Find the answers to some of our more frequently asked questions. For additional information contact the Baughman Center office at 352-294-0049 or via email.
General Information
The Baughman Center is open for private contemplation on weekdays. On weekends, it often hosts private events such as weddings and memorial services.
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – SunsetFriday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meditation Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – SunsetFriday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Please call for exact times)
Can I rent the Baughman Center and what are your policies?
Yes! Visit the Rental Information » page for more information and for our rental policies and rates.
How long is the wait to get married at the Baughman Center?
It’s not five years! We actually do not officially book anything prior to 12 months in advance, although you can be put on a waiting list for the date you are looking for if it is more than 12 months in advance. Reservations are made for the Baughman Center on a first come, first served basis. If the time you want is available, you can book it whether its one year or one week away! Typically, the afternoon and evening timeslots are the most popular, especially in the spring and summer. Our advice to you is to make your reservation as early in your planning process as possible so that you have the best chance of getting the date and time you want.
Do you have to be affiliated with the University of Florida to get married at the Baughman Center?
No, anyone can be married at the Baughman Center regardless of their affiliation with the University or religious or faith preference.
Can any religion use the facility?
Yes, the Baughman Center welcomes couples and ceremonies of all faiths and cultures.
Can we include different religious elements and/or religious traditions in our ceremony?
Yes, however, anything that will involve the burning of incense, open flames, or other deviations from Baughman Center policy must be approved by the Baughman Center Coordinator prior to your event.
How long are the time slots?
Our minimum rental period is two hours. You can book simply that two hour rental period or add as much more time you think you might need if it is available.
Can we have food and beverages?
There is no food or drink allowed in the Baughman Center. Food and drink are allowed in the Administration Building (used as a dressing room for weddings). Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Baughman Center buildings and on the grounds.
Is there a place to dress?
There is a sitting room available in the Administration Building that is usually used by the bride and her party. There are restrooms available in this building as well.
Does the Baughman Center provide ministers?
No, however we can provide contact information for officiants that regularly perform weddings at the Baughman Center.
Will there be anyone from the Baughman Center to assist us, if so is there an additional fee?
Yes, the services of Event Staff are included in your reservation fee. The Event Staff is primarily responsible for the set up and use of the facility and equipment. Please do not expect them to perform personal services for you. On your wedding day Event Staff will have any requested Baughman Center items set up according to your plans when your reservation time begins. Event Staff will be on site at the Baughman Center for the entirety of your contracted time and will discourage walk-up visitors from entering the grounds.
Is there space for storage?
Unfortunately, we do not have any storage space. Please ensure that your deliveries are made within your scheduled time block.
How early before the wedding can you decorate?
All decorating and set-up must be accomplished within your contracted time block. Decorating at your rehearsal is not permitted.
What happens to items left behind after the ceremony?
Items that are left behind will be kept in the Baughman Center Office. If they are not claimed within one month, they will be donated to charity or thrown away.
Can I book on a University of Florida football home game day?
No, the Baughman Center does not book any events on UF home game days. If you are interested in having your wedding that weekend, we do book Sundays throughout the year.
Do you recommend reception sites or other vendors?
No, we do not recommend any specific vendors. However, we can give you listing of local businesses or facilities that have been used by our patrons in the past.
Can we have a Saturday night rehearsal?
Yes, as long as there is an available time slot.
I would like to schedule my wedding on a Friday (or another day during the week).
That is fine, as long as there is an available time slot.
Is my wedding the only one scheduled on my day?
No, depending on the time of day of your rental, there could be another event before and/or after your event. We do leave a “buffer” time of one hour between events to make sure there is no parking overlap and to give the Event Staff time to prepare the buildings between each event.
Do you have any decoration restrictions?
We have two main restrictions: The first is that no live flowers are allowed in the building except for what one holds or wears. (i.e. bouquets and boutonnieres) Everything else (arrangements, plants, garlands, flower girl petals, etc.) must be artificial. The second restriction is regarding the use of candles. The University does permit the use of a Unity candle set if desired, but no other candles are allowed. Any other restriction just follows commonsense. You cannot tape or tack anything to the floor, walls or wood. And nothing is to be hung or attached on the main entry doors.
What happens if the bride or groom is late?
