Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Permit Rules

Permits,
2 min read Mar 27, 2024

Ceremony Rules & What to Know

Please follow these park rules during your ceremony. This is a protected garden environment, and violations may result in your permit being canceled.

Public Access & Permit Basics

  • Your permit is non-exclusive, meaning other members of the public may be present.

  • The park may hold your group responsible for any damage to park property.

Food, Drink & Alcohol

  • Food and drink are prohibited in the Formal Gardens.

  • Alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park.

Trails, Photography & Where You Can Walk

  • Please stay on designated trails and pathways.

  • All photography must be taken on the pathways.

  • Do not enter any garden beds. This damages sensitive park resources.

  • Vehicles are not permitted to drive on any paths in the gardens.

Restoration Areas & Sensitive Zones

To protect restoration work, the following rules are strictly enforced:

  • Do not walk, stand, or sit in the mondo grass under the oak trees.

  • Do not enter or disturb:

    • Garden beds

    • Mondo grass restoration areas

    • Ponds

    • Beach dunes

    • Shoreline restoration areas

  • Entering these areas or damaging natural resources may result in cancellation of your permit and an immediate request to leave the park.

Decorations & Setup

  • Nails, push pins, staples, screws, or any adhesive device/material are prohibited for hanging décor.

  • Decorations may only be tied with string.

  • Décor and lights may not be hung from trees, branches, or vegetation.

  • Chairs or special décor must be discussed and approved by the park before setup.

Prohibited Items & Foreign Materials

To preserve the park’s natural environment, the following are prohibited:

  • Smoke bombs

  • Confetti, rice, glitter

  • Balloons

  • Dropping silk flower petals

  • Dropping fake or real petals

  • Introducing any foreign materials

  • Releasing live birds, butterflies, or any animal

Pets, Drones & Other Restrictions

  • Pets are not allowed.

  • Drones are not permitted.

Visitor Center & Gift Shop

  • All activities, changing clothing, and gatherings of bridal parties or large crowds are not permitted inside the Visitor Center Museum or Gift Shop.

Music & Power

  • Music is permitted.

  • Electricity is available at the Octagon.

Seasonal Note

  • Roses are typically cut back around February 1 and usually do not bloom again until around mid-April.

  • Cutting or pulling any flower (including roses) is prohibited.

 

Permits
Written by