The splendor of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens' meadows, gardens and lakeside forests offers numerous settings for those who wish to make the beauty of nature a part of their wedding or other social function. Over the years, the facility has hosted hundreds of weddings and can offer both a uniquely beautiful visual backdrop for private ceremonial functions and a comfortable setting for receptions and other social gatherings. Additionally, Kanapaha's visitors center, Summer House, has facilities for indoor events.

Our recommended professional photographer is Kate White Photography. They offer an exclusive reduced package to venues at Kanapaha Gardens. For information on reduced photography prices for weddings at Kanapaha visit their website: www.katewhitephoto.com/preferredvenue/

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Kanapaha's visitors center, Summer House, has two indoor spaces available for rentals. These are:

The Reception Hall can accommodate up to 150 individuals seated theater style or 125 seated round table style. Set-up will be provided for either arrangement.

The Conference Room can accommodate up to 125 individuals seated theater style or 100 seated round table style.

The rental fee includes chairs/tables arranged to your specifications as well as all rehearsals and subsequent reception should you choose to also schedule this function during your rental period. This assumes that all functions will occur during Kanapaha's regular hours of operation (unless paid to rent after hours) which are:

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 9 till 5
Sat., Sun. 9 till dusk
(Closed Thursday)

Please note: Kanapaha closes at 5 p.m. every Friday

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Guidelines for Events

            We have hosted hundreds of weddings, receptions, meetings, retreats and other social functions and are pleased to have the opportunity to serve you as well.  Over the years, we have developed this set of guidelines that are intended to answer many commonly asked questions and to assist you in planning your event.

General:   Please remember that Kanapaha Botanical Gardens will remain open to the public during some or all of most events.  We will endeavor to see that our visitors do not interfere with your activities and ask you to reciprocate.  When you make a reservation, you are guaranteed exclusive use of only the reserved space and only during the bloc of rental time. If there are no conflicting events prior to your event, it will be possible for you to gain access to the rental site earlier, but air conditioning is provided only during the rental bloc.  Common areas, such as lobbies inside Summer House and porches and sidewalks outside are not part of our rentals and should remain free of congestion, decorations and other set-up materials.  Restrooms are open to the public and should not be used as dressing rooms; if you wish to utilize another space for this or other purposes, it must be included in your rental agreement. No tables or chairs may be removed from Summer House for use at outdoor rental sites.

All restrictions that apply to gardens visitors also apply to individuals utilizing rental space.  For instance, smoking is not allowed in Summer House. Running or shouting in the building are prohibited and music (and other noise sources) must be kept to a level that does not disturb visitors or staff.  Children must always be under adult supervision with at least one adult accompanying every five children.  Entry into the Gift Gallery is restricted to individuals 18 years or older.

Outdoor rentals are "fair weather" affairs, ie. it is the responsibility of the renting party to make any alternate arrangements (including space reservation in Summer House) in the event of inclement weather.

The non-refundable rental deposit is required to reserve the site of your choice and the balance is due one month before the event. In case of cancellation, any monies paid for site reservation, except the deposit, will be refunded. Additionally, a damage deposit must be made when the site is rented. This deposit will be fully refunded at the end of the month if the rental activity does not exceed the scheduled time block and leaves the site free of litter and in good condition, the guidelines were followed, and does not create a disturbance (excessively loud music or noise).

Frequently asked questions:

-Q. Are alcoholic beverages permitted?  A.  Yes, but with one restriction: Kegs of beer are allowed only for parties renting the Conference Room/Porch and must be kept on the porch

-Q. Are there restrictions on decorations and staging?  A. All decorations must be placed and removed within the rental time bloc unless other arrangements have been approved. Decorations that are attached to gazebos, posts, railings etc. must be attached with string or another method that does not leave a mark and not with staples, tacks or tape. Nothing should be attached to walls. Candles may be used as part of a ceremony but luminaries and other light sources cannot be placed along walkways, porches or common areas. No other use of fire or fireworks is permitted.  Glitter, birdseed and confetti are prohibited but rice and flower petals may be used.  No tables, easels, sound equipment or other structures may be set up in public areas. If these or other items are needed, they must be supplied by the rental party. No decorations, linens, glasses, dishes or other rental equipment may be stored at Kanapaha unless prior arrangements have been approved. 

-Q. Can food be served?  A. Food cannot be cooked on site (such as barbeque) but may be brought in by a caterer or the rental party.  No part of the kitchen may be used unless it is part of the rental agreement.  It is the responsibility of the renting party to see that caterers abide by these guidelines. All caterers must be approved by Kanapaha.

-Q. When must rental facilities be vacated?  A. At the end of the bloc of rental time. Activities related to the rental (including those of caterers, decoration removal, etc.) that continue beyond scheduled rental time will incur a $200/hour charge that will be deducted from the damage/overtime deposit. The parking lot must be vacated within 15 minutes of the termination of an evening event so our staff may lock the gates.  No vehicles may be left overnight without prior approval.  No one involved with a rental, including decorators, may be outside in the gardens after dark.

-Q. What about clean-up?  A. All decorations should be removed and the room(s) and outside facilities left as you found them. All trash and recyclables should be bagged separately and left in the tile kitchen for disposal by our staff.  This does not include large cardboard boxes and food preparation materials which must be removed by the rental party or caterer. Soiled surfaces should be wiped and cleaned.

-Q. Is there an additional charge for holding a rehearsal or entering Kanapaha for other planning purposes?  A. No, as long as these activities take place during our regular hours of operation and are scheduled in advance. Please remember that Kanapaha Botanical Gardens closes at 5 p.m. on Friday.

-Q. Are golf carts available for use?  A. Kanapaha’s golf carts are not available for rental but you may arrange a rental on your own (conventional vehicle; no oversize or specialty carts) if you feel it necessary to accommodate elderly or handicapped guests.  Carts must be operated by a responsible adult and may be used solely to transport guests between Summer House and outdoor rental sites. They are not to be used for sightseeing and must not be driven on the sidewalks except as necessary to reach rental sites. No vehicles (including limousines, horse-drawn carriages, rickshaws etc.) besides golf carts may proceed beyond the parking area. Canopies, tents and other temporary structures are not allowed.

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For more information call Tammy Tecler at 352 372-4981

She works M W F (9 am - 1 pm)