Friendship Botanic Gardens

Select services venue

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $800

Guest capacity

Up to 300 seated guests

About this venue

Friendship Botanic Gardens offers a stunning and unique setting for outdoor weddings and special events, nestled within over 100 acres of woods and beautifully landscaped gardens. Available from May 1st through October 31st, the Gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies and receptions ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations of up to 300 guests, with options for custom designs to accommodate even larger events. Every wedding includes ceremony chairs, a three-hour venue rental, a one-hour rehearsal, use of the Wedding Cabin, golf cart assistance, and the dedicated assistance of our Wedding Coordinator. Couples also enjoy access to the entire Gardens on their event day, a milestone brick in the Symphony Garden fountain terrace, and a yearlong membership to Friendship Botanic Gardens. Surrounded by splashing fountains, singing birds, and towering trees, let us help you create a celebration as unique and beautiful as your love.

Seated guest capacity

1-300

Venue type

Parks, Gardens

Venue setting

Covered Outdoor
Outdoor

2055 E US Highway 12, Michigan City, IN 46360

Our event spaces

Celebration Pavilion

Our new premiere venue for events is located on Celebration Side, and overlooks Lake Lucerne

The new magnificent multi-colored fountain, that will be a “WOW” factor for your event. Located in close proximity to the ArcelorMittal Children’s Garden and Play Area for younger guests. The Pavilion has lighting, a disco ball and ceiling fans.

Guest capacity

1-225 Seated

1-225 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Welcome party, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Other, Rehearsal dinner, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Assistance of our Wedding Coordinator for entire event - Use of the Wedding Cabin - One-hour ceremony rehearsal - Milestone Brick in our Symphony Garden fountain terrace - Ceremony Chairs - Golf Cart Assistance - One year membership to The Gardens upon booking

Room cost

$4,500 / 3 Hour Rental

Symphony Garden

As the premiere venue of Friendship Botanic Gardens, the Symphony Garden provides an elegant and spacious backdrop for a larger ceremony or reception.

Your guests will walk a brick pathway beside a reflecting pool of gently sprinkling fountains before being seated beneath an arched canopy that can accommodate up to 250 people. Situated at the foot of a forested hillside and shaded by towering spruce trees, the Symphony Garden is bordered by lush flowerbeds and a crystal-clear sparkling brook that trickles down from the surrounding hills before flowing into Trail Creek

Guest capacity

1-150 Seated

1-250 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,800 / Ceremony for 101 – 250 guests: $2,200 / Reception for up to 150 guests: $4,000

Woodland Meadow & Celebration Pavilion

The Woodland Meadow & Celebration Pavilion Combo

Featuring stunning views of the pond and fountain, this is our largest venue option for couples expecting more than 250 guests. Rent a tent and place it in our sprawling meadow, use Celebration Pavilion as a spacious dance floor, or have your ceremony in the Rose Garden and use the meadow/ pavilion for your reception…the possibilities are endless! (Tent in photo must be rented)

Guest capacity

250-400 Seated

250-400 Standing

Ideal for

Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Other, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Reception for 250 – 400 guests: $6,800 / 3 Hour Rental

Rose Garden

Featuring stunning 360-degree views, The Rose Garden is a wide open space nestled between, and overlooking Celebration Pavilion and Lake Lucerne.

The Rose Garden is an idyllic setting for a wedding ceremony, offering a variety of stunning viewpoints of the surrounding gardens. With its tranquil and serene ambiance, it's a truly enchanting space for couples to say "I do." This versatile location allows you to personalize the seating arrangement to match your vision and can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Guest capacity

10-300 Seated

10-300 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,700 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,900 / Ceremony for 201 – 300 guests: $2,100

Romanian Garden

Our most private wedding venue setting, surrounded on two sides by Trail Creek.

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,300 Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,500 Ceremonies: Assistance of our Wedding Coordinator for entire event Use of the Wedding Cabin One-hour ceremony rehearsal Milestone Brick in our Symphony Garden fountain terrace (ceremonies only)

Guest capacity

10-200 Seated

10-200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,300 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,500

Chinese Bridge

One of our most popular venues for amazing photos of the happy couple or the entire wedding party.

