Will Rockledge Gardens still be open to the public during my event?
Rockledge Gardens is open to the public until 5 pm Monday through Sunday. If your ceremony begins before we close for the day, we will place signs at all of the entrances to the event area so that you will have your privacy. You and your guests are welcome to stroll the entirety of the gardens for pictures and fun.
What time can my wedding take place?
Wedding ceremonies may start at 4pm or later and may not begin earlier than 4pm. This ensures there is plenty of parking for all of your guests.
What is your maximum guest capacity?
Our recommend guest count is 100, but we can host up to 120 for a seated meal reception and up to 150 for a cocktail-style reception. What is a cocktail-style reception? This is when instead of each guest having their own seat for a sit-down meal there is a mix of regular tables and high-top cocktail tables to facilitate more walking around and mingling.
Do you host same-sex weddings?
Absolutely. Love is love is love is love!
Can I bring my own caterer?
Yes, you can use any caterer you choose; you can even do food trucks as long as they carry insurance and have a valid, state issued business license (documents must be provided to us prior to event). Please be aware that we require all caterers to offer full service, which includes providing staff to set up, serve, and ensure the space is clean upon departure. We are happy to recommend catering companies we know and love.
For safety and liability purposes, all food served, including appetizers or hors d’oeuvres, must be sourced from a licensed catering company. This ensures that the food is prepared, handled, and served in accordance with health and safety standards. Additionally, catering staff must be present during food distribution to oversee proper handling and service practices. Drop-off catering without catering staff present is not allowed.
Additionally, as with all rentals here, you must obtain a special event general liability insurance policy for the day.
What about the florist, DJ, photographer, officiant, etc.?
We are a BYOV (bring your own vendors) venue, and we’re delighted for you to make your wedding uniquely yours by choosing exactly the vendors you want to work with! For your protection, please make sure that your vendors are licensed, insured, and have signed a formal contract that clearly outlines the scope of services and any limitations before you make a deposit. If you have any questions regarding vendors, feel free to reach out to our events team at [email protected].
What is special event insurance? How much does it cost? Where do I get it?
Special Event Liability Insurance (also referred to as CGL, Commercial General Liability or Spectator Liability) is an insurance policy designed to provide broad protection for situations in which an event holder or concessionaire must defend itself against lawsuits or pay damages for bodily injury or property damage to third parties. Host liquor liability is included if there is no transfer of money for alcohol. This policy also gives protection to the venue and or sponsors of the event by adding them to the policy as an additional insured. Examples, such as a slip and fall or damaged floors are covered by this type of policy. Exclusions do apply. A wedding policy will cost anywhere from $60 to $200, depending on your guest count and other factors to do with alcohol service. There are several companies that specialize in these types of policies. We recommend The Event Helper or WedSafe.
What is your alcohol policy?
You are welcome to provide your own alcohol; however, a licensed and insured bartender must be hired to serve all alcohol within your rental timeframe. Self-service is not permitted. Your special event insurance must include host liquor liability for open bar services. In the event of a cash bar, the bartending company must have an offsite liquor license for all transactional sales.
What equipment is included in the outdoor bar?
Our outdoor bar, located under the reception pavilion, is equipped with the following:
- Mini-fridge,
- Triple-compartment sink, and a dedicated hand-washing station equipped with hot and cold water.
- Kegerator (available to rent): Accommodates two 1/6 barrel kegs with dual taps. Exclusive vendor requirement: Beer Runnerz handles keg purchase, delivery, installation, and retrieval.
Can you do centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres too?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide cut flower arrangements. However, we are delighted to suggest exceptional florists who offer this service. Alternatively, we specialize in crafting centerpieces and favors using live plants like container gardens and mini succulents. With a wide range of options tailored to your style, season, and budget, the possibilities for customization are limitless!
Are there any restrictions we need to know about?
- Noise: Due to a city appointed noise ordinance, music and alcohol service must end at 10 pm.
- Smoking: Smoking of any kind is only allowed in designated areas located outside of the venue. *Although we are an outdoor venue, nicotine is highly toxic to plants, and mulch and fertilizer are extremely flammable.
- Send-offs: For safety reasons, we do not allow sparklers, lanterns, fireworks, or similar items due to the presence of flammable materials throughout the nursery. Any items thrown at the newlyweds, whether after the ceremony or during the send-off, must be biodegradable. Rice and birdseed are prohibited as rice is harmful to birds, and birdseed may sprout weeds in our gardens. We recommend using bubbles or biodegradable confetti.
What is the deposit to hold the date? Is it refundable?
To reserve your date, we require a 30% deposit of the total rental value upon signing. Please note that this retainer payment is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your event date. Detailed information regarding reservation policies can be found in our rental agreement contract.
Are there adequate restroom facilities?
We offer two sets of public restrooms located in separate buildings – stall style restrooms are located in the Farmers Market and the Boutique contains two wheelchair accessible family restrooms.
What services do the “onsite venue representative” and day of events team member provide? What will I be responsible for?
Our dedicated on-site representative and day-of events team will remain on the property at all times to assist with any questions or security concerns as they arise. They will provide the following services:
- Ensure all tables and chairs are set up according to your pre-approved floor plan and layout specifications
- Meet with your vendors as they arrive and direct them where to set-up based on prior discussions with the couple
- Receive wedding-related deliveries (i.e. flowers, cake)
- Turn on all lighting
- Set up yard games, if requested
- Start, maintain and extinguish fire-pit
- Empty trash cans, as needed, during and after the event
- Refill paper goods, as needed, in restrooms
- Breakdown tables/chairs/and linens at the end of the event
Responsibilities that your designated coordinator will need to facilitate:
- Place tablecloths on tables and set up centerpieces
- Set up and removal of personal decor
- Set up the bar (unless responsibility has been prearranged with your bartender)
- Set up and breakdown any table displays for guestbook, favors, cards/gifts, s’mores etc.
- Line up wedding party for ceremony processional and grand intros to reception
- Announce the bridal party, first dance, releasing tables for buffet, etc.
- Manage music during the ceremony and reception if you do not have a DJ
- Cake cutting and distributing to guests
- Boxing up leftover food
- Bus tables and throw away food, trash and disposable decor
We HIGHLY recommend hiring a professional day-of coordinator or a wedding planner to make sure your special day is as seamless as possible. Per our contract agreement, our venue requires that you have a designated person of contact to facilitate your event from start to finish – this is to avoid having the above tasks fall on your friends, family, guests or yourself which would take away from enjoying your celebration! We are happy to provide you with several options for day-of-coordinators and wedding planners that we love!
Do you have an “off-season” discount?
No. We are actually closed for weddings during our “off-season” from June through the second weekend in October. We do have smaller, less expensive packages for Monday through Thursday, and our Friday package is discounted from the regular Saturday/Sunday package pricing.
What if it’s really hot or really cold?
We do not host weddings during the hottest part of the year (our wedding season begins the third weekend in October and goes through the end of May), and we do have fans in the pavilion. In the event of a chilly Florida evening, we can provide portable standup heaters in the pavilion upon request.
Can we roast s’mores by the fire pit?
Yes! You can enjoy roasting s’mores by the fire pit. When planning your event, we can arrange for a table with linens to be set up near the fire pit. However, please note that we do not provide the ingredients and roasting sticks.
For all additional questions please contact our events team at [email protected] or give us a call at 321-636-7662.
