Botanical Gardens???

Well, now we're not sure if the Botanical Gardens is the place we'll be getting married, because of all the rules & fees they have.

First, they don't have electrical outlets. Music must be live (guitar, flute, etc.) or battery operated (tape or compact disk). No piano or other heavy equipment is allowed (including portable generators).

Second, due to limited space, weddings are restricted to 100 people including the bridal party (bride, groom, minister, bridesmaids, groomsmen, musicians, etc.) and guests.

Third, if flowers outside are damaged, we are responsible for them and need to pay for them.

Fourth, weddings may be held between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Fifth, the wedding must be performed and all pictures taken within the one hour period. If more time is required for photographs, an additional hour should be booked at the time the wedding reservations are made at the rate of $100.00 per hour. The Gardens cannot guarantee that extra time will be available unless the additional time is listed on the original request.

.......now I've never been married before so to me all of this is craziness....but maybe this is normal.

...and more rules. Chairs (which must be provided by the wedding party) are limited to eight for the grandparents. All other guests must stand. Chairs may not be taken from the Garden Center or any other building and used on the grounds.

Flowers may not be stored in the refrigerator located in the Garden Center building; the groups may use the refrigerator only for food storage. The rooms inside the Garden center may not be used as a dressing area.

Because of the problems and costs associated with clean-up no rice, birdseed, flower petals, etc., may be thrown on the grounds. Balloons may not be used as decorations. NO DECORATIONS OF ANY KIND.

.....well cross out the gardens from Byron's dream wedding. We're now looking at Marriott Marquis.....more info to follow soon.