Ceremonies

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.

New in 2018: 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.

New in 2018: 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.

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.

New in 2018: 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

Kress Oval Garden

Kress Oval Garden

Kress Oval Garden

Kress Oval Garden

Kress Oval Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Kaftan Lusthaus

Kaftan Lusthaus

Kaftan Lusthaus

Kaftan Lusthaus

Kaftan Lusthaus

Matthew Schmidt Garden

Matthew Schmidt Garden

Matthew Schmidt Garden

Matthew Schmidt Garden

Matthew Schmidt Garden

Stumpf Belvedere

Stumpf Belvedere

Stumpf Belvedere

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Testimonials

“I will say that I have absolutely no regrets in selecting the Green Bay Botanical Garden for our venue. Simply put, it was amazing! I thought the pricing was very reasonable and I felt good about paying a non-profit instead of a reception hall. [The Garden Team] was extremely helpful and are very experienced in event planning. I really enjoyed working with people who clearly take pride in their work. Even small details, they were able to help out and make suggestions along the way. I really appreciated their help. We had a small wedding with 49 guests. The Kaftan Lusthaus building was perfect for our needs. Technically we were ‘inside’ but with the windows and doors open it was like we had an outdoors ceremony. It was really perfect. The next best part, you really cannot beat the beautiful setting of the gardens. All of our guests commented on how lovely the grounds were and how perfect the setting was. This also made it easy and convenient for our photos. We didn’t need to run to various locations – there are so many different ‘areas’ within the garden for photo settings. We really had a perfect wedding day and that certainly had to do in part to our selection of the Green Bay Botanical Garden.”

Janie & Jason
Married October 8, 2017

“It was a simple decision to host our wedding at the Garden simply because of the location and beauty it provided, what we didn’t expect was that the best part of having our wedding there wouldn’t be the venue, it would be the people there. From our first meeting with you and your staff, we felt cared for. You listened, provided advice, were honest and never felt like you were selling us anything, simply trying to help us create the wedding we wanted. From the numerous e-mails and phone calls with random questions, to taking the lead on the actual ceremony day and making sure entrances were on time and uninterrupted – that our “first look” went off without a hitch, you and your staff were always present, always willing to serve, and always seemed so happy to be a part of our day. Thank you hardly seems like enough, but we are so thankful to have had our wedding there, and to have had the opportunity to work with you.  Thank you for all you did, and for caring for us the way you did!”

Kassi & Dan
Married July 31, 2015

“Thank you for all your hard work preparing for our BIG day! Your attention to detail & quick communication made this process so fun & easy! Keep up the amazing event planning that you do! We feel very lucky!”

Katie & David
Married October 21, 2017

“Thank you so much for all of your help to make our wedding perfect and so special. Everything came together so perfectly – I keep telling everyone, I wouldn’t change a thing about it – that’s how perfect and special you all made our day- We can’t say it enough – THANK YOU!!!”

Danielle & Jordan
Married August 11, 2017

“Jeff and I couldn’t be more grateful that you were a part of our big day! We could not have asked for a more beautiful setting to say our vows and commit to one another in front of all of our friends and family. It was perfect! We also had such a great experience working with the staff at the gardens! Everyone made it a fun and stress-free experience from the rehearsal to the day of the event. Thank you! We look forward to visiting often, as you are now a part of our family too!”

Cassandra & Jeff
Married July 21 2017

“The staff at the botanical gardens was awesome to work with! They were always more than willing to help with anything we needed! The gardens are absolutely beautiful and we had many guests comment on the venue! Thank you so much for all of your help making our ceremony site everything we had wanted. You were absolutely great to work with and we received many compliments on the beautiful venue!”

Leanne & Brandon
Married July 22, 2017

“Thank you so much for being a part of our special day. It was truly the best day of our lives and we loved every minute of it. Thank you for working with us and helping us create the perfect day. We have so many unforgettable memories!”

Mackenzie & Jared
Married October 8, 2016

“Craig and I wanted to thank you for all your help in coordinating our wedding at the [Garden]. After our first visit we knew it was perfect for us and our wedding and that you’d be great to work with. Abby was awesome the weekend of our wedding and everything flowed without a glitch! Thank you guys for that!”

Jamie & Craig
Married August 13, 2016

“Thank you so much! Everything went absolutely perfect! We were very pleased with everything at the [Garden]. Thank you very much for helping me plan one of the best days of my life! I’m very glad we chose to have our wedding there!”

Ali & Shane
Married June 24, 2016

“We were impressed by their ability to hold multiple weddings in one day, while still feeling like we were given their attention. They were also very helpful during the rehearsal, explaining where things were located and giving suggestions regarding the logistics of the ceremony.”

Amanda & Aaron
Married June 16, 2017

“Thank you!! You were wonderful to work with and we appreciated the quick responses and feedback that you provided throughout the entire planning process. Everything went absolutely perfect and even the weather cooperated for the ceremony.”

Katie & Anthony
Married May 29, 2016

“Mat and I would like to thank you for all your help with our wedding! You were so helpful through everything, I greatly appreciate that! We just wanted to let you know how wonderful it was to work with you! Couldn’t have done it without you.”

Mathew & Brittany
Married May 14, 2016

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.

Contact Us - Weddings

If you are human, leave this field blank.

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Are you interested in hosting a wedding ceremony, reception or both? Check all that apply. *

Ceremony

Reception

Ceremony & Reception

Are there specific sites of interest to you? Check all that apply.

Kress Oval Garden

Johnson Woodland Garden

Matthew Schmidt Garden (New in 2018)

Kaftan Lusthaus

Cornerstone Foundation Hall

Cowles Terrace Outdoor Reception (New in 2018)

What date(s) are you considering for your wedding? *

MM/DD/YYYY

Is your date flexible, based on availability? *

Yes

No

Approximately how many guests are you anticipating? *

50 or under

50 - 100

100-150

150-200

200+

Have you ever visited the Garden before?

Yes

No

How did you hear about us?

Website

Radio

TV

Social Media

Family or Friend

OtherOther