Lauritzen Gardens Wedding Venue Guide
If you love the idea of getting married somewhere quiet, romantic, and surrounded by nature, a Lauritzen Gardens wedding will no doubt fit the bill. Every time I’m there, it feels like the world slows down a little. Whether you’re walking through the Rose Garden at golden hour or tucked inside the Floral Display Hall on a rainy evening, there’s something about this place that just feels peaceful in the best way.
As an Omaha wedding photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time wandering the paths and finding the perfect corners for portraits. And the truth is that I still find new favorites every time I go. If you’re considering a Lauritzen Gardens wedding, I’d love to show you what makes it such a beautiful, meaningful place for so many of my couples..
About Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens is a total escape right in the heart of Omaha. It’s tucked into the riverfront hills just off I-80, only a few minutes from the Old Market — but once you’re inside, it feels like you’re in your own little world. Between lush plant displays, walking paths, and open skies, it’s serene and completely immersive. If you love being surrounded by nature and flowers, this space will speak to you.
What I love about Lauritzen Gardens weddings
This place is a dream for couples…but also for wedding photographers like myself. There’s just so much variety here. With over 20 gardens spread across 100 acres, the photo possibilities are endless.
The Rose Garden is a favorite when it’s in full bloom. The Victorian Garden feels like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. And the Japanese Garden? It’s perfect for those quieter, more intimate portraits. It’s one of those venues where no two galleries look exactly the same — and I love that about Lauritzen Gardens.
Another thing: I love how private and personalized it feels. You get exclusive access to the gardens and the entire visitor center in the evening, which means you don’t have to share the space with the public — and that’s rare for a garden venue!
You can choose from multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, move into the Great Hall for dinner & dancing, then sneak away for golden hour portraits as the sun sets over the gardens. Talk about a picture-perfect day.
Lauritzen Gardens wedding ceremony and reception spaces
One of the things I love most about Lauritzen Gardens is how many options couples have to make the space their own. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony among the roses or a grand reception in the Great Hall, every part of the garden feels thoughtful, peaceful, and full of possibility.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular ceremony and reception spaces for a Lauritzen Gardens wedding:
The Great Hall
This is the heart of the visitor center — a spacious, grand indoor venue with warm wood floors, sandstone details, and tons of natural charm. It connects directly to the gardens and other indoor spaces, making it ideal for a full evening celebration. Couples who rent the Great Hall get exclusive access to the building and gardens after hours, which adds a sense of privacy and magic to the whole night. Plus, you can enjoy an open-air celebration that flows out under the stars!
- Vibe: Understated elegance with natural textures
- Capacity: Up to 320 guests seated
The Floral Display Hall
Surrounded by lush greenery and glass walls, the Floral Display Hall is a stunning indoor option for ceremonies, and a great backup for unpredictable weather. The space feels alive and vibrant, and the filtered natural light makes for gorgeous photos.
- Vibe: Lush, botanical, and intimate
- Capacity: Up to 200 guests (only from mid-May to mid-September)
The Rose Garden
Romantic, fragrant, and full of color, the Rose Garden is a showstopper in late spring and summer. With rows of blooming roses and wide-open sky, it creates a naturally elegant backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or portraits. If you’re a flower lover, this ceremony location is hard to beat.
- Vibe: Classic romance in full bloom
- Capacity: Up to ~100 guests
The Victorian Garden
Structured and elegant, the Victorian Garden offers manicured greenery and timeless charm. It’s perfect for couples who want an outdoor ceremony space that feels classic, curated, and just a little bit tucked away.
- Vibe: Formal garden meets old-world charm
- Capacity: Up to ~100 guests
The Japanese Garden
Peaceful and reflective, the Japanese Garden is a serene space featuring stone pathways, quiet water features, and a soft, organic layout. While it’s not typically used for large ceremonies, it’s one of my favorite places for portraits or a quiet moment together after your ceremony.
- Vibe: Tranquil, intentional, and earthy
- Capacity: Best for portraits or very small ceremonies
My favorite spots for Lauritzen Garden wedding photos
There are almost too many to name! A few of my go-tos:
- The Rose Garden
- The Japanese Garden
- The Victorian Garden
- The reflecting pool and pergola
- The conservatory
Even the walkways between gardens give us beautiful light and motion! The whole property is made for wandering, and that makes for the best kind of wedding photos.
What type of couple would love a Lauritzen Gardens wedding?
This is a great fit for couples who feel most at home outdoors. If your perfect date is a walk through a park or your house is filled with plants and fresh flowers, you’ll feel completely at home here. It’s romantic and elegant, but never overdone — and it gives you the space to slow down and be really present with the people you love.
Insider tips for planning a wedding at Lauritzen Gardens
Because it’s such a big property, it really helps to have a solid vendor team to make the day flow smoothly. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and having someone there to coordinate timing, transportation, and layout will let you focus on being fully present.
From a photography standpoint, I recommend building in time to explore a few different parts of the garden. Even just 15 minutes at golden hour allows for the most magical portraits. And if the weather isn’t cooperating? The conservatory is an incredible backup. It’s full of greenery and soft light, so even on rainy or winter days, we’ll still get those lush, vibrant images you’re dreaming of.
Since the gardens are open to the public until 5 p.m., most weddings here begin after 6, which makes the timing of light and transitions extra important. I always recommend doing a first look or earlier portraits so you can take full advantage of the natural beauty before the sun starts to dip.
And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes (or bring a pair to change into!) — we’ll definitely be walking a bit to chase the best light and find your favorite hidden spots.
How much does a Lauritzen Gardens wedding cost?
This venue can accommodate weddings at all price points! From what I’ve heard from the venue’s event team, they’ve seen weddings ranging from $500 to $20,000 and everything in between. So whether you’re picturing a dreamy garden elopement or a larger-scale celebration, you can make it work at Lauritzen Gardens.
If you envision a larger, more elaborate wedding, I will note that the space is very open and versatile. I recommend investing in a great planner, floral designer, and rentals to help shape it into the day you’re dreaming of. With the right team, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Lauritzen Gardens: At a Glance
Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about planning a Lauritzen Gardens wedding:
- Location: South Omaha near the I-80 bridge
- Address: 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
- Phone: (402) 346-4002
- Website: Lauritzen Gardens
- Venue Spaces:
- Capacity: Up to 275
- Exclusive Vendors: No, but the venue does have a preferred caterer.
Planning a Lauritzen Gardens wedding? I’d love to be there!
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels grounded, intentional, and full of natural beauty, Lauritzen Gardens is one of the most special places you could choose. I’d be honored to photograph your day here — reach out and let’s start planning!
Still considering other locations? Don’t miss my list of the best Omaha wedding venues!
