My close friend's wedding reception was at the Pittsburgh Zoo / Aquarium. As an event venue this location KILLED IT. It was probably the most fun I've ever had at a wedding venue!
We started out by taking a trolley from the front of the zoo back to the aquarium. Since it wasn't dark yet we were able to see some zoo animals on the trolley. Once we entered the aquarium we were greeted by staff holding animals for us to pet, which was really cool! The walk through the aquarium was a little like a haunted house... a friendly one with cool sea life and tables of drinks and appetizers. Outside of the maze was an awesome view of the tables and dance floor in an open cove.
The best part once I was in the main part of the reception was the STING RAY! You could reach out and pet them, right in the open area by the reception. Completely amazing. I was one of just two of three people at the wedding without a date, which kind of sucked... but it was all made better when I hung out with my new sting ray best pals all night!
The service was impeccable. In particular, the wedding party stayed late to help the bride and groom clean up and get ready to go, and by the time we were all done we'd missed the last trolley to the parking lot. Instead of having to do a long walk late at night in dressy clothes the staff took pity on us and brought an additional trolley. Thanks zoo employees for not making me have to haul my tired uncomfortable ass back through the zoo!