Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many people will your space hold? We have spaces that can accommodate as few as 10 people up to 600. This would include both indoor and outdoor space.
Q. Is your space handicap accessible? Yes. Wheelchairs and golf carts are also available for use. Please discuss with your CFBG Event Coordinator.
Q. Do you have preferred or required vendors? We do not have vendors who work exclusively with us, besides our Audio/Visual company, Five Star Entertainment or Ward Productions, but we would be more than happy to recommend vendors from our network list. You may also bring in your own vendors as long as they sign our Vendor Agreement and comply with our insurance requirements.
Q. How much does it cost to rent the space? Since every event is unique, prices vary based on attendance, time of year, client needs, and availability. Our event coordinators will meet with you to discuss your individual needs and create a customized package for your special day.
Q. Can I bring my own alcohol? Yes! Just be sure to apply for the $50 North Carolina ABC license for your party at least 30 days prior to your event if you are going to serve any type of alcohol. The 8 1/2” x 11” paper permit must be present & taped to the bar during the entire event. Also, an insured bartender is required with ALL events where alcohol is served.
The Garden can provide wine and beer bar services for your event, including a cash bar if it is appropriate for your event. The Garden will provide bar set-up, product, and bartenders. The Garden is pleased to partner with The Traveling Bartender for bar services.
Q. Can I use my own wedding coordinator, wedding planner, bakery, band, musician, florist, minister, officiant, photographer, etc.?
Yes. We just ask that you inform us of all vendors with contact information so that we can help ensure your special event runs smoothly.
Q. How can I tour the space? Yes, we love the opportunity to show our venue. Please contact our Events Department to schedule an appointment for your tour. Appointments are available Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM. Please note that we do not schedule facility tours on weekends. If you walk in, we cannot guarantee a tour due to pre-scheduled appointments or events.
Q. How do I secure my date? Once you have met with an Event Coordinator and scheduled a booking appointment, a hold is placed on your date. At your booking appointment, a deposit is required to secure the date. The deposit will be 25% of the venue rental and a $500 security deposit that will be returned to you after the event, should no damages or incidental charges occur. **$200 deposit for a Garden Ceremony only
Q. What included with my rental at Cape Fear Botanical Garden? Again as each event is unique to the client, what is included may vary based on whether it is a wedding, a business meeting, garden ceremony, and guest count. Our basic 12-hour rentals include tables, chairs, linens, and napkins for up to 200 people, (higher guest counts incur additional charges for these items.) Event coordinator on-site, security, bridal suite or dressing area, Garden admission for your guests, one year Garden membership, one hour rehearsal time, photoshoot, and beautiful natural backdrops.
Q. May I have a photo shoot inside/outside at Cape Fear Botanical Garden? Of course! When you book an event here you have the option of scheduling an appointment for a photoshoot prior at no cost. The day of your event, you are able to use the backdrop of the Garden for professional or amateur photography.
Q. What restrictions do you have at the Garden? We do not allow the following: pets (except for service animals,) helium balloons, silk or artificial flowers outdoors in any areas, butterflies or other insect releases, bird releases, lantern releases, fireworks, or personal drones. Questions about specific decor will be answered during your tour or at your booking appointment.
Q. What can we use for our grand exit?Departures of the bridal couple may not be celebrated with rice, any type of confetti, glitter or bird seed. Sparklers may be used outdoors but must be picked up and disposed of to avoid burning the Visitor Pavilion Entryway. You are welcome to use anything else that does not harm the environment or our grounds as long as it is cleaned up at the end of your event.
Q. What is the role of my CFBG Venue Coordinator? A CFBG staff member will be present before, during and following your event to address any questions or concerns that may arise. On the day of your event, the CFBG Venue Coordinator will be responsible for greeting your party and showing them to the dressing rooms, greeting your vendors and offering assistance, and greeting your guests. After the ceremony/event begins, the CFBG Venue Coordinator remains on-site if any issues arise but does not coordinate beyond this point. This person is not available to act as your event planner, decorator or director. We recommend that you hire a professional event planner to guide you through the planning process and to be present the day of your event. CFBG Venue Coordinators can be hired as ceremony directors, but this does incur additional charges.
Q. Will there be other events hosted at the same time as my event? Possibly, depending on space availability and guest counts. When two events are happening at the same time, CFBG staff takes precautions and care to ensure that the events do not interfere with each other. Also, during regular Garden hours, the Garden is open to the public. Please see our website for winter/summer hours of operation.
Q. What happens if my event needs to be rescheduled, postponed or canceled? For our military clients (active duty contract holder/s,) in the case of deployment or PCS, full refunds are offered with the appropriate military documentation. For all other cancellations, penalties may apply. CFBG does provide rescheduling options for up to one year at no penalty or loss of deposit/payments.
Photos are courtesy of George Joell 3 Photography .
