12 Essential Tips about Marjorie McNeely wedding
Hello, lovely bride & grooms to be🤗 As a Minnesota wedding planner, we answer all your questions about Como Conservatory wedding cost, Sunken Garden capacity, and booking logistics & everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- Why Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
- What is the cost of having a wedding at McNeely Conservatory?
- What are the venue options/ Photography Locations/ ceremony, reception, indoor/outdoor?
- What makes Marjorie McNeely venue special?
- How many guests can it hold?
- What do you need to prepare for a wedding here?
- How Can a Wedding Planner Help You?
- Is the venue accessible/weather concerns/ backup plan?
- How many weddings happen there? Is it overused/ crowded?
- How does it feel like, to have a wedding in Marjori McNeely (what I tell my couple clients)
- What’s included? What must I bring/ arrange?
- What’s the photography permit policy?
Introduction
If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by breathtaking Floral & the melodic serenade of nature, then look no further than the stunning Marjory McNeely conservatory in Minnesota. As a wedding planner based in our beautiful Minnesota, I’ve had the joy of helping couple create magical moments in this enchanting venue, & I’m here to share everything you need to know about planning your wedding there!
These beautiful images are taken by: Vika Platnikova
1. Why Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
If you are currently searching for a truly unforgettable & unique St. Paul wedding venue, chances are the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park is the one. The Stunning and iconic architecture, the high ceilings, the skylights, the glass, the steel structure & symmetrical gardens give dramatic elegant lines and amazing natural light for photography guaranteed a spectacular Wedding Day, regardless of the season.Â
2. What is the cost of having a wedding at Marjory McNeely Conservatory?
The cost for a wedding at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (Como Park) varies significantly by space and day:
Ceremony-Only in Sunken Garden the price is approximately $650 – $1,000 for a 90-minute rental (higher on weekends).
Cost Components: Requires a Room Rental Fee plus a mandatory Food & Beverage Minimum, for example Covered Porch’s Rental Fee is about $2,000 with food & beverage Minimum of $5,500+.
Smaller spaces and weekday events are considerably less expensive.
3. What are the venue options/ Photography Locations/ ceremony, reception, indoor/outdoor?
The Marjory McNeely Conservatory offers amazing backdrops for your wedding photos! Look for these prime spots.
- The Sunken Garden: With its vibrant seasonal flowers, this space is a must for portraits, has specific blocks for wedding, often in early morning or evening windows. Because parts of the conservatory are open daily to the public, many weddings are scheduled outside public hours, or timed to reduce overlap with visitors.
For some indoors rooms like Berglund & Ordway, times may be more flexible, but still likely aligned to venue availability.
Best advice: reach out as early as possible.
- Victorian Conservatory: Its elegant architecture provides a sophisticated backdrop, perfect for both candid and posed shots.
- Ordway Gardens: A more intimate option. Indoor pavilion plus outdoor terrace can handle small ceremonies and receptions. Also has a 90-minute rental schedule. Some sample rates (depending on day) are:
* Mon–Thu: US$400
* Friday: US$750
* Saturday: US$800
* Sunday: US$750
- Berglund/Wright Room: indoor event room with high ceilings, skylights, large windows view of the conservatory. Good for small reception.
 *Mon–Thu / weekend daytime: US$400
 *Fri–Sun evening add-ons: US$750
The Palm Dome: A dramatic setting filled with towering palms that can add a touch of grandeur to your wedding album.
So yes, couples have flexibility. You can have your ceremony in the glass conservatory, then reception in an adjacent room or grow outward into garden spaces (weather permitting).
4. What makes Marjorie McNeely venue special?
- The Stunning and iconic architecture and light.
- The high ceilings, the skylights, the glass, the steel structure & symmetrical gardens give dramatic elegant lines and amazing natural light for photography.
- The conservatory rotates garden displays which creates flower shows & changing scenery .
- Since como conservatory is integrated with a park & zoo your guests can enjoy the park, zoo exhibits and gardens which adds to the destination feel to the venue.
- The natural light, the contrast of glass, greenery & reflection pools in the SUNKEN GARDENÂ make for stunning photos.
5. How many guests can it hold?
Marjorie McNeely conservatory spaces are unique garden. Capacity depends heavily on layout, how much space you reserve for ceremony/audience, walkway width, & furniture arrangement.
- Bullard Rainforest auditorium: up to 200 guests for seated dinner, & close to 300 for standing reception.
- Covered porch: up to 240 seated dinner & 400 for standing reception.
- Ordway Gardens: more modest up to 70 standing reception& 40 seated dinner.
- Berglund/wright: good for medium gathering 60 seated & 100 cocktail standing in some listing.
Because capacity is often tight in glasshouse/ garden spaces (you don’t want to box in guests or damage plants), I’d always plan for a “comfortable max” lower than absolute maximum.
6. What do you need to prepare for a wedding here?
- Date selection: choose your date wisely! Spring and summer are particularly popular because of the vibrant blooms.Â
- Venue Tour: schedule a visit to the conservatory to get a feel for an intimate venue. Aim for around 100 guests or less for a cozy, romantic vibe.
- Guest List: Keeping your guest count manageable is essential for an intimate venue. Aim for around 100 guests or less for a cozy, romantic vibe.
- Local Wedding Planner: Â Hint, hint! This is where I come in. A planner can see the stress and take care of the nitty-gritty details, ensure everything runs smoothly!
- Catering & Beverages: many couples opt for full-service catering, depending on your menu choice.
- Decor & floral arranges while the venues itself is stunning, if you want to add personal touches, I’m here to guide your budget.
- Photography and entertainment: always a must-have! Set aside $2000 to $5000 for a photographer and possibly more for your favorite band or DJ.
