On the bookNairobi, KenyaEstate

suegardens

Sue Gardens is a historic estate on River Drive that dates back to the 1960s, originally built as a private colonial residence before undergoing extensive restoration to become one of Nairobi's premier wedding venues.

Ceremony
20 seated
Reception
150 seated
Nearest airport
NBO · 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Open season
FebruaryOctober
Price range
$$$
Rating
4.8 /5 · 50

sue gardens is a estate destination wedding venue in Nairobi, Kenya, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Best months: February, March, September, October.

01 · In a sentence

sue gardens in Nairobi, open FebruaryOctober.

Sue Gardens is a historic estate on River Drive that dates back to the 1960s, originally built as a private colonial residence before undergoing extensive restoration to become one of Nairobi's premier wedding venues.

The property retains its original architectural character while incorporating modern amenities, offering 3.5 acres of manicured grounds and multiple event spaces.

I recommend for the best photos especially weddings, the greenery is amazing

Javan Msambaya
02 · What sets it apart

4 notes, from the desk.

Note 01

1960s colonial estate with full restoration completed in 2018

Note 02

3.5 acres of landscaped gardens with river views

Note 03

Capacity for 20-150 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces

Note 04

On-site accommodation with 12 guest rooms available

03 · The season

Best held in February, March, September.

The months the weather — and the local rhythm — is kindest to a stay at sue gardens.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak · booked earlyOpen · typically availableShoulder · quieterClosed to weddings
04 · Hold a date

Check availability.

Select a date
June 2026
Pick a date

Choose a day from the calendar.

We hold dates in pencil. A first note comes back within two business days.

05 · A sample weekend

How the weekend usually runs.

Yours will be different — nothing below is required. Every planning begins with the three meals you most want to eat, and builds outward.

Friday (Day Before) · day 01
  • 2:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in at accommodation
  • 6:00 PMWelcome dinner and rehearsal
Saturday (Wedding Day) · day 02
  • 7:00 AMBreakfast service begins
  • 10:30 AMGuest arrival and garden ceremony setup
  • 11:00 AMCeremony begins in garden pavilion
  • 12:30 PMCocktail hour in riverside garden
  • 1:30 PMReception dinner and dancing indoors
  • 10:00 PMEvent concludes
Sunday (Day After) · day 03
  • 9:00 AMBrunch before guest departure
06 · Practical

Things worth knowing.

Getting there

NBO · 45-60 minutes depending on traffic

Guests fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The desk arranges every transfer.

Typical total

$26,700-61,000

Final pricing depends on guest count, season, menu selections, and décor. Peak season (December-January) commands 15-20% premium. All-inclusive packages available.

Ceremony fee

$1,150-1,900

A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.

Reception

$60-115 / head

A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.

Room rate

$190-345 / night

A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.

Weather window

February – October

4 viable months. Shoulder dates soften the light and the rates.

07 · Questions

Asked along the way.

What is the venue's history?+

Sue Gardens was constructed in 1962 as a private residence during Kenya's post-independence era. The estate underwent comprehensive restoration between 2016-2018, preserving original stonework and architectural details while upgrading infrastructure for events.

Can we host both ceremony and reception here?+

Yes. The estate features a dedicated ceremony garden, a covered pavilion for receptions, and an indoor hall, allowing couples to host all wedding events on-site.

Is accommodation available for guests?+

Yes, the property includes 12 guest rooms on-site, with options for additional nearby accommodations within a 5-10 minute radius.

What catering options are available?+

The venue allows external caterers or can recommend preferred partners. Kitchen facilities are available for caterer use.

What is the weather like during wedding season?+

October-November and January-February offer the most reliable weather with minimal rainfall. The riverside location provides natural cooling.

Last updated
Begin at sue gardens

Hold dates at sue gardens.

A note to the desk with a rough season and guest count. We hold dates in pencil for three weeks before confirmation. A reply comes within two business days, from a person by name.