FAQ – Weddings

Can we have a wedding ceremony without a venue rental?

Unfortunately, no. You must always reserve a venue and date. Please contact gardenrentals@berkeley.edu.

Can we customize the length of our rental period?

In order to maximize the number of events we can offer our clients, we have specific time slots in place that vary depending on the time of year and sunset times. These rental times are not amendable.

In summer months (April thru mid-October), we offer daytime ceremony-only wedding packages in either our 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm time slots. Evening wedding packages, which include ceremony and reception, occur from 5pm-12am.

In winter months (mid-October thru March), we offer daytime ceremony-only wedding packages in either our 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm time slots. Evening wedding packages, which include ceremony and reception, occur from 4pm-11pm.

When must our event end?

Daytime wedding ceremonies must wrap up, with all guests exiting and all decorations taken down, by the end of contracted rental period.

Evening wedding receptions must end an hour before the end of the rental period, with the last hour being reserved solely for clean-up of the reception venue. This would be 11pm for weddings taking place in our 5pm-12am time slot; 10pm for weddings taking place in our 4pm-11pm time slot.

When can we schedule our wedding rehearsal?

Please reach out to us two months prior to your wedding date to schedule your rehearsal.[/column_1]

FAQ – All Rentals

Will you hold dates?

We can hold a date for 48 hours without a deposit. Thereafter a deposit and a signed contract are needed.

How many tables and chairs do you have?

Julia Morgan Hall Inventory

  • Round Tables (60″ diameter, 29″ standing height): 12 available
  • Rectangular Tables (6ft long, 2.5 ft wide, 29″ standing height): 10 available
  • Small Rectangular Tables (4ft long, 2ft wide, 29″ standing height): 2 available
  • Patio Umbrellas: 4 available
  •  Corded Microphone: 1 available
  • Projector Stand: 1 available
  • Chairs: 82
  • Catering Tent: 1 available

The venue is also equipped with a projector screen, 110v outlets, and a gas fireplace.

Conference Center Inventory

  • Round Tables (60″ diameter, 29″ standing height): 10 available
  • Rectangular Tables (6ft long, 2.5 ft wide, 29″ standing height): 13 available
  • Small Rectangular Tables (4ft long, 2ft wide, 29″ standing height): 2 available
  • Patio Umbrellas: 6 available
  • Microphone: 1 available
  • Podium: 1 available
  • Chairs: 103

The venue is also equipped with a projector screen and 110v outlets.

Which items can the Garden not provide?

  • Cocktail tables
  • Patio heaters
  • Booster seats / highchairs for children
  • Wheelchairs

What does a rental monitor do?

A rental monitor makes sure your rental goes smoothly. They check in with your caterer every half hour, post event signs, unlock the changing room, help to direct guests to your event and to the restrooms, direct deliveries in and out of the Garden, etc.

May we use candles and heaters?

Votive and tealight candles are permitted indoors at the Conference Center only. Candles or fire of any sort are not permitted outdoors in the main Garden, at the Julia Morgan Hall, or in the Redwood Grove. Outdoor propane heaters are allowed by special arrangement with the Rental Coordinator.

What kinds of decorations are not permitted?

No hanging of any materials on trees, light cables, walls, ceilings.  Renters must use hooks in JMH for all hanging materials.

Battery operated LED lights/lanterns ONLY.  NO flame, sparklers, embers, or candles (votives and tealight candles OK inside Conference Center).

No balloons, carpets/runners on paths/stairs, or posting of signs. Pets and animals, the release of birds or butterflies, use of rice, confetti, poppers, fake flower petals, or any other littering of materials also strictly prohibited. This includes ALL facilities and the parking lot. Client’s security deposit will be withheld for use of prohibited items.

NOTE: Real flower petals are only allowed in the paved area of the Redwood Grove amphitheatre. ALL PETALS MUST BE REMOVED by the end of rental period.

May we have amplified music?

Amplified music, DJ or live, is permitted anytime indoors and after 5pm outdoors. The Redwood Grove has two outlets located at the base of the amphitheater, and music is permitted for all Grove rentals.

May I use my own caterer?

You must choose from our list of approved caterers.

Do you allow alcohol in your venues?

All rental clients  of our Julia Morgan Hall, Conference Center, Tour Deck, and Entrance Plaza may bring in beer, wine, and liquor. This can be secured through either your caterer or any retailer.

No alcohol is permitted in the Redwood Grove.

Are my guests allowed to explore the Garden during my event?

Yes, guests may walk around the Garden during regular open hours, which are 9am-5pm. After hours your guests must stay within the vicinity of the rented venue. Children must be supervised at all times.

Are pets allowed in the Garden?

No pets are allowed in the main Garden or Redwood Grove at any time.

What kind of parking arrangements do you offer?

Advanced parking arrangements are necessary to assure sufficient spaces for your guests. We are happy to place your reserved parking order with the UC Special Event Parking Office. They will generate an invoice of event parking fees for you, payable in advance. Please ask the Rental Coordinator for current UC event parking fees.

What does venue clean-up entail?

The renter is responsible for removal of all items brought in with them, as well as disposal of all trash/recycling generated by their guests.  

If applicable, your caterer is responsible for removal of catering-related trash/recycling.

All venues must be left as you found them.

May we or our vendors drop off, decorate, etc. early or pick up items later than our contracted rental period?

Unfortunately, our full calendar of rentals and other Garden events make it impossible for the Garden to accommodate these special requests.

Anything else we should keep in mind as we plan our event?

Please remember: The UC Botanical Garden is a living museum. In order to protect our priceless collection, stay on Garden paths. Do not enter the plant beds, remove anything from the plant beds, or disturb the contents of the plant beds at any point (including when taking photos).

No smoking is allowed anywhere in the main Garden or the Redwood Grove.

Ice must never be dumped into a plant bed.

As our client, you will take full responsibility for the actions of your guests and vendors. For this reason, it is imperative to communicate Garden policies to everyone during the planning of your event.

FAQ – Meetings + Non-wedding Events

What is the minimum rental period?

Daytime and evening events in the Julia Morgan Hall and Conference Center must be rented for a minimum of four hours per event.

When must our event end?

All events must end an hour before the end of the rental period. The last hour of each rental is reserved for clean-up of the venue.