THRILLED TO HAVE YOU HERE! Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, might be the ideal location for you if you envision your wedding taking place in a setting with beautiful gardens and picturesque scenery.


Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to help you plan your special day at this beautiful location.


  1. Check Brookside Gardens' availability + secure your date.
  2. Plan out your "must-haves" and create a rough draft for your timeline.
  3. Hire a wedding coordinator and offer all of your research.
  4. Book out all of your wedding vendors
  5. Get your Maryland marriage license.
  6. Hire an Officiant
  7. Attend your wedding at Brookside Gardens
  8. Congrats! You just got married.

SECURING YOUR DATE

First things first, you'll need to book your wedding date. Contact Brookside Gardens as early as possible to check availability. You can reach out to their event staff at brooksidegardens@montgomeryparks.org or call them directly.


• Check Brookside Gardens’ availability: Visit their website or call to find available dates.

• Secure your date: Once you’ve chosen a date, book it and pay any required deposit to lock it in.

Brookside Gardens Map

PLAN YOUR “MUST-HAVES” + CREATE A TIMELINE

I get sidetracked pretty often. So having a layout of what I want, I can easily cross off if I could or couldn't have it at my wedding.

Also, having a rough timeline helps me get an idea of how much time I should be spending per program.


• List your “must-haves”: Identify key elements for your wedding, like specific flowers, decor, and music.

• Draft a timeline: Outline the schedule for the day, including the ceremony, reception, and any special activities.


Here's a sample of a timeline my previous couples used for their wedding at Brookside Gardens

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023

  • 2:30 PM: Day-of Coordinator Arrives
  • 3:00 PM: Caterer and Other Vendors Arrive
  • 5:00 PM: Ceremony Begins at Yew Garden
  • 5:30 PM: Cocktail Hour Begins at South Terrace
  • Photos for Bride & Groom, Wedding Party, and Family
  • 6:20 PM: Guests invited to find their tables in the Auditorium
  • 6:30 PM: Wedding Party and Bride & Groom Introductions
  • 6:35 PM: Bride & Groom First Dance
  • 6:40 PM: Father & Bride Dance (with Stepfather joining at the 2-minute mark)
  • 6:45 PM: Mother & Groom Dance
  • 6:55 PM: Welcome Speech by Groom
  • 7:00 PM: Buffet Opens (Bride & Groom served first)
  • Day-of Coordinator invites other tables in the following order:
  • Tables 4 and 10
  • Tables 3 and 11
  • Tables 5 and 9
  • Tables 7 and 6
  • Tables 8 and 1
  • Table 2
  • 7:45 PM: Cake Cutting
  • 7:50 PM: Dance Floor Games Begin / Dance Floor Opens
  • 8:30 PM: Photographer Leaves
  • 9:45 PM: Special Last Dance Song
  • 10:00 PM: Reception Over
  • 11:00 PM: All Vendors Out

Hire out a coordinator

• Find a coordinator: Choose a professional to help organize and execute your plans.

• Share your research: Provide them with all your ideas and preferences to ensure they understand your vision.

Book out your wedding vendors

• Reserve vendors: Book your photographer, caterer, florist, DJ/band, and rental services.

• Confirm details: Ensure all vendors are available on your wedding date and finalize contracts.

Get your Maryland Marriage License

• Apply for your license: Visit the local courthouse or county clerk’s office with your partner.

• Bring required documents: Have your IDs, birth certificates, and any other necessary paperwork.

• Keep the license safe: Store it securely until your wedding day.

Hire an officiant

• Choose an officiant: Select someone who fits your style and preferences.

• Confirm and discuss: Ensure they’re available on your date and go over the ceremony details.

Attend your wedding at Brookside Gardens

• Arrive early: Get to Brookside Gardens ahead of time to prepare and handle any last-minute details.

• Enjoy your day: Celebrate your ceremony and reception with loved ones in a beautiful setting.

Congrats! You just got married!

• Celebrate: Take in the joy of your special day.

• Send thank-you notes: Show appreciation to your vendors and guests for making your day memorable.

CONTACT INFORMATION


CONCLUSION

Getting married at Brookside Gardens promises a beautiful and memorable experience. Follow this guide, and you'll be well on your way to a magical wedding day. Happy planning, and we can't wait to see your special day come to life at Brookside Gardens!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make your wedding dreams come true!

Are you looking for a photographer for your wedding at Brookside Gardens?


Let’s chat! Visit our website to schedule a consultation and ensure your special day is captured beautifully.