Guidelines and Policies

Since the South Carolina Botanical Garden is a public venue operated by the State, some standard regulations and policies exist for those hosting parties here. Please contact the Garden Rental Manager at 864-656-3075 or judithg@clemson.edu to discuss details and receive copies of related policies and contracts.

Catering

All catering within the South Carolina Botanical Garden must be provided by Clemson Catering.  Special menus, including Kosher and vegetarian options, are available. Visit Clemson Catering's website for more information and a full catering guide.  Exceptions to this policy are allowed on a very limited basis; contact the Garden for more information. 

Rentals

Many events require the rental of chairs, tables, linens and tents. The Garden has been scheduling events for decades, and we have found the two most reliable vendors in the area. Events in the Garden must use either Tri-County Rentals (www.tri-countyrentals.com) or Professional Party Rentals (www.professionalpartyrentals.com) for all rental equipment. 

For events in the Fran Hanson Discovery Center or on the Discovery Center Lawns, you may not set up for an event prior to 2:00pm. Therefore, we recommend that events begin at 5:30pm or later. Because these areas are open for public enjoyment until 4:00pm, we cannot allow for earlier set-up times or events.

Photography

All professional photographers must contact the Garden in advance regarding when and where they plan to shoot.  Professional photographers must be members of the Garden to photograph here; $250 allows for unlimited photography for one year.  Alternatively, the photographer or his/her client may pay a one-time fee of $100 for a single session.  Please contact Judith Gardner for more information (864-656-3075 or judithg@clemson.edu).

Preferred Photographers

The following photographers are partners with the Garden and are fully registered to photograph here through May 1, 2010.

Broadway Lake Studio:  www.capertonphoto.com

Jacob Dean Photography:  www.jacobdeanphotography.com

Kenny Fey Photography: www.kennyfeyphoto.com

Creative Images Portrait Studio: www.pruettstudios.com

Michelle DiMaio Photography: www.michelledimaiophotography.com

Melanie Kay, LLC

Wendy Marshall Photography: www.wendymarshallphotography.com

Contracts & Policies

As you begin researching the location of your next event, please contact the Garden to schedule an initial meeting (scbg@clemson.edu, or 864-656-3405). Our staff will help you select the best venue(s) for your event, as well as advise on availability and logistics. As you are ready to book the event, we will guide you through the contract and payment process, as well as through policies regarding insurance and alcohol service. Please note, though, that Garden staff are not available to serve as event planners. We ask that large events consider hiring a dedicated event coordinator to facilitate planning as well as oversee the actual event.

You may download a copy of the Garden Rental Contract and Set-Up Contract here: Contract PDF.