The Chinese bridge offers a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne and the gardens. Customizable chair arrangements available.

Guest capacity

10-300 Seated

10-300 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,200 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,400 / Ceremony for 201 – 300 guests: $1,600

Gazebo Island

Surrounded by Lake Lucerne, Gazebo Island features paved access and offers the perfect backdrop in an intimate setting.

The Gazebo Island offers a truly enchanting setting for an intimate and unforgettable wedding ceremony. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Lucerne, your guests will be immersed in the tranquility of nature, with a stunning backdrop of weeping willows. This picturesque location provides the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful and romantic celebration.

Guest capacity

1-50 Seated

1-50 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Assistance of our Wedding Coordinator for entire event Use of the Wedding Cabin One-hour ceremony rehearsal Milestone Brick in our Symphony Garden fountain terrace (ceremonies only) Ceremony Chairs

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 50 guests: $1,000 / 3 Hour Rental

Scotland Garden

Located in the center of the Heritage Gardens with Trail Creek as its backdrop, The Scotland Garden is a great option for smaller guest lists.

The Scotland Garden is an ideal setting for an intimate wedding ceremony, offering stunning views of the Symphony Prairie, surrounded by lush trees and a serene creek trail. Its natural beauty creates a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $900 / 3 Hour Rental

Tea House Garden

Among our most intimate settings, The Tea House Garden is perfect for smaller wedding ceremonies.

The Tea House Garden is a perfect spot for smaller intimate ceremonies.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $900

Norway Garden

Located in the center of the property with Trail Creek as its backdrop, The Norway Garden is a great option for smaller guest lists.

The Norway Garden is a perfect spot for a small intimate wedding ceremony. It overlooks Trail Creek and the Symphony Prairie.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $800 (3 Hour Rental)

Celebration Pavilion

Our new premiere venue for events is located on Celebration Side, and overlooks Lake Lucerne

Guest capacity

1-225 Seated

1-225 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Welcome party, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Other, Rehearsal dinner, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

$4,500 / 3 Hour Rental

Symphony Garden

As the premiere venue of Friendship Botanic Gardens, the Symphony Garden provides an elegant and spacious backdrop for a larger ceremony or reception.

Guest capacity

1-150 Seated

1-250 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,800 / Ceremony for 101 – 250 guests: $2,200 / Reception for up to 150 guests: $4,000

Woodland Meadow & Celebration Pavilion

The Woodland Meadow & Celebration Pavilion Combo

Guest capacity

250-400 Seated

250-400 Standing

Ideal for

Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Other, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Reception for 250 – 400 guests: $6,800 / 3 Hour Rental

Rose Garden

Featuring stunning 360-degree views, The Rose Garden is a wide open space nestled between, and overlooking Celebration Pavilion and Lake Lucerne.

Guest capacity

10-300 Seated

10-300 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,700 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,900 / Ceremony for 201 – 300 guests: $2,100

Romanian Garden

Our most private wedding venue setting, surrounded on two sides by Trail Creek.

Guest capacity

10-200 Seated

10-200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,300 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,500

Chinese Bridge

One of our most popular venues for amazing photos of the happy couple or the entire wedding party.

The Chinese bridge offers a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne and the gardens. Customizable chair arrangements available.

Guest capacity

10-300 Seated

10-300 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 100 guests: $1,200 / Ceremony for 101 – 200 guests: $1,400 / Ceremony for 201 – 300 guests: $1,600

Gazebo Island

Surrounded by Lake Lucerne, Gazebo Island features paved access and offers the perfect backdrop in an intimate setting.

Guest capacity

1-50 Seated

1-50 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Assistance of our Wedding Coordinator for entire event Use of the Wedding Cabin One-hour ceremony rehearsal Milestone Brick in our Symphony Garden fountain terrace (ceremonies only) Ceremony Chairs

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 50 guests: $1,000 / 3 Hour Rental

Scotland Garden

Located in the center of the Heritage Gardens with Trail Creek as its backdrop, The Scotland Garden is a great option for smaller guest lists.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $900 / 3 Hour Rental

Tea House Garden

Among our most intimate settings, The Tea House Garden is perfect for smaller wedding ceremonies.