7. How Can a Wedding Planner Help You?
Now you might be wondering, “Why do I need a wedding planner?” Well, let me break it down!
- Local Knowledge: I know the ins and outs of Marjory McNeely Conservatory and can help you navigate the complexities of planning.
- Vendor Connections: With my established relationships with local vendors, I can recommend the best caterers, florists, and photographers who are familiar with the venue.
- Budget Management: Staying on budget while ensuring your vision comes to life is crucial. I can help you prioritize spending and find hidden gems!
- Stress Relief: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. I’ll handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the journey leading up to your big day!
8. Is the venue accessible/weather concerns/ backup plan?
- Accessibility: The Conservatory is accessible especially the main pathways popular garden rooms. The site part is part of the public park infrastructure.
- Weather / season: Because parts are outdoors, weather is always a consideration. But one advantage is that the conservatory provides an indoor garden space, which is especially valuable in winter or during inclement weather.
- Backup Plan: Always ensure you have a backup indoor space (with the venue or close by) if rain, snow, or extreme weather arise. Confirm whether the venue allows switching spaces last minute & weather extra fees apply.
- Wedding planner Tip: glasshouses get warm in summer; guests may feel humid, we always advise cooling fans, hydration stations, and “dress for warm weather” notices. In advance, we check forecasts and build a “Plan B map” so on the day of, switching spaces is smooth (not scrambling).
9. How many weddings happen there? Is it overused/ crowded?
10. How does it feel like, to have a wedding in Marjori McNeely (what I tell my couple clients)
As a wedding planner I don’t just lists facts, I help you feel the day and guide decisions with instinct plus experience. Here is how I talk with my brides & grooms about McNeely:
Vision & Vibe
Imagine stepping into a tropical greenhouse at sunset palms overhead, delicate orchids glowing, soft glass light casting patterns on the floor. The air smells faintly of soil + blossoms. That’s the vibe we want not forced but organically magical.
I often sketch their guest walk path & couple arrival path and how light shifts over time. That helps them see their day before it happens.
        Strategic advice I Give
- Pick your ceremony time smartly. Because of closing/public hours, schedule it right when light is soft and when the public has cleared. We build buffer time, because garden transitions, sun angles, and plant life slow things down — we always build extra minutes into the timeline, so nothing feels rushed
- Plan the photo flow early.
We map where the “first look,” “family photos,” “just married portraits” happen so they don’t cross guest flow or mess with delicate plants.
- Don’t over-decorate.
Glasshouses and gardens are already rich spaces. I advise minimal, elegant decor let the structure + plants shine.
- Vendor orientation & rehearsal.
We walk vendors through garden paths, entry points, and set rules (no trampling, no big staging in narrow paths) before setup day.
- Communicate photography rules.
We get everything in writing: permit, tripod policy, whether flash is allowed, special staff escort if needed.
- Floral Arrangements
The venue’s lush gardens provide many natural decorations, but let’s face it, you still want stunning bouquets and boutonnieres! opt for local florists who can complement the conservatory’s vibrant colors and exotic plants. An outfit of seasonal blooms creates a cohesive look that will have everyone swooning!
- Catering Choices:
Nothing brings people together like good food! The conservatory accommodates outside catering, so you have the freedom to select a menu that best represents you as a couple. From buffet-style meals to plated courses or a fabulous family-style dinner, the options are limitless!
- Timeline Coordination
Having a well-planned timeline is key to making sure everything flows smoothly on your big day! Here’s a general idea of what your schedule might look like at Marjory McNeely Conservatory:
- Ceremony Timing: Plan your ceremony to take advantage of natural light, especially if you’re saying your vows outside in a garden setting.
- Cocktail Hour: Use this time to take couple photos while guests enjoy the beauty of the venue.
- Reception Flow: From dinner to speeches, having a structured timeline allows everyone to enjoy each moment.
11. What’s included? What must I bring/ arrange? ​
Likely provided or allowed by the venue,Â
- Tables, chairs (ceremony + reception) through depending on space size, your needs may exceed what’s included.
- Basic AV/ sound for announcements or music (Mice, speakers) but advanced DJ/band equipment may need external coordination.
- Setup and cleanup support from venue staff but elaborate decor or staging still likely needs planner/vendor involvement.
- Some spaces may include a bridal suite or nearby staging/ dressing area (ask venue directly).
- Depending on the room, View/windows/skylights that let in a lot of natural light for photography.
12. What’s the photography permit policy?
- Tripods & posed photography:
Tripods are not allowed during public hours. Posed or commercial photography (group shots, formal portraits) may require a photography permit.
- Photo permits:
The venue does not issue photography permits during public hours.
If you plan to have a wedding ceremony/ photo during public hours, you may face restrictions or conflicts (crowed, visitors). Many couples schedule outside of public times to gain exclusively.
As a planner I’ll get in writing which photography restrictions apply to your specific date/time, and whether you’ll have exclusive access.
CONCLUSION
As your trusted wedding planner, I’m excited to help you plan your wedding at the Marjory McNeely Conservatory in Minnesota.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation! Together, we can create a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that you, your family, and your friends will cherish forever.
If you want a wedding that feels like stepping into a lush storybook McNeely is a contender. It’s got romance, drama, and a built-in gallery of greenery but it also has rules, timing, and delicate logistics. That’s where a planner’s superpower kicks in.
I promise, if I were planning your wedding there, I’d treat it like a botanical ballet choreographing light, pathways, emotion, and flow, & I’d make sure your guests never think, “We walked a lot,” but instead, “We moved through magic.Â
What are you waiting for? Let’s talk!