BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS
PRIVATE EVENTS INFORMATION
We are pleased that you are interested in reserving Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which is the highest public botanic garden in North America. The combination of beautiful colors and incredible rugged beauty of the Gore Range Mountains in the background make this a very special location. Below you will find information regarding the use of the Gardens.
- Your contribution supports the care and maintenance of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
- We are limited to two private events per day in the gardens, and all agreements are made on a first come, first serve basis.
- Reservations are confirmed only by receipt of payment. Additional charges will be incurred for any equipment or staff needs that you may require.
- Chairs are permitted on the Rock Garden Terrace for weddings of up to 100 guests; you may also consider the small amphitheater in the Children's Garden for weddings under 50 guests.
- There are several electrical outlets located in the Gardens for a simple PA system. Amplified music requires a special permit, and is not encouraged.
- For Weddings and Events of over 100 guests we recommend the use of the Lower Lawn area for the Ceremony and the Gardens for your backdrop and photographs. Please complete the form to reserve the gardens and contact the Vail Town Clerk's office - 970-479-2136, to reserve the Lawn.
- Events including Tents and Catering are available on a limited basis. Events of this nature involve several months for the liquor & tent permit process. You must have a professional security and an event manager, or a member of our special events committee, who will manage this event on you behalf.
- The picnic pavilion (by the covered bridge), may be reserved by contacting the Vail Town Clerk's office - 970-479-2136.
- For use of the Ford Amphitheater, please call the Vail Valley Foundation - 970-949-1999.
- There is no alcohol permitted in the Gardens without a special event permit. Glass containers are not allowed in Ford Park.
- Because these are public grounds, the Gardens cannot be blocked off in any way from public access, unless a special event permit for liquor service is acquired.
- While every effort is made to insure the water features are fully functional for your event, the operation of the water features can not be guaranteed. These features may be turned off for maintenance, repair, or water conservation at any time. In an effort to minimize noise, the Alpine Rock Garden waterfall is turned down each Friday to its lowest flow rate.
- The Town of Vail may institute paid parking during special events.
- Weddings & Events operate rain, snow or shine. Indoor backup for weddings may be arranged through your host hotel or reception venue. Please contact them for details.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are part of the multi-venue Ford Park. During our exciting summer season many events are simultaneously scheduled.
Though we are not responsible for any events that are planned through Town of Vail, Vail Recreation District (Softball fields), and or Vail Valley Foundation (Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater) our organizations work closely together to manage this space for the enjoyment of all.
We hope this provides you with the information you need. Please feel free to call our office at 970-476-0103 with any questions.
The following printable forms are available for download. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader.
2009 Weddings/Private Events Reservation Form
2009 Photography Reservation Form
2009 Reserved Wedding Dates
Sun. July, 19th 3-6pm
Fri. July 31st 3-6pm
Sat. June 27th 3-6pm