Venue details
$1,750Magnolia Room receptionPeak time · 4 hours · catering minimum and ceremony extra
- A four-hour peak-time reception rental is $1,750 for the Magnolia Room in the Botanical Garden or $1,850 for Ndoki Lodge in the Zoo; tables and chairs are included.
- On-site ceremonies add a $450 setup fee, chair rental from $2.15 each, and a $120 chair delivery fee that can change with guest count.
- Food and beverage have a date- and headcount-based minimum through the exclusive caterer.
- A separate Monday–Thursday elopement package starts at $1,500 for up to 15 people, booked 30–45 days ahead, and excludes 22% service charge and 10% sales tax.
- To confirm a reception event, Riverbanks requires a signed contract and a deposit equal to the facility rental plus 25% of remaining charges.
The Magnolia Room in the Botanical Garden and Ndoki Lodge in the Zoo are the two named reception spaces. The published peak rental covers four event hours and includes tables and chairs.
A ceremony on site has a $450 setup fee plus chair rental and delivery. Ceremonies start after the Zoo and Garden close.
Riverbanks requires its exclusive on-site caterer and sets a food-and-beverage minimum by event date and guest count.
The Botanical Garden weekday elopement package is for 15 or fewer people, including the couple and officiant, and provides a two-hour garden access period, a holding space, food, water, a champagne toast, and venue supervision.
Before you book
Ask for a written quote for your date and guest count.
- Magnolia Room and Ndoki Lodge guest capacities for the planned layout
- Food-and-beverage minimum for the chosen date and guest count
- Final ceremony chair, delivery, service, tax, and vendor charges
- Whether any reduced off-peak rate applies
Museum exterior photographed in 2010; Main Lobby not shown. · Photo: