Weddings at Hazel Abel Park

Instructions for Reservation

Complete the Shelter Reservation Application either online or at www.lincoln.ne.gov/parks on the homepage by clicking on the red button labeled “Reserve a Park Area,” or in person at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office.

Dates may be reserved up to one year in advance. Include the date and time of requested use when making a reservation. When making a reservation, be sure to include time to set up and clean up, as you are only allowed in the shelter for the allotted time you requested.

Payment is due at the time of booking. Dates requested will not be held without payment in full and a completed reservation application.

Deposits

All wedding reservations require a $100 damage deposit toward any preemptive cleaning fees or potential damage that is done to the park during your wedding. These deposits are refundable after your event if everything is found clean and in order, there are no alcoholic beverages in the park, and there are no reports of your wedding party blocking the public from entering the park. Damage deposits can be dropped off at the Lincoln Parks and Recreation administration office.

Key, Damage, and Cleaning

All deposits must be provided in either cash or check, as they are refundable if everything is found clean and in order after your event, there are no alcoholic beverages in the park, and you are only in the space for your allotted time period. We do not accept credit card deposit payments. 

Damage deposits cover three categories: Key Deposits, Damage Deposits, and Cleaning Deposits. If the key is not returned, if there is damage done to the space, and/or the space is not cleaned when Parks staff arrive following your event, you will be subject to penalization or suspension of your account.

All deposits are required for Enclosed Shelters, Weddings, Special Use Locations, and some Open Shelters. While keys are not required in most open shelters, if you would like electricity, you will need a key to open the electrical box.

In order to drop off your deposit you will need to come into the Parks and Recreation Administration Office during the time listed below for your subsequent shelter.

 Responsibilities During Rental:

• Set up for your event during the allotted reservation time.
• Supervise your group during reservation.
• Observe city ordinances and Parks and Recreation policies.
• Adhere to the times requested and approved on your shelter reservation application.
• Leave the building clean and in good condition according to the cleaning guidelines within the allotted reservation time.

Important Things to Remember:

• Absolutely no alcohol is allowed in any city park.
• No smoking is allowed in any park facility. Please observe designated “Play Tobacco Free” areas.
• No collection of money is allowed at your event without a “Permit to Conduct Business” to collect money (this includes free will donations). If you are wanting to sell items at your event, please see page 5 on “Special Use Permits”.
• City of Lincoln park hours are from 5:00am-11:00pm.
• All rentals must have their space clean and equipment put away at the end of your rental period.
•  Rules and regulations can be found on our website at www.lincoln.ne.gov/parks.

REFUND POLICIES

Lincoln Parks and Recreation has implemented a “Cancellation Policy” for all groups reserving spaces. Any refund on a shelter reservation is subject to a $25.00 administration fee and must be made seven (7) working days prior to the reservation date. If your request is approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation, you should receive a check for your subsequent amount in the mail from the City of Lincoln within two or three weeks.

Interruption or Termination of Event

Lincoln Parks and Recreation reserves the right to terminate or interrupt any event in the interest of weather-related emergencies, public safety noncompliance with the City of Lincoln and Lincoln Parks and Recreation laws and policies, or if the event can be viewed as inappropriate.

Inclement Weather

Lincoln Parks and Recreation is not responsible for circumstances beyond their control such as bees, mosquitoes, rain, cold weather, bad weather, vandalism, etc. You may complete a refund request, but requests due to inclement weather are viewed on a case-by-case basis with the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Lincoln’s many city parks and gardens are wonderful places to host your big day! You can choose from over ten different options ranging from an urban brick background at the Haymarket’s Iron Horse Park to a botanical scene at the famous Sunken Gardens.

Do I get exclusive use of the park when I make my wedding reservation?

No. Since city parks are considered public property, it is illegal to bar the public from entering the park during your wedding. By making a reservation at a city park for your wedding, you are ensuring that you will be the only wedding allowed in that area at the time. While the public are encouraged to be conscientious of your space and big day, you are not allowed to kick them out of the park for your time period. Damage deposit must be paid within two weeks prior to the event. For information about the deposit policy, read appendix.

What amenities are provided in wedding sites?

We simply provide the location and backdrop for your wedding, all additional items such as chairs, tables, and decorations must be privately provided. Keep in mind that we do not allow any litter such as fake flower petals, glitter, birdseed, crepe paper, or rice to be left in the park after your wedding. We do not allow any open flames such as candles. We also do not allow stakes to be put in the ground.

Additional information

Please check with our Administration Office staff and District Supervisors to help direct you to designated areas in outdoor wedding venues.