Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory for Riverside Views and Open Gardens
About the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Wedding Venue
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle is Detroit’s brightest emerald. It opened on August 18th, 1904 and was designed by Mason & Kahn, the same firm that designed the Belle Isle Aquarium next door. The building sits on 13 acres, has a lily pond on its north side, and is fronted by formal perennial gardens on the west. It is the oldest, continually operating conservatory in the United States.
The conservatory is currently closed till 2024 while it undergoes repairs, upgrades and construction.
Details of the Grounds
This one-acre building has five areas, each with a different climate. It has a north and south wing and a 100,600 cubic feet dome that accommodates tall palms and tropical plants. The north wing has many desert plants and cacti, while the south has tropical plants and the Children’s Christian Temperance Foundation. The collection includes gardens of perennials and annuals. The show house is continuously filled with blooming plants and was renovated in 1980. (Gosh, 8 years before I was even born!)
Photography Opportunities
Wedding photos may be taken at the conservatory during your reservation time, however, photography permits are required to take photos at other locations in the park. Please contact the Event Office for additional details. See here for RENTAL AGREEMENT.
The stunning conservatory has a koi pond, an exquisite English Garden with fountains, ample seating for guests to bask in the sun, and a breathtaking view of the Detroit River and boats. Visitors found it to be a serene and tranquil place, with immaculately kept gardens.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory can be found on Belle Isle which leaves you with plenty of photography opportunities. In fact, its my most requested Engagement Session spot location. You can find plenty of Willow Trees, River views, a Casino, beautiful working fountain in the warmer months, places to take the sunset in and skyline views of Detroit, a walking beach, gardens and plenty of places to cure your nature loving heart, all within driving distance on the island.
Wedding Details
Stay tuned as the Conservatory undergoes construction.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
It’s honestly no wonder garden inspired couples choose Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory as their wedding venue of choice. From its blooming flowers, towering tropical plants and desert themed cacti there is plenty of sure spots to capture beautiful photos (and I can help you there!) Have you ceremony inside the conservatory or outside in the perennial gardens…the choice is up to you and having a “bad weather” backup is not a bad idea either. Even if you choose to have your ceremony indoors, you and your guests will most definitely have a beautiful view as they watch you exchange your vows.
If garden inspired wedding venues are your thing, let’s chat. I’m right there with ya’ and cannot help to feel super inspired when Michigan is in bloom.
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie, and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.