Private Rentals
Share the beauty of nature with your guests and create lasting memories at one of the most scenic venues in Southwestern Michigan. Fernwood is a perfect venue for parties, showers, memorials, weddings, business meetings, club meetings, retreats, workshops, conferences, and more!
For rental rates, view the Private Event Rental Guide. Reservation fees include admission for all guests. Your guests have access to Fernwood’s Gardens, Nature Preserve, and Educational and Art Exhibitions.
Listed capacities are for seated dining. Lecture seating or non-seated events may have higher capacities.
Fernwood can help compliment your event with education programs, workshops, guided tours, or private yoga and meditation sessions. Ask our Special Events and Rentals Manager for more information.
Sims Education Center
Fernwood’s newest event space opened October of 2018. The Sims Education Center boasts 5500 square feet with two wings, the Flora and Fauna wings, joined by the entry lobby and exterior courtyards. The building features modern architectural design with state of the art heating and cooling systems, versatile meeting spaces, and fantastic views. The building is accessed via a short walk through the gardens with handicapped accessible parking directly on site. Popular for wedding receptions, retreats and lectures.
Flora Wing
The Flora Wing is located on the north end of the newly constructed Sims Education Center. Equipped with high tech presentation tools and modern furnishings. Large windows provide views to the gardens. Direct access to the private South Courtyard with fire pit make the space a relaxing setting for a party or retreat. Adjustable room divider separates the Library and event space.
Maximum Capacity: 150
Fauna Wing
The Fauna Wing is located on the south end of the newly constructed Sims Education Center. Equipped with high tech presentation tools and modern furnishings, the Fauna Wing is ideal for lectures and workshops. Large windows provide views to the Nature Preserve and bird feeders. Direct access to the North Courtyard situated across from the Japanese Garden. Adjustable room divider separates the Children’s Library and event space.
Maximum Capacity: 150
Clark Gallery
Centrally located in the Visitors Center with rotating art exhibitions on display. Convenient access to all Fernwood gardens and facilities. Direct access to the Bauer Terrace. Equipped for slide/video presentations. Fully accessible. Open and flexible floor layout with raised stage and carpeting throughout. Perfect for a formal affair, group meeting, or presentation.
Maximum Capacity: 100
Chase Classroom
Conveniently located in the Visitors Center with excellent view of the gardens. Capability for slide and video programs. Whiteboard and podium for classroom style use. Attached prep area with sink for easy clean-up. Best for small lectures, group meetings, and workshops.
Maximum Capacity: 25
Summer House
Historic summer home of Fernwood founder, Kay Boydston, this rustic and secluded gathering space is a 3–4 minute walk from the Visitors Center. Large open room for guests and a preserved sitting room for exhibition purposes only. Building is equipped with accessible private restrooms, prep kitchen, and excellent views of the surrounding woodlands. Vehicle access can be arranged in advance. Great for parties and retreats.
Maximum Capacity: 50
The Green
A lush lawn located directly North of the Visitors Center, the Green is bordered by the picturesque Dovecote, Herb and Sensory Garden, and Cottage Perennial Border Garden. Wheelchair access via ramp or elevator. Fernwood’s most popular garden for wedding ceremonies and concerts.
Maximum Capacity: 275
South Vista
A sunny expansive lawn South of the Visitors Center with manicured borders and entry through the elegant Bauer Terrace. Each side of the lawn has a unique backdrop. Wheelchair access via ramp. Fernwood’s best garden for tented receptions.
Maximum Capacity: 300
North Vista
A grassy woodland clearing surrounded by shady borders, ornamental grasses, and tall trees in the heart of Fernwood’s grounds. A 2-3 minute walk from the Visitors Center, this is the ideal space for a more private atmosphere.
Maximum Capacity: 275
Boxwood Garden
A quiet, intimate space, this vintage garden near the Summer House is bordered by boxwood shrubs. The entrance features a cedar gazebo marked with motifs of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Great for small wedding ceremonies or memorial services.
Maximum Capacity: 30
Weir Lilly Pond
Small and secluded lawn situated alongside a picturesque water feature and bordered by dense woodlands near the Summer House. Private and shady.
Maximum Capacity: 50
Bauer Terrace
Available during non-business hours only, this visitor favorite provides a shady place to sit under a vine covered arbor and a sunny section of lavender, boxwoods, and trellis work. At the south end of the terrace, a copper roofed gazebo provides a panoramic view of the South Vista. Perfect for a dinner celebration with friends!
Maximum Capacity: 20
Fernwood Café Decks
Available during non-café hours only, our café decks offer a bi-level platform conveniently located off of the Visitors Center facing the Green. Teak dining tables and chairs throughout.
Maximum Capacity: 25
Picnic Pavilion
This open-air pavilion is tucked away between the Summer House and North Vista with picnic tables throughout. Great space for an informal birthday party or graduation party.
Maximum Capacity: 30
Contact us
Please fill out the form if you have any questions or inquires about private rentals at Fernwood.