Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere sits on the historic Grassmere property in South Nashville, a former farm dating to 1810 that the Zoo has managed since 1996. The grounds combine wildlife habitats with the restored Grassmere Historic Home and Historic Farm, giving events a backdrop that mixes exotic animals with genuine Nashville history. The Zoo hosts private events after closing hours as well as daytime gatherings, with venues ranging from the covered, tented Jungle Terrace Pavilion to intimate animal-adjacent spots like Botswana Overlook, Expedition Peru, and Flamingo Lagoon. Couples can also hold micro-weddings and rehearsal dinners on the lawn at the Grassmere Historic Home, with its 1810 farmhouse as a backdrop. Taste of the Wild Catering serves as the Zoo's exclusive on-site caterer, offering customizable menus for weddings, corporate picnics, and receptions, and add-ons like animal meet-and-greets and carousel rides give hosts ways to build the wildlife setting directly into their event.