Ceremonies

For your safety and the safety of the Garden team, all policies regarding COVID-19 are determined based on guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Brown County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

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 perfect for outdoor weddings or smaller showers, parties or other rentals. Peak bloom for the Matthew Schmidt Garden is May through October.

Matthew Schmidt Garden can be tented.

Cowles Terrace

Situated in the Schneider Family Grand Garden, the Cowles Terrace is an impressive setting for an outdoor 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.

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 outdoor wedding location is on display May through October but is especially stunning throughout its peak bloom from June through August.

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.

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. An indoor ceremony at the Kaftan Lusthaus would be surrounded by the beauty of the formal gardens.

Fischer Family Overlook Arbor

A stunning pavilion and pergola structure that overlooks the Schneider Family Grand Garden. Surround yourself in natural greens, grasses and wildflowers

Rental does not include dressing area, directional signs, electricity or rehearsal.

Amenities

All site rentals include the following:

• Two hour site reservation for outdoor 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 rental 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 rented site for a 45 minute rehearsal within three days prior to ceremony. Reservation required.
• Dedicated Garden Event Lead 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

For your safety and the safety of the Garden team, all policies regarding COVID-19 are determined based on guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Brown County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

For an elegant indoor wedding 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.

Amenities

Cornerstone Foundation Hall includes the following amenities:

• Site reservation for evening reception (9:30 am-10 pm). Daytime reservations available by request.
• Endless photo opportunities. Photography permit applies.
• Admission for your guests the day of your event rental 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 Lead 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 venue 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.

Amenities

Cowles Terrace includes:

• Site reservation for evening reception (9:30 am-10 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 rental.
• Dedicated Garden Event Lead 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 any posed or commercial photography or videos. This includes photos or videos of weddings, engagements, quinceañeras, family portraits, senior/graduation portraits, maternity shoots, or the like, and all other commercial photography or 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 in the Garden.
• 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 visitors or 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 water structures like the Mabel Thome Fountain or stream in the King Shade Garden.
• Clients need to arrive camera-ready, or make arrangements with the Events Team to rent the dressing suite. Restrooms may not be used as dressing rooms.
• Drones: It is the responsibility of the photographer/drone pilot to ensure they are following the federal drone laws in Wisconsin. Due to the Garden’s close proximity to Austin Straubel Airport, additional precautions must be taken if flying a drone on the 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 follow 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 or videography is open to the public during regular Garden hours. Posed or commercial photography or videography 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 will receive admission for up to 25 people and a two-hour block of time to take photos. To schedule your group session, contact the Events Team at 920.491.3691 ext. 125 or weddings@gbbg.org.

Reservations

• Reservations are not required for posed photography sessions such as family portraits, engagement photos, senior photos, maternity shoots, quinceañeras, 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 for one year from date of purchase, includes Family Membership)
• One-Day Permits – $30 (valid for one day only during Garden hours)

Annual Photography Memberships can be purchased online. One-Day Permits can be obtained by filling out our form and returning it to our Events Team at weddings@gbbg.org no later than seven days before your event.

Questions? Contact our Events Team at 920.491.3691 ext. 125 or weddings@gbbg.org.

Contact Us

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

Venue Photos

Testimonials

Francesca
May 15, 2021

“The Events Team was so easy to work with and so well prepared for anything and everything. I appreciated all of the communication and organized nature of the planning experience. We had such a blast! Everything was beautiful, and felt like a magical day. I am so happy we chose the Garden.”

Stephanie
June 12, 2021

“Everyone who helped us from tours, booking, rehearsal, and day-of were incredible. The communication was handled well, especially given the COVID updates, and we felt well taken care of the entire time. Excellent team!”

Kathleen & Cody
July 17, 2021

“Kristin was amazing and very helpful. She answered questions and gave great suggestions. She helped everything run smoothly and we can’t thank her enough. There were no hidden fees like our reception venue and that was much appreciated. Our guests loved exploring the Garden. To us, everything here went smoothly and perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot to get married.”

Aubree
September 19, 2021

“Everything was so wonderful! Kristin was great to work with and the space was absolutely beautiful. The staff was so friendly and very helpful. We will definitely recommend this space to others and would host another event here. We absolutely loved it!”

Cortney
July 25, 2020

“Having both Hannah and Kristin there the day of made it super easy. They made sure the wedding went off without any problems and there were great. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. For having a wedding during a pandemic, the Garden and Hannah made sure it was the best experience possible for us. Without the help of them, we may not have still had our wedding. We truly appreciate everything that everyone did for us to make our day special.”

Katie & Graham
July 18, 2020

“We want to thank you for all the work and preparation you put into making our wedding reception come together last weekend! It was such a wonderful day, and our guests have told us they really enjoyed themselves and were comfortable in the venue setting. Thank you for accommodating our requests and helping us have a reception that allowed us to have our loved ones be present at – it truly made our wedding day so special. We so appreciate your flexibility, willingness to try different ideas, and kindness during this season!”

Chelsea
July 18, 2020

“I wanted to thank you and Hannah for everything you did to make our wedding day so perfect! The communication and updates was outstanding. We received so many compliments on how beautiful the garden and ceremony site were. Thank you for helping out with all of the little details and making sure everything went smoothly on our wedding day. We are very glad that we chose to have our wedding at Botanical Gardens!”

Danielle
July 18, 2020

“Everything went great! Your team was very helpful. I’m so glad we chose to have our ceremony there. It worked out perfectly for both the intimate ceremony and pictures afterwards.”

Contact Us

Congratulations on your engagement! Your dream wedding awaits and there’s no better place to celebrate than Green Bay Botanical Garden. 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.

Sites are available for rent 18 months in advance of the event date. A 50% non-refundable deposit and signed rental agreement is required to reserve a site.