Kalmia Gardens – Where Love Grows
Welcome to the Gardens…
Elegance and class meet the allure and charm of nature’s beauty. Whether you are looking for refined and traditional gardens, or the enchanting magnetism of nature trails and the Black Creek, look no further than Kalmia Gardens. Formal gardens lined in boxwood or filled with native and ornamental plants craft the perfect setting for a timeless wedding. Meandering trails through the woodlands whisk you away to the quiet but pensive serenity of the Black Creek.
The upper portion of the Gardens is paved and easily accessible, making it the perfect location to host an unforgettable wedding or event. Three lawns are available, providing ample room for a ceremony, reception, or both. The Formal Garden, with its white pergola and peaceful fountain is one of the most popular wedding sites.
Planted in the Romantic style, the upper area of the Gardens is set on the beautiful grounds of the 1820’s Thomas E. Hart House. This peaceful setting is a breathtaking spot for a wedding incorporating the Hart House and Gardens and is spectacular throughout the seasons. Guests can wander throughout the grounds and enjoy the many plantings of camellias, dogwoods, azaleas, gardenias, and seasonal flowers, while the wedding party can make use of this extraordinary backdrop for exquisite photography for cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Reservations
To host an unforgettable event at Kalmia Gardens, please contact Dan Hill, Director of Kalmia Gardens, at [email protected] or by phone at 843-383-8145 to ensure your date is available. Please review the Rental Agreement form at the bottom of this page for pricing and additional information. Please remember, the Gardens are open to the public at all times during daylight hours.
Reservations are requested 30 or more days prior to the event. Those reserving the Hart House and/or Gardens must provide their own caterers, all set up and clean up services, and any additional services and rentals (ex. tables, chairs, linens, etc.) for their event. Kalmia Gardens of Coker University is a site rental only.
Fees
Minimum Rental of all facilities is 2 hours:Minimum rental of all facilities is 2 hours:
- For both the Thomas E. Hart house and the Gardens: $475.00 per hour evenings and weekends ($275.00 per hour during normal operating hours)
- Thomas E. Hart House only: $300.00 per hour evenings and weekends ($175.00 per hour during normal operating hours)
- Gardens only: $275.00 per hour evenings and weekends ($175.00 per hour during normal operating hours)
- Kitchen use additional $80 per hour evenings and weekends ($50.00 per hour during normal operating hours)
- Joslin Pavilion: $250.00 per hour evenings and weekends ($175.00 per hour during normal operating hours)
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your desired date and that fee is determined by your rental, outlined in the Rental Agreement. A refundable damage deposit is also required no later than 30 days prior to the event. These two checks must be written separately. If no damages or overages of time occur, the damage deposit will be returned to the renter.
Please see the Rental Agreement form below for more information on fees, deposits, and renter responsibility..
Download our Rental Agreement
Plan Your Visit
Kalmia Gardens is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, and you can even bring your dog! Learn more about how to explore the Gardens.