Rental Policy and Guidelines for Special Events and Weddings Rentals

Effective January 2003

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve offers a serene, outdoor setting for special eventsand weddings. Its pathways meander through nearly 10 acres of woodlands accented by perennial, shade, butterfly, and water gardens. The observation deck (in the woods along the asphalt path), the gazebo (by the flowerbeds near the parking lot), and the stone amphitheater (in the woods and across the pond from the observation deck) are the most popular spots. However, other sites may be available at the discretion of the garden staff. We encourage you to visit the garden at your leisure to identify the location that will work best for you. If you follow the main asphalt path away from the parking lot in any direction, it circles around and leads you back into the parking lot. The secondary wood chip paths will eventually intersect with the main asphalt path.

See Map of the Garden
(Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF file)


Rental Fees
$350 + $100 security deposit

Please note: A security deposit is required for all functions to ensure that all renters are good stewards of the garden. The deposit will be refunded in full after the event if there is no damage to or trash left in the garden, see refund request policy below. All fees must be paid in full two (2) weeks prior to the event.

Commercial Photography and VideoPolicy | Photography and Video Contract

Fee Waivers
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve reserves the right to waive rental fees for nonprofit organizations with a similar mission, i.e. environmental, botanical and horticultural preservation and education. Examples include garden clubs, the Spartanburg Science Center and the Audobon Society. No fees will be waived for political or religious organizations. Regardless of the fee waiver, all groups will be required to complete a rental form.

Cancellations and Security Deposit Refunds
In case of inclement weather, all but $50 of the rental fee is refundable. In case of cancellation, the fee is fully refundable if the cancellation is made one month prior to the event. To claim any refunds including security deposit refunds a written request must be mailed to Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve at Post Office Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304-2337 within 30 days after the cancellation or the event.

Rental Guidelines | Rental Form
The rental party must also abide by any additional verbal restrictions placed on it during the event. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve reserves the right to cancel or terminate the event at any time the party is not abiding by the guidelines or verbal restrictions.

1) No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the garden without prior approval of the Board of Trustees of Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve.
2) No fires, candles, or grilling are permitted in the garden.
3) Children in the garden must be attended by an adult at all times.
4) All event attendees must remain on pathways.
5) Moving garden furniture is prohibited unless (a) advance permission is received from the garden office and (b) it is returned to the exact location.
6) Tents, chairs, and tables are the responsibility of the rental party. Due to limited garden staffing absolutely no setups are provided by the garden staff members.
7) No dangerous activity will be allowed, and no activity damaging to the garden property will be allowed.
8) Signs and decorations may be used to indicate that a private event is progress as long as they are removed from the garden after the event.
9) Free parking is available in designated areas only. For events involving twenty five (25) or more vehicles, special arrangements must be made for parking.
10) For dressing rooms, very basic restroom facilities are available in the Pavilion by the parking lot.
11) The use of confetti, bubbles or rice is not permitted in the garden, however we do allow
birdseed to be used during special events.

Contact: Joe Mullinax, Executive Director, 864-574-7724

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