For the couple who wants the magic of a garden without the weather risks, the “Indoor Forest” is the 2026 answer. This trend features full-scale biophilic architecture — a nature-first sanctuary built inside an urban shell.
A few months ago, I attended a wedding reception with a biophilic theme. The venue was a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles, but the moment I stepped in, I was transported to the heart of a forest. Think floor-to-ceiling moss walls, hydroponic floral installations that “grow” out of the banquet tables, and lighting that mimics a dappled forest floor. The couple loves spending time in nature and wanted guests to feel like they were in an untouched natural oasis.
Attending that wedding made me wonder if the “Indoor Forest” trend is here to stay. Industry experts reiterated that more and more couples are choosing weddings with an immersive biophilic ambiance, utilizing greenery to transport guests to picturesque settings.
“Biophilic sanctuaries speak to a desire for environments that feel grounding, transportive, and deeply connected to nature, even within structured or indoor settings,” mentions Bryan Rafanelli, founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events. “Rather than treating greenery as décor, this approach uses nature as architecture, shaping how guests move, feel, and experience the space.”
Here are several expert-approved ways to craft a biophilic sanctuary at your wedding celebrations.
Choose a Venue With Botanical Vibes
A shortcut to crafting a biophilic sanctuary is picking a venue that already offers verdant greenery.
“Choosing the right venue is crucial. Many venues provide elegant spaces with year-round botanical vibes. This simplifies decor choices since the venue already has inherent botanical charm,” declares Irene Katzias, wedding planner at Irene + Co Events.
Planners also recommend adding diverse botanicals in different shapes and sizes to make the venue reminiscent of a nature conservatory. “To bring the outdoors into your wedding, think of a conservatory that has natural light, greenery, and plants of various shapes, sizes, and colors,” adds Jamie Chang, destination wedding planner and designer at Mango Muse Events. “Highlight large windows, incorporate plants in creative ways, and keep it playful by mixing different greenery and flowers, just like a real conservatory.”
Anchor the Design Around One Living Focal Point
If you aren’t sure where to begin, experts suggest starting with one living focal point and building around it.
“Instead of dispersing greenery throughout the room, invest in a bold, immersive element such as large, overarching trees installed above the dance floor and main stage, then layer in complementary natural textures,” mentions Amrita Jhaveri, event planning lead at Amrita Events. “This creates a true sanctuary effect that feels architectural and intentional rather than just decorative.”
Thoughtfully Layer Living Elements
To achieve an authentic feel, it’s important to layer several different types of greenery rather than relying on a single plant species.
“At the San Diego Botanic Garden, our Dickinson Family Education Conservatory features cascading greenery, natural light, and living plant chandeliers,” states Lita Dantes, San Diego Botanic Garden’s wedding and event manager. “The key is layering living elements so the environment itself becomes the décor, inviting guests to feel fully wrapped in nature.”
Use Nature to Craft an Immersive Experience
While conceptualizing your sanctuary, use the existing architectural elements and landscape.
“For a wedding in the Berkshires, we created a biophilic sanctuary by building a black-frame conservatory designed as a natural extension of the estate’s historic architecture,” adds Rafanelli. “Nestled into existing trees that formed living walls, the space featured a floating pergola canopy of greenery suspended above an inset pond dance floor. The result felt less like décor and more like inhabiting the landscape itself.”
Ensure All Focal Points Are Integrated
Experts advise that every element, including the “un-natural” ones, should be part of the theme for a cohesive ambiance.
“True immersion happens when every focal point in the room is thoughtfully integrated, including the DJ booth or stage,” says Kristin Hubbard, CEO of Our DJ Rocks. “At one wedding, the DJ booth was treated as part of the environment, allowing the space to feel intentional and truly transportive.”
Go All Out: Literally Bring the Outside In
The most direct way to build a sanctuary is to bring in real trees and plants, or use forest debris to tie the theme together.
“For a wedding reception, we covered the entire floor with forest leaves. We also brought in over 30 trees and ferns to create that forest inside. The guests were ecstatic!” remarks Margot Laporte, founder of Tabloo Margot.
Blending Faux Elements With Real Ones
If it is difficult to source or plant actual trees in a venue, planners suggest mixing faux elements with real greenery.
“An easy way to bring the outdoors inside is through faux trees paired with hanging greenery and layered lighting. This creates the feeling of dining and dancing beneath the stars in a romantic forest,” notes Jennifer Price, CEO and lead planner at Event Shoppe Chicago.
Multiple Sensory Immersion: Add Nighttime Sounds
To elevate the overall ambiance, experts suggest layering in subtle auditory details to create a truly multi-sensory forest experience.
“During dinner, as guests dine under an indoor starry ceiling, consider layering in subtle nighttime sounds — crickets chirping, leaves rustling, and a soft breeze carried by discreet fans — to heighten the experience,” says Michael Coombs, owner of Michael Coombs Entertainment.
For a Subtle Effect, Incorporate Potted Plants
Lastly, if you prefer a more subdued effect, potted plants offer a sustainable and beautiful alternative.
“Potted plants are environmentally friendly and uniquely different from traditional fresh-cut arrangements,” concludes Meg Walker, president and executive chef of Made by Meg Catering. “At my own wedding, our families mixed wildflower seeds for us to take home and plant. The garden theme and sustainability are very close to my heart, which makes potted florals especially meaningful.”
