Event Spaces
The following Hatcher Garden areas are available for event use:
Garden of Hope
and Healing
A harmonious event backdrop with an arbor, sand garden, and pavilion.
Gazebo
Tucked between perennial beds and the Conifer Collection near the garden entrance.
Jess Taylor Pavilion
An amenable gathering space with picnic tables and event-friendly facilities.
John A. Nevison Amphitheater
Surrounded by azaleas and river birches near the creek that feeds into the lower pond.
Observation Deck
Located deeper in the woodland and enclosed by trees that gently filter sunlight.
Stone Patio & Waterfall
Recently redone and surrounded by noble trees and a cathedral ceiling of greenery.
The Park
A spacious grassy lawn, perfect for larger events.
Activities Deck and Pavilion
The newest addition to the Mary Black Foundation Woodland Trail. A beautiful wooden deck and covered pavilion under a gorgeous tree canopy.
Fees
Small Wedding (20 or fewer people)
$650 per hour for events up to 20 participants + $250 refundable security deposit
Additional hours are $650 each, with a limit of four hours per any single event*
A signed rental agreement with paid deposit of $250 is due in order to confirm the reservation. All fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to the event.
Large Wedding (21–75 people)*
$1,250 per hour for events up to 75 participants + $250 refundable security deposit
$10 per person fee for each additional guest after 75
Each additional hour is $1,250 each, with a limit of four hours per any single event**
A signed rental agreement with paid deposit of $250 is due in order to confirm the reservation. All fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to the event.
General Events
$100 for a one-hour rental in the garden + $50/hour for each additional hour
A signed rental agreement with paid deposit of $100 is due in order to confirm the reservation. All fees must be paid in full two weeks prior to the event.
**Additional charges apply for staff assistance.
Ready to book?
Please click below and complete the form to submit your event rental request. We recommend booking in advance, as dates fill up quickly. A Hatcher Garden staff member will follow up with you once you have submitted the event rental request.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
The rental party must abide by any additional verbal restrictions placed during the event. Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve reserves the right to cancel or terminate the event at any time should the party fail to comply with verbal instructions or the following guidelines:
1) No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the garden without prior approval of the Board of Trustees of Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. If alcohol use is approved, the rental party must engage paid security through the City of Spartanburg’s off-duty officer plan. This must be done through Extra Duty Solutions, and the current rate is $38 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. This rate is set by the City and is subject to change at their discretion. Written confirmation of the security arrangement must be provided to Hatcher staff two weeks before the date of the event.
2) No fires, candles, or grilling are permitted in the garden.
3) Children in the garden must be attended by an adult at all times.
4) All event attendees must remain on pathways.
5) Moving garden furniture is prohibited unless (a) advance permission is received from the garden office and (b) it is returned to the exact location.
6) Please ensure that Hatcher Garden staff is aware of all set up for your event, including tents, chairs, tables, bounce houses, and other items brought in to the Garden. Tents, chairs, and tables are the responsibility of the rental party. Due to limited garden staffing absolutely no setups are provided by the garden staff members. Hatcher Garden will not be held liable for personal injury, property damage, or theft of items brought in by the rental party.
a. Please limit set up to the location(s) stated in your rental agreement.
b. Tents, chairs, tables, etc. may not block the entrance of the Garden or be placed in handicapped parking spaces.
c. For large tents (exceeding 10 feet), it is required by the City of Spartanburg to have a fire extinguisher at two corners of the tent.
d. Bounce houses must be approved by Hatcher Garden staff.
7) No dangerous activity will be allowed, and no activity damaging to the garden property will be allowed.
8) Signs and decorations may be used to indicate that a private event is progress as long as they are removed from the garden after the event. The use of confetti, bubbles, or rice is not permitted in the garden; however we do allow birdseed to be used during special events.
9) Free parking is available in designated areas only. For events involving seventy- five (75) or more vehicles, special arrangements must be made for parking and include security through Extra Duty Solutions (see Guideline 1 regarding security information).
10) For dressing rooms, very basic restroom facilities are available in the Jess Taylor Pavilion by the parking lot.
CANCELLATIONS AND DEPOSIT REFUNDS
Event fees are fully refundable in the event of cancellation or inclement weather causing cancellation. Once the rental event has occurred and a “grounds condition assessment” has been completed by a Hatcher Garden staff member, if there is no damage to the grounds in the area where the rental event was held, the pre-paid deposit will be refunded with a check to the event renter within two weeks after the date of the scheduled event.