Special Offer from the Private Events Department

Book your wedding and/or Reception on any available Friday or Sunday evening and receive 20% off the entire rental fee.

Book your business meeting from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., receive your second business meeting at half price.  Must be booked within 12 months of each other.

Special Summer Rates:  25% off any rental of $1,000 or more during June, July, August and September 2009.  No further discounts apply.

Discounts available from February 5, 2009 through January 1, 2010.

Please mention these specially reduced rates prior to signing contract to receive appropriate discounts.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with its beautiful plants, serene sunsets over Sarasota Bay, and its proximity to downtown Sarasota is a favorite location for weddings, receptions, meetings and seminars. We invite you to meet us in the Gardens and take a tour of the facilities that are available to rent.

THE MANSION

The Mansion, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is a showcase. The first floor, also known as the Mansion Museum. is ideal for small receptions and dinners. There are two main rooms, each with a sun porch and an outside patio. The second floor hosts five rooms, ideally suited for small conference groups.

GREAT ROOM BY THE BAY

The Great Room by the Bay showcases 60-feet of glass windows facing west for spectacular bay and sunset views. The Gardens can provide eight-foot rectangular tables, 60-inch round tables and chairs. It is also equipped with a projection screen.

COOLEY THEATER

The Cooley Theater is preset to seat a maximum of 40 people theater style. This theater has multi-media capability.

SELBY GARDENS GROUND SPACE

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ground space is available for private events before and after normal business hours. Weddings may be held anywhere on the grounds, from the broad expanse of the Schimmel Wedding Lawn and Pavilion to under the lush foliage of the banyan trees, to the tranquil and beautiful area beside Sarasota Bay. A separate wedding brochure is available.

Audio and Visual Capabilities

• Ceiling Mounted Projector System – Cooley Theater Only
• TV and VCR’s – Cooley Theater Only
• Projection Screens available in the Cooley Theater, Great Room by the Bay and the Great Room by the Bay Classroom. Please call for the availability of screens for other rental areas.
• Podium and Lavalier / Microphones – Great Room by the Bay Only
• Fax / Copier / Phone – Connections Available

Facility Rentals Times

The Gardens outdoor facilities are available for private events during hours when the Gardens is closed to the public, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Great Room by the Bay is available for rental anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Mansion Museum is open to the pubic during Garden Hours, and it is available after 5:00 p.m. The Mansion second floor meeting rooms are available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Selby Gardens has ten rooms available for rent.

Catering Services – We have a selected caterers list for you to choose from. Any caterer not on the list must provide the required insurance certificates and damage waivers.

Bar Services – Due to liability insurance requirements, all bars providing alcohol must be handled through a licensed caterer.

Parking – The Gardens has parking for approximately 220 vehicles in three paved lots and in the mulched areas east of the Administration lot. Our experience is that for most weddings, receptions, and parties, cars carry an average of two passengers.

Free admission to the Gardens for all attendees on day of your event.

Discounts – There is a 10% discount for tax exempt, not-for-profit corporations, churches, schools and government agencies that can provide a tax-exempt certificate.