An interesting Facebook post inspired us to do some research to see if there were opportunities to help animals – by getting married! And man were we amazed at the unique opportunities for having a wedding that helps animals.

If you are an animal lover who really wants to do something unique to help animals – there are some opportunities for you to enjoy your wedding day with animals – while helping animals!

Also – be sure to checkout our ideas for other ways you can involve animal rescues in your wedding celebrations!

The facilities listed below are all verified as 501(c)(3) groups. We came across many other animal related wedding venues, but many seemed to be businesses and not legitimate charitable organizations so they were not included in this list.

LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS – ALPINE, CA

Learn more at Lions, Tigers & Bears Weddings

A no-kill, no-breed and no-sell animal rescue and educational facility that allows animals to live out their lives in a loving and caring environment. Located just outside Alpine, CA on the outskirts of the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County – it is a 93 acre refuge that includes black bears, leopards, lions, donkeys and more.

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SWEET FARM – HALF MOON BAY, CA

Learn more at Sweet Farm

Sweet Farm focuses on advocacy and awareness for farm animals and has a variety of animals in their care. From pigs to chicken and roosters to cows and more, they have a dedicated team that wants to make a difference. They host weddings with a maximum of 40 attendees under a tent in their beautiful outdoor fields.

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SEYMOUR MARINE DISCOVER CENTER – SANTA CRUZ, CA

Learn more at Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Seymour Marine Discovery Center is an education center – so not a full rescue as most of the others on this list, but because they do play a role in helping make the ocean world a better place we wanted to give them a shout out. Their weddings are a way to help grow their educational programs and help with ocean conservation! Weddings are held in their facility for up to 120 guests.

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TAMERLAINE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY – MONTAGUE, NJ

Learn more at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary

No information was offered on the website about weddings, but we did find images and comments about weddings that took place there, so we are confident they do them. You can see this Facebook post showcasing a beautifully simple table placement at a wedding. Tamerlaine is nestled in Northern NJ and almost 200 animals call this sanctuary home.

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CATSKILL ANIMAL SANCTUARY – SAUGERTIES, NY

Learn more at Catskill Animal Sanctuary Weddings

The Homestead sits atop the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and dates back to before the Civil War. The residence is completely renovated and is a beautiful location for your wedding. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is home to any where from 250-350 animals at one time, but they have touched the lives of over 4,000 since 2001! They encourage veganism and offer a variety of programs and educational events to bring awareness to helping animals live kinder lives.

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WOODSTOCK FARM SANCTUARY- HIGHFALLS, NY

Learn more at Woodstock Sanctuary

This 150 acre property is home to hundreds of rescue farmed animals! Woodstock Farm Sanctuary offers a variety of events that help educate people about veganism and act as educators and advocates on animal rights issues. The animals that reside here are life-long residents where they are treated with respect and can live out there days in a natural happy environment.

One of the coolest parts of  your wedding will be the included private sanctuary tour for you and your guests – can you imagine these wedding photos?

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INDRALOKA SANCTUARY – MEHOOPANY, PA

Learn more at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary

We could not locate any specific information on their website about their wedding offerings, but we did see some references to people who have had weddings there so we wanted to make sure to add it. You can see a Facebook gallery from a photographer who got some beautiful captures of a wedding that took place there.

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BAY BEACH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY – GREEN BAY, WI

Learn more at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Weddings

Roughly 700 acres of land that acts as a wildlife refuge that cares for an estimated 4,500 orphaned and injured animals every year. The location features ocean/water front views and the ability for guests to explore nature and enjoy the abundance of wildlife that resides there.

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 SPIRIT’S PROMISE HORSE RESCUE – RIVERHEAD, NY

Learn more at Spirit’s Promise Horse Rescue

Spirit’s Promise is a horse rescue and rehab facility that is a non-profit. It offers several programs to help rescue abused, neglected or unwanted horses. Founded in 2011, it is located on the east end of Long Island in NY and currently houses over 20 horses that are then given the opportunity to work as healers and therapy horses – essentially giving them a new life they love.

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ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGE OF IOWA – DES MOINES, IA

Learn more at Animal Rescue of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa offers a variety of animal welfare services to the residents of Iowa.These services include pet adoption, humane education, pet training, spay & neuter, animal cruelty intervention and more. The Animal Rescue League is dependent on individual and corporate contributions to care for its animals so having a wedding is a great fundraiser to help them continue their work.They offer several different venues both indoor and outdoor for events of all sizes.