The Tea House Garden is a perfect spot for smaller intimate ceremonies.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $900

Norway Garden

Located in the center of the property with Trail Creek as its backdrop, The Norway Garden is a great option for smaller guest lists.

The Norway Garden is a perfect spot for a small intimate wedding ceremony. It overlooks Trail Creek and the Symphony Prairie.

Guest capacity

1-75 Seated

1-75 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Room cost

Ceremony for up to 75 guests: $800 (3 Hour Rental)

Available services that can be provided by Friendship Botanic Gardens

Services & amenities

Dressing room / Bridal Suite
Event coordinator
Event rentals
Event staff
Pet friendly

Transportation & access

Self parking - free
Wheelchair accessible

Rentals

Sound / AV
Standard Chairs

Reviews

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4.0 out of 5

1 review

Write a review

Beautiful location
•Verified review
•Nikki A.•Nov 4, 2023
I picked this location because of how beautiful the landscape is. So many different spots on the property to get married on, all beautiful. Different locations cost different price. Overall, relatively cheap compared to other venues. When talking to them, I first started with one wedding coordinator. She left and was informed about the new coordinator. She introduced herself and thought she was awesome. She was very tentative to all the details and was very helpful. I wasn’t informed that she had left and a new coordinator had taken her spot. I didn’t know there was a new coordinator until the day before the wedding. She didn’t take charge of anything. She took a back seat to everything. Told her I had a specific song I wanted to play for walking down the aisle. There wasn’t any sort practice with the song at the rehearsal. She couldn’t figure out how to connect my phone to the sound system. She couldn’t figure out how to navigate the song that I had already pulled up on my phone.

Real couples who got married at Friendship Botanic Gardens

Show all photos

We have self-parking lots conveniently located on both sides of our property. The grass lot is available for use at the discretion of the Wedding and Event Coordinator.

Yes, all our venues are wheelchair accessible. We also have assistants on golf carts that can transport anyone to the venues

January, February, March, April, November, and December

May, June, July, August, September, and October

We require a non-refundable Agreement Fee, Venue Fee and a refundable Damage Deposit

No, the Agreement Fee is separate and is non-refundable.

You can pay your deposit and any payments toward your Venue Fee via credit card through our website, by cash, check or credit card in our cabin (during open season May – October) or simply mail us a check.

Your deposit is due when you book a date with us. The Venue Fee must be paid in full 180 days in advance of your event date.

Absolutely! We highly recommend booking a tour with our Wedding Coordinator before making your decision.

Of course! We just need the proper documentation in place and a police officer present. You can add bar service to your event from our rental add-ons page after booking your special day. Our Wedding Coordinator can also help you with this. Bottoms up!

Absolutely, you are able to use whatever vendors you’d like. Of course, we have a preferred vendors list if you need suggestions.

You can use our air conditioned VIP Wedding Cabin to get ready in and stay hidden from your guests.

We offer golf cart transportation to and from your venue locations for anyone who needs or wants a little help getting around. The bride and groom assume all liability for guests on golf carts

There are two restrooms located on the Symphony Garden side of the property and there are porta potties available on the Celebration Pavillion side of the property. We’re happy to provide golf cart transportation to and from restrooms.

No, you will have access to The Gardens at 9:00 AM CDT, the day of your event.

Yes, a one hour rehearsal window is included with your ceremony venue booking.

Your reservation includes three hours from start to finish. Any additional time will be billed at $300 per hour.

Individual event insurance is required as part of the rental agreement.

In the case of cancellation, rental fee is non-refundable within 180 days of the event. Any payments made before the 180 day period will be refunded in full. The reservation fee is non-refundable.

Proper documentation in place required and a police officer present. You can add bar service to your event from our rental add-ons page after booking your special day. Our Wedding Coordinator can also help you with this. Bottoms up!

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