Policies and General Information

RESERVATION SCHEDULE  

Payments Two weeks from date of making a reservation, full deposit is required. Receipt of this payment will confirm holding of space and rooms required. Duke Gardens reserves the right to release any function space that has been reserved if full deposit is not received by the deadline. The remaining balance of the fees will be due 60 days prior to the event.

Liability The Gardens administration reserves the right to inspect and control all functions. Liability for damage to the premises will be charged accordingly. The Gardens is not responsible for personal property and equipment brought on the premises.  

Food and Beverage Only a caterer from the Gardens approved list may be used. These Caterers have agreed to provide food and or beverage service to the Renting Party in accordance with the Facility Use Agreement between the Caterer and The Sarah P. Duke Gardens. All Caterers will carry a liquor liability rider. The Renting Party of an event where liquor is served agrees to be responsible for the conduct of the guests, and the Caterer may refuse service in the event of violation of any state law.

Photography A reservation is required for all professional or commercial photography taken in the Gardens. The photographer or the client is responsible for making this reservation. Professional photographers using the Gardens with private clients are asked to make a donation of $50.00 per professional visit to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, contributing to the care and continuing preservation of this beautiful Garden. No reservation is necessary if the photographs are taken during a planned event in which a contract has been signed for the space and time.

Displays, Exhibits and Decorations All displays, exhibits or decorations must conform to the county code fire ordinances and rules. To protect the Doris Duke Center and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, please do not affix anything to walls, floors, or ceilings, trellises, posts or railings with staples, tape or any other substance. Helium balloons are not permitted in the Kirby Horton Hall. Any damage incurred will be the responsibility of the Renting Party. The throwing/dropping of rice, birdseed, flowers or petals are strictly prohibited in the Gardens and at the Doris Duke Center. Bubbles and sparklers, however, are acceptable.

Trolley For events taking place out in the Gardens, a trolley can be hired at a fee of $45 per round trip to transport those guests truly needing assistance to the site. The trolley holds 5 passengers and can make a maximum of 2 round trips at a total cost of $90. The trolley is not to be used as transportation for members of a wedding party, unless accessibility is an issue.  

Cancellation Policy Cancellation 90 days before the event: full deposit (and rental fees if already received) will be refunded. 89-60 days before the event: one half of deposit (and all rental fees if already received) will be refunded. 59 days or fewer: deposit is forfeited, but one half of the rental fees will be refunded.

Renters of outdoor spaces at the Duke Gardens are encouraged to make a contingency plan in the event of inclement weather. If inclement weather causes the event to be relocated and the Gardens are notified 24 hours before the event’s set up, half of the rental fees and the full security deposit will be refunded.