Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a tentative hold on a date? 

If I have to cancel my event does my deposit get refunded?

Does The Holden Arboretum provide staff to handle the personal decorating I would like done to my event location?

No.  The Holden Arboretum is not staffed to take care of any personal decorating that you would like to do for your event.  You will need to make arrangements with friends, family, etc. to take care of any decorating needs you might have.  You will need to make sure any decorating items have been approved by the event coordinator.

What are the services The Holden Arboretum provides?

• The use of the rented space
• Tables/chairs
• Set-up of tables and chairs as agreed upon 14 days prior to event
• Admission to the property for your guests
• Agreed upon bar service

Will there be more than one event going on at the same time? 

Yes.  There can be multiple events going on at the property at the same time

What time can I and or my vendors arrive to take care of decorating and set up?

You will have 1 hour prior the event and 1 hour after the  event to set up and tear down.

How will The Holden Arboretum coordinate with my vendors  so they know what time each is arriving?

You will need to provide a schedule of your vendor arrivals to the Event Coordinator 14 days prior to your event.  Holden will not call your vendors and make arrangements.

When do I need to finalize my guest count?

Seven days prior to the event

What if my guest count changes at the last minute?

A decrease in count is acceptable.  An increase is not.

How do we make arrangements for alcohol service?

Holden Arboretum holds a liquor license.  All alcohol must be purchased through Holden and can be arranged with the event coordinator.

Can I make substitutions to the list of alcohol?

No.  We do not allow substitutions of any kind .

How do you charge for Bar Pricing?

Open consumption based upon the number of guests that attend.  There are three price options, good, better and best. 

Cash bars are no longer offered.

Can we bring our own food and alcohol?

No.  You are not permitted to bring your own food or alcohol, with one exception, if you rent the Albert F. Holden Shelter House you are able to bring in your own food, but no alcohol.

Are there restrictions to the times and days a site is available for an event?

The Arlene and Albert S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden and Warren H. Corning Visitor Center cannot be rented for private functions until the facility closes.  These areas are available after 5:30pm.

Can the Bridal Party get ready on site?

Only if they appropriate space is rented.  Dressing areas are not included with your rental price.

What if my event is outside and it rains?

All events are rain or shine.  No refunds are given and indoor rain back up space is not included with outdoor event rental space.  If you would like additional space indoors as a rain back up you will need to rent the space.

If it doesn't rain, do we get the deposit back for our back up location?

No.

Is rehearsal time included in the rental fee?

No.  Rehearsal time is not included.  If you would like to schedule a rehearsal time for your event, you may do so for an additional charge.

If we’re having our event at the Holden are we permitted to have photographs taken any where on property as part of our   rental fee?

Yes.  Photos are allowed any where on the main property where the Corning Visitor Center is located.

What if my ceremony and reception are off property can I do pictures only at Holden?

Yes.  Photographs only are available for a charge of $150 for one hour.

Do we really need to purchase event insurance?

Where can I obtain event insurance?  What can I expect in terms of cost?

Event insurance can be obtained through your home owners  insurance the cost will vary from company to company.  Event insurance can also be purchased through WedSafe. The cost from them is approximately $150.

How far in advance do I need to purchase the insurance and do you need a copy?