OUR STORY
About Celebration Gardens
A botanical garden wedding and event venue in the heart of Central Florida
Our Philosophy
Rooted in Nature
Celebration Gardens isn’t just a venue. It’s a team of people who love celebrating life’s happiest moments. Since 1990, our gardens have been a gathering place for weddings, showers, parties, and milestones of all kinds. What makes us special isn’t only the flowers and greenery. It’s the people who welcome you, guide you, and celebrate alongside you.
OUR STORY
Three Decades of Celebrations
What began as English Gardens in 1990 has grown into one of Orlando’s most beloved event venues. For two decades, couples and families gathered here to mark life’s biggest moments surrounded by lush greenery and blooming gardens. In 2015, John Michael Events took ownership, fully renovating the property and renaming it Celebration Gardens. The transformation brought new pavilions, updated amenities, and an expanded team, but the heart of the venue stayed the same.
If you look closely, you’ll spot a bit of that history still standing: the original English phone booth near the entrance, kept as a nod to where it all started. Three decades later, thousands of weddings, showers, and celebrations later, we’re still here doing what we love.
The Gardens
An Acre of Possibility
Tucked away on a quiet Winter Park street just minutes from downtown Orlando, Celebration Gardens offers something rare in Central Florida: a fully landscaped botanical oasis designed for celebrations of every size, from micro-weddings to grand soirées. Our one-acre property features winding pathways, year-round blooms, mature oak trees, and covered pavilions surrounded by lush greenery.
Host up to 250 guests for cocktail-style events or 160 for seated receptions. The main pavilion accommodates full dinner service beneath twinkling market lights, while our air-conditioned Dahlia Room provides a comfortable space for your wedding party to get ready. Exchange vows at the ceremony gazebo, gather around the fire pit as the evening winds down, or let guests explore garden pathways with lawn games and signature cocktails. Dedicated spaces for musicians, DJs, and a fully covered bar mean every detail has a place.
Our Commitment
Growing Responsibly
We believe a beautiful celebration and a healthy planet aren’t mutually exclusive. Celebration Gardens maintains an active green initiative that touches every part of our operations: on-site composting, recycling stations throughout the property, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly disposables. We even operate a worm bin that produces nutrient-rich worm tea to fertilize our gardens, creating a full-circle composting process. Our catering partner, John Michael Events, sources organic and all-natural ingredients and participates in our composting program. The gardens themselves are maintained with care by our full-time landscaper, Justin, from Botanic Harmony. When you celebrate here, you’re choosing a venue that cares about what we leave behind.
Our Team
The People Behind the Gardens
Every wedding and event at Celebration Gardens is guided by a team that genuinely cares. From your first venue tour to your final sparkler send-off, we’re here to answer questions, solve problems, and make sure your celebration unfolds exactly as you imagined.
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Michael Thomas
Owner
Michael is the heart behind Celebration Gardens, John Michael Events, and Weddings Inc. Since taking ownership of the Gardens in 2015, he’s dedicated himself to creating a space where Orlando celebrates life’s biggest moments. When he’s not onsite, you’ll probably find him with his pugs.
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Brian Fine
Sales Manager
Brian guides couples and families through every step of the planning process, from the first tour to the final timeline. Known for his attention to detail, fast responses, and calm presence on event days, he’s the reason so many clients say planning felt stress-free.
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Christian Owens
Property Manager
Christian keeps Celebration Gardens running beautifully behind the scenes. As the primary on-site attendant, he’s there to tend the fire pit, keep everything in working order, and make sure your event goes off without a hitch.
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Giselle Grande
Event Planner
Giselle brings each celebration to life, coordinating the details that make your day run seamlessly. Working across both Celebration Gardens and John Michael Events, she ensures every vendor, timeline, and special request comes together exactly as you imagined.
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Justin
Landscaper, Botanic Harmony
Justin is the green thumb responsible for the lush gardens, year-round blooms, and winding pathways that make this venue so special. He also maintains our on-site worm bin, turning compost into nutrient-rich fertilizer for the plants.