Weddings

Botanical Gardens

The University of Rhode Island’s Botanical Gardens is the perfect venue for any ceremony. The 4.5 acres of beautifully designed landscapes, flower beds, trees, and shrubs are carefully chosen for our climate and highlight the sustainable landscaping practices of the gardens. Each season brings its own special beauty. From the early spring azaleas to the reds and golds of autumn leaves, there is always vibrant colors in the gardens. 

URI Alums, Ann and Kent Rudasill, 7/4/2020 Wedding

Jon and Heidi Dowiot, URI Alums

Guidelines

The garden is available May thru November.

    1. The University of Rhode Island Botanical Gardens can be reserved in advance by contacting URI’s Conferences and Special Programs Office.
    2. The Botanical Gardens are available for weddings, photo opportunities and other ceremonies.
    3. Arrangements must be approved for locations of tents (40’x 80′ tent) and chair rentals in the garden.
    4. Bathroom facilities and electrical outlets are provided for your ceremony with the rental fee. A designated employee by the University will be present during the event to assist with your special day.
    5. Parking is extremely limited during business hours (M-F 8am-5pm). Parking for evenings and weekends are available in lots 7 and 9.
    6. A donation of $1,500 to URI’s Botanical Garden Fund is welcomed for the use of the space with access to bathroom facilities and electricity. A $100 donation for a photo session only (no access to facilities or electricity). All donations will be used to support the continued beauty and teaching opportunities of this space.
    7. The garden is a public space, and we do not restrict access to students and the general public; however, most visitors to the garden respect the activities of a private event.

History

The University of Rhode Island has a long and distinguished history as Rhode Island’s agricultural and Land Grant institution. An important part of our history has included teaching Horticultural Science and planting trees on the Kingston campus. Formal Gardens were created here over 50 years ago. They are now known as the URI Botanical Gardens , started in 1991 with a donation from the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association. The 4.5 acre Botanical Gardens and Horridge Conservatory now rank among the most beautiful places on the URI campus, frequented and treasured by URI faculty, staff, and students. The Gardens are also a valuable teaching and research tool and a model of sustainable landscaping for URI students and faculty from many departments, as well as appreciative visitors from all over New England. Along with the contiguous 1,200 acres of the Everett P. Christopher Arboretum, the URI Botanical Gardens have become a horticultural gem in southern New England. 

Medicinal, botanical gardens hidden URI treasures

URI BOTANICAL GARDENS
6 Greenhouse Road
Kingston, RI 02881

(google map directions)