Chris and Shelby’s Intimate Wedding at UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens

Shelby and Chris planned a small wedding at what you think looks like a national park, but it’s really a botanical garden at UC Berkeley. They managed to squeeze every element possible to make their intimate wedding possible from the gorgeous forest backdrop during their ceremony to Shelby’s whimsical wedding dress that fit the venue perfectly. Get all the details below.

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About This Wedding Day at The Botanical Gardens in California

Photography by Julia Goldberg Photography

“Shelby and Chris got married in one of the most beautiful venues in the Bay Area. Nestled in a massive redwood grove at the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. As they said their vows the sun shone brightly through the trees making a magical effect on Shelby’s sparkly blue wedding gown.

After their ceremony, we wandered around the stunning botanical gardens before they returned for speeches and dancing with their families.

They were such a sweet and fun couple. They made their own wedding rings, and I was obsessed with Shelby’s beautiful blue dress.” ” [Julia, the photographer]

Check out these small wedding ideas.

Planning Your Elopement at Berkeley’s Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens offer multiple wedding package options for your intimate wedding. You can plan your ceremony at the Mather Redwood Groove and Amphitheater like this couple did, and have your intimate reception at the Julia Morgan Hall.

The rates for your wedding ceremony rental (2-hour daytime ceremony) start at $2,200 (for a micro wedding of up to 25 people) or $1,600 (for up to 12 people). It costs about $7,400 for both an evening ceremony and a reception (this is dependant on the number of people).

“Shelby and Chris got married at the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. The event staff there does an amazing job of cleaning every last flower petal out and making it perfect for the next event.

I recommend planning your elopement a couple of hours before sunset so the sun streams through the trees in such a magical way rather than being directly overhead.” [Julia, the photographer]

Memorable Moments From This Wedding

From the photographer:

“Being able to explore around the stunning redwood grove and walk through the very colorful botanical gardens”

Final Words of Advice From The Photographer

“Getting married in a forest is such a magical choice for couples. Forest photos look so beautiful no matter the weather!” [Julia, the photographer]

Learn how to elope here.

Photos From This Small Wedding in California