Wedding Receptions
Perth wedding venue · Inside Perth Zoo
Perth’s only wedding venue set within the grounds of a world-class zoo.
The Maali sits within the grounds of Perth Zoo, a setting that turns a beautiful day into something genuinely unforgettable. Step into a sun-filled wedding venue surrounded by lush greenery, and celebrate with up to 500 guests in a space unlike anything else in Perth.
Four light-filled function rooms open onto private courtyards, garden lawns and an elevated wooden deck overlooking the Moringa tree. Guests drift between indoors and out, from sunset drinks to dinner and dancing.
Our dedicated events team manages every detail from first enquiry to final dance: menus, styling, logistics, and everything in between.
Ceremonies are held in the Perth Zoo grounds and coordinated by the zoo’s events team, so you can say “I do” on the lawns and walk across to The Maali for your reception.
Indoor & outdoor wedding reception spaces
If you’re planning an intimate dinner for 60 or a grand celebration for 500, The Maali has a space that works. Our indoor rooms offer climate-controlled comfort and warm, elegant interiors. Our outdoor areas open onto the lush natural surrounds of Perth Zoo, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, canapés on the lawn or starlit receptions.
For larger weddings, the Maali Room joins the Karak and Tamar Rooms, with space for a dance floor and bridal table. It seats up to 160 for a dinner dance, and a cocktail reception across the whole venue holds up to 500.
Hiring the Karak or Maali Room includes the Carousel Lawn, surrounded by lush gardens and in view of the historic Perth Zoo carousel, a lovely backdrop for photos.
Every configuration is possible. Our events team will walk you through exactly what suits your guest list and vision.
Planning a smaller celebration? Take a look at our private function rooms.
The Maali
Our largest space, for wedding receptions, gala dinners and conferences. Dinner dance for 160, banquet for 180 or cocktails for up to 500 across the whole venue.
Karak Room
A versatile mid-sized room for celebrations, conferences and networking events. Theatre style for 96, seated dining for 80 or cocktails for 200.
Tamar Room
Soft natural light for intimate dinners, seminars and training sessions. Theatre style for 48, seated dining for 60 or cocktails for 100.
Habitat Café & Deck
An open-air deck for sundowners, cocktail receptions and relaxed dinners. Cocktails for 150 or seated for 65.
Perth Zoo Spaces
Private and semi-private lawns within the zoo grounds for family days, picnics and after-hours cocktail events.
8 minutes from the city. Feels a world away.
The Maali is an 8-minute ferry ride from Elizabeth Quay, or groups can charter their own ferry along the Swan River. There’s parking directly across the road, and Quest South Perth Foreshore and The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments are within walking distance for guests staying the night.
A unique wedding venue in Perth
A natural setting that no function centre can replicate
Perth Zoo surrounds The Maali with a landscape that changes with the seasons. Ancient trees, native gardens, and the kind of light that makes every photo extraordinary. There’s no manufactured “outdoor feel” here. You’re genuinely in it.
The name Maali means ‘black swan’ in Noongar, honouring the land the venue stands on. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows and calm neutral tones keep the focus on the gardens outside.
Our outdoor spaces work beautifully for pre-dinner drinks on warm evenings, or for couples who want their entire reception under the open sky.
Find out why couples love our outdoor wedding receptions.
Food, Service & Planning
Every detail handled. Every dish considered.
Our culinary team builds menus around seasonal, locally sourced produce. We offer cocktails, canapes, formal plated dinners and more. Every package is tailored to your day.
Buffet and plant-based buffet menus are available too, with dishes marked vegetarian, vegan or low gluten. All chicken is RSPCA certified, and many ingredients come from the WWF Future 50 Foods list.
Learn more about our approach to sustainability.
A wedding coordinator helps you plan in the lead-up, and a function supervisor looks after every detail on the day.
CREATE A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER
Get in touch with us to plan your next celebration at The Maali
Your frequently asked & answered questions
Can The Maali host both my wedding ceremony and reception?
The Maali is a wedding reception venue. Ceremonies are held in the Perth Zoo grounds and coordinated by the zoo's events team, so you can say "I do" on the lawns and celebrate at The Maali without guests leaving the zoo.
How many guests can The Maali accommodate for a wedding reception?
Wedding receptions start from 25 adults and go up to 500 guests. The Tamar Room seats 60 for dinner, the Karak Room 80 and the Maali Room 160 with a dance floor, while cocktail receptions across the whole venue hold up to 500.
What's included in your wedding packages?
Packages include canapés or a plated menu, a five-hour standard beverage package, your wedding cake cut and served on platters, and dressed gift and cake tables. Linen, personalised menus and an easel are included, along with a wedding coordinator in the lead-up and a function supervisor on the day. Venue hire and security are charged separately.
How much does a wedding reception at The Maali cost?
Wedding packages are priced per person. Cocktail receptions start from $170 per person, and plated receptions from $185 per person for two courses or $200 for three. Venue hire and security are charged separately, so send your date and guest numbers through our enquiry form for a tailored quote.
What food can we serve at our reception?
Choose from canapés, a formal plated menu, a buffet or a plant-based buffet. Dishes are marked vegetarian, vegan or low gluten, and our catering team can help with allergies and other dietary needs.
Can I bring my own caterer or alcohol?
Catering at The Maali is provided exclusively by Restaurant Associates, the on-site caterers at Perth Zoo. No external catering or alcohol can be brought on-site. Our team will work with you to build a menu that suits your day.
Can we have music and dancing?
Yes. Dance floors, DJs and bands are set up indoors, and acoustic musicians are welcome outdoors on the Carousel Lawn.
Is there parking at The Maali?
Yes. The Richardson Reserve Car Park is directly across from the venue entrance on Labouchere Road, with all-day parking available from $9.50 and the first hour free. Additional paid parking is available at the Perth Zoo Car Park near the main zoo entrance. Free street parking is also within walking distance on Angelo Street and Richardson Street, subject to time restrictions shown on signage.
How do guests get to The Maali from the city?
Guests can catch the 8-minute ferry from Elizabeth Quay to Mends St Jetty, an 11-minute walk from the venue. Buses stop on Labouchere Road, and rideshare and taxis can use the accessible drop-off point beside our private roadside entrance.
Is The Maali wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue is on the ground floor, with a private roadside entrance next to an accessible drop-off point and an accessible bathroom inside.
Is there accommodation nearby?
Quest South Perth Foreshore and The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments are both within walking distance of The Maali.
Can our guests visit Perth Zoo on the day?
Yes. Discounted group zoo tickets are available with any event at The Maali, with zoo access between 9am and 5pm on the day. Let our team know when you enquire.
Can we visit The Maali before booking?
Yes. Site tours are by appointment only, so get in touch through the enquiry form to arrange a time to see the space.