
Lion Steals The Spotlight At Unique Florida Wedding
A lion photobombed a January wedding at the Brevard Zoo's new lion enclosure, stealing some attention away from the bride.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A couple who exchanged vows at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida this year received an unforgettable photobomb from one of the zoo’s lions. The wedding took place on Jan. 19 inside the zoo’s brand-new lion enclosure. The bride, Tara, manages event operations at the Brevard Zoo and chose the unique setting for her ceremony with Tommy.

The photographers, Nick and Lauren of Nick and Lauren Photography, shared the wedding photos with First Coast News on Tuesday. Lauren wrote on Instagram, "Focusing on nontraditional weddings has been such a fun experience that Nick and I have gotten to share throughout our career." It’s clear that the charm of unique settings really resonates, especially with the personal connection she has with the couple.
According to an article on PEOPLE.com, the zoo’s lions stayed nearby during the entire ceremony. One lion in particular, Ruaha—one of three brothers in the enclosure—made his way into several photos, stealing the show. “It was really cool because when she was walking down, everyone was supposed to look at the bride, no one was looking at the bride,” Tommy told PEOPLE. “They were all looking at the lions because they were tracking her, and they are big kitty cats.” He added that despite the distraction, he kept his eyes on Tara.

As for the bride’s reaction? Tommy told PEOPLE she “absolutely, absolutely loved it.” The Brevard Zoo joined in on the fun, posting one of the wedding photos on Instagram with the caption: “We heard lions make the cutest wedding crashers.”
This event underscores how nature can interweave with personal milestones in surprising ways, creating memories that couples will cherish forever. The Brevard Zoo also invites guests to explore unique wedding options, making it a standout location in Florida for such special occasions.
What do you think about having a lion photobomb your wedding? Would you embrace the distraction or prefer a more traditional backdrop? We invite you to share your thoughts below!