Botanic Opelika: Your Complete Guide to Engagement Sessions, Proposals & Weddings
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If you haven’t been to Botanic in Opelika yet, you are truly missing out! I love to go with my girls and walk around, look at the flowers, buy a few new plants (that will likely be doomed to my black thumb), shop for some boutique gifts, or just grab a cup of coffee and soak in the beauty in every nook and cranny of the place! Between the greenhouse, the yummy treats, and the shops, it is one of those places that has something for everyone.
It also happens to be one of my absolute favorite places to photograph couples, and I’ve been creating portraits here for almost two years. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, dreaming up the perfect proposal, or looking for a stunning wedding venue, this is your guide to what it’s like to have your session at Botanic.
Portrait Locations
Botanic has three distinct areas that I love for portraits, each with its own feel.
The Greenhouse is a warm, light-filled space overflowing with plants and flowers. The layers and colors are unmatched and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to find beautiful spots for portraits the first time I brought a couple here. One thing to keep in mind is that the greenhouse closes at 5pm, so morning and early afternoon sessions work best if you want to include this space.
The Garden is an indoor space that feels like the outdoors. Floor to ceiling greenery, water features, and natural textures give it a botanical atmosphere unlike anywhere else I have photographed. It can be rented in sections, or you can rent the entire space for larger events. I have a feeling it is going to become one of the most sought after wedding venues in the area.
The Patio and Grounds are where you will find Botanic’s outdoor magic. A beautiful pond, wandering ducks and rabbits, and a brand new walking path that offers a fresh vantage point with Botanic’s stunning greenhouse and gardens as the backdrop. I cannot wait to get out there with couples this spring!
All three spaces are available for portrait sessions with a $50 permit fee, which honestly makes it one of the most beautiful and accessible session locations in Alabama.
Year Round Beauty
One of my favorite things about Botanic as a session location is that it truly works year round. Why does that matter? Even in winter when the trees are bare and the grass is brown outside, you will walk into Botanic and find lush, green spaces waiting for you. For portraits, that’s fantastic, but it’s also just a great place to get over some winter blues! The indoor Greenhouse and Garden mean you are never at the mercy of the season.
Still, each time of year brings its own magic. Spring brings an abundance of hydrangeas and summer florals both in the Greenhouse and Garden. Fall means pumpkins and seasonal decor, especially around the Greenhouse entrance. And sometime in November, the Christmas transformation begins. Picture a garden full of twinkle lights, poinsettias, and wreaths with red bows. It is honestly one of the most beautiful times of year to photograph there (if you don’t mind a little holiday cheer in your gallery)!
If you are trying to decide when to book, my honest answer is…there is no wrong time! It just depends on the vibe you’re going for.
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS:
Olivia & Windell | November
Olivia and Windell’s session felt like a Hallmark movie, and I mean that in the best possible way! Twinkle lights create immediate romance, and Botanic leans all the way in once the Christmas decor goes up. I love poinsettias and Botanic at Christmas is a red floral DREAM. If you’re planning a November or December session and love that cozy, magical holiday aesthetic, this is your spot.
One thing worth knowing: the Christmas decor is beautiful but it is everywhere, so if that is not your vibe we will have to be intentional about which spaces we use. Totally doable, just something to plan around!
Amy & Justin | May
Amy and Justin’s session was one of those happy accidents that turned out to be perfect. We had originally planned to shoot at a different garden, but a last minute power issue left us scrambling for a backup. The Botanic team is always so helpful and were able to get us in on very short notice!
Because it was a Monday and Botanic was closed to the public, we had the Greenhouse and Garden almost entirely to ourselves with just staff around. That was just a happy accident! On days when Botanic is open, we sometimes have to move in and out of spaces to avoid disrupting customers. Posing for photos can feel a little awkward in the middle of a busy restaurant or shop, but going on a Monday felt completely different!
PROPOSALS
Hunter & May | March
This was such a romantic and sweet proposal! Hunter had his sister set everything up so it was ready for them. A trail of flower petals led them through the Greenhouse, and May was crying before they even made it to the end of the path! They stopped where his sister had arranged photos of the two of them throughout their relationship, and Hunter got down on one knee. Such a sweet moment!
But Hunter had one more surprise. He had both of their families waiting upstairs at the Martini Bar in the Garden to celebrate. May had absolutely no idea! I pretended to bring them up for photos, and when they came up the stairs she found family and friends ready to party. Just precious!
Collin & Alexandra | May
I had already had the privilege of photographing Collin’s sister’s wedding, so I was so excited to be part of his proposal to Alexandra! It was a simple, sweet moment in the Garden. I sat at a table hidden in the bushes while he led her up to the spot we had chosen. Afterwards we took a few photos of them in that just engaged glow. Then they went off to spread their good news and celebrate!
Looking Ahead: Weddings at Botanic
Botanic is quietly becoming one of the most exciting wedding venues in the area, and honestly, it makes so much sense. The space is gorgeous year round without needing much decor to make it feel special. In-house catering, intimate spaces for guests to gather and conversation to flow naturally, and the ability to rent smaller or larger sections depending on the size of your event make it incredibly versatile.
And the vibe is unlike anything else around here. It’s not rustic or summer camp-y. It’s cool and organic with a genuinely high-end feel. Love natural elements, lush greenery, and garden aesthetics? This is your place.
If you’re on the fence about Botanic for your engagement session or proposal, here is what I would tell you: it works beautifully no matter the season, the layers and compositional variety mean we will never run out of gorgeous spots, and if you love a romantic garden vibe, there is truly nowhere better.
If you are planning a wedding and still looking for a photographer, I would love to connect. You can learn more about my wedding collections and availability here!