Special event bookings are accepted throughout the year except the last two weeks in December. Indoor wedding ceremonies are scheduled in the Studio Pavilion year round, and garden wedding ceremonies are scheduled from May 1-October 31. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are scheduled in the evening after 5:00 p.m. Set up may begin earlier by prior arrangement. Receptions must conclude by 11 p.m. Wedding ceremonies of 50 people or less may be scheduled during public hours with prior arrangement.
Fee payment provides clients access to the gardens and pavilion for the event’s allotted time. Gari Melchers Home and Studio staff will be in attendance throughout each event. Client’s are responsible for any approved items or equipment they supply. There is no charge for client ’s wedding rehearsals or wedding photo sessions in the gardens, but both must be scheduled in advance.
The fee also includes: Free admission to the grounds for wedding guests on the day of the event; On-site event supervision by a Gari Melchers Home and Studio staff member; On-site security guard during set-up and arrival time; Parking direction for events over 100 during the hour prior to starting time.
Tentative reservations will be held for two weeks only. A completed, signed rental agreement and a deposit of 50% of the fee is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is payable no later than one week before the event. Deposits are refundable up to 60 days prior to the event. For businesses and organizations, post-event billing may be arranged.
General Restrictions and Requirements
No smoking is allowed in any building. Please use exterior ashtrays provided. No food or beverages are allowed in the studio or house. No aisle runners are allowed on the lawn.
Throwing rice, bird seed, flower petals, potpourri or any other loose material after weddings is prohibited. Alternatives include bell ringing, blowing bubbles, and sparklers.
Brides and other wedding party members should arrive prepared for the ceremony. Participants should not arrive more than 90 minutes before the scheduled starting time and should plan to depart no later than 30 minutes after the event. Photographers should note these restrictions and plan accordingly.
Weddings, like many special events, often have unique requirements. Gari Melchers Home and Studio’s staff is ready to discuss your special plans and help make your ceremony match your vision.
Contact Special Events Manager Betsy Labar at 540-654-1848 for more information.
