Karlyn and Benjamin’s Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding was a sun-drenched celebration of color, laughter, and love — and photographing it was a total dream. The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is nestled in the scenic Berkeley Hills of California. It was the perfect setting for the couple’s vibrant celebration, and it really gave us endless inspiration behind the lens.
These two first met years ago at an internship at the Community Legal Information Center while attending Chico State. Now, Ben is an attorney and Karly works in local government in Southern California, and together they’ve built a life full of joy, adventure, and their beloved dog. That same spirit filled every corner of their wedding day.
The Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding began with quiet, heartfelt moments as Karly got ready surrounded by loved ones, her smile glowing as her dress was carefully buttoned up. Soon after, one of the most touching moments unfolded — Karly walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father, beaming through happy tears as friends and family looked on with joy.
The couple’s vision was “garden party” and the Botanical Garden was the perfect canvas. Bright wildflower tones of yellow, orange, pink, and green popped everywhere — from Karlyn’s cheerful bouquet of daisies and gerbera to their stunning pressed-flower cake. Every color felt like it had been borrowed straight from the garden beds around them.
One of our favorite moments was photographing them in the cactus conservatory, where the glasshouse light wrapped them in a soft glow as they laughed and held hands between towering succulents. Just steps away, we captured them wandering through the rugged desert garden, surrounded by earthy rocks, golden blooms, and textured greenery that made the whole scene feel like a hidden wonderland. Karly’s Vow’d gown caught the breeze perfectly as she walked, and the way they looked at each other made every frame sparkle. As San Francisco wedding photographers, we love photographing weddings here because the light, textures, and colors do half the storytelling — and Karlyn and Ben brought the other half: warmth, joy, and pure love.
You’ll love to see the full photo gallery from this wedding? It’s right below! If you’re dreaming of a beautiful wedding celebration like this, explore our photography and videography collections to see which style speaks to you. You can also check out our packages and read heartfelt reviews from couples who’ve trusted us to capture their once-in-a-lifetime moments. Let’s make something unforgettable together — get in touch with us today!
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Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding Photos
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
Tucked away in the scenic Berkeley Hills, the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is like stepping into a living postcard. With over 30,000 plants from around the world, it’s a lush escape filled with winding stone paths, tranquil ponds, and towering redwoods. As photographers, we love how the natural light here feels soft and magical — perfect for dreamy portraits. It’s peaceful, colorful, and full of hidden nooks that make every frame look like art. Whether you’re a nature lover or just craving a quiet moment, this garden is a gem waiting to be explored.
Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding Cost
Planning a wedding at the Botanical Garden at Berkeley? You’re probably wondering about the cost — and honestly, it’s worth every penny. Venue rental fees typically start in the low-thousands and vary based on guest count, season, and which garden area you choose. There are beautiful open-air spaces for intimate ceremonies and larger gatherings, and you’ll need to factor in permits, insurance, and required on-site staff. While prices can shift year to year, couples love that this venue gives them an unforgettable natural backdrop without the need for heavy décor. It’s beautiful, personal, and truly one of a kind.
Botanical Garden at Berkeley Wedding Photos
Wedding photos at the Botanical Garden at Berkeley are pure magic. Every corner gives you something different — towering redwoods for dramatic portraits, vibrant flower beds for color pops, and golden meadows for that warm, romantic glow. The way the light filters through the trees feels like it was designed for photographers. From intimate first looks to wide scenic shots of the hills, the garden makes it effortless to create timeless, storybook-worthy images. Couples always love how their photos look vibrant and alive here — like nature wrapped their love story in color and light.
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Map
Before heading to the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, definitely check out their map — it’s a lifesaver! The garden is spread across 34 acres, with winding trails leading to themed sections like the Redwood Grove, the Asian Collection, and the stunning Succulent Garden. Having the map handy helps you plan your route so you don’t miss the hidden gems (and it’s great for timing golden-hour portraits, too). It also shows restrooms, entrances, and gathering spots, which is super helpful on wedding days. Think of it as your little treasure map to all the most photogenic corners of the garden.
