Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Ceremonies at Riverbanks begin an hour after the zoo and garden close — 6 p.m. in fall and winter, 7 p.m. in spring and summer — so couples marry in a botanical garden they have essentially to themselves. The Columbia institution hosts weddings from 15-guest elopements to celebrations of up to 500, with full park buyouts available for larger crowds.

Receptions land in one of two indoor rooms: the Magnolia Room in the Botanical Garden ($1,750 for a four-hour rental) or Ndoki Lodge on the zoo side ($1,850), both with tables and chairs included. Garden ceremony sites seat up to 200. Riverbanks' exclusive in-house catering team handles every menu — plated dinners, buffets, or stations — with twice-yearly group tastings and bar programs ranging from full service to specialty cocktails. Food-and-beverage minimums apply, around $55 per guest in peak season.

For small weddings, an elopement package starts at $1,500 for up to 15 guests on weekdays and includes two hours in the garden, a charcuterie board, and a champagne toast. A portion of event proceeds supports the care of Riverbanks' animals and plants. The events office at 803-602-0900 books site tours by appointment on weekdays.