When choosing a wedding venue to get married at, there are a number of factors to consider. We have compiled a list of the best Minnesota wedding venues and the Como Zoo Conservatory is on that list. If you’re considering Como Zoo Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota as your wedding venue, you’re in for a treat. Not only is the Conservatory a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, it’s also a stunning location for weddings. In this document, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting married at Como Zoo Conservatory.

Brief History of Como Zoo Conservatory

The Como Zoo Conservatory was established in 1915, and has been a beloved destination for visitors to Saint Paul ever since. The Conservatory was originally designed as a place to showcase exotic plant species and educate visitors about the natural world, and it has since become a popular location for events and weddings. Over the years, the Conservatory has undergone numerous renovations and updates to ensure it remains a state-of-the-art facility, while still maintaining its original charm and beauty.

Como Zoo Conservatory Weddings

The cost of a wedding at Como Zoo Conservatory will vary depending on the size of your wedding, the space you choose, and the services you require. However, as of 2023, the starting price for a wedding at the Conservatory will depend on which location you decide to rent and for how long. Below we have detailed pricing for each space rental. However, the pricing will drastically vary for the space rental fee, tables and chairs, and access to the gardens for photography. Additional services, such as catering and event planning, will be priced separately.

When you book your wedding at Como Zoo Conservatory, you’ll be able to work with an event coordinator. They will help you to create a customized package that fits your needs and budget. The Conservatory also offers a variety of add-on services. Some of those include floral arrangements, transportation services, and specialty lighting, to enhance the ambiance of your wedding.

About the Gardens and Space

Como Zoo Conservatory is a botanical garden and zoo located in Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Conservatory is home to a variety of plant species from around the world, and features four distinct gardens: the Tropical Encounters exhibit, the Sunken Garden, the North Garden, and the Palm Dome. Each garden offers its own unique beauty and ambiance, making the Conservatory a perfect location for couples who want a stunning, natural backdrop for their wedding day.

Como Zoo Conservatory is able to host a variety of different types of weddings, including:

• Indoor weddings in one of the Conservatory’s stunning gardens or glass structures.
• Outdoor weddings in one of the park’s many beautiful locations, including the Japanese Garden or the Waterfall Garden.
• Small, intimate weddings with just a handful of guests, or larger weddings with up to 200 guests.
• Civil ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, and vow renewals.

Como Conservatory Wedding Costs

The Como Zoo Conservatory offers a variety of spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including:

Como Zoo Conservatory Wedding Spaces

The Tropical Encounters exhibit is a lush, humid garden filled with exotic plants and flowers, as well as tropical birds and butterflies. This exhibit is perfect for couples who want a vibrant, colorful wedding, as the plants and animals provide a unique and lively atmosphere.

The Sunken Garden

This space is the perfect space for an indoor wedding with an outdoor feel. It can accommodate up to 100 guests. The Conservatory will provide 10 chairs and the remaining guests can stand. The sunken garden is surrounded by colorful flowers and foliage, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. It also features a large fountain, which adds to the ambiance and creates a stunning backdrop for photos. The Garden is indoor filled with colorful flowers and foliage, including roses, lilies, and dahlias. It is perfect for hosting a traditional, elegant wedding, as the lush greenery and blooming flowers create a romantic and timeless setting.

Sunken Garden Rental Fees for 90 minutes on:

• $650 Monday–Thursday
• $950 Friday
• $1000 Saturday
• $950 Sunday

The North Garden

The North Garden is a tranquil garden featuring native plants and wildflowers, as well as a serene pond and waterfall. This garden is perfect for couples who want a more relaxed, natural wedding, as the peaceful surroundings provide a serene and calming atmosphere. This outdoor space can accommodate up to 30 people maximum. It is the perfect for couples who want a more natural and relaxed wedding.

The North Garden Rental Fees for 90 minutes on:

• $350 Monday–Thursday
• $700 Friday
• $750 Saturday
• $700 Sunday

The Ordway Gardens

The indoor pavilion can accommodate a maximum of 40 people seated for dinner or 70 people for cocktail reception while standing. It does not have seating for everyone and so a mix of cocktail tables & tables with seating will be provided by the conservatory. The outdoor terrace for Ordway Gardens can accommodate up to 50 seated for a ceremony.

Rental Fees for 90 Minutes:

• $400 Monday–Thursday
• $750 Friday
• $800 Saturday
• $750 Sunday

Burglund Wright Room

The Burglund Wright Room is an event space that can accommodate up to 60 seated guests and 100 for a cocktail standing event. With high ceilings, skylights, and a large window, the room is bright and open and a great space for hosting weddings and events. It also features a stunning view of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Rates:

• Monday – Thursday: $400 room rental
• Weekend Day – $400 room rental
• Friday – Sunday Evening: $750 room rental
• $200 for 2-hour add on

Food & Beverage Minimum:

• Saturday night: $1100
• Friday night: $900
• Sunday night: $800
• Weekend day: $350
• Monday-Thursday day: $500
• Monday-Thursday night: $650

Other Spaces

In addition to its stunning gardens, Como Zoo Conservatory also features a variety of other noteworthy features that make it an ideal location for weddings. These include:

• The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, a stunning glass structure that houses the Palm Dome and other exhibits.
• The Japanese Garden, a serene and peaceful space featuring traditional Japanese landscaping and architecture.
• The Waterfall Garden, a tranquil garden featuring a waterfall and reflecting pool.
• Bullard Rainforest Auditorium.
• Covered Porch room
• The Enchanted Garden

Como Zoo Conservatory Wedding Accommodations

Como Zoo Conservatory offers a variety of accommodations for wedding ceremonies and receptions. These include:

• Chairs and tables for the ceremony and reception.
• A sound system for music and announcements.
• Lighting and decor to enhance the ambiance of the space.
• Access to a bridal suite and dressing rooms.
• Catering services, including menu planning, food and beverage service, and bar service.
• Event planning and coordination services, to ensure that every detail of your wedding is taken care of.

Things to keep in mind when getting married at Como Conservatory

Before booking your wedding at Como Zoo Conservatory, there are a few other important things to keep in mind:

• Como Zoo Conservatory is a popular location for weddings and events, so it’s important to book your date as early as possible to ensure availability.
• The Conservatory is open to the public during regular hours, so it’s important to plan your wedding around these hours to ensure privacy and avoid overcrowding.
• Parking can be limited at the Conservatory, so it’s important to arrange transportation for your guests.
• Como Zoo Conservatory is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, so it’s important to be mindful of your environmental impact when planning your wedding.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a stunning and unique wedding venue in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Como Zoo Conservatory is an excellent choice. With its beautiful gardens, stunning glass structures, and commitment to sustainability, the Conservatory offers a one-of-a-kind experience. From small, intimate ceremonies to large, extravagant weddings, Como Zoo Conservatory has it all. It’s the perfect space to make your wedding day truly unforgettable. For more information and booking, you check out the conservatory website.

About Lulle Photo and Film

We are a husband and wife wedding photography and videography team located in Minnesota. Check out this wedding we documented at Como Zoo Conservatory. If you’d like to work with us, let’s connect! You can also follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on all our travels and work.