FAQ
Frequently Asked Wedding Planning Questions
Plan your wedding day at Niagara Parks for reception and ceremony venues like no place else on Earth! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our services and locations. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.
Ceremony Sites
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Do I need a permit for wedding photos within Niagara Parks?
There is no permit required to take photos in any of our outdoor locations. We do ask that you are respectful of any wedding ceremonies taking place as they have paid for a permit to do so.
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What are my responsibilities within my timeframe?
You are expected to set up, have the ceremony performed, clean up and remove any of your belongings from the area within your designated two hour time block.
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Are the ceremony sites closed to the public during my wedding?
Most of Niagara Parks’ ceremony locations are located on the grounds of public parks, and therefore are not closed to public use. The exceptions being our Floral Showhouse, Butterfly Conservatory and Queenston Chapel. We find that most visitors are respectful of wedding ceremonies and keep their distance.
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What is included in the ceremony rental fee?
By paying the rental fee, you’re provided with an exclusive two hour use of your chosen location. Your wedding ceremony will be the only ceremony taking place at your booked time.
Parking & Transportation
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Do you offer transportation services?
Yes, you can reserve our shuttle service to transport guests from the hotel(s) to the reception. This is based on availability and time of year.
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Does our limo require a permit to transport us and our guests on the parkway?
There is a Service Vehicle License Permit that is required for Limousines and party Buses to drive along the Parkway. The permit is $95.00 and can be purchased on our website at this link Purchase Permits Online
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Can I pay for all of my guests’ parking?
Should your ceremony be taking place at one of our locations with a Niagara Parks paid parking lot, we’d be happy to provide you with a flat rate to pay before the date of your wedding.
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Is there parking?
Yes; all of our locations offer some form of available parking. Paid street parking is offered nearby at Oakes Garden Theatre and Rambler’s Rest. Paid lot parking is offered at the Floral Showhouse and the Botanical Gardens. In addition, we’re happy to offer you free parking at the Queenston Chapel, Dufferin Island, as well as our Mather’s Arch location.
Accessibility
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Are all facilities wheelchair accessible?
All are wheelchair accessible except for the Commissioner's Quarters at Queen Victoria Place and the Queenston Room on the lower level of Queenston Heights Restaurant.
Rentals & Weather Considerations
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Where can I rent chairs and tenting for my ceremony?
We are happy to supply you with a Service Provider’s List of local vendors in the area, once your booking is confirmed and paid in full. You are not obligated to use any vendors listed, and are more than welcome to find and use your own wedding services whether they’re local or not.
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Am I able to rent a tent if it looks like it will rain?
Yes; tenting is permitted at several sites. You must request permission from the Wedding Department no later than one month before your wedding date. Depending on availability, a minimum 4 hour booking is required in order to accommodate the full set up and tear down of your tenting.
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What happens in the event of inclement weather?
A plan B is the responsibility of the wedding couple and essential to ensure a smooth wedding day. Niagara Parks offers several indoor ceremony locations for booking. However, regardless of the location being your backup plan, a non-refundable payment in full is required to secure the site for use.
Packages & Booking
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What is the payment schedule after the initial deposit?
We require 70% of the estimated final bill one month before the wedding. The remainder is paid at the end of the event.
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How do we secure a date?
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 or 10% of the guarantee spend, whichever is greater, is required at the time of booking, as well as a signed contract.
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Do you have all-inclusive packages?
We offer a winter wedding package that is an all-inclusive package running from November 1 through April 30th. From May through October we customize and build each menu to suit every couple’s individual needs. We offer all-inclusive bar packages or consumption based.
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Do you offer hotel discounts?
Niagara Parks does not own and operate any hotels. We can provide you with a list of local hotels that you can contact directly.
Ceremony Set-up
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Are candles permitted?
Yes; candles placed in an enclosed glass vase or container are permitted.
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Are flower petals permitted?
Biodegradable flower petals are permitted as long as they’re cleaned up by your group post wedding ceremony.
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Is there electricity/outlets onsite I can use?
Our ceremony locations with available electric outlets include the Floral Showhouse, Queenston Chapel and the Oakes Garden Theatre. Electrical use at the Oakes Garden Theatre must be arranged ahead of time, with our Wedding Department. Mather’s Arch, Dufferin Island, Rambler’s Rest, and the Botanical Gardens Willow Pond and Wedding Arbour do not offer electricity.
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Can I put signs up so my guests know where my ceremony is taking place?
Yes; signage is permitted with the permission of the Wedding Department. However they cannot be staked into the ground, nailed, taped, glued or stapled. Sandwich boards are the preferred type of signage.
Refreshments & Catering
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What is provided with the rental of the venue?
We provide tables, chairs, tableware and table linens. We also set up your personal décor items and clean up after the event. Chair covers are not included.
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What time does the reception end?
Last call at the bar is 1:00am. This is when the DJ finishes up as well.
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Do your reception venues that have onsite ceremony locations?
Queenston Heights, Legends and Whirlpool all have onsite ceremony locations. We also offer a complimentary outdoor ceremony location when you book a reception of 50 or more people. These locations include: the Botanical Gardens (Willow Pond and Wedding Arbour), Oakes Garden Theatre, Floral Showhouse, and Mather Arch.