Policies and General Information

RESERVATION SCHEDULE  

Payments Two weeks from the date of making a reservation, a 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 a full deposit is not received by the deadline. The remaining balance of the fees will be due 90 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 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 if any state law is violated.

Photography Please see our Photo Policies & Procedures page.

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 Sarah P. Duke Gardens, please do not affix anything to walls, floors, ceilings, trellises, posts or railings with staples, tape or any other substance. Helium balloons are not permitted. Any damage incurred will be the responsibility of the renting party. Throwing or dropping rice, bird seed, flowers or petals are strictly prohibited in the Gardens and at the Doris Duke Center. Bubbles and sparklers 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.