Ceremonies

Matthew Schmidt Garden 

Your guests will enjoy the stunning atmosphere in the Matthew Schmidt Garden. Surrounded by native trees, magnolias, blooming shrubs and wildflowers, this site features a breathtakingly beautiful 130 foot living wall and the Wangerin Pavilion, a contemporary backdrop structure. Peak bloom for the Matthew Schmidt Garden is May through October.

Capacity: Approximately 250 seated (150 chairs included). Matthew Schmidt Garden can be tented.

Cowles Terrace

Situated in the Schneider Family Grand Garden, the Cowles Terrace is an impressive setting for a ceremony. Native trees, grasses and wildflowers envelop this new garden venue. The Cowles Terrace features a grand staircase and access to the Billie Kress Amphitheater stage. Peak bloom for the Cowles Terrace is May through October.

Capacity: Approximately 300 seated (150 chairs provided with rental). Cowles Terrace can be tented.

Kress Oval Garden

There’s no question why the Kress Oval Garden is the most popular ceremony site at the Garden. This contemporary rose garden is enveloped with vibrant perennials and a lush green lawn. It’s surrounded by two brilliant white arbors, a peaceful water fountain and an exquisite Grecian Gazebo: the Stumpf Belvedere. The beauty of this garden is on display May through October but is especially stunning throughout its peak bloom from June through August.

Capacity: Approximately 250 seated (150 chairs included). Kress Oval Garden can be tented.

Johnson Woodland Garden

With its rustic and intimate atmosphere including a dry creek bed and flagstone staircase,  Johnson Woodland Garden is a great alternative to the more formal gardens. Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers surround a bluegrass lawn, making it the perfect setting for a timeless wedding ceremony. Peak bloom takes place in early May, but the Johnson Woodland Garden also flourishes May through October.

Capacity: Approximately 230 seated (150 chairs included). Johnson Woodland Garden can be tented.

Kaftan Lusthaus

Perfect for spring, summer or fall, the Kaftan Lusthaus is an exquisite gazebo with a Scandinavian design. It features an elegant entrance, impressive hand-painted rosemaling and charming chandeliers. A ceremony at the Kaftan Lusthaus would be surrounded by the beauty of the formal gardens.

Capacity: Approximately 50 seated.

Stumpf Belvedere

Modeled after an early Grecian Gazebo, the Stumpf Belvedere is a gorgeous site for an intimate ceremony. What makes this structure distinctive are the shapes of stars, clouds, and the moon cut from its iron crown. These shapes create a beautiful and unique way to view the sky and the rest of the Garden.

Capacity: Maximum of 10 standing.

There is no access to electricity or dressing area available with rental of the Stumpf Belvedere.

Amenities

All site rentals include the following:

• Two hour site reservation for ceremony.
• Endless photo opportunities. Photography permit applies.
• Bridal dressing suite fully equipped with a private restroom, full length 3-way mirror, clothing racks and vanity. Reserved one hour prior to ceremony.
• Admission for your guests the day of your event during Garden hours.
• Chairs for your guests based on site selection.
• Access to electricity for music and lighting needs. Electrical cords not included.
• Access to the site for a 45 minute rehearsal within three days prior to ceremony. Reservation required.
• Dedicated Garden Event Host on-site during your event.
• Complimentary directional signs for your guests from the guest services desk to your event.
• Convenient free parking.

Contact Us

Garden tours by appointment only. For rental rates, availability or to set an appointment to see the venues at the Garden, please complete our request form.

Receptions

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

For an elegant indoor reception, Cornerstone Foundation Hall is the perfect space. It features stunning high-ceilings with organic tones that complement the exposed wood beams and large windows overlooking the scenic Garden. Guests may spill out into the adjacent K.C. Stock Foundation Lobby or onto the Roger C. Simurdiak Patio featuring Jan Wos Garden as music and laughter waft throughout the Garden.

Capacity: Maximum of 200 plated or family style and 150 buffet style.

Amenities

Cornerstone Foundation Hall includes the following amenities:

• Site reservation for evening reception (10 am-11:30 pm). Daytime reservations available by request.
• Endless photo opportunities. Photography permit applies.
• Admission for your guests the day of your event during Garden hours.
• 72” round tables and beautiful banquet chairs for your guests.
• A wireless microphone and slideshow packages are available by request.
• Dedicated Garden Event Host on-site during your event.
• Complimentary directional signs for your guests from the guest services desk to your event.
• Convenient free parking.

