Whetstone Wedding Site Rental Rules

Permit Holder and guests are subject to the regulations set forth in Chapter 919 of Columbus City Code.  Permit holder and guests are also subject to Recreation and Parks Administrative Rules, in addition to the following conditions:

**Rental Emergencies (Emergencies Only) Pager: 614-631-4562**

  1. The wedding site cannot be rented on its own, it is only available as an add-on to the rental of the shelterhouse.
  2. Chairs inside of the shelterhouse are not to be removed from the facility and may not be used as additional seating for your outdoor wedding. If you need additional seating, it is your responsibility to contact a chair rental company and/or provide the seating yourself.
  3. Rehearsals must be scheduled with the Rental Services Section (645-3337) at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the wedding. Only one (1) thirty (30) minute rehearsal per wedding is permitted. Rehearsal times are only available Monday through Thursday. If your requested rehearsal time is already taken, you will be required to pick another time.
  4. Please be advised that the park is open to the public at all times and you are renting only the specified site area. Your permit is issued only for the time and site stated.
  5. You must adhere to your scheduled hours. Do not arrive early and do not stay late. Groups are not permitted to enter rental area(s) until the scheduled start time stated on the permit and must vacate the rental area(s) by the time stated on the permit. The changing room and shelterhouse restrooms may be used only for your paid permit time. All special preparations, including set-up and tear-down, must be handled within these hours (i.e. if you arrange for rental chairs or any special setup, they must be removed before the time your permit expires). This includes any personal directional signage or markers you place in the park. If you are going to have special preparation for your wedding (i.e. piano, rental chairs, etc.), please inform the Rental Services Section of your plans at least fifteen (15) days before your event. Please use birdseed in place of rice and biodegradable balloons (these items are less harmful to wildlife).
  6. For Whetstone, no vehicles are allowed in the Rose Garden (cars, equipment rental vehicles, limos, horse and carriage, etc.). Vehicles are only permitted on the service road to the shelterhouse for loading and unloading. At all other times, vehicles must remain in the lower parking lot, west of the shelter house.
    For Goodale/Whetstone, no vehicles are permitted on the grass. All vehicles must stay on roadways at all times. Do not park any vehicles in the grass or along park roadways (Columbus City Code, Chapter 919.23). All vehicles must be in designated parking spaces. This includes vehicles driven by wedding guests, caterers and rental companies. Rental/delivery vehicles are not permitted to drive to the wedding sites at any location (see on site staff for delivery restrictions, drop off locations). Items and rental equipment must be carted or carried to your designated location. Chairs and/or other equipment may not be placed on areas that could prove damaging to park property (i.e. flower beds). Aisle runners may not be used at any wedding site. If you or members of your group have special needs, please discuss these needs with our customer service staff to ensure that the facility and/or wedding site of your choice can accommodate you.
  7. The person obtaining the permit is responsible for group’s conduct and respect for the facility. All groups must abide by all Recreation and Parks rules and regulations and Sections 919.01 through 919.99 of the Columbus City Codes. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to supervise all guests, including children/minors. Any violation of park rules and regulations is grounds for permit forfeiture. Any groups who abuse park property will be asked to leave and charges for damages will be assessed. Any abuse of Recreation and Parks staff is also grounds for permit forfeiture.
  8. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the park at any time. Alcoholic beverages are permitted inside of designated shelterhouses only when the group has obtained an Alcohol Service Agreement from the Rental Services Office. All alcoholic beverages are to be served by a CRPD Approved Beverage Contractor, as required by the Alcohol Service Agreement. Smoking is not permitted in any Recreation and Parks facility.
  9. No money or tickets can be exchanged or collected on premises. The facility is not to be used for commercial purposes or for moneymaking ventures. Games of chance, including raffles, are prohibited by City Code.
  10. No confetti, glitter, or similar materials may be used for decorations or thrown in or around the rental site. Decorations may not be tied, stapled, or taped to any natural feature in the park (includes trees, bushes, flowers, flower beds, etc.) Permit holder is responsible for removal and proper disposal of all decorations by the time the permit expires.
  11. Music must be kept at a reasonable volume level at all times. City Code states that music should not disturb other guests in the park, or adjacent areas.

 If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding any rule, regulation, and/or policy, you should contact the Rental Services Section (614-645-3337) prior to your scheduled event. The Rental Services Section is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, and is located at 1111 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.

**These Rental Rules and Policies are Subject to Change Without Notice**

Updated:  5/11/2023

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