Elizabeth Park Wedding Ceremony or Pictures

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

About Elizabeth Park & History:

Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut, is notable for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. Established in 1897, it is particularly famous for its Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, which is the first and oldest municipal rose garden in the United States and the 3rd largest rose garden in the country. The Rose Garden first opened to the public in June 1904. The park extends into the Town of West Hartford, however, it is owned and operated by the City of Hartford, which works very closely with the Elizabeth Park Conservancy to maintain and preserve its beauty. Elizabeth Park is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it offers over one-hundred acres of formal gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Restaurant and Café. 

Apply for a Special Events Permit to have a wedding ceremony or take pictures in Elizabeth Park. 

 

Online

What is required to have a Wedding/Elopement or Photoshoot at Elizabeth Park:

  • Wedding/Elopement applications must be submitted 90 days prior to the event.
  • Photoshoot applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event.
  • Weddings/Elopements and Photoshoots are booked in 1-Hour increments ONLY.
  • ALL Weddings/Elopements and Special Events require proof of insurance with the following: The Liability AND Property Damage limits need to be at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.  You must list the City of Hartford as an additional insured on the policy.  It should read as follow: City of Hartford/Elizabeth Park – 550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103.
  • If your wedding/elopement event is taking place in the Hartford (East) side of Elizabeth Park, you must obtain your marriage license with the City of Hartford- Vital Records.
  • If your wedding event/elopement is taking place in the West Hartford (West) side of Elizabeth Park, you must obtain your marriage license with the Town of West Hartford - Town Clerk Offices.

Maximum Capacity for each Garden:

  • Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden: Up to 75 people and up to 5 chairs ONLY. Chairs are included in the 75- maximum capacity.
  • Perennial Garden: Up to 75 people and up to 30 chairs ONLY. Chairs are included in the 75-maximum capacity.
  • Rock Garden: 15 people and NO chairs allowed.
  • Annual Garden: 35 people and NO chairs allowed.
  • Sunrise Lookout: 25 people and NO chairs allowed.
  • Events with attendees of 75 people or more are ONLY allowed in the Rose Garden Lawn.

PROHIBITED on the Premises:

  • No Decorations
  • No Confetti, Silly String, Color/Non-Colored Smoke Bombs
  • No Rice
  • No Rose Petals (Fake or Real)
  • No Runners
  • No Large Equipment inside the gardens
  • No Tripods in the flower beds
  • Refreshments: Food, alcohol, refreshments or catering are not allowed. The Pond House restaurant at Elizabeth Park may be available for wedding receptions. Please call (860) 231-8823 for more information.
  • Music is permitted. However, no electrical hook-ups or generators are allowed.
  • No food vendor is permitted anywhere at Elizabeth Park premises. This includes and is not limited to carnival style food (e.g. Cotton candy, ice cream, popcorn, etc.)

Elizabeth Park Rental Fee

Weddings

$50 for Hartford Residents (Proof of residency required)

$100 for All Others

Picture Taking

$25 for Hartford Residents (Proof of residency required)

$50 for All Others

The City of Hartford has the right to approve, deny or revoke any or all applications and or permits at any time.

Application fee is non-refundable. Because our parks are open spaces for public use, permission for weddings does not provide for exclusive use of any site/facility.

ALL applications are subject to review and are accepted based on date and time availability. Once your application is submitted, the Special Events Team will reach out to you via email within 3 business days. 

 

Complete Online Form

Elizabeth Park Special Event Application

Application is incompatible with mobile devices and Safari. 

 

Contact Us

Phone

8607579084

Email

DDSspecialevents@hartford.gov

Location

Development Services
260 Constitution Plaza
06103
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