Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 746-5250
Prefer the roar of lions and tigers to the roar of the El? Nestled just west of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Gardens create a perfectly peaceful and enchanting mix for your event’s atmosphere. Stroll along the pathways around the lush greenery during cocktail hour, and then emerge out into the expansive outdoor gardens for dinner under the stars. Many brides have walked down isles within the famed Grandmothers Garden as part of their big day. This versatile spot offers endless options for indoor, open air, or tented elements at your next event.
Event Spaces & Capacity
Ìý
| Location | Sq. Ft. | Measurements | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Garden | 51,200* | 320’x160’ | 3,000 (10 sq ft per person) |
| Grandmother’s Garden | 41,200* | 824’x50’ | 2,000 (10 sq ft per person)Ìý |
| Inside Conservatory | N/A | N/A | 100 (cocktail reception throughout entire Conservatory) 50 (seated ceremony in Show Room)Ìý |
*Outside Garden Measurements include restricted areas (flower gardens, fountains, and statues).Ìý
Ìý
The Conservatory is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday from 10am - 5pm. The Formal Garden and Grandmother’s Garden are open during ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ hours (6am-11pm)Ìý
Rates
Inside Conservatory Rates
| Rental FeeÌý | $1,000 |
| Security Guard | $200 |
| Security Deposit | $500 |
| TOTAL | $1,700 |
Ìý
| Rental FeeÌý | $2,000 |
| Security Guards (2) | $700 |
| Security Deposit | $500 |
| TOTAL | $3,200 |
Ìý
- Since the Conservatory is open to the public from 10am-5pm, events cannot begin (including set-up) until 5pm.
- All timeframes include set-up and breakdown.
Outdoor Garden Rates (8 hour usage)
| Rental FeeÌý | $3,213 |
| Personnel/Labor | $480 |
| Security Deposit | $1,000 |
| TOTAL | $4,693 |
Ìý
| Rental FeeÌý | $1,606 |
| Personnel/Labor | $480 |
| Security Deposit | $1,000 |
| TOTAL | $3,086 |
Ìý
- All timeframes include set-up and breakdown.
- Rental of spaces for only 4 hours will be charged half the appropriate 8-hour fee.
- Additional hours before 11pm can be purchased for $250.
- For tear-down/pick-ups, 11pm-Midnight can be purchased for an additional $500 plus personnel fees.
To Book
We do not issue any temporary holds on any dates. To officially reserve the Conservatory and Gardens (8-hour rental), we require:
- Special Event Venue Application
- Non-Refundable Reservation Fee
- $35 Non-Refundable Application Fee
The Reservation Fee is 50% of the Rental Fee. The Reservation Fee will be applied towards your Balance Due, but it is non-refundable if you cancel (no exceptions).
Wedding Ceremonies (Commemorative Event) Outside in Gardens
If you are interested in just performing a ceremony in the Formal or Grandmother’s Gardens, you need to submit a Special Event Application for a Commemorative Permit. A Commemorative Permit is required for every type of ceremony on Park District property regardless of size.
There are two different levels of Commemorative Permit for our gardens. Level 1 allows you two hours (including set-up and tear-down), and it allows you bring in only chairs and a trellis. Level 2 allows you four hours (including set-up and tear-down), and it allows you to have amplified sound, a small tent (15’x15’ or smaller) and risers in addition to chairs and a trellis, if desired. However, Liability Insurance is required with Level 2. (Contact us if you need a recommendation.) More information including the fees can be found in the Special Event Application, particularly on pages 17.
Availability is not given prior to receiving an application for Commemorative Events. To begin the process, an application along with the $35 non-refundable Application Fee must be remitted. Applications are processed in the order received, and you will be contacted if your time/date/location is available and what fees/documents/etc are required in order to secure a permit.
Additional Information
The Park District does not provide parking for Lincoln Park Conservatory. However, there are several paid parking lots in the area. You may contact Standard Parking for more information. In the gardens, for approved vehicles, you may be given a limited number of delivery passes to allow vehicles to drive on the Park District pathways to deliver items. Vehicles are not allowed to remain on-site and can never drive or park on the grass.
There is no equipment provided for the Conservatory or the Gardens. All equipment must be rented from our Preferred Professionals.
- All permittees are required to use a caterer from Preferred Professional List for ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE (including alcohol). Other than a wedding cake, the client is not allowed to supply any food or beverage.
- Cost to be determined by caterer.
- Certain rentals can also be coordinated and/or contracted through the
caterers.
- All permittees are required to use rental suppliers from the Preferred Professionals List.
- Cost to be determined by rental supplier.
- All permittees are required to pay a refundable security deposit, as indicated in the rate structure. The amount will be refunded 30 business days after the event as long as there is no damage to the property and all rules and regulations are followed.
- Violations in which part or the entire security deposit will be withheld include: entering/exiting outside of reservation time, deliveries/pick-ups outside of reservation time, unauthorized vehicles on-site and/or on the grass.
- All permittees are required to have at least one (1) ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Security Officer on-site during all events inside Conservatory and 8-hour rentals in the garden.
- Cost factored into Personnel/Labor Fee.
- Commemorative Events may request a Security Officer to be on-site for $50/hour, 4 hour minimum.
- If desired, an attendant can be scheduled to remain on-site to clean the restrooms during your event.
- Fee to be determined by Special Event Manager
The ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ requires any individual or group hosting an event on ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ property to obtain General Liability Insurance in the amount of $1M naming the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ as Additional Insured. The Park District also requires the Endorsement issued by the insurance carrier. You may obtain this insurance from any insurance company of your choosing or contact us for a recommendation. Serving alcohol will require additional insurance coverage of $2M.
- There is limited electrical power available inside Conservatory. Generators must be rented for the gardens.
- Contact Special Event Manager for more information.