You contracted access times to the Baughman Center are not flexible. If the bride or groom is late, you still must exit the buildings when your reservation time ends. In most cases another event will be taking place after yours and we cannot disrupt the next party’s scheduled time because you were late. We encourage the bride and groom and all bridal party members to arrive well before the ceremony start time so that everything can run on schedule on the wedding day.
What are my clean-up responsibilities?
The Baughman Center and administration building must be left in the same condition that they were found. You must remove any and all flowers, bows, petals, ribbons, floor runners, programs, etc. and clean up after your guests. We recommend having designated members of your wedding party responsible for clean up. Event staff will take care of general cleaning (sweeping, cleaning windows, etc.) in between each event. Any clean-up deemed excessive will incur an additional charge.
Do you have a payment plan and if so what is the schedule?
No, we do not have a payment plan. We require that a deposit of the rental fee plus sales tax be put down upon contracting. The final balance of staffing and insurance fees will be due no later than sixty (60) days prior to your event.
How far in advance can I reserve the Baughman Center?
The Baughman Center cannot be officially booked more than twelve months in advance. If your desired date is more than one year away, you can be put on a waiting list for that date and you will then come in on the date exactly one year prior to your event date to officially contract the Center for use.
What happens if my guest number increases?
The Baughman Center is VERY limited in seating and 96 is the absolute maximum number of guests that can be accommodated. Please be sure that your guest list does not exceed this.
Where is guest parking?
Guest parking is available in our lot adjacent to the Baughman Center. Our overflow lot is across Museum Road in the Bat House lot.
Can we have more than one photographer?
Yes. You can have as many as you like.
Can pictures be taken during the ceremony?
The Baughman Center has no specific policy on when pictures can be taken during the ceremony. We recommend talking with your officiant to see if they have any guidelines.
Are there music restrictions?
No, your music selections are completely up to you. Please remember that the Baughman Center is not equipped with a sound system, nor will one be allowed to be brought in. You are permitted to use the Roland Digital Piano or our CD Player if desired.
Does the Baughman Center provide a musician?
No, you must hire your own musicians. The Baughman Center welcomes musicians of all kinds and does not restrict the kind of music or the performers you select.
Can we use pets?
No, animals (with the exception of guide or assistance dogs) are not permitted in any campus buildings.
Can I change my date and/or time?
Yes, as long as the date/time you would like is available you can adjust it however you wish. You will need to make an appointment to come in and initial the changes to your contract. Please remember that nothing is official until you come and initial the contracts.
I need to cancel my event.
All cancellations need to sent in writing to the Baughman Center manager via mail or email (mailto:enehls@performingarts.ufl.edu). Your deposit is non-refundable, but if you have already paid any portion of your insurance and staffing fees, that amount will be refunded.
What can you tell me about the buildings?
The Baughman Center consists of two separate buildings: a 1,500 square foot pavilion and a 1,000 square foot administrative building. The pavilion has fixed bench seating that accommodates 96 people. The exterior walls are made of natural Florida cypress stained to reflect its natural surroundings and grooved vertically to represent individual tree trunks. The roof system is fabricated of tongue-and-groove yellow pine and copper to reflect the ancient materials of medieval cathedrals. The front door is reminiscent of ancient gothic doorways and is comprised of maple with inlaid gothic patterns in cherry and an ornamental architrave of crenellated mahogany.
The interior materials are painted structural steel and stained southern yellow pine planking. The pavilion is oriented so that the dominant axis coincides with sunrise and sunset at the summer solstice. The building’s cross-section is reminiscent of ancient basilican cathedrals, complete with three aisles and a sloping roof. The floor is made of three shades of travertine marble arranged in a geometric pattern based on the building’s structure, a device reminiscent of the ancient cathedrals after which it was patterned.
The administrative building contains a staff office, conference room, men and women’s restroom facilities and the mechanical room for both buildings.
Accessibility
Parking
Parking spaces for patrons with disabilities are located in front of the administration building.
Wheelchair seating locations
Wheelchair seating is available on both the left and right sides of the pavilion in the first and last rows. In addition, a gently sloped ramp allows guests in wheelchairs access to the stage/platform in front of the large picture window.
Restrooms
Restrooms in the administration building of the Baughman Center provide facilities for those with disabilities.