Garden Wedding Rentals
Honey’s Garden
(Maximum 100 people seated and 125 standing)
Yellow and white flowering shrubs, roses honoring Honey May, and a seasonal waterfall are ambient accents to large boulders crowning a beautiful reflecting pond. Two-tiered steps lead to the front of the waterfall and pond, making it the best altar backdrop in the city. Tuscany pavers surround the area and house a large shade structure with benches beneath, painting a peaceful setting among oaks, pines, and babbling waters. This venue offers accessibility to parking, seating supplements, and electricity. A ceremony in Honey's Garden and a reception at the May Museum make for the picture perfect wedding!
Up to one-hundred (100) chairs and electricity are offered for this garden.
Fee Information:
$325.00/hr with a 3 hour minimum
$300.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Burke Garden
(Maximum 100 people seated, 125 standing)
An English country-style garden with abundantly blooming perennials including shrub roses, Hardy Geranium, Jupiter Beard, Fall Asters, and Shasta Daisies. Surrounding an old English water feature is a centerpoint of circular paver and three central planting areas adjoining the tiered lawn. Stone-raised flower beds offer a variety of seasonal color displays for a large gathering to enjoy! It is not uncommon to see the blooms and shade of Burke Garden used as a resting place for rabbits, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Burke Garden is a great rental alongside the Ranch House right next door.
Up to one-hundred (100) chairs are offered for this garden.
Fee Information:
$225.00/hr with a 3 hour minimum
$300.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Plaza Knoll Garden
(50 people standing only)
A colorful display of perennials such as Roses, Day Lilies, and Spireas are framed by large, mature trees adjoining the May Museum courtyard, The Plaza Garden can elegantly extend the available outdoor space of the May Museum when renting. The garden can be reserved with the May Museum facilities that include a commercial kitchen, large conference rooms, and a garden court complete with Koi ponds and indoor water features. As for the garden itself, the raised centerpoint makes the ideal spot to say "I do." to your special someone.
Electricity or chairs are NOT offered for this garden.
Fee Information:
$225.00/hr with a 3 hour minimum
$300.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Kristen’s Shade Garden
(25 people standing only)
Kristen's Garden features a small water feature and a Grape and Wisteria-bedecked gazebo. Hosta's, Bleeding Hearts, Day Lilies, and Coral Bells bloom in the spring along with other perennials such as Wild Ginger with it's iconic heart-shaped leaves. The surrounding trees provide shade and tranquility for smaller, more intimate gatherings.
Electricity or chairs are NOT offered for this garden.
Fee Information:
$70.00/hr with a 2 hour minimum
$300.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Evans Creek Bridge
( 25 people standing only)
A secluded, partially covered wooden overlook hidden amidst the wetlands and overhanging Willows, The Evans Creek flows beneath the bridge attracting native wildlife and allowing you to enjoy reflecting with nature. This shady location is a great spot for small gatherings or even a romantic date.
Electricity or chairs are NOT offered for this garden.
Fee Information:
$70.00/hr with a 2 hour minimum
$300.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden
1595 No. Sierra St.
Reno, NV 89503
(775) 785-4153
GARDEN AVAILABILITY AND POLICY
Gardens are available from mid-April through mid-October. To complete your wedding garden plans and for your convenience, please inquire about reserving the Ranch House or the May Museum for your reception. Arboretum gardens or May Center facilities reservations can be at the Community Services Department, 1001 E. 9th Street, Reno NV 89502 or contact Park Reservations at 775-823-6501, reserveparks@washoecounty.gov A $300.00 security deposit is required for garden reservations. All reservations are subject to availability and must be made a minimum of 30 days prior to the event date. Insurance is required for all groups over 50 people. Please check with Park Reservations regarding insurance & security requirements. Wedding rehearsal dates and times are subject to garden availability and can only be made 30 days prior to the reserved ceremony date. You must select the start time of your event when you place your reservation. Any changes to the reservation time are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. Please contact the Park Reservation office as soon as you know that you need to change your time.
There is a 3 hour minimum reservation for larger gardens and a 2 hour minimum for small gardens. The gardens will be prepared by our staff, except for setting-up and arranging chairs and afterwards, folding and stacking. Please note, your scheduled time is the only time you have to access the garden to setup, decorate, takedown and cleanup. In addition, no food or refreshments are allowed in the gardens. Motorized vehicles, horse or animal drawn vehicles of any kind are prohibited as well as open flames, i.e., candles, lighters, luminaries. Other rental equipment such as tables, chairs, speakers and amplifiers are prohibited in all of the gardens.
A maximum of 100 white folding chairs are provided for FREE to the gardens that offer them. No chairs are available for Kristen’s, The Plaza Knoll, and Evans Creek Bridge. To help you plan some of the logistics, e.g., chair arrangements, timing etc., please schedule an appointment with the Arboretum staff (775-785-4153) 14 to 30 days prior to your event.
•Arboretum staff will transport the chairs and check you in at your reservation start time as listed on your Facility Group Use Permit. Please do not access the garden without being checked-in by staff or you will be charged an additional fee. You are responsible for chair arrangement, folding and stacking chairs in two piles after the wedding.
•Confetti, helium balloons, glitter, rice, birdseed, fastening decorations, out-side chair rental or personal chairs (except for wheelchairs) are prohibited in the Arboretum.
•Washoe County reserves the right to retain the deposit for any violation of this policy.
Park Reservations: (775) 823-6501, reserveparks@washoecounty.gov