Red Butte Garden on the east bench of Salt Lake City is an inspired choice for a wedding or reception. Utah’s official arboretum since 1985, this venue has acres of native Utah plants, gorgeous flowers, medicinal and aromatic herbs, charming water features, and mature trees. It is a botanical delight just waiting for your visit.
We’ve compiled essential Red Butte Garden wedding info below.
Red Butte Garden Wedding Info
Red Butte Garden is one of Utah’s favorite event spaces it’s easy to see why. There are more than 100 acres of display gardens, lawns, trees, hiking trails, and greenhouses that delight every one of the senses (there actually is a five senses garden on the grounds). As if the plants weren’t enough of a draw the venue is right at the base of Red Butte Canyon with lovely mountains and red rock outcroppings.
The best months to host a wedding at Red Butte Garden are April through October, though events are hosted year-round on the premises. The spring months are especially amazing with more than 45,000 bulbs blooming.
Wedding Ceremony Sites
There are two primary sites at Red Butte Gardens that are used for weddings. Both feature indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used for both ceremonies and receptions.
Fragrance Garden and Orangerie
The Orangerie is a large greenhouse filled with flowering plants, citrus trees, and other flora. One wall of the venue is a “living wall” completely covered with plants. Just outside of the building is a sandstone patio surrounded by a stunning rock wall topped with seasonal plantings.
Ceremonies at the Orangerie can happen inside the building or on the patio year-round.
In the spring and summer months rental of the Oragnerie includes the use of the Fragrance Garden, which is a beautiful sandstone patio and arbor surrounded by aromatic plants like lilacs, lavender, wisteria, and crocus. It is an ideal place for a wedding ceremony.
Rose Garden and House (available May through September)
Life is a bed of roses at this site in the garden. The Rose Garden location is just that, a space filled with arbors covered with more roses than you can count. There also is a waterfall in case the roses weren’t enough beauty for you. Ceremonies take place under a cascade of roses, while guests watch from a manicured lawn.
The Rose House is a modern structure with glass walls on three sides and an enclosed patio. Weddings can take place on either the patio or in the building.
Wedding Reception Site
The Orangerie and Rose House are the reception venues. Both feature large indoor spaces with glass walls so you still feel like you are outside even though there is a ceiling over your head. They both also have walled patio spaces attached where guests can enjoy the fresh air and have a cocktail outside before stepping inside for dinner.
The Orangerie is the larger of the two venues and better suited for dancing.
Bridal Suite/ Getting Ready Rooms
Both venues have dressing rooms available, though couples may instead choose to get ready at another location and arrive dressed for their celebration.
Other unique amenities
The photo opportunities at Red Butte Garden are endless. There are so many locations to take the perfect picture, no matter the time of year or what is blooming. It’s an ideal space for couples who love photos that incorporate the natural environment.
During your event, your guests can roam the grounds freely.
What is the capacity?
The capacity depends on the venue chosen.
Orangerie
Ceremony: 180 people
Seated meal: 150 people
Cocktail reception: 400 people
Fragrance Garden
Ceremony: 150 people
Rose House
Ceremony: 100 people
Seated dinner: 80 people
Rose Garden
Ceremony: 80 people
Where is the location?
Red Butte Garden is on the east side of Salt Lake City, 30 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
How many weddings are hosted on-site each day?
Up to four weddings can be held at Red Butte Garden each day.
Are there any time or noise restrictions?
The Orangerie can be rented from 9 AM – 2 PM or 5 PM – 10 PM
The Rose House can be rented from 11 AM – 3 PM or 6 PM – 10 PM.
You and your vendors are granted access two hours before and one hour after the time slot.
Is this venue ADA-accessible?
This venue is fully ADA-accessible.
What is the pet policy?
Only service animals are allowed inside Red Butte Garden. If you must have photos on your wedding day with your pet, do so on the nearby Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
Red Butte Wedding Cost
Venue rental costs depend on the time of year and the day of your event.
Orangerie
January through March
Monday through Thursday
Morning (9 AM-2 PM): $1,400
Evening (5-10 PM): $1,900
Friday through Sunday
Morning (9 AM-2 PM): $1,400
Evening (5-10 PM): $2,400
April through December (Fragrance Garden is included from April-September)
Monday through Thursday
Morning (9 AM-2 PM): $1,800
Evening (5-10 PM): $3,200
Friday or Sunday
Morning (9 AM-2 PM): $2,500
Evening (5-10 PM): $4,000
Saturday
Morning (9 AM-2 PM): $3,000
Evening (5-10 PM): $4,500
Rose Garden and House
Monday through Thursday
Morning (11 AM-3 PM): $1,800
Evening (6-10 PM): $3,500
Friday or Sunday
Morning (11 AM-3 PM): $2,500
Evening (6-10 PM): $4,000
Saturday
Morning (11 AM-3 PM): $3,000
Evening (6-10 PM): $4,500
Wedding Catering and Lodging
What are the catering options?
Red Butte Garden has a list of eight caterers for you to choose from which includes Salt Lake City favorites like Lux Catering and Culinary Crafts.
What are the included decor options and restrictions?
The garden is the decor at Red Butte Garden! Call for guidelines about bringing in other decor.
What are the lodging (on-site or nearby) options?
The University Marriott is the closest hotel to Red Butte Garden. The University Guest House is also close by, as is a Hilton, and Springhill Suites.
Is there an in-house wedding planner or day-of coordinator?
Someone will be available to help you the day of, but a wedding coordinator is recommended.
What are some nearby attractions?
Red Butte Garden is an attraction! Your guests could spend hours there looking at all the various plants and the animals who come to visit.
The Natural History Museum of Utah is nearby as well, as is the University of Utah, which is a fun campus to explore.
Red Butte Garden Contact Info
Wedding Contact
For more information, please email rentals@redbutte.utah.edu.
Physical Address
Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Why you should get married at Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is the perfect location for couples seeking a stunning, natural backdrop for their wedding. Guests will enjoy the grounds whether they stay at the celebration site or decide to wander through the grounds that include native plants, exotic flowers, and multiple ponds and water features. The venue rental fees are extremely reasonable for the beauty that is included.
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*Updated in May 2023 to reflect current wedding information. Please always confirm pricing and details with the venue, as items are subject to change.
