Frequently Asked Questions

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Please note that the Gardens are designed for Ceremonies only:  absolutely no catered food or alcoholic beverages are permitted.

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1. Where in The Gardens at the Historical Bow Valley Ranche can I have my wedding ceremony? 
   
   The Heritage Gazebo is set in the spectacular, historic Native Garden showcasing a landscape representing the indigenous species of this area. The Gazebo will feature the Wedding Party, with guests standing on the pathway viewing the ceremony. This area is designed for up to 100 standing.
   
   Amphitheatre - this designated area of the Garden, has been developed to represent a natural stone amphitheatre. This Slate Rock seating area is for intimate, casual ceremonies. The Amphitheatre holds up to 30 persons standing.
   
   The Artisan Gardens: this Amphitheater style seating will feature 12 benches and will accommodate family celebrations, children’s outdoor learning opportunities and public events for up to 100 people. 
    

2. How many chairs does the Gazebo Area hold? 
   This area is better suited for stand up for up to 80, with consideration given to have 10 chairs for honoured guests. 
    

3. When do I need to reserve my date, and do you take a deposit? 
   The Gardens has become a very popular wedding ceremony location and bookings fill up about 3 - 6 months in advance. To confirm & reserve your space, the fee must be paid in full. 
    

4. What happens in case of rain or flooding? 
   Unfortunately, The Gardens does not have a covered area that can be used for your wedding ceremony. The Gardens at the Ranche strongly recommends you have an alternate location in case of rain or  inclement weather. Booking fees are not refunded. 
    

5. Will the general public be allowed in the area while my ceremony is going on? 
   The designated location of the ceremony is reserved for you and your guests.  However, The Native Gardens is a public place and as such we cannot guarantee the same level of privacy as with an indoor location. 
    

6. Do you have security for my chairs and other items? 
   The Society is not responsible for your personal or rental property while it is on our site. We recommend you designate a family member or friend to be on site during the items’ arrival and stay there until they are removed. 
    

7. Do you provide chairs and other rental items? 
   The Society does not have chairs or other items available for rent. Our preferred supplier is Great Events Group: www.greateventsgroup.ca. 
    

8. Do you provide electricity for my sound system? 
   Yes. Electricity is available next to the gazebo and Artisan Gardens area. 
    

9. Are decorations allowed on the site?
   Due the historic nature of this location, we do not allow staples, tacks, nails, tape (mechanical fasteners) to be used when decorating the area. You are welcome to use string or plastic tie strips to hold up decorations. Absolutely no decorations are to be left in the gardens on the completion of your event.  Artificial flower petals are NOT allowed to be thrown in the gardens. There will be a $100.00 clean up fee for clean up and removal of these items.
    

10. When can I set up for my ceremony? 
    Your set up time is part of the allocated booking time for the event. 
     

11. Can I drive my limo onto the site?
    NO vehicles are permitted to drive  to the location of your ceremony. Vehicles must remain in parking lot. 
     

12. Do you have parking for my guests? 
    We recommend that guests park in the Fish Creek general parking lots, south and east of the Gardens. 
     

13. Do you allow confetti, rose petals or other items to be scattered?
    The gardens does NOT allow confetti, rose petals or any other items to be thrown. Following the ceremony, the site must be left in the same condition in which it was found in consideration for other events that may follow yours.There will be a $100.00 clean up fee for clean up and removal of any left over items.
     

14. Do you allow pets to be part of the ceremony? 
    Pets are welcome to be part of your ceremony provided they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
     

15. Is there a fee to take pictures? 
    There is no fee to take pictures in the Gardens. If you wish to utilise the designated event areas, the event fee applies. We ask that you are respectful of other event bookings occurring at the same time.
     

16. Are there washrooms on site? 
    There are washrooms located in the Bow Valley Ranche Visitor Centre Washrooms are open  daily 8:15 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. (Season may vary).
     

17. What times can we book our wedding ?
    We recommend between 10:00 a.m. and completion prior to 4:30 p.m. 
     

18. Will there be other events happening at The Gardens, on my wedding day?
    The Gardens is a public space with many visitors. We do our very best not to have conflicting events. 
     

19. What if we misplace the lock for the Gazebo?
    There will be a $50.00 replacement fee charged to you.