Rules & Policies
Rules, policies & vendor requirements
These policies protect the facility, your guests and every other renter who uses these grounds. Review them before you book, and ask the events office if anything here needs clarifying for your event.
- 1
Certificate of insurance
All renters must carry general liability insurance — minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate — and provide a Certificate of Insurance naming Olmsted County as an additional insured at least 14 days before the event. The events office can point you to a short-term event-policy option if you don't carry your own.
- 2
Catering
Food service must come from a licensed, insured caterer; home-prepared or potluck food is not permitted in halls seating 100 or more. Commercial kitchen access is available at the Four Seasons Building, Exhibition Building and Floral Hall & Pavilion by reservation — arrange it with your caterer in advance.
- 3
Alcohol service
Alcohol may be served by a licensed, insured bartender or caterer holding Minnesota liquor liability coverage; BYOB is not permitted. Renters serving alcohol must comply with Minnesota Statute 340A and provide a liquor liability rider alongside their Certificate of Insurance, and events over 300 guests serving alcohol require licensed security staff.
- 4
Decorating
Open flame candles are allowed only when fully enclosed in a glass container below the rim. Nothing may be nailed, stapled or taped to walls, woodwork or painted surfaces — use the provided pipe-and-drape or freestanding hardware instead. Glitter, confetti and rice are not permitted indoors; birdseed and bubbles are fine outdoors.
- 5
Load-in & load-out
Load-in and load-out must happen within your contracted rental block; time beyond it is billed as an extra-hours fee. All spaces have ground-level access — the Four Seasons Building and Exhibition Building also have drive-in overhead doors for large exhibits and vehicles.
- 6
Damage & security deposit
A refundable damage deposit — separate from your rental fee — is due with your booking deposit. It's returned within 14 business days after your event, less the cost of any repairs or excess cleaning found at walkthrough.
- 7
Smoking & animals
Smoking is not permitted inside any building; designated outdoor areas are available. Service animals are always welcome throughout the grounds. Other pets are restricted to the Open Grounds and livestock areas during applicable events and must be leashed.
- 8
Occupancy limits
The capacities published on the Facility Info page are legal maximums set by the county fire marshal and may never be exceeded, regardless of your table or chair layout.
- 9
Vendor & exhibitor requirements
Outside vendors and exhibitors must provide their own Certificate of Insurance, hold any applicable Minnesota sales tax permit, and check in with facilities staff at least 60 minutes before doors open.
Questions about a specific policy?
The events office can walk through insurance, catering or alcohol requirements for your specific event before you book.