Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful venues available for the garden-loving and artsy couples of Columbus and the greater Central Ohio area. While I have photographed many portrait sessions here including seniors and engagement photos, the Featured Venue blog series afforded me the first time meeting with the staff behind the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory wedding venues and event space.

Venue History

The grounds at Franklin Park have been enjoyed by guests since 1884 when it became ordained as a public park. Shortly after, in 1895, the Victorian-style glass greenhouse then known as the Franklin Park Conservatory, and now as the John F. Wolfe Palm House, opened and became an iconic landmark among the nearly 90 acres that comprise the park.

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding Venues

The grounds at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are comprised of several buildings and gardens, each catering different party sizes and styles.

Because of its Victorian beauty and natural light aplenty, the John F. Wolfe Palm House, which celebrates its 125th birthday in 2020, is a favorite location for weddings. With its plethora of tropical plants and beautiful glass structure, the opportunities for capturing beautiful photos are endless – even on a rainy day – which is personally what I love most about this venue! Rental of the Palm House also includes access to the Wolfe Terrace, a brick veranda that provides views of the Grand Mallway’s botanical gardens.

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Also boasting great history is the Wells Barn, which was built from the timber frame of a nearby, 200-year-old barn. The barn was slated for deconstruction on its original property in 2014; the Conservatory acquired and relocated its timber frame, which was too well constructed to go to waste! It now has a home on the southeast side of the park and is a favorite among rustic-loving brides and grooms.

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Other venues on the property include the Grand Atrium and the Worthington Industries Veridian. The Grand Atrium is the Conservatory’s largest space and can be described as the most stately among the Conservatory’s venues. Rental of the Grand Atrium also includes access to the Zen Terrace, an Asian-inspired, outdoor rooftop. Note that this space is only available after business hours.

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As the smallest of the on-site wedding venues, the Worthington Industries Veridian marries organic materials like wood, stone, and decorative plants with the comforts of an indoor venue. I love the two gardens that this venue has access to – the Brides Garden and The Grove rooftop garden – which can be used for cocktail hour or a smaller wedding ceremony.

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Venue Capacity

Palm House:

• Ceremony: 200
• Dinner: 190
• Cocktail: 250

Wells Barn:

• Ceremony: 300
• Dinner: 250
• Cocktail: 320

Grand Atrium:

• Ceremony: 200
• Dinner: 250
• Cocktail: 500

Worthington Industries Veridian:

• Ceremony: 200
• Dinner: 130
• Cocktail: 200

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Services

Beyond the natural beauty, what makes the Franklin Park Conservatory wedding venues attractive to prospective couples is the level of service they provide. Every wedding is assigned a wedding coordinator, which (trust me) is huge in ensuring a smooth wedding day!

On-site staff specialize in providing a customized experience, from a variety of décor options to fully customized catering. The venue even offers a special glass unity ceremony in place of the traditional unity candle or sand ceremony.

The cherry on top of it all is the free engagement photoshoot. When you book your wedding with the Franklin Park Conservatory, they waive the $150 photography fee for your engagement session – and with me as your wedding photographer, you’re getting a complimentary engagement shoot!

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Booking

Unsurprisingly, the wedding venues at Franklin Park Conservatory book up quickly. It is generally recommended that you book 1-2 years in advance of your date, but if you have flexibility for a Friday or Sunday wedding then there may be more availability! For more information about booking your wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory, please visit their website or email their event staff at [email protected].

If you are interested in booking me as your photographer, head on over to the contact page and send me a message!

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