Weddings

Base Rental Fee

• Tier 1 (1–100 guests): $1,000
• Tier 2 (101–150 guests): $1,500
• Tier 3 (151–200 guests): $1,800

Damage Deposit: $150
Non-Refundable Down Payment: $200 (applied toward the base fee)
Chairs: Up to 200 chairs included (we set them up and tear them down!).

A nonrefundable down payment of $200.00 is required to secure a date and is applied toward the total cost. The remaining balance is due no later than three weeks prior to the event.

A three week cancellation notice is required for refund of payments made beyond the $200 nonrefundable down payment.

Included in the fee is admission for all guests, up to 200 chairs, electricity at the wedding location, directional signage, a reservation for rehearsal one or two days prior, and a private changing room for the bridal party available 1.5 hours prior to the start of the ceremony.

Dow Gardens requests that wedding ceremony rental payments are made through our Wedding Coordinator, David Mitchell. To make a down payment over the phone, please contact him at (989) 631-2677 (x337). Payments can also be made in person at the Visitor’s Center, however only after confirming date and rental information with the Wedding Coordinator. Gift Shop employees in the Visitor’s Center are unable to provide or edit details regarding private rental events.

It is recommended that clients make a backup plan in case of inclement weather. There are several nearby venues that offer rain backup locations including The Midland Center for the Arts (989.631.5930) and The Grace A. Dow Library (989.837.3432). Both are located right next to Dow Gardens.

Rain backup is a separate rental and is not automatically included. The reception site is often suitable. In the instance of a cancellation due to severe weather (flooding, lightning, strong winds, extreme temperatures) that requires Dow Gardens to close, during the rented time frame, as determined by Dow Gardens staff, a refund will be immediately offered, with the exception of the $200 nonrefundable down payment. If the client chooses to move to a rain backup location, due to rain or weather that is not considered severe, during the rented time frame, the client must contact Dow Gardens no later than 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled Rental & Setup Start Time, or if the client does not arrive during the 3-hour rental period, no refund will be offered.

Live or pre-recorded music is welcome. One 110-volt outlet will be provided. If you require additional outlets you are welcome to bring a power strip. A Bluetooth speaker with wireless microphone may be available for an additional fee of $50.00. Please inquire for availability.

Decorations are welcome! Please note that vehicles are not permitted in the Gardens. Clients must transport additional items, on foot, from our Visitor's Center and/or service entrance. Wagons and dollies are welcome. Dow Gardens does not provide shuttles for decor or vendors.

Items may not be staked into the turf, including shepherd's hooks. There is no exception to this rule. Decorations are not permitted to be affixed to any trees, flowers, etc. Free-standing decorations are welcome. Clients are welcome to hang items on the chairs. Tents are not permitted.

Artificial petals/leaves, glitter, confetti, rice, fireworks (including sparklers), tiki-torches, and birdseed are not permitted for use in the Garden at any time. (Bubbles are a great alternative.) Hanging items on plants or trees is not permitted.

Real rose petals are acceptable but must be removed prior to the end of the rented time frame or the client will incur the cost of cleanup. Aisle runners are permitted, but may not be staked down and are not recommended for use on grass.

Dow Gardens retains the right to refuse any item. Please touch base with us about any item you plan on bringing in.

A complimentary Bridal Changing Room is provided upon booking. Access to this room is limited to the 3-hour rental period. Ceremonies taking place at The Willow will only have access to our Historic Barn as a Bridal Changing Room. Ceremonies taking place at Hillside will only have access to Garden Room 2 inside the Welcome Center as a Bridal Changing Room with the option of renting Garden Room 1 for $250.00. Staff members work hard to provide a cleaned well-maintained area for events. Renting parties must leave any rental spaces as they find it. All trash and personal items must be removed from this room and the ceremony site by the end of the rental period.

The client is allotted three hours for usage of the wedding location and changing area. These areas must be vacated by the end of the rental period. All trash and personal items must be removed from these areas by the end of the contracted rental period.

Staff members work hard to provide a cleaned well-maintained area for events. Renting parties must leave any rental spaces as they find it. Those using the grounds are liable for any damage to the site. Please keep in mind that plant conditions and blooms depend largely on Mother Nature!

Photographs may only be taken within the area contracted for the wedding ceremony during the designated rental time. However, you may utilize the rest of the garden for pictures, before or after, for as long as you wish. Photos can also be taken at Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens.

A rehearsal may be scheduled one or two evenings prior to your ceremony. We allot one hour for rehearsal times, and there is no extra charge. Please note that we do not set out chairs or other rental items, or provide electrical cord for rehearsals. Dow Garden's staff will not be present for this event. Rehearsals are a private opportunity for you and your wedding party to familiarize yourselves with the site and timing of your ceremony.

You are welcome to invite vendors in to help with your special day. Vendors (florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, rental company, etc) must adhere to the terms of our guidelines, and it is the client’s responsibility to share these guidelines with them. Set up for your event may not begin before the contracted rental time on the day of your event. Any vendor, coordinator, or other guests that arrive early to begin setup before the designated setup time will be asked to return at the appropriate setup time. Decorations, supplies, rentals, musical instruments, and/or other items are not permitted on site prior to the contracted rental time.