The Garden does not have an area for the storage of personal belongings or rental equipment. All deliveries of supplies or equipment must be made the same day of the event with advance notice of time of delivery.

Cowles Terrace

For an elegant outdoor reception, the Cowles Terrace is the perfect setting. Amongst the blooms and beneath the stars, you’ll be surrounded by your loved ones under an enchantingly lit tent. Guests can dance the night away on the Billie Kress Amphitheater stage or spill out into the adjacent WPS Foundation Plaza or Schneider Classroom with cocktails in-hand. Explore the adjacent magnolia collection and bask in the ambiance of this brand new garden venue.

Capacity: 175 guests for a plated or family style meal and up to 150 for a buffet. Possible options for higher guest counts; must be discussed with event planner.

Amenities

Cowles Terrace includes:

• Site reservation for evening reception (10 am-10:30 pm). This includes any setup you or your vendors have for your event. Entertainment must end by 10 pm to comply with city noise ordinance.
• Permeable surface to accommodate a 40×80 tent for reception.
• Access to additional event space including – Billie Kress Amphitheater, WPS Foundation Plaza and Schneider Classroom.
• Private restrooms and catering kitchen in close proximity to reception site (part of Schneider Classroom).
• Endless photo opportunities. Photography permit applies.
• Admission for your guests the day of your event.
• Dedicated Garden Event Host on-site during your event.
• Complimentary directional signs for your guests to your event.
• Handicap accessible.
• Convenient free parking.

Contact Us

Garden tours by appointment only. For rental rates, availability or to set an appointment to see the venues at the Garden, please complete our request form.

Photography Sessions & Policies

We encourage visitors to take photographs or shoot videos for their personal use and enjoyment! The photography guidelines outlined below are intended for all guests. However, a permit is necessary for those who wish to use the Garden’s setting as the background for posed photography or commercial videos. This includes wedding, family, engagement, senior photos, maternity, quinceañera or the like and all other commercial photography/videography.

Photography Guidelines

We ask that you follow a few guidelines that will allow us to maintain the Garden for all visitors and future patrons.

• At no time may anything be attached to any walls or structures and/or in the Garden. For safety reasons, no wires, ropes, strings, cords, ribbons, signs or poles can be strung from plants, stakes, trees, nor laid on the ground. Do not hang clothes, backdrops or other props on plants and trees.
• Because of the nature of the facilities, no birdseed, rice, flower petals, glitter or confetti of any sort may be used or thrown anywhere on or near the Garden’s facilities.
• Decorations or props may not be placed at the Garden in advance of the reserved time and must be removed as soon as the photography session is finished.
• Do not pick the flowers or rearrange plant foliage for any purpose. Do not remove plant labels for any reason.
• Do not block the pathways, especially when photographing groups. Stay on the designated pathways and grass areas at all times, keeping equipment and people out of flower beds and the fountain.
• Clients need to arrive camera-ready, or make arrangements with the Sales Team to rent the dressing area. Restrooms may not be used for dressing rooms.
• Due to the Garden’s close proximity to Austin Straubel Airport, additional precautions must be taken if flying a drone on Green Bay Botanical Garden’s premises. It is your responsibility to notify the Austin Straubel Airport, Air Traffic Control Tower before flying a drone. Please contact the Air Traffic Control Tower at 920.431.5751 before flying and let them know your name, your phone number and location of flight (Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, 54303). You must also include how long the drone will be in the air.

Garden Policies

We ask that you comply with our Garden policies to ensure a safe, enjoyable visit for all guests. Visitors who do not comply with these policies may be asked to leave the Garden.

General Information

Use of the Garden for photography is open to the public during regular Garden hours. Posed photography is not allowed after hours, on days the Garden is closed, or during specific special events. The Garden is a public facility and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Areas in the Garden cannot be reserved for the exclusive use of any group.

Wedding & Group Photography

For just $100 you receive admission for up to 25 people and a two hour block of time to take photos.

Reservations

• Reservations are not required for posed photography sessions such as family portraits, engagement photos, senior photos, maternity, quinceañera or the like.
• Reservations are required for wedding photo sessions and group (15 people or more) photo sessions and must be made at least two weeks prior to your wedding day.

