Daytime Garden Ceremonies

Daytime Garden Ceremonies in The Morikami Japanese Gardens (Roji-en)

The Roji-en:  Garden of the Drops of Dew provides beautiful and unique settings for weddings or commitment ceremonies.  To ensure a memorable event with minimal disruption to regular visitors to the gardens, there are some necessary restrictions.* 

Timing

The Gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm.  From October through May, when the Gardens are at their busiest, we strongly require that garden ceremonies be scheduled at 10:30 am or 3:30 pm.  At other times of the year, ceremonies may take place any time between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.  No-one will be allowed in before 10:00 am and all guests must depart by 5:00 pm.

Number of Guests and entrance on the day of the event

Wedding parties, including the bride, groom, and photographer, should not exceed twenty-five people.  It is difficult for groups larger than this to assemble and not hinder access for other visitors to the Garden. Two weeks prior to the ceremony we require a full guest list.  On the day of the event, it is important that everyone (including the bride and groom) “check-in” at an Admission Desk.  Please make sure that your guests are aware of this requirement.

Seating, Arches, Canopies, Confetti, Birdseed, Rice, and Candles

By their very nature, garden ceremonies are informal.  We cannot allow canopies, arches, seating*, etc.  Confetti, birdseed, rice, and candles are not allowed in the Gardens. * The Gardens are fully accessible for wheelchairs and we will allow elderly or inform guests to use a lightweight folding chair.

Location

For gatherings of greater than 10 guests, three areas of the gardens are available for a garden ceremony. 

(1) The north-west corner of the Yamato-Kan (marked 23 on the garden map)

(2) Rocky Point (marked 24 on the garden map)

(3) Morikami Falls (marked 25 on the garden map). 

Gatherings with fewer than 10 guests may be able to assemble for a short period of time at alternative locations within the Gardens (subject to approval from Facility Rental Department.)

Music, Food, and Refreshments

Only low volume, peaceful, atmospheric music is permissible.  All music must be battery powered.  Electrical outlets will not be available.  If in doubt, please consult the Facility Rental Department.  No food or refreshments, including champagne toasts, are allowed in the Gardens.  Depending on timing, the Cornell Café may be able to offer space for an informal reception.  Please call Christy Chen at (561) 495-0233 ext. 219. (Rental fees and/or labor charges may be applicable.)

Dressing Room

A dressing room may be available for use, but brides preparing for evening ceremonies or a museum event could prevent use of the dressing rooms. 

Photography

On the wedding day, couples are allowed access of the Gardens prior to their ceremony (but not before the official opening time of 10:00 am) for photographs. 

Garden Ceremony Fees

For 10 people or less (including bride, groom, and photographer)             $395.00 plus 6.5% tax

For 10-15 people (including bride, groom, and photographer)                   $595.00 plus 6.5% tax

For 15-25 people (including bride, groom, and photographer)                   $795.00 plus 6.5% tax

Payment Terms

Payment in full should be remitted at the time the event is booked based on estimated attendance. 

*Under certain circumstances, installment arrangements may be available provided a $200.00 deposit is made in order to confirm the date.

*In the event that actual attendance on the day of the event is greater than anticipated and exceeds the pre-paid amount, additional charges may be applicable if the guest count falls into a different pricing bracket.  A signed credit card authorization form may be requested in advance.

* All bookings are subject to the Morikami Museum’s full Rules and Regulations, which must be read, signed, and returned with the booking contract (Facility Use Agreement.)

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Alanna Rainey, Facility Rental Manager, at 561-495-0233 ext. 227 or via email at Arainey@pbcgov.com.