Weddings

WeddingsImagine your special day under the grand Rotary Peace Arbor surrounded by the blossoms of the Rose and Perennial Garden. Picture your event in our unique timber-framed event hall open to the wide terrace overlooking the Garden.

For more information or to reserve your date, contact Liz Esch at (479) 750-2620 or lizesch@bgozarks.org We're so glad that you are considering the Garden for your wedding, but we can't accomodate drop-in inquiries. Please contact Liz, and she'll be happy to schedule a time just for you!

The Garden is available for rental for various functions, including weddings, conferences, and other events. Policies and rates for rentals can be found on the following pages:

Wedding Rental Policies and Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in celebrating your special day at the Botanical Garden of he Ozarks. The Garden offers a spectacular setting for your wedding and/or reception. We look forward to making your special day a success with such a unique setting.

Included in Rental Fee

  • Admission to the Garden for guests
  • Space for bride and attendants to prepare for wedding
  • Garden access for two hour pre-wedding photography (engagement photos and bridal portraits)
  • Scheduled use of a caterer’s kitchen
  • Rehearsals are complimentary if held during regular garden operating hours. After-hour rehearsals are charged $50 per hour.

Scheduling of Events

  • Tours are by appointment only
  • BGO will waive the Garden admission fee for up to four people in the tour
  • Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
  • BGO will book events twelve (12) months in advance.
  • Daytime events are scheduled between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm
  • Evening events are scheduled 5:00 pm an 11:00 pm
  • During daytime events the garden is open to the public and your rental area will be marked as a private event

Reservations, Deposits and Payments

  • A deposit of half (50%) the rental rate is due the day of booking.
  • The deposit must be accompanied by a signed reservation agreement.
  • Balance of the rental fee is due one hundred twenty (120) days before the event.

Cancellations

  • If the event is canceled with at least ninety (90) days notice, the full rental fee will be refunded. If the event is canceled fewer than ninety (90) days before the event, the rental fee will not be refunded. A detailed fee schedule is attached separately. The cancellation must be made in writing (email is acceptable). No reservation or cancellation will be taken verbally.

Security Deposit

  • A $500 refundable security deposit is due two weeks prior to event
  • The security will be refunded within two weeks after the event if nothing has been damaged
  • If the alcohol policy is not followed then the security deposit is forfeited

Catering

  • To ensure the success of your event, we have selected a list of approved caterers
  • All caterers are licensed by the State of Arkansas and have the required tax permits and liability insurance coverage
  • If food service is being provides the Events Coordinator should be notified sixty (60) days in advance to setup deliveries

Tents, Tables and Chairs

  • All tents, tables and chairs should be reserved through Intents
  • Rental of tents, tables and chairs is not included in the fee of the facility

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Alcohol may only be served at Client’s event if Client notifies the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks at the time the contract and deposit are delivered to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks that Client intends to serve alcohol at Client’s event, and subject to the conditions and restrictions herein. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks reserves the right to deny the request of Client to serve alcohol at Client’s event for any reason.
  • Any alcohol distributed at Client’s event must be distributed in accordance with federal, state and local law. Client must hire a professional caterer or bartender to distribute any alcohol served, and no alcohol may be sold at the event unless the caterer has an off premise caterer liquor license. No alcohol may be served or taken off the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks property. No alcohol may be served to a minor.
  • The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks accepts no liability for the actions of the group or its guests at alcohol related events.
  • Any regulation of alcohol consumption at Client’s event is the sole responsibility of Client, and must be in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. IF THIS POLICY IS NOT FOLLOWED THEN THE CLIENT FORFEITS THEIR SECURITY DEPOSIT.

Photography

  • Any requests for photography prior to the wedding must be submitted and approved at least 48 hours in advance. It is client’s responsibility to advise your photographer that when taking photographs, the Garden pathways must be shared by both client and visitors. Photographers are NOT allowed to block off areas or pathways to the public under any circumstances. Photographers are NOT allowed to move or remove any plant markers or in any way alter the appearance of the gardens.

Equipment

  • The Garden does have a PowerPoint projector and screen available to the client for their use during the rental.

Conduct of Event

  • Events must be in conformance with established Garden regulations for the facilities, as stated in the Facility Rental Contract. Such use must not be in conflict with, or interfere with, any existing Garden functions.
  • You assume full responsibility for the conduct of all persons attending the event and for any damage done to any part of the Garden, its collections, or buildings during any time the rented premises are occupied by your guests, agents, invitees, employees or independent contractors Flowers and Decorations
  • All decorations are restricted to table centerpieces and/or freestanding displays or signs. Use of nails, screws, and push pins, metal hooks, adhesives, tape, or other similar materials is prohibited. Rice, birdseed and flower petals may be used in designated areas. BGO does not permit open flames anywhere in the Garden or inside the building. Candles may be used if they are secured in hurricane holders or votives.

Music

  • BGO encourages the use of acoustical music and string and woodwind instruments. Taped and amplified music may be used as long as it does not disrupt the activities of other visitors, and as long as it is not unreasonably loud or disturbing to neighbors. Noise levels must comply with all city ordinances.

Dancing

  • Dancing is restricted to concrete-surfaced areas. Clients may also set up a rented dance floor as long as it is not damaging to the lawn or gardens. The BGO staff must approve of the location of the dance floor prior to the event.

Smoking

  • Smoking is allowed only in designated areas at the garden.

Cleanup

  • Clients are responsible for trash removal and cleanup. Beverages, food, and all containers must be removed as soon as the event is over. Nothing, including water and ice, may be dumped on grass, flowers, shrubs, or in any area.
  • Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your event, all event materials, decorations, etc must be removed from the Garden immediately after your event. The Garden does not provide staff to assist with the installation or removal of these materials.

Parking

  • Parking is available in the Garden parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking for approximately 70 cars is available if Lessee’s event is scheduled after normal Garden hours. The BGO overflow parking, adjacent on the south side of the Garden may be used for Parking. Carpooling is highly recommended.

Weather Considerations

  • Indoor venues are not automatically held as a back up in case of inclement weather unless reserved b payment in advance.

Invitations

  • Guest invitations must be submitted to the Garden for review before being printed.
  • A formal copy of the mailed invitation is required for our files.

Types of Events

  • Certain types of events that are not eligible for rentals at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks are religious, political, any other fund-raisers that do not directly benefit The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
  • Memorial service or celebrations of life are allowed at the garden. Certain restrictions apply.

Discounts

  • If you are renting the garden for a wedding then you will receive a 20% discount on a rehearsal dinner rental.

 

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