Wedding & Special Event Facility Information
Thank you for your interest in hosting your wedding or special event at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant. Located in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains and overlooking scenic Lake Pleasant, the Center offers a unique and memorable setting for ceremonies and receptions.
The Desert Outdoor Center provides a secure, welcoming environment with natural desert views, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and amenities designed to support your special day.
Facility Overview
The Desert Outdoor Center offers the following features for weddings and events:
- Secured entry gate for guest access
- Exhibit hall featuring native Sonoran Desert wildlife
- Large private dressing areas for the wedding party
- Outdoor terraced amphitheater overlooking Lake Pleasant
- Multipurpose room with adjacent outdoor patio
- Commercial kitchen for caterer use
- Scenic trails and desert landscapes for photography
Tentative Reservations
Available dates may be tentatively held for 30 days at no cost or obligation.
Reservation Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (602) 372-7470
Facility Rental Information
Because the Desert Outdoor Center is operated by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, specific rules and conditions apply. These guidelines help ensure event success, facility security, and environmental protection.
Reservations
- Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A signed Facility Use Agreement is required to confirm your reservation.
Reservation Fee
- A $500 non-refundable, non-transferable reservation fee is due at booking.
- This fee applies toward the total rental cost.
Facility Use Agreement
- The Desert Outdoor Center’s primary mission is education. All events require a completed, signed, and initialed Facility Use Agreement at the time of booking.
Rental Spaces & Inclusions
The facility is rented “as is.” Your rental includes exclusive use of:
- Multipurpose room
- Outdoor amphitheater
- Commercial kitchen
- Animal exhibit hall
- Private dressing areas
- Restrooms
- Honeymoon Cove Trail
- Gate and parking attendants
- Tables and chairs (indoor use only)
- Black lap-length table linens (no extra charge)
Occupancy Limits
- Amphitheater (ceremony): up to 200 seated guests
- Multipurpose room: 150 guests
- Outdoor patio: 100 additional guests
Rental Hours
- All events include 8 total hours, including setup and teardown.
- Events must end by 11:30 p.m., with 30 minutes for departure.
- A 50% hourly surcharge applies after the grace period.
- Additional hours may be purchased at $500 per hour (cannot extend past 11:30 p.m.).
Rehearsals
- One weekday rehearsal (up to 1 hour) is included at no charge.
- Additional rehearsal time: $200 per hour
- Rehearsals must end by 8:00 p.m.
- The Center may reschedule rehearsals with 60 days’ notice.
Rental Fees & Payments
- Rental fees are based on an 8-hour event.
- Extra hours:
- Ceremony/reception: $500 per hour
- Rehearsal: $200 per hour
- Summer discount: $1,000 off ceremony/reception rentals between Memorial Day and Labor Day (excluding holidays).
Payment Details:
- Balance due 30 days before the event
- No tax or service fees
- Accepted payments: cash, check, credit card, money order, cashier’s check
- Checks payable to The Desert Outdoor Center
- Exact cash amounts are requested
Postponements & Cancellations
Postponements
- Must be approved in writing
- Rates adjust to current pricing
- Payments are credited to the new date
Cancellations
- More than 30 days before event: refund issued minus $500 reservation fee
- Fewer than 30 days before event: no refunds
- Refunds mailed within 6–8 weeks
Inclement Weather
The Center is not responsible for weather-related impacts. The multipurpose room may serve as a backup space. Additional rentals (e.g., tents) are the responsibility of the applicant.
Event Representative
- One responsible adult (not the couple) must be designated
- Must remain onsite for the entire event
- Responsible for rule enforcement and checkout
- Intoxication may result in event termination
Access & Gate Security
- A temporary gate code will be provided for vendors and wedding party only
- Do not include the gate code on invitations
- Staff will greet and direct guests at arrival
- Codes are disabled immediately after the event
Vendors & Catering
- All vendors are the responsibility of the applicant
- Vendor contact information must be provided
- Caterers must have a Maricopa County Food Service License
- Kitchen users must sign a Kitchen Usage Agreement
Alcohol Policy
- Allowed: beer, wine, champagne only
- No hard liquor
- No self-service or alcohol sales
- Alcohol service ends 30 minutes before event conclusion
- Glass containers are not permitted
Music, Photography & Drones
- DJs and amplified music allowed at appropriate volume
- Photography allowed on marked trails and walkways
- Drones and engine-powered models are prohibited
Tenting
- Tent rentals must be arranged through a licensed vendor and approved by the Center Supervisor.
- All tents must be set up in the open spaces behind the Desert Outdoor Center.
- Tent stakes are not permitted.
- Tents must be secured using water barrels, sandbags, or concrete blocks.
Deliveries (Personal and Rental)
- All deliveries and pick-ups must be coordinated in advance with staff.
- The Desert Outdoor Center does not provide storage for personal items or rental equipment.
- Supplies and equipment may be delivered no earlier than one day before the event, with advance notice of the delivery time.
- Delivery and pick-up hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Signatures and Responsibility
- Center staff will not sign for personal or rental deliveries.
- If a delivery requires a signature, a designated responsible party must be present to sign.
- Maricopa County and Center staff are not responsible for loss or damage to personal or rental property.
- Center staff are not responsible for the setup or breakdown of rental equipment.
Rental Equipment Pick-Up
- All rental equipment must be picked up by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday following the event, unless prior arrangements have been approved.
Center Equipment
Tables
- The Center provides the following tables for use during events:
- 24 round tables
- 60 inches in diameter
- Seats approximately 6–8 guests each
- Rectangular tables available in 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot lengths
- Three buffet tables, each 12 feet by 30 inches, available upon request
Table Linens
- Black, lap-length tablecloths are available for all table sizes at no additional cost.
- The Center does not provide:
- Table skirting
- Chair covers
- Napkins
- China, glassware, cups, or flatware
Chairs
- The Center provides burgundy plastic chairs with chrome legs.
- Chairs are for indoor use only and may not be used in the outdoor amphitheater.
Electrical Access and Power Needs
- Electrical outlets are limited in the amphitheater, patio, and multi-purpose room.
- If your event requires additional power, you or your vendor are responsible for providing:
- Extension cords
- Generators
- Any other necessary electrical equipment
- All electrical needs must be communicated to Center staff in advance. Failure to do so may result in insufficient power or power interruