Corporate and Special Events

Wedding Ceremony FAQs

Are wedding ceremonies allowed at the Chicago Botanic Garden?

Ceremonies may be held on the grounds only if the client is also hosting the wedding reception at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

At what times may ceremonies be held?

Evening events offer the following time frames:
5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.,
6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., or
6:30 p.m. – midnight.

Guests will be permitted into the space 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Are wedding ceremony rehearsals permitted?

Rehearsal space is not guaranteed and can not be reserved.

Are dressing rooms available to the bridal party?

Dressing rooms for the bride and/or groom have limited availability. When available, these spaces will be provided on a complimentary basis. If no dressing rooms are available, we suggest that the bride and/or groom change prior to arriving at the Garden.

Does the Chicago Botanic Garden provide catering?

To ensure the success of your event, we have selected an exclusive catering team, including kosher. Your facility rental coordinator can make arrangements with the caterer. For more information, please call our rental department at (847) 835-8370.

Is the photography permit included in the rental fee?

When hosting a wedding reception and ceremony at the Garden, a photography permit fee is included. Any area of the Garden may be used for photographs, but cannot be reserved. Garden staff will not be available to accompany the bridal party for photographs.

Is a wedding coordinator required at the Garden for the event?

We strongly advise that the client provide a wedding coordinator for the ceremony/reception (we will be happy to provide suggestions). The wedding coordinator must be present at the walk-through, rehearsal and ceremony/reception.

What are the set-up, teardown, and prop requirements at the Garden?

Set-up time for evening events vary depending on the start time of the event and should not interfere with regular Garden activities. Your Garden contact can confirm the set-up time. The client must arrange for all props used in the ceremony and reception to be removed immediately following the event. All props used in the event are subject to approval by the Garden staff.

In the case of inclement weather, what happens to an outdoor wedding?

An indoor or tented space is reserved as backup. The Garden's event coordinator will stay informed with the local weather information. A decision on whether to use the backup space will be made no later than 3:30 p.m. the day of the event.

Does the Garden require the use of specific vendors for floral and entertainment?

Any florist, band, or DJ is welcome to service your event at the Garden. Their contact information is to be provided to the Garden event coordinator at least 30 days prior to the event; they will be required to follow all rules regarding load-in and load-out at the Garden.

Is there a parking fee for event guests?

Parking fees are complimentary for guests of a private event.