Venue

About The Square

The Square is Chester Zoo's dedicated events venue, housed in the zoo's original Grade II listed stable block — a building that's stood at the heart of the zoo since it first opened in 1931. It was restored over three years and reopened in 2023, blending exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and original architectural features with a modern finish.

The ceremony is planned for the private courtyard, accessed through the original gated entrance — a beautiful outdoor setting, weather permitting. The reception takes place in The Atrium, with exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and large feature windows overlooking the garden.

If the weather has other ideas, the ceremony will move inside — it looks just as good either way.

Getting Here

Follow the brown tourist signs from M56 Junction 14 or M53 Junction 12.

Please use sat nav postcode CH2 1LH — this will take you to the Caughall Road entrance.

Free parking is available on-site.

Accessibility

The venue and zoo grounds are fully accessible, with step-free access and accessible facilities throughout.

Chester Zoo also offers free wheelchair and electric scooter hire (subject to a refundable deposit). If you or anyone in your party would benefit from this, just let us know and we can help arrange it in advance.

Accommodation

The zoo is only about 10 minutes from Chester city centre, so there are plenty of options if you'd like to make a night of it.

The Reserve at Chester Zoo — lodge accommodation right in the heart of the zoo. There are a range of options available, and wedding guests can access a discount. If you're interested, just get in touch and we'll sort it out.

— Near the zoo —

Premier Inn Chester Central North — about 5 minutes' drive from the zoo, with free parking.

Travelodge Chester Warrington Road — about 10 minutes' drive, just off the A56.

— Further afield —

There are plenty of Premier Inn and Travelodge options in Warrington, Liverpool, and Manchester if you'd prefer to stay closer to home.

Airbnb is also a great shout — Chester has lots of well-reviewed apartments and cottages in and around the city centre.

Getting Home

It'll be a late one on a Friday night, so just be mindful of your journey home. The zoo is only 10 minutes from Chester city centre, so Uber and Free Now are both good options if you're not driving.

For anyone taking the train, the last services from Chester station tend to leave around 11:30 pm — worth checking the timetable for your route closer to the day.

Here are some rough drive times to help you plan ahead.

Approximate drive times