
In-house catering (including canapés and a full wedding breakfast)
Access to the zoo
Exclusive use of The Oakfield or The Square
A wedding coordinator
Use of private rooms for preparations and guest mingling
You’ll also be supporting a registered charity—meaning your celebration helps fund wildlife conservation and animal care across the globe.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Where do we start? From sweeping views of the tropical Islands exhibit to charming shots on the veranda of Oakfield Manor, every corner of Chester Zoo offers something new. The natural light, lush greenery, and exotic animals make for one-of-a-kind wedding albums.
💍 Final Verdict
Oakfield Manor at Chester Zoo isn’t just a venue—it’s an experience. If you’re looking for a wedding day that balances elegance with uniqueness, tradition with a touch of wild, then this is your perfect match.
Whether you’re dancing under the Manor’s wooden beams or sneaking off for giraffe selfies, every moment at Chester Zoo feels unforgettable. And as a DJ, I’d return in a heartbeat—just maybe not with my biggest lighting rig!
⭐ DJ Rating: 4.5/5
⭐ Venue Rating: 5/5
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