To preserve the fragile surroundings of this historic site, bookings are only available May 1 – September 30 on a limited basis. Bookings can only be requested for the current calendar year. Bookings open October 15 for the following year. A permit is required to host an event or take photos. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring attendees follow the conditions of use, and garden etiquette. The permit will specify which lawn is included in the booking. The lawns are unavailable for exclusive use bookings from 11:00am - 2:00pm. As the Reader Rock Garden is a public City of Calgary Park, please expect school groups and/or the general public to be enjoying the garden at the same time as a booking.

• A lawn booking is for three hours total. Set-up, take-down and event must occur within the three-hour booking time.
• Public photography permits are limited to a maximum of three hours. This permit is self-serve, with no staff assistance.
  
• Private photography permits are limited to a maximum of two hours.
  
• A list of all items to be brought in are to be submitted to the Rental Coordinator for approval, 4 weeks prior to the event.
• Chairs and other rentals are not provided. Garden benches are not to be moved. Rental drop-off, set-up, and take-down are the responsibility of the permit holder. All items are to be delivered and picked up within the booking times listed on the permit. Pathway access will be provided for drop-off/pick-up but is limited to 20 minutes. Storage is not available.
• Items not approved include but are not limited to generators, glassware, lanterns, open flame, flower petals, bird seed, rice, confetti, balloons, and bubbles. Items that penetrate or block air flow to the grass are not permitted, including but not limited to staked tents, runners, carpets, mats, dance floors, arches.
• Signage may not be staked in the ground, flower beds or attached to infrastructure within the garden. Sandwich boards can be provided.
• Access to washrooms in the basement of the Reader’s Garden Cafe are provided for lawn bookings and private photography permits.
  
• Music is permitted on site. Volume must align with current community standard bylaws.
• All bookings must adhere to Parks bylaws.
• Groups must have the permit with them on the day of the booking/event. Groups are to ensure that they only use the areas as listed on the permit.
• Catering is only permitted for bookings on the Main Lawn through the Reader’s Garden Café.
• The permit holder is responsible for any event related damage and will be charged a minimum $100 fine for excessive waste.
• The City of Calgary Parks is not responsible for loss or damages. We reserve the right to limit and/or decline bookings.

Adhering to the rules will ensure the protection of the Garden’s valuable plant collection and historical features.

• It is prohibited to disturb any part of the garden including plant collection, seed collection, fruit or flower picking and removal of any plants. 
• Visitors are required to always stay on designated trails and grassy areas of the garden. 
• Garden visitors must exercise caution when walking the pathways due to their sloped and uneven nature. Please wear appropriate footwear.  
• Animals in the garden are wild, do not disturb or feed them. 
• Pets are not permitted in the garden. 
• Be considerate of all other visitors to the garden.

• Public parking is available on the west side of the Garden with access from 25^th Avenue SE. This parking lot has limited spaces and is shared with Café diners and park visitors.
• Guests must walk up to the Café or their reserved lawn using the pathways.
• Erlton/Stampede C-Train station is a short 5-minute walk to Reader Rock Garden.
• Two accessible parking spots are available beside Reader’s Garden Café on a first come, first served basis. 

• Please visit http://readersgardencafe.ca for more information.
• The Café has a Bride’s Room available for Garden booking clients. Please speak with the Café directly regarding availability and cost.
• Café access, including the porch is excluded from all bookings, including photography permits.

The fragrant gardens, views of downtown Calgary, the serenity of ponds and quaint streams provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony or special event! 

*3-hour booking includes set-up, take-down, and photography permit. A $5.75 risk management fee will apply. Fees are subject to change. 

*A $5.75 risk management fee will apply. Fees are subject to change. 

• All bookings include a photography permit for the duration of the booking. Photos may be taken anywhere within the garden but permit holder will only receive exclusive access to the booked lawn during booking time. 
• Lawns are not available for bookings 11:00am - 2:00pm. 
• Set-up and take-down time are to be included within the booked hours. 
• Bookings do not include any rehearsal time. 
• Rental of the lawn does not include access to use of the Bride’s Room in the Café. 

Payment Schedule 

• A $150 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a specific date, due 14 days after booking is confirmed. 
• Remaining balance is due 45 days after booking is confirmed. 
• In the instance an event takes place less than 45 days from confirmation the full payment is required at the time of booking confirmation.

Cancellation Policy 

• Cancellation with a refund, minus the non-refundable deposit, is available up to 45 days after booking is confirmed. Cancellation is required in writing, sent to parksvenues@calgary.ca. The $150 deposit is non-refundable. Failure to observe this deadline will result in no refunds being issued. Last-minute changes may not be accommodated based on staff availability. 

Reader Rock Garden is one of Calgary's most unique cultural landscapes featuring rock pathways, bridges, benches, and beautiful flowers. The designated provincial historic resource provides a beautiful backdrop for engagement, wedding, or family photos. A photo permit must be purchased prior to taking photos in the Reader Rock Garden and the permit holder must have the permit with them during their booking. 

*A $5.75 risk management fee will apply. Fees are subject to change. 

Payment Schedule 

• Full payment of permit is due 14 days after the booking is confirmed. 
• In the instance a booking takes place with less than 14 days from confirmation the full payment is required at the time of booking. 

Cancellation Policy 

• Photography Permits are non-refundable. Public Photo Permits may be rescheduled with a 14-day notice in writing to parksvenues@calgary.ca. Private Photo Permits may not be rescheduled.