rawlings conservatory and botanic gardens | unique baltimore wedding venue

If you love plants, nature, gardens, historic greenhouses and beautiful architecture, you should consider having your wedding at Rawlings Conservatory… my sister got married here 5 years ago and we had multiple conversations about whether or not I would be the photographer or maid of honor. While I’m so grateful I got to enjoy the day by standing by her side, the photographer in me is still itching to document a wedding here!

Full of botanic gardens and plants from all over the world, this is definitely a wedding venue you and your guests will never forget. Included below are quick facts about capacity, logistics and what makes Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens such a unique Baltimore wedding venue; hope you find it to be a helpful resource!

ABOUT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY:

Opened in 1888, the historical Rawlings Conservatory is one of Baltimore’s most beautiful structures and the second oldest glass conservatory in America. It has five distinct greenhouse rooms, one 1/2-acre garden with a variety of flower beds and a kaleidoscope of colors and textures all year round. The Rawlings Conservatory is located in historic Druid Hill Park, which is one of the largest parks in Baltimore City.

The Conservatory can host both indoor and outdoor events, accommodating everything from cozy receptions, to large cocktail parties, to elegant tented affairs. The outdoor venue is lush with flowers, and the gardens feature colorful perennials and annuals throughout the spring and summer. Indoors, the five distinct greenhouse spaces include the original Palm House from 1888, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House, and Desert House. All have walkways and secluded benches, which provide wonderful backdrops for wedding photos!

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT RAWLINGS CONSERVATORY? HERE ARE SOME QUICK FACTS:

What makes Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens unique?
When was the last time you celebrated a milestone event in a historic greenhouse with your closest friends and family!? Rawlings is such a hidden gem of a Baltimore wedding venue. Portraits that are full of greenery and jungle vibes, or rust + terracotta colored desert vibes full of cacti of all shapes and sizes and palm trees that are 2-3 stories tall… all can be backdrops for your photos and your guests to mingle.

The Conservatory offers the best of all worlds when it comes to being able to have an outdoor ceremony in the garden, cocktail hour among 5 greenhouse rooms and a tented reception on the lawn. If renting a tent, either a 40’ x 60’ or a 30’ by 60’ tent is recommended. A 40’ by 60’ tent provides seating for 60 to 160 guests depending on type and size of tables selected.

How many guests can be accommodated?
Entire facility capacity: 60 seated per pavilion/up to 150 cocktail style
South Pavilion capacity: 60 seated/75 cocktail-style
Formal Garden & North Lawn capacity: up to 250

How early do couples have access to the space on their wedding day?
Entire facility rentals are available between 5pm and midnight, Wednesdays through Sundays. If the venue’s schedule allows, additional time can be purchased.

Are there spaces for the wedding party to get ready on site?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any spaces for your wedding party to get ready on site.

Do couples have access to the entire facility on their wedding day?
Yes, on Wednesdays through Sundays. You have the ability to take photographs anywhere on the grounds - there are a lot of fun corners in and around the property to take photographs; my favorite is the desert house since there’s really no place like it in Baltimore!

Where do guests park?
Parking is in the designated parking area along Swann Drive, in the side parking lot or along the Yellow Brick Road.

How many large events are hosted per day?
Only one at this time.

Are chairs and tables included with rental of the space?
Limited complimentary tables and chairs are available; garden ceremony chairs are available for a separate rental fee.

Are outside caterers permitted?
There is a list of caterers who have been pre-approved to work at Rawlings Conservatory. If you wish to use another caterer, there will be an additional fee.

Are there floor plans we can view?
Yes, click here to see the floor plan of the 5 distinct greenhouse spaces.

What does it cost to host a wedding at Rawlings Conservatory?
You may schedule available dates as early as 366 days in advance. As of the time of this post (April 2020), for a garden ceremony + cocktail hour within the Conservatory + tented garden reception for up to 250 people seated outdoors, rental rates range from $5320 (Fri) - $6510 (Sat/Sun). For up to 60 people seated or 150 cocktail-style with a garden ceremony and reception within the Conservatory, rental rates range from $2820 (Fri) - $4010 (Sat/Sun).

If interested in elopement packages for up to 35 people Tuesday-Sunday, the rate is $500 and includes a 1hr rental for a standing ceremony; no food or refreshments permitted. Up to 10 chairs are allowed for seniors and disabled.

Please contact Rawlings Conservatory directly for the most accurate rental rates and information.

Is the facility handicapped accessible?
Yes. The Conservatory greenhouses are wheelchair accessible.  Handicapped parking is located on the street in front of the Conservatory.

CONTACT + DIRECTIONS:

Rawlings Conservatory + Botanic Gardens website: http://www.rawlingsconservatory.org/
Directions to the Conservatory: 3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217
Phone: 410-396-4860
Contact: Christina Nutile, Park Administrator, garden.events@baltimorecity.gov