Permits

A photography permit covers the photographer or videographer’s admission into the Garden, as well as, one assistant photographer/videographer. At each visit, all photographer or videographer’s guests (clients) are subject to general admission.

• Annual Photography Membership – $75 (valid one year from date of purchase, includes Family Membership)
• One Day Permits – $30 (valid one day only during Garden hours)

Annual Photography Memberships can be purchased online in advance. One Day Permits can be obtained during regular Garden hours or by contacting our Sales Team at 920.491.3691 ext. 113 or rentals@gbbg.org.

Contact Us

For more information about wedding or group photography sessions, please complete our request form.

Venue Photos

Testimonials

Anne, Mother of the Bride
October 5, 2019

“A pleasure to work with during the planning process! Even with a busy and rainy event day, all our needs were met with smiles and expediency. Our daughter’s dream wedding was at the Garden, and even though we had to move the ceremony indoors, it was a magical day for her and her fiancé! The facilities and grounds are beautiful and the staff are professional, patient, accommodating and experienced. A wonderful experience from the moment we booked the venue 2 years ago. Thank you!”

Lucia & Tighe
Married October 4, 2019

“We would like to thank the GBBG family for such an amazing day last week Friday. We would also like to thank Hannah for being so helpful though the process! You were so kind and a pleasure to work with while planning our big day! The Gardens were of course so beautiful! We will always remember that day as nothing but a dream!”

Anna & Joseph
Married August 16, 2019

“Hannah was AMAZING!!! She made the experience so amazing and I recommend the gardens to everyone I meet and a huge part of that is how amazing she was an easy she made my experience! Took so much stress of me!!”

Jenna & Jordan
Married August 10, 2019

“Our ceremony was absolutely stunning. The Kress Oval Garden was the perfect size and required little to no decorations because it was so beautiful on its own. The event coordinator, Hannah, was awesome to work with and very accommodating. I highly recommend booking your ceremony here!!!”

Jessica & Jesse
Married June 22, 2019

“We could not have asked for a more beautiful day! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and our guests loved being able to walk around and enjoy the garden after our ceremony! Thank you so much for all your help along the way in making this past Saturday a day we will never forget! :)”

Brooke & Jacob
Married June 8, 2019

“During the rehearsal the night before, we were able to make a change to the chair arrangement to fit the wedding party into the space better. The staff was very attentive and eager to help. “The space was gorgeous and our vision of our big day was able to come true with the help and support of GBBG.”

Rebecca & Sam
Married May 25, 2019

“Everyone on the team was friendly, helpful and informed. The rehearsal and event all went very smoothly. Thank you so much to you and your team for making it such a perfect day for us. We received the Botanical Garden passes in the mail, that was so thoughtful! We can’t wait to come back and visit.”

Sarah & Bryan
Married September 22, 2018

“The venue. AMAZING. Leading up to the day we were a bit nervous because of having to plan with several different people. Hannah and Nicole did an awesome job tending to our needs. They were cheerful and it felt as if they really cared about our big day. We would definitely recommend this venue to anyone! We had the best day ever! Thank you so much!”

Ashley & Brigham
Married August 18, 2018

“We did not feel like we were restricted in anyway or rushed. Staff were VERY helpful all along the way. We absolutely loved the venue and couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful experience. Becca did a great job helping us and making the wedding party feel comfortable. She clearly had done it before and was very accommodating.”

Sara & Erik
Married July 21, 2018

“We feel so lucky to have worked with Hannah while planning our wedding at the Gardens. She gave us so much certainty that our day would be perfect and answered our many emails and phone calls quickly and thoroughly. We also had an amazing event host, Kristin, who helped us immensely the day of our wedding. She was incredibly professional, and gave us an amazing sense of calm the day of our wedding. Everything was perfect – thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Kristin & Dalton
Married May 25, 2018

“Hannah & Garden Team – Thank you so much for everything! You were great to work with and made our plans so smooth! Our day turned out perfect and we both appreciate your role in making that happen! The gardens were beautiful, your service was wonderful! Thanks a million!”

Contact Us

Congratulations on your engagement! Your dream wedding awaits and there’s no better place to celebrate than Green Bay Botanical Garden. Please contact us for a private tour or to check availability by completing the request form below. Sites are available for rent two years in advance of the event date. A 50% non-refundable deposit and signed rental agreement is required to reserve a site.