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Weddings

About

Wedding Ceremonies at Dow Gardens

At Dow Gardens, you have a choice between two different outdoor locations within our 110-acre botanical garden. Site #1 is the Wedding Peninsula, a grassy area surrounded by water with views of our historic stone bridge. Site #2 is the Willow wedding area. The Willow tree across from the historic Pines Home is a quiet meadow-like area overlooking the pond with large shrubs that separate the pathway from the ceremony site offering seclusion and privacy for your wedding. It also features the use of the historic barn changing area.

Email our Wedding Coordinator, mitchell@dowgardens.org for scheduling information!

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$800

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$800

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

5

What kind of settings are available?

Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony

Reviews of Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

T
Tamara Sent on 08/04/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful flowers, bridges, landscaping all made for a perfect and beautiful wedding.
A
Amanda Sent on 08/24/2016
5 out of 5 rating
DOW Gardens is absolutely beautiful! The staff and Event Manager (Kristen), were extremely polite and accommodating. From set up, ceremony, pictures and take down, everything went perfectly. The staff was there to set up and take down all things we rented from the gardens (chairs, stereo system and golf cart). They helped guide my crew to set up the things we brought in and helped when they could. The venue allowed me and my husband to come in whenever we wanted throughout the year to take a look at our venue and get ideas for planning. On the big day the staff hunted down a large mirror to put in my changing room for me last minute so I didn't have to go out into the hall where everyone was coming in. I couldn't have dreamed of a better location for our perfect outdoor July wedding!
M
Miranda Sent on 11/17/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Everything turned out to be amazing that day. The staff was also very great to work with. I definitely recommend a nice outdoor wedding there!
K
Katelynn Sent on 11/17/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We arrived early for pictures and the staff had no problem letting us walk around the gardens. Ceremony site set-up was done for us and was perfect! All of our guests truly loved having the option to walk around the gardens before and after the ceremony -free of charge! Our pictures also turned out fantastic!

The staff at Dow Gardens were always very helpful from helping with the smallest of questions to helping my husband and I pick the best locations for pictures. I highly recommend Dow Gardens as a ceremony cite to anyone looking for an outdoor wedding in Midland MI!
J
Jen Sent on 09/30/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We had the most beautiful wedding at Dow Gardens we couldn't have asked for a better venue. Everything from the staff to the beauty of the gardens was perfect! I highly recommend getting married here to anyone and everyone!!!
U
User1834818 Sent on 09/29/2014
5 out of 5 rating
From the beautiful scenery to dealing with the business part of it, Dow Gardens was amazing. Definitely chose the right spot!
U
User1787857 Sent on 08/30/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Super sweet, and cute flowery venue. The ladies at the front desk were super helpful when we had to schedule amigos for our grandparents to use.
Eulah
Eulah Sent on 06/17/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Loved having the Ceremony here. The Peninsula was Gorgeous and peaceful. All our guest had a great time.
U
User1365288 Sent on 10/06/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Dow Gardens was absolutely breathtaking on our wedding day. The staff was extremely helpful, they helped make my wedding magical. I would recommend this location to everyone!
U
User7243879 Sent on 02/22/2013
5 out of 5 rating
I booked this venue for two hours on a friday morning. The pricing is outstanding and we had free reign of the place for the full two hours. They have this beautiful stone fireplace that we did our wedding in front of and were able to get pictures outside, regardless of it being February and snowing, with beautiful views of the forest and the snow. The staff is very friendly and I would recommend this beautiful venue to everyone for a multitude of different events.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

24
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Patrick Hadley Photography Patrick Hadley Photography Wedding Photographers

Dow Gardens is a beautiful place to have both your ceremony and reception. The staff is wonderful and the grounds are exquisite and well taken care of. We've photographed several weddings here and had a great experience every time.

Preferred Vendors
Paper Moon Wedding & Event Specialists
4.5 out of 5 rating , 10 reviews
· Wedding Rentals

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Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens frequently asked questions

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in value, 4.7 in professionalism, 4.6 in quality of service, 4.6 in average response time and 4.5 in flexibility.
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