AVAILABLE PARKS
While any park can be booked, the most popular parks are Isel Park, Broadgreen (particularly when the roses are out) Queens Gardens, Miyazu Gardens and Fairfield Park.
Please note that due to space constraints the Huanshi Chinese Gardens cannot be used for large wedding parties (over 30 wedding guests). Areas for congregating are also limited within Miyazu Gardens, although the expansive areas of lawn just outside the gardens can accommodate very large wedding parties.
BOOKING
To make an enquiry visit the Nelson City Council enquiry webpage.
Wedding bookings do not provide the wedding party with exclusive use of the area, but it does mean that a level of management amongst groups that are planning activities/events in parks can be achieved. While the Council would not knowingly double book any park for a wedding, Council cannot guarantee exclusivity. Not all activities/events are notified to the Council, so small parties such as a birthday party or other event might happen at the same time as your wedding. Generally, there have been few problems with double-ups as most people are aware that they need to contact the Council if they want to use a park for a large event.
Conditions of use
CONFETTI
Paper confetti is not allowed in any park but rice or rose petals are fine. No type of confetti is permissible in the Chinese Gardens.
ALCOHOL
Nelson City Council’s Urban Environments Bylaw prohibits alcohol in a number of parks and reserves.
This includes a total 24 hour ban on use of alcohol in some parks such as Queens Gardens and the Huangshi Chinese Gardens. While in other locations such as Isel Park, Broadgreen, Miyazu Gardens and Fairfield Parks there is an alcohol ban from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am.
However, the provision does exist within the bylaw to allow for exemptions from the alcohol ban for social occasions such as weddings. This must be applied for through the Council.
FURNITURE, GAS BARBEQUES
Trestle tables, chairs and gas barbeques are permissible at all parks except the Huangshi Chinese Garden.
MARQUEES
Marquees and tents, depending on size, need to be discussed with Council staff, as resource consent is required if the marquee is over a specific size.
RUBBISH
All rubbish generated by your group must be tidied up and removed immediately after the wedding.
SOUND SYSTEMS
Any amplified sound requires a resource consent from the Council. Non amplified music does not require a resource consent.
PARKING
Guests can only use the formalised car parks located around or within the gardens.
ACCESS
Queens Gardens and Isel Park have locked gates across their internal access ways. A key can be obtained from the Council for vehicle access to the Park for the purposes of setting up for the day.
Driving on the grass is generally not allowed but is permissible solely for the purpose of setting up marquees, shade sails and furniture. Avoid driving on the grass if the weather has been wet.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Occasionally, special requests are made to the Council for novel wedding day activities or site enhancements (e.g. horse-drawn coach) that may have an impact on the park. Please ensure these are discussed with Parks and Facilities staff beforehand.
BOOKING
Weddings in parks are administered by the Parks and Facilities Business Unit.
To make an enquiry visit the Nelson City Council enquiry webpage.