5 Tips for making the most of your wedding at Queens Botanical Garden
As a wedding photographer, and owner of Catherine Johanna Photography I’ve been privileged to capture love stories in all different parts of the world, including a Queens Botanical Garden Wedding. It really stands out with its unique blend of nature and architecture, and the 39 acres of outdoor space that it boasts!
Getting married at Queens Botanical Garden is more than an event, it is a top notch experience for the couple and their guests. The garden where couples get married has this lush little oasis feel that’s a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, you would have no idea it’s there if you didn’t go in. There’s a small picket fence that ensure privacy all the way around and it is so romantic.
So if you’re the kind of couple who’ve always fantasized about a unique wedding venue in New York that feels personal, intimate, and just a little bit magical, allow me to share a few tips for making the most of a Queens Botanical Garden wedding!
1. Let Nature Become the Decor for your Queen Botanical Garden Ceremony
If you’re going to have a wedding at the Queens Botanical Garden… LEAN INTO NATURE. Have your wedding during peak foliage. Think late May, June, July through to August (and sometimes later). When there is greenery, sunlight filters through the trees and the vibrant colors of the flowers create the most gorgeous backdrop for all of your wedding day festivities.
The Landscape at Queens Botanical Gardens…
The only decor that you need for the ceremony is if you’d like to adorn the chairs at the end of the aisle with something or if you want to add to the ceremony arch, but honestly, you don’t need it. You really don’t have to dress it up, the landscape takes care of that for you. Imagine exchanging your vows beneath the arbor in your own little serene oasis in the middle of Queens, or sharing a quiet moment in the Rose Garden as the sun wraps golden light around you for your portraits.
At the end of the day focus on your vows, and any other details that will make your ceremony feel like you! The visuals and aesthetics are taken care of by the immaculately manicured garden and the charming little bridge you walk over to get to the aisle.
2. How much time for family formal portraits? More than you think!
I sometimes roll my eyes when I describe your portraits as “formal” because they’re so much less stuffy than that. When you construct your photography timeline, whether that’s with a planner or me, consider a few things:
- the number of non-negotiable groupings that you must have photos with during this time.
- If it’s a larger group (think several siblings, grandparents, and a few aunties or cousins), you may need more time.
- IF possible stick to immediate family members or V.I.P. extended family members
- If you have a wedding party, and one with more than 3-4 attendants on either side, budget some extra time as well.
- The gardens are gorgeous and if the folks in your wedding party have played a big role in your life, make sure you have photos that you’ll cherish with them!
- Leaving time for your couples portraits because you will want to soak in every ounce of that gorgeous light and the diverse multitude of backdrops available to you!
The bold florals and super rich greenery mean that wherever you turn there’s an opportunity for gorgeous photos. In full sun at midday, there are a few places where the huge trees provide shade so that bigger groups can be photographed with ease, for family or large wedding parties or if you work with a photographer who feels really comfortable in all lighting conditions (hi, me!) your options really open up).
When it comes to just the two of you, you can go to the private ceremony garden, the rose garden (the public have access to the rose garden), the expansive lawn right next to the reception area, and approximately… 100 other places. If there’s a place that is really important to you, let your photographer know, but otherwise, trust them to work magic (as long as you give them enough time to do so).
Personally I recommend breaking your couple’s portraits into a couple of segments throughout the day so you have varied opportunity for different types of light and moods in your images!
3. Use the Terrace for your Queens Botanical Garden Wedding Reception
The Terrace is this industrial modern pop amidst the gardens, that still manages to be somewhat subtle because of its minimalistic design and height. It’s out of the way but still beautiful and also offer refuge from the elements if needed, whether that’s the sun or a little rain.
There are so many different ways to set up the terrace but having your guests on one side with the sweet heart table in the middle followed by the dance floor and cake etc. is a great way to go! Honestly, I’ll let the photos do the talking for this one. Madeleine and Jenn celebrated with a traditional Jewish hora and everyone was so excited to participate – it was such a beautiful display of love, support and joy!
4. Make time for Sunset Portraits in the Garden at Queens Botanical Garden
Carving out a few minutes for sunset portraits is one of those small choices that makes a huge difference. It gives you pause in the middle of the excitement to actually be together, breathe, and soak it all in without a crowd around you. It is often the only time all day that feels still, and it ends up being one of the most meaningful little pockets of your wedding. Couples talk about that (and night portraits) a lot.
And then there is the light. Sunset is soft, glowy, and wildly flattering. The photos you get in those few minutes tend to be some of the most beautiful from the entire day because a) sunset but b) because they give you a few minutes to relax and focus on each other… again, this is a time I’ll let the photos do the talking.
5. Find a wedding photographer with off camera flash experience for the best photos at Queens Botanical Garden
Photographically speaking, as a wedding photographer, Queens Botanical Garden is a gold mine of light, texture, color. The options for creativity are endless. Whether you have a first look by the ceremony, couple portraits in the rose garden, or sign you Ketubah in the gazebo, everywhere you look is bursting with color and life. During daylight hours you have soft light, dappled light, and harsh light to work magic with. Choose a photographer who is comfortable in all lighting scenarios. You can ask for examples of this.
Most every photographer can take beautiful photos during golden hour. Where finding a photographer with flash experience becomes key is when the sun sets and it’s dark. When it’s dark and you’re outdoors, there is certainly some ambient light but typically not enough to tell a story successfully especially when there’s a lot of movement on the dance floor. AND if you want some dramatic, moody or romantic night portraits, a photographer using off camera flash and using it well is key! You don’t want to be stuck standing around waiting when you could be enjoying your party!
How much does a wedding at Queens Botanical Garden cost? Logistics and Pricing
From a logistical standpoint, many couples love how easily the Queens Botanical Gardens can be reached. It’s located in Flushing, just a quick drive (or subway ride) from Manhattan. Even though its so close, you go from concrete and car horns to chirping birds and pathways lined with roses once you get inside. I think it’s partly why Madeline and Jenn fell in love with this venue. Scroll for pricing details…
For the Ceremony at Queens Botanical Garden Wedding:
Queen Botanical Gardens is available for ceremonies from 10am-7PM.
Rental Fee: $750
Capacity: 150 Seated
All ceremony bookings include: 1 Hour in the exclusive Wedding Garden for your ceremony and photography and 1 hour on the main grounds for additional photographs. You can also take advantage of 1 hour for a rehearsal the week prior to your wedding. You also receive 80 complimentary chairs and 1 year of family membership to the garden! When you book you pay a 50% deposit and the remaining balance is due six months prior to your wedding.
Additional Upgrade: Onsite Guest Parking
For your reception at a Queens Botanical Garden Wedding:
You can book the Auditorium, the meeting room, or the BEST choice (imho) the Terrace.
Rental Fees: $850 – $4350. Additional hours are available.
Terrace Capacity: 200
All reception packages include: Round Tables, a sweetheart table, standard bar, white chairs, access to a warming kitchen for your caterer, 4+ hours of event time, and additional time for set up and break down.
Amenities: 2 Dressing Areas, outdoor lighting, security, large parking lot.
Notes: A wedding coordinator is required. No rice, birdseed, or confetti is allowed. Music is OK but must end by 10:00pm. No smoking of any kind.
Pro Tips for Queens Botanical Garden Weddings
- I’ve learned a few things over the years that can make your time here even more magical:
- Schedule your ceremony for golden hour. The light as it streams through the trees here in the late afternoon? Pure magic.
- Try to schedule a date on a weekday or during the off-season. It’s quieter, and the garden seems like it belongs to you.
- Bring comfy shoes for photos. Trust me, you’ll want to search every nook and cranny for that perfect Instagram shot.
- Plan for a relaxed timeline. Wander, breathe , and enjoy the space yourself. Some of my favorite photos do fall in those in-between times.
- Work with the grounds team. They’re accommodating, and familiarity with the venue guarantees a smooth process.
If you want to have a photographer who is just as excited as you are about your wedding, who ensures every detail is taken care of in photos so that you can relax and enjoy your day… I’m probably your photographer! I’m Catherine Johanna! I’m a documentary wedding photographer and I help couples feel extremely comfortable in front of the camera so they can relax and have their dream day. After photographing 300+ weddings, I KNOW how to get to know a couple and ensure they are taken care of, and we use their dream to it’s fullest potential when it comes to photography.
🔗 Contact Me | 💌 Email Me | 📸 See A Full Gallery
If you want to read even more about this wedding and about Madeleine and Jenn (two of the loveliest people), you can here in this wonderful article by EquallyWed.
Photography: Catherine Johanna Photography
Venue: Website for Queens Botanical Gardens
Catering: LCI Caterers
Cake: Bartleby & Sage
Flowers: Something Borrowed Blooms
DJ: Reachout
Hair & Makeup: Maria Miliotis
Officiant: Brittany Vicars
Jenn’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Madeleine’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Who to Contact to Book Queens Botanical Gardens for a Wedding
Queens Botanical Garden Address: 43-50 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355
Contact Email: info@queensbotanical.org
Phone Number: 718.886.3800
Fax: 718.463.0263
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