Ceremony Permit
Small do-it-yourself ceremonies can be held at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden with a Ceremony Permit
The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden welcomes small wedding ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals, and similar ceremonies during regular business hours.
A Ceremony Permit is required for any organized ceremony held at the Botanic Garden, regardless of how small or informal the ceremony may be.
Ceremony Permit
- The Ceremony Permit fee is $125 and is non-refundable. New Mexico BioPark Society members receive a 10% discount with a valid membership card and ID
- The Ceremony Permit includes a Photo Permit and admission for one photographer. All other participants and guests, including the couple and officiant, must have regular BioPark admission or a valid membership
- Ceremonies are limited to 30 people total, including the couple, officiant, and photographer
What the Permit Allows
Ceremony Permits are intended for simple, standing ceremonies held in public areas of the Botanic Garden during regular operating hours:
-
Must take place between 9 am and 5 pm and conclude when the Botanic Garden closes
-
May occupy an area for up to 30 minutes
-
Must remain in public areas and may not block paths or restrict access for other guests
-
May include live or artificial flowers
Ceremony Permits do not include a reserved or private ceremony location. The Botanic Garden remains open to the public, and other visitors may be present during your ceremony. Specific locations cannot be reserved or guaranteed.
Guidelines
To protect the Garden and maintain access for all visitors, Ceremony Permits do not allow:
-
Receptions
-
Chairs or other seating
-
Decorations
-
Music, either acoustic or amplified
-
Outside vendors or deliveries, including catering
-
Tables, lighting, or other event equipment
-
Flower petals, confetti, rice, birdseed, bubbles, balloons, or candles
Guests, photographers, and photography equipment must remain on public paths. Garden beds, plants, rocks, water features, and other non-public areas may not be entered or used for photography or ceremony activities.
Purchasing Your Permit
- Ceremony Permits may be purchased at the Aquarium & Botanic Garden entrance ticket booth from a cashier. No Ceremony Permits will be issued after 4:30 pm or during special events.
- Regular admission or a valid membership is required for everyone attending the ceremony except the photographer, whose admission is included with the permit. Admission may be purchased in advance online or on the day of the ceremony.
- Please review the Ceremony Permit & Agreement before your visit. You may complete the agreement in advance and bring it with you or complete it when purchasing your permit.
Failure to follow Ceremony Permit or BioPark rules may result in removal from the ABQ BioPark.