GARDEN WEDDING & RECEPTION GUIDELINES

• The preferred dates and venue(s) can be reserved with a deposit equal to 50% of the rental fee and signed wedding event agreement.  If unforeseen circumstances result in a cancellation of the event, the full deposit will be refunded if the GWG wedding supervisor is notified with at least 120 days notice.  One-half (1/2) of the deposit will be refunded if cancelled within 90 to 120 days.  Inside the 90 day window, the deposit is non-refundable.

• When visiting the Gardens for consideration as the ceremony site, all members of the visiting party will be required to pay regular Garden admission on their first visit and must be accompanied by the GWG wedding supervisor. 

• Due to the danger of fire, absolutely NO smoking is allowed anywhere on Garden property, including the parking lot.  This policy is strictly enforced.

• Designated times for rehearsals, ceremonies and receptions will be strictly enforced.

• Garvan Woodland Gardens is open to the public year-round, meaning visitors will have access to areas of the Gardens where ceremonies and receptions are scheduled.  (The Gardens are closed the month of January.)

• Acoustical music is always welcome at Garvan Woodland Gardens.  Strings and wind instruments can add to the enjoyment of the day.  Taped and amplified music must not distract or be offensive to the Gardens’ non-wedding visitors or be unreasonably loud.

• Due to heavy visitation at the Gardens during certain seasons, parking may be an issue.  Wedding participants and guests are encouraged to car pool.

• All details relating to the wedding ceremony and/or reception must be conveyed to the Gardens’ wedding supervisor at least two weeks prior to the scheduled event.  This includes names of florists, caterers, the wedding planner and the officiant.

• Absolutely NO glitter, confetti, sparklers, or balloons are allowed in any Garden venue.

• If flower attendants drop petals preceding the bride’s walk down the aisle, no matter which venue is being used for the ceremony, it is the responsibility of the wedding party to remove the petals at the conclusion of the ceremony or before departing the Gardens.

• The only celebratory item that can be thrown during the ceremonial departure of the bride and groom is bird seed or wildflower seeds.  Other options include bubbles or lavender.  No sparklers allowed.

• A $250 refundable damage deposit is required at the time the wedding event agreement is signed.  If the rented venue(s) are free of damage and litter after the event, the deposit will be refunded by the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville within four to six weeks after the event.

• Food service must be provided by a preferred Garvan Woodland Gardens caterer that is licensed by the State of Arkansas and holds required tax permits and liability insurance coverage.  Wedding cakes and punch are the only exceptions.  Glassware and china are NOT allowed in the Gardens or its structures, excluding glass flutes (one each) for the traditional wedding party toast at the reception and glass containers provided by the caterer for serving food.

• The consumption of alcoholic beverages must be approved by the Gardens’ wedding supervisor *.  Security may be required at the expense of the wedding hosts.  Alcohol may be served but not sold on the premises.  Garvan Woodland Gardens accepts no liability for the actions of the group or its guests at alcohol related events.

*The Gardens’ wedding staff are employees of Garvan Woodland Gardens and should not take the place of a wedding planner.  Staff responsibilities include event set up and tear down, coordination among florists, caterers, and other vendors.  Contracting with a wedding planner is the responsibility of the bride and groom or contacted event hosts.