There is something utterly romantic about starting the next chapter of your love story in a botanical oasis, where everything is fresh, green, and new. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida is an incredible destination for a garden wedding, full of extraordinary trees, lush foliage and flowers, and beautiful artwork. Its seclusion is both intimate and grand, creating the perfect setting for a memorable celebration. If you and your partner are searching for an epic outdoor venue, you have to consider a Bok Tower Gardens wedding.
About The Bok Tower Gardens Wedding Venue
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida 33853
In addition to being a flourishing garden destination, Bok Tower Gardens also has a unique history. It was founded by American editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Edward William Bok, who originally edited The Ladies’ Home Journal starting in 1889. Bok was an influential philanthropist in a number of social causes, including environmental activism and public health. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the beautiful gardens in Lake Wales to Bok, including the iconic 205-foot marble and coquina Singing Tower, beneath which Bok was buried a year later.
Throughout the development of the gardens, Bok worked closely with famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Olmsted was known for his acclaimed work on the Biltmore Estate, as well as a variety of prominent Washington DC landmarks, including The White House, Jefferson Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, and the National Zoo. Almost 100 years later, Olmsted’s legacy lives on through the spectacularly maintained grounds of the Bok Tower Gardens that continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Details of the Grounds
The Bok Tower Gardens offers a variety of beautiful garden ceremony locations from which you may choose. Just note that while some of these spaces can accommodate up to 100 guests, their reception spaces can only hold up to 80. If you’re planning on hosting both your ceremony and reception at Bok Tower Gardens, a final guest count of 80 is the number to keep in mind.
The Tower Lawn (up to 100 guests) is at the foot of the Singing Tower, placing your vows against a backdrop of a serene reflecting pond and the Great Brass Door. Surrounded by sweeping lawns, this is the most popular spot at the Gardens for a wedding ceremony.
The Sundial Overlook can also accommodate up to 100 guests. It similarly sets your vow exchange against a backdrop of the beautiful Singing Tower. You and your guests will gather beneath the shade of moss-covered oak trees for a wonderfully romantic setting. The Horseshoe Garden (also up to 100 guests) is a beautiful, curved garden area surrounded by “a living bouquet of flowering annual beds”. This space makes for the ultimate garden ceremony.
Smaller weddings take place in the Round Garden (up to 50 guests). Quietly tucked at the bottom of a winding garden path. Colorful flowers, tropical foliage, and the Singing Tower in the distance make this a stunning location. The White Garden (up to 40 guests) is like a tropical forest paradise.
If you plan to host your reception at the Bok Tower Gardens as well, you can gather for an after-hours celebration in the Grand Lobby of the Visitor Center (up to 80 seated guests). Or take advantage of the onsite Olmsted House. It features large windows, a spherical ceiling, and a beautiful view of the tower (up to 72 guests.)
Photography Opportunities
There is no end to the photo opportunities at Bok Tower Gardens. The spectacular gardens, Singing Tower, and art features make it an incredible place to fill an album of gorgeous portraits. From blossoming flower gardens to tropical landscaping and old, mature oaks and pines, there are so many dynamic offerings. So we’ll take advantage of as many as we can!!
Wedding Details
Whether you plan to host both your ceremony and reception at Bok Tower Gardens or just your ceremony, their team will help you arrange the spectacular wedding of your dreams. Get in touch with them to talk about what they include with their rental prices, and availability. Your incredible garden wedding could be only a phone call away!
Fall In Love With The History And Beauty Of A Bok Tower Gardens Wedding
A Bok Tower Gardens wedding is full of magic, greenery, and natural beauty. As your wedding photographer, I’ll capture all of the romance, history, and spectacular scenery of the Bok Tower Gardens. All with you and your partner at the heart of every photo. So let’s chat more about how we can bring your dream wedding album to life!
