Weddings at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Looking for a true outdoor wedding venue in Northwest Arkansas?
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is one of the most popular wedding venue in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. Not really too surprising as the venue has been ranked in the top 5 according to Citiscapes Magazine since 2009 and has held the number one spot many times. The Garden is a true outdoor venue, with 12 unique smaller gardens and the Great Lawn in the center which can host weddings for up to 800 guests.
How much does it cost to rent?
Can host up to 800 guests on the great lawn. The indoor capacity is 60-80 guests. I’d recommend staying closer to 60.
The price range is $2000-$3600
Elopements in the themed gardens range between $250-$500
Access to an on-site kitchen.
Engagement Photos for two hours before your wedding day.
Ceremony rehearsal
Bridal suite on site in a staff meeting room.
Indoor and outdoor ceremony chairs, farm tables, decor, and a two-hour rehearsal are included in your rental.
A rental typically includes a pre-wedding shoot, rehearsal walk-through, wifi, tables, and chairs.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks wedding ceremony and reception
The price range given is rental only with what is included. It is likely that you’ll also have to rent tents, and the only preferred vendor at the Garden is Intents. I would also highly recommend getting ready somewhere else if getting ready photos mean a lot to you. The room is spacious but not really photogenic. The event hall and terrace overlook the Great Lawn and the Grand Rotary Peace arbor. There is a comfortable separation between the traditional ceremony space on the lawn and the reception area in and near the event hall. If you plan on having tables and seats inside the event hall, I’d suggest keeping the guest count a bit below the 60-80 they officially mention on the website. If you are planning on having a DJ, a band and a dance floor, you can either use the event hall for that or rent out a dance floor and have it on the terrace and use the event hall for cake, desserts, and seating area for older guests.
Preferred vendors
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks has a list of preferred vendors couples must work with. These include caterers, restaurants, tents, lighting, and bartending services. You are free to work with vendors from other categories as you please. More on preferred vendors here.
The best seasons for a wedding
As it is almost exclusively an outdoor venue — spring and fall are going to be the best seasons for full size weddings. April and May, along with September and October to take advantage of the nice Ozark weather and all the colors the gardens have to offer. If you are planning an elopement or have a smaller guest list you can totally make winter or summer work and utilize the event hall to either escape the cold or scorching summer heat.
Wedding packages
There are two packages offered by the gardens both with a full-day and a half-day option. A full day is 9 am to 11 pm and a half day is 3 pm to 11 pm.
First is the traditional wedding package which includes access to the entire garden for a half-day or full-day. Full day at $3600 and half day at $3100
The terrace wedding package includes the terrace and the event hall. Max capacity is 250 guests. A full day is $2700 and a half day is $2000.
Smaller weddings are offered in the individual gardens and cost between $250-$500.
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Accommodation near the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
There are a few hotels within a 10-15 minute drive from the Botanical Garden. Also, you can check out Airbnb and Vrbo.
Courtyard by Marriott Fayetteville, 600 Van Asche Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72703 - (479) 571-4900
The Graduate, 70 N East Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 — (479) 442-5555
Hyatt Place Fayetteville, 348 Van Asche Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72703 — (479) 601-8450
Sample timeline for photography
Here is a sample 10-hour photography timeline for a fall wedding, with a 5 pm ceremony and sunset around 6:40 pm.
1:00 PM Bride getting ready photos off-site
2:00 PM Bride arrives at venue - detail photos
2:30 PM Groom arrives, photos with groomsmen
3:00 PM First look
3:30 PM Portraits and wedding party photo
4:00 PM Family photos
4:30 PM Reset for ceremony, venue decor photos
4:45 PM Photos of guests arriving
5:00 PM Ceremony
5:30 PM More family photos, extended family
6:00 PM Dinner
6:20 PM Sneak away for sunset wedding portraits
7:00 PM Speeches
7:30 PM Dances
7:45 PM Dance floor opens
8:30 PM Cake cutting
8:45 PM Candid reception photos
10:45 PM Private last dance
10:55 PM Grand exit - photography ends
Kari Bjorn Photography is a Fayetteville-based, full-service wedding photography studio, offering vibrant imagery and sincere storytelling. Serving Northwest Arkansas and beyond!
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