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McCrory Gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are related to weddings, meetings and events held at McCrory Gardens and the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center. For all other inquiries, please contact us at 605-688-6707 or email us.

Catering and Alcohol

What catering services are approved for the venue?
We have an exclusive agreement with Jacks Catering by Sodexo. They provide a wide array of wonderful food and beverage options, along with linens, can be provided by our exclusive catering service, along with exceptional service, helping make your event flow smoothly.

Contact Information

Jacks Catering by Sodexo

Are we able to have beer and wine at our reception or event?

Jacks Catering by Sodexo can offer wine and beer. All beer and wine must be purchased from Jacks Catering by Sodexo. The McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center and the back Terrace Gardens are the two areas that alcoholic beverages are allowed. No outside alcohol is allowed. Prior permission is required, with required alcohol permits needing to be completed up to 45 days in advance of the event.

Photography

Are we required to pay for our photography in the gardens on the day of our wedding event?

Photography fees are waived for engagement and wedding photos for a reserved wedding at McCrory Gardens. A photography membership is available for $125 annually, which includes unlimited visits, for non-McCrory Gardens weddings and events. Day passes are $25. Both options include garden admission for all guests being photographed.

Photographs of the event may be taken by the McCrory Gardens staff for educational or promotional purposes only. Any such photography would not interfere with the event or the professional photographer and will not be sold.

Drones: South Dakota State University does not allow the use of drones without proper prior approval and coordination with our venue coordinator. Please see the university policy and approval processes for the use of drones on campus.

Decorations

What is your decoration policy both in the gardens and in the Education and Visitor Center?

Within the center, our policy follows that of SDSU:

  1. Candles or any other open flame are not allowed, with the exception of a unity candle with prior approval. LED candles are recommended.
  2. Only fire resistant materials can be used for any decorations.
  3. Nothing may be attached to any surfaces, including outdoor surfaces and plants, shrubs and trees.
  4. All decorations must be placed away from heaters or other heat-producing devices.
  5. All decorations, signs, dance floors and related event materials brought in by the client must be removed by the approved conclusion of the event, no later than the approved time.
  6. Balloon releasing, rice, confetti, glitter, birdseed, artificial flower petals and fireworks are NOT PERMITTED. Soap bubbles, real flower petals, butterfly and dove releases maybe permitted with prior approval.

Smoking

Is smoking allowed in your facility, gardens and arboretum?

McCrory Gardens is a "clean air" public garden and consistent with University policy, use of tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, vapor-based products, etc.) is not permitted on any University property, including all campus grounds inside and out, parking areas and vehicles on the property.

Event Supplies and AV Equipment

Do you provide a dance floor?

McCrory Gardens does not provide a dance floor, but one may be rented from an area vendor. Locally, we suggest checking with the Party Depot, 605-697-9333.

Where can I rent extra tables, chairs or tents?

Past parties have worked with Party Depot (605-697-9333) or Rental Depot (605-697-8044). Please reach out to McCrory Gardens for more suggestions.

Does the Great Hall have AV equipment?

The Great Hall has two projectors, two projector screens, a phone hookup, computer hookups, DVD player and two wireless and two lapel microphones for complimentary use with rental of the space. We also have wireless outdoor audio speakers with a microphone, available for rent.

Capacity

What is the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated in the Great Hall?

For the safety and comfort of guests, a maximum of 250 people is the maximum capacity of the Great Hall for any form of dining event. This number includes the wedding party.

Parking and Accessibility

How many vehicles are able to park at McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center?

There are 96 parking spots available at the Education and Visitor Center and 44 parking spots available at the west parking lot, off 20th Avenue. Lot 160 near the Performing Arts Center may potentially be available for parking after 5 p.m. weekdays and weekends.

Is the center wheelchair accessible? Do you have a wheelchair available for use?

Yes, our center is wheelchair accessible and one wheelchair may be available for a client use.

Cancellations and Inclement Weather

Will we receive our money back if we must have a cancelation?

With any cancelation, the down payment is not refundable. The damage deposit and final payment of rentals fees are refundable for events canceled at least 90 days prior to the ceremony. If the reservation is canceled less than 90 days prior to the ceremony, the final payment is forfeited. McCrory Gardens reserves the right to cancel any event due to violation of the facilities use agreement.

What is your policy regarding bad weather?

The client cannot hold McCrory Gardens responsible for failure to provide the garden space and services due to emergencies, catastrophes or interruption of public utilities. If an Act of God were to occur preventing the ceremony from taking place as scheduled, McCrory Gardens will allow for the ceremony to be rescheduled, pending availability, with no penalty. Cancellations of ceremony due to inclement weather will not be considered for refund.

Clean-up and Tear Down

Is the client required to clean up the venue after the event?

McCrory Gardens staff will provide all set up and tear down of indoor tables and chairs owned by McCrory Gardens for your indoor event. The client is required to set up and take down all decorations. All decorations, signs, dance floors and related event materials brought in by the client must be removed by the conclusion of the event. There may be a cleaning charge for any excessive mess.

What time must we be out of the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center?

The client must conclude their event and remove all personal and rented items no later than 11:59 p.m. or 1 hour post event, whichever comes first.