£7500 - £7500 for Venue Hire
Up to 200
On-Site
Exclusive Use
Wedding Licence
shortlisted
COVID-19 Update
Oxford Botanic Garden is open to the public with provision for social distancing in place.
We have been awarded "we're good to go" status by Visit England for our safety measures.
For the most up to date information check our website: https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/visiting-during-coronavirus
With riverside views, spectacular botanical collections, and four hundred years of heritage, Oxford Botanic Garden is a unique venue. Celebrate your special day in Oxford’s original secret garden.
Pricing & Costs
Venue Hire Only
Prices Start At
£7,500
Maximum Price
£7,500
The £7,500 ground hire fee includes exclusive use of the venue after our public closing time (5 or 6 pm). Access for guests is possible from 2pm.
Marquee, furniture and catering are not included in this price.
What is included in this pricing:
Exclusive use
Day before set up available
Choice of preferred caterers
Features & Capacity
Overview
Venue Type
Garden
Outdoor
Dining Capacity
200
Reception Capacity
200
Usual Access Time
3:00PM
Usual Finish Time
12:00AM
Ceremony & Reception
Church Within Walking Distance
Venue
Exclusive Use
Water View
Landscaped Gardens
Marquee Permitted
Disabled Access
Outdoor Reception Space
Food and Drink
External Catering Permitted
No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Alcohol Licence
Full Description
Situated in the heart of historic Oxford, the UK’s oldest botanic garden is a year-round oasis of calm, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the High Street. With riverside views, spectacular botanical collections, and four hundred years of heritage, Oxford Botanic Garden is a unique venue and will fascinate your guests. Celebrate your special day in Oxford’s original secret garden. Arrive in style through our iconic 17th century archway.
The Events Lawn accommodates a marquee for up to 200 people and includes exclusive use of the site from 6pm when Oxford Botanic Garden becomes your own secret garden! The Events Lawn is situated in the original walled garden of 1621 where science and art meet in stunning botanical displays. Guests are welcome to explore the Garden where there are many lovely and exotic photo opportunities. The Lower Garden provides views across the river Cherwell and the opportunity to watch passers-by on traditional punts. Access to the tropical collections in the Glasshouses for guests can be arranged.
The conservatory can host up to 60 guests for a standing drinks reception, and 20 people for a seated dinner. With beautiful seasonal displays and delicious scents, the Conservatory provides a fabulous backdrop for a wedding bar at larger receptions.
Personal Message from the Manager
Name of Wedding Contact: Fe Torrance
Hello and congratulations! I've been working at Oxford Botanic Garden for fourteen years, and I'm passionate about our incredible botanical collections. If you are looking for a venue with links to science, nature and heritage then let me know - I'd love to show you around.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1621
No. of Weddings Hosted
Less than 10
Public Liability Insurance
true
No. of People In Team
1
Reviews
(1)
Connie & Will
Married in July 2019
October 2020
The most beautiful and unique venue
Our wedding day at the Botanic Gardens was incredible and exceeded our (already high) expectations. The historic walled gardens are absolutely magical and made even more special by its historical significance (parts of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland were inspired by the Gardens). I can’t count how many guests told us that it was one of the most beautiful weddings they had ever been to and we felt as though we were in a dream for much of the day!
After we married at the University Church near by, we held a champagne reception on the lawns around the fountain and my husband and I made our entrance to the reception through the stunning historic Danby arch. The grounds were really incredible for guests to explore and for our photographs - with wild flower meadows, huge greenhouses, an orangery and the river enclosing it on two sides - all framed by the dreaming spires of Oxford in the background. The marquee lawn was the perfect size for our tent which sat around 170 guests and a dance floor. We had organised to use the orangery for drinks if it rained but fortunately the weather was perfect. The team at the Gardens were extremely helpful and accommodating in the run up to the wedding and worked very hard to ensure that everything on the day was perfect. Everything went extremely smoothly and we were really able to relax and truly enjoy our special day.
We would wholeheartedly recommend the venue to any couple looking for a truly special wedding day. As an outdoor venue it also has the great benefit of being Covid friendly so we would definitely suggest it to anyone who wants to organise a safe, socially distanced but beautiful wedding!
Location & Contact Details
Address
Rose Lane, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4AZ, England
Travel Notes
We are based in Oxford City Centre, next to Magdalen Bridge and Magdalen College, a short stroll from Christ Church Meadow. The nearest public car park is a 4 minute walk over Magdalen Bridge.
Nearest Town
Oxford
Nearest Motorway & Junction
M40 Junction 8
Nearest Train Station
Oxford Central Station
Press & Awards
(2)
FAQ
(10)
Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
The best celebrations use the Garden to its fullest. It's lovely to see guests learning about our history with the volunteer guides or strolling between the borders at sunset.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
It's easy to feel like you are organising a party for your friends and family, but don't forget this celebration is for the two of you! Plan for your own perfect day.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
Themed tables are lovely, and make your seating board fun. Why not group your guests by native flowers or wildlife, or using the Botanic Garden's literary links?
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Venerable, verdant, enchanting, inspiring, iconic.
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
The Merton Borders in the height of summer.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
Not at our wedding receptions, but Oxford Botanic Garden has literary links to JRR Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, Evelyn Waugh, and Philip Pullman.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Sesame and chilli tiger prawns.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
After an evening of dancing, a sweet chocolate pick-me-up is most welcome.
What is your venue's most unique feature?
Our status as the oldest Botanic Garden in the UK. We turn 400 in 2021!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our work to conserve plant species around the world.