The Gardens of Castle Rock

The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, Minnesota provides a beautiful setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies, receptions, and special events. Located in the lower south metro, The Gardens is a short distance from the Twin Cities. The Gardens welcomes all! Couples that are looking to express who they are and share with family and friends in an environment that is grounded in beauty, nature and design. Where personal expressions are manifested in the ability to create an event that is truly unique. An event that is an extension of your values and beliefs found in your relationship. Come join us! Embrace passion and celebrate love at The Gardens.

FACILITES & CAPACITY

Reflect the love your share by choosing from 4 ceremony sites that can each accommodate 300 guests.

• The Grand Promenade ~ Formal and elegant…Beautiful white wedding pergola with paver walkway down the center aisle, edged with lush grass and mature trees as a backdrop.
• The Lath House ~ Rustic and romantic…Charming wood structure covered with luscious grapevines, tucked back in the hill and illuminated with thousands of lights.
• Wedding in The Woods ~ Natural and intimate…Find the magical boho wedding arch nestled in the woods behind the two heirloom white pine trees.
• The Lawn ~ Classic to creative…Perfect for those who want to create the wedding of their dreams. There is no limit to your imagination with this setting! The drystone walls are a uniquely timeless feature and the modern wedding cube is amazing.

Dressing Rooms ~ Two private spaces allow you to prepare for your big day. The brand-new spacious Gardens Suite includes multiple mirrors and seating area, welcoming fireplace and beautifully appointed private bathroom. The Gardens Cottage is cozy and comfortable with rustic pine covered walls, walnut colored floor, floor to ceiling mirror and weathered steel exterior. Both located in the heart of The Gardens.

Garden Pavilion ~ Honest and true, authentic craftsmanship. Natural stone covers the façade, natural stone countertop with wet sink for bar and hand hewed timber frame structure covering the paver patio.

Reception Tent & Area ~ The classic century mate style white tent with its high peaks is striking in the landscape. The 40’ x 100’ spacious tent can easily accommodate 300 guests and is completed with an elegant paver floor and entrance. Permanent wood wall is installed on the east end of the tent. The tent can be completely enclosed and air-conditioned or heated as needed.

Natural Stone Fireplace & Paver Patio ~ Better than you could imagine. A real fire to set the perfect outdoor atmosphere for your reception. Seasoned firewood provided.

Main Assembly Building ~ The hub of your day’s event. Includes, event space, catering, staging.

Restrooms ~ Gardens Pavilion Restrooms – Men & women, spacious with modern touches, handicap accessible. Main Assembly Restroom – handicap accessible, gender neutral, baby changing table.

Convenient Off-Street Parking ~ Parking attendants assist your guests to the crushed rock parking area with easy access to the reception area.

SERVICES OFFERED

Tables & Chairs ~

• 20 – 8’ cedar banquet tables
• 2 – Sweetheart tables
• 30 – 60” round tables
• 10 – 6’ banquet tables
• 10 – 30” high-top tables
• 3 – 5’ Mid-Height cedar tables
• 72 – Pine wood benches
• 300 – Standard black folding chairs
• 300 – White fan back folding chairs

Ambiance & Background Music System ~ Set the mood of your event by plugging your playlist into our state-of-the-art music system that covers the patio area in and around the Main Assembly Building.

Portable Sound System for Ceremony Site ~ Two microphones and a connection to play pre-recorded music.

Open Wi-Fi Network ~ Share your memories instantly.

Lighting ~ Thousands of lights make The Gardens sparkle at night!

Patio Heaters

Space for lawn & yard games

Potted plants and all The Gardens

Late Night Pizza Oven ~ Finish the night off right with pizzas from the woodfired stone pizza oven.

Inclusive Welcoming Environment ~ The Gardens welcomes all to celebrate love!

CUISINE
It’s your day so choose what you eat! The Gardens of Castle Rock has an open policy on catering. Caterers who are licensed and insurance are eligible to cater your event.

HISTORY
The Gardens of Castle Rock is located in Castle Rock Township, south of the city of Farmington in Dakota County. The Township derives its name from a nearby St. Peter sandstone formation. A nursery business has existed at The Gardens location since 1926. William “Grandpa” Switzer named the business Castle Rock Nursery shortly after becoming proprietor. Another name change was in order when William’s son, Garry C. Switzer, returned from working in the National Park Service as a Landscape Architect to join the family business. Switzer’s Nursery & Landscaping, as it is still called today, has been a family owned business for three generations. Garry’s love of designing and constructing beautiful landscapes was passed down to his son, Glenn, the current owner.

Glenn has continued his father’s love of landscaping and refocused the business on his passion, Design/Build Landscapes. The Gardens highlight the business’s expertise in paver patios, pergolas, outdoor living spaces and yes, gardens! Glenn is the recipient of several local, state and national awards for his landscape designs and installations.

Switzer’s is known for creating life enhancing outdoor living environments. The Gardens of Castle Rock Wedding & Event Center is a natural extension for Switzer’s creativity. Working with new materials and techniques, along with time honored standards, The Gardens is always expanding, growing and changing with the seasons. We hope that you enjoy your time at The Gardens as we share our love for beautiful gardens & landscapes!