FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find the answers to many frequently asked questions. Please look there and to our brochure for more information about planning your private event!

INFORMATION ABOUT TIMING OF RENTAL

• The earliest private event guest entry is 5:00pm.

• The Garden will be open to the public up until 5pm. At about 5:30-40 pm, we will walk everyone out of the Lower Garden, making the venue completely private for you and your guests by 5:00 pm. 

• The latest event end time is 11:00pm, with one hour of breakdown occurring after that.

• As an example, if your event ends at 9pm, all guests would need to exit BY 9:00pm. However, all of your vendors will have access to the garden from 9:00pm - 10:00pm to clean everything up.

• The earliest outdoor setup can start is 3:00pm.

• Market Lighting can be approved for an earlier set up time on request for $100/hr before we open to the public. This is subject to availability and must be confirmed in advance. 

• All other set up and clean up must occur during the rented time frame.

• For full-scale weddings, a one hour rehearsal period is included with your event rental. The rehearsal is scheduled, in advance, with our Private Events Coordinator for a time during our public hours. Rehearsals are coordinator-led or self-led; the garden’s Private Events Coordinator does not typically join rehearsals, but is able to answer any necessary questions either before or after the rehearsal has finished.

INFORMATION ABOUT VENDORS

• We do not allow outside catering. You will find a list of our required catering partners toward the back of our brochure.

• You may bring in desserts or bartenders from vendors outside of the catering list.

• We also allow you to provide your own alcohol as long as it is served by an insured, licensed bartender.

• All other vendors just need to be insured professionals.

INFORMATION ABOUT DECOR

• We do allow you to use real candles as long as they abide by the following rules:
  All candles must...

  • be in attended areas only.

  • be on tables. No candles are allowed on the ground or hanging from anything.

  • be in a container with 2+ inches of glass above the flame (such as a hurricane glass).

  • not be top heavy or easily knocked over, or next to something flammable that is easily knocked over.

If you would like to use candles in a way that does not abide by the above then LED candles should be used.

• The following ARE allowed for send offs, etc.

  • Cold sparklers (non-pyrotechnic), bubbles, glow sticks and ribbon wands are a great option for send offs.

• The following are NOT allowed.

  • Rice, seeds, confetti or fake petals are not allowed to be tossed as they can create a slipping hazard or harm animals and the environment.

  • Sparklers, sky lanterns, etc. are not allowed as they pose a fire hazard.

  • Colored flower petals are also not allowed to be tossed or strewn on the floor as they can cause stains when stepped upon. White, light pink, peach, or other light colors are allowed but must be cleaned up.