General Questions Answered

A $250.00 “save the date” fee is required to reserve a specific date. This fee also serves as the refundable security and cleaning deposit.

Our rental rates are based on the number of attendees.

Rental times include preparation, decorating, set-up, breakdown and clean-up. Early access hours for set-up and rehearsals or an additional day for cleaning are not free of charge.

Weather in South Hampton Roads is very changeable. If planning an outdoor event, have a plan for moving inside if the weather turns bad.

The Garden does not provide decorator, florist, catering, or event planning services. We do not require that you use a specific caterer or event planner.

Use of the catering kitchen is included in your rental fee. The catering kitchen includes a commercial sink, refrigerator, several stainless steel prep tables and a stainless steel rolling cart. There is no cooking equipment. An exterior door leads to the kitchen and makes it easy for caterers and events planners to move cars and equipment to the kitchen.

Security

For large events (over 50 people) consider including a security officer. For some events it may be required. We recommend you contact the Norfolk Police Department for additional information on hiring Norfolk Police Officers for event security.

During preparation, set-up, and clean up we highly recommend that you have someone on the Garden grounds to ensure your decorations are secure. The Garden is located in a public park and a number of people may walk through during the day.

Music

The Garden is located in the middle of a residential area. Amplified music is not permitted outside at any time.

Alcoholic Beverages

If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages, consult the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control office at 1103 South Military Highway in Chesapeake, Virginia, telephone (757)-424-6700 to obtain the proper license if required. Applications are accepted online at the link above. The license you (or your event planner or caterer) receive must be available for inspection during your event at the Fred Heutte Center.

Furniture, Tents, Additional Equipment

The Garden has approximately 70 chairs and 16 6-foot long rectangular tables for use. We also have some cocktail tables. Additional items such as tents, more tables and chairs, outdoor dance floors, etc. must be provided or rented at your expense. Set up and break down times are included in the rental times. Often a tent is delivered and set up the day before your event. You must coordinate this with Fred Heutte Garden.

CLEANUP

Cleansers, mops, brooms, vacuum cleaner, paper towels and garbage bags are available. All trash must be placed in the trash receptacles outside the kitchen before you leaving the Terminal Building. After the event, the Garden, including the main spaces, the catering kitchen, and the restrooms, must be returned to the condition in which you found it. When events are held in the outdoors, the gardens must be returned to their original condition.

Access

Keys and security codes are not issued to renters. The Terminal Building is opened upon the rental access time and closed at the rental end time.