Denver Botanic Gardens Weddings: The Ultimate Guide
The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite venues in Denver. If you like the outdoors, being surrounded by lush and colorful florals, and don’t want to travel too far outside of Denver, you should definitely consider the gardens. I also love that so many aesthetic styles can be accommodated at the gardens, whether you prefer a more classic and elegant look, or a more eclectic and colorful look. With 12 event spaces spread over 24 acres of gardens, you can mix and match to get to the perfect set up for your wedding vision.
Where are the Denver Botanic Gardens Located?
The Denver Botanic Gardens are located at 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206. They are adjacent to both Cheeseman Park and Congress park, and are surrounded by an historic upscale neighborhood in Denver. If you like walking around looking at houses, this is the neighborhood to do it in.
What is the overall feel of the Denver Botanic Gardens?
The space is elegant, fresh, organic, and intimate. Each area of the gardens has its own name and design plan that highlights a particular plant, flower, or natural element of Colorado or other geographic region. You can view the overall layout of the garden and follow along as you learn about each space with their visitor map.
Ceremony and Reception Sites Overview
I’m going to start with a chart overview that outlines the general uses of each ceremony and reception space, including the guest capacity for each. In addition, each space has specific restrictions on amplified sound. You can refer back to this chart as you read about and explore each space.
| Site Name | Guest Capacity | Ceremony Space? | Reception Space? | Amplified Noise Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romantic Gardens | 250 | Yes | No | 1 hour allowed |
| Woodland Mosaic | 40 – 75 | Yes | Yes | Acoustic Only |
| Annuals Garden and Pavilion | 120 – 250 | Yes | Yes | 1 hour allowed |
| South African Plaza | 65-125 | Yes | Yes | 1 hour allowed |
| Water Garden Gazebo | 20-25 | Yes | Yes | Acoustic Only |
| Orangerie | 100 – 225 | No | Yes | No restrictions when doors are closed; acoustic only when doors are open |
| West Terrace Tent | 150 – 250 | Yes | Yes | Acoustic Only |
| UMB Bank Amphitheater | 600 – 1200 | Yes | Yes | 1 hour of spoken sound |
| Marnie’s Pavilion | 80 – 150 | No | Yes | No restrictions |
| Mitchell Hall | 200 – 300 | Yes | Yes | No restrictions |
| Gates Hall | 60 – 90 | Yes | Yes | No restrictions |
| Welcome Garden | 175 | No | Yes | Acoustic Only |
Outdoor Ceremony and Reception Spaces
Romantic Gardens (ceremony only)
The Romantic Gardens is one of the larger ceremony spaces at the gardens and is also the most private. The staff sections off the Elipse Garden and the Welcome Garden so that you can utilize these spaces exclusively for your guests. In addition, the location of the Romantic Gardens in the corner means that you’ll have less public traffic nearby during your event. Despite the large allowed guest count, this space feels intimate and romantic and has a nod to Elegant and European style. You can reserve this space for 3 hours.
Indoor ceremony and reception spaces
If you prefer an indoor setting for your celebration, the gardens offer several options:
- Marnie's Pavilion: Suitable for receptions only with a capacity of 80 – 150 guests.
- Mitchell Hall: A versatile space for both ceremony and reception, accommodating 200 – 300 guests.
- Gates Hall: An intimate indoor option for ceremony and reception with a capacity of 60 – 90 guests.
Technical and practical tips for getting married at the Denver Botanic Gardens
When planning your event, it is helpful to consider the following practical questions regarding the venue:
- What time should I get married at the Denver Botanic Gardens?
- What season should I get married at the Denver Botanic Gardens?
- Should I have an indoor or outdoor reception?
- Do I need to rent tables and chairs?
- Is the Garden's open to the public during my event?
Best places for wedding party and couples photos at the Gardens
The grounds offer numerous picturesque locations for photography, including:
- Scripture Garden and Herb Garden
- June's PlantAsia
- Monet's Pool
- Shofu-en Japanese Garden