Plan Your Special Event

Frequently Asked Questions

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Wedding rates vary based on the number of guests, time of day and other factors.  Call or email us and we will be happy to send you an info packet with more details. 

We provide all chairs and tables (with set-up and take-down), white tablecloths, an arbor, dance floor, deco lights, PA/sound system.  In addition, your wedding fee covers garden entrance admissions for your guests, a rehearsal the day before, and all pre-wedding planning visits. You will provide the rest, which gives you the freedom to choose the vendors you like for: catering, DJ/music, flowers, table settings, etc.  We have a list of local vendors to help you with your planning.

Your total "guest count" includes all wedding attendees and the bridal party, except children 5 years old and younger. 

No, all guests' admission fees are included in the wedding site fee.  Guests can simply come to the main entrance/ticket window and let us know they're attending your wedding. We will direct them to your wedding site.

Yes, both wedding areas (Sunken/Lower Lawns and Entrance Lawns) are handicap and wheelchair accessible. 

Your guests are welcome to tour the rest of the Gardens. In fact, they are allowed to arrive up to 1½ hours early to do so.  (Unlighted paths will be closed after dusk.) 

 We do not have a large indoor area. However, the Totem Pole Lodge on our Lower Lawn is typically used for a buffet line. You can view this area and the lodge during a site visit. 

Weather is definitely something to be considered at any outdoor venue.  We have two large tents with walls (40’ X 20’) that may be rented for an additional charge and 48 hour advance notice.  (The Gardens will not refund any fees due to weather.) 

We have a total of:  30 round tables (60 inches in diameter; seats 8), 15 rectangular tables (3 ft x 6 ft, seats 8), 5 small rectangular tables (3 ft x 4 ft) and 10 bar-height cocktail tables (30 inches in diameter).  We also have a small, decorative “burl log” table that is often used for the guest book, sand or unity candles.

We do not have a kitchen.  Caterers often bring in ready-made food that is kept cold on ice or in a cooler, or kept warm with electric warmers.  There are power outlets and a small refrigerator in the Totem Pole Lodge.

Yes, alcohol is permitted, however, if hard liquor is to be served, a licensed bartender is required.  Washington State law requires the responsible party to obtain and post a “Banquet Permit” if any alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) is served. (www.liq.wa.gov
 

 Yes, both areas (Sunken/Lower Lawns and Entrance Lawn) have electric outlets nearby. Let us know ahead of time if you will need extension cords.

Yes, we have a simple PA/sound system available for your use. You may also bring in your own system or arrange for a DJ or live music.

The wedding party and the photographer's admissions to the Gardens are included in the wedding fee. The wedding party may come as early as needed the day of the wedding for photos. 

A dance floor is included for all receptions. 

We have public restrooms for Garden visitors and wedding-guest use. We do not have a separate bridal changing area. Most brides get ready before they arrive at the Gardens. 

Yes, however space and electrical service is limited.  The trailer or vehicle can be no longer than 30 feet.  The power supply is 20 amps.   

Receptions must end by 11:00 pm.  An additional half-hour is allowed for clean-up.

You may, or you may use ours. We'd be glad to email you photos if you'd like to see it. 

Candles are only allowed if they are in enclosed glass containers.  No flame, however, is ever allowed in Totem Pole Lodge. 

 Decorations may be attached to chairs and arbors with florist wire (no tape or glue is allowed).  Because of clean-up difficulty, we do not allow confetti or glitter. If you intend to use a stake to mount something into the ground, the stake may be no larger than ½ inch in diameter and no longer than 8 inches.  And under no circumstances may stakes be used on the Sunken Lawn.   If you have questions about other specific decoration plans, please discuss them with us ahead of time. 

No rice, bird seed, no sequins, paper confetti of any kind or silk flower petals are allowed at any time. Bubbles and real flower petals are allowed. Sparklers are prohibited by county ordinance.

Evening weddings may have up to 200 guests.  Daytime (ceremonies-only) are limited to 100 guests.