If you are on a bit of a mission to get to know Gainesville one of the first places you should definitely stop off is at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. The 62 acre facility and gardens are littered with quaint benches and rustic gazebos and the most well-kept gardens filled with a wide array of flowers in bloom.
The wide variety of gardens and luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces make the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens the perfect location for the most picturesque wedding for someone who really loves getting in touch with the great outdoors and would like nature’s beauty to shine through the pages of their wedding album.
But before making your mind up on a location, stay tuned as this article will let you in on everything you need to know about the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and why it would be a great location for your wedding.
Kanapaha – The Story Behind The Name
So you may be wondering – where did the Kanapaha Gardens get their name? The name Kanapaha originates from the words “palmetto leaf” and “house” in the Timucua Indian language which is now extinct but native to Florida. The words “palmetto leaf” and “house” together mean thatched houses that the native people used to live in on the side of the Kanapaha lake.
Why The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Is The Best Wedding Venue.
There are so many reasons why the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens would make for the very best wedding venue. Take a look at the following information that will provide you with just a glimpse of what awaits you and your guests on the site of the gardens.
- How to travel to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Planning a wedding at a location that is tricky to get to will create unnecessary stress for your big day. That is why I love the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens as it is located just a few streets away from Route 75 and North East State road. The gardens are set back from the main road and secluded so that your guests will be able to fully enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- What wildlife awaits you at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens?
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are immaculately kept and include some signature plants such as Chinese royal bamboo and majestic water lilies during the summer months – the perfect backdrop for the most eye-catching wedding photos. The venue boasts having the largest public display of bamboo in the entire state of Florida and the largest herb garden – these details provide unique sights for your guests to see and a relaxing setting that will reflect tranquility throughout your special day.
- What is the size of the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens?
The venue includes 2 indoor spaces and an abundance of outdoor spaces which will make for the most precious wedding locations, no matter the weather. The 62 acre facility boasts ample room for you and your guests to celebrate your big day together for both the ceremony and the reception should you wish.
The best thing about renting the gardens is that the rental fee for your wedding day will waiver the cost of admission to the gardens for up to 150 guests, meaning they will be able to ponder through the gardens and soak in a view of the wildlife free of cost.
Another bonus about renting the gardens for your wedding is that the rental fee includes chairs – there’s another worry ticked off of your to-do list.
- When is the best time to have your wedding at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens?
If you are planning your wedding at the gardens, then I am sure you will want to take place at a time when everything is in bloom. If you are a fan of Victorian water lilies and would like them in the backdrop of your photos, then the best time to plan your wedding at the gardens will be during the summer months. If you would like some bold and vibrant colors in your photos then schedule your wedding around June to September. And of course, the spring is also an excellent time to have your wedding to see some of the more delicate and seasonal flowers coming into bloom.
Why Everyone Should Visit The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Even if your big day isn’t coming up quite so soon, you should still consider paying a visit to the gardens. But why?
- The gardens are a fantastic place to walk dogs, and are open for your furry friends to take a stroll around the premises everyday, outside of special events.
- The gardens often have special events such as the Spring Garden Festival – the perfect time to see all of the new flowers come into bloom and the Moonlight Walk – a breathtaking event where the paths and gardens are lit with unique laser lights and live music is played so that you can enjoy the sites of the gardens and explore the emerging wildlife during the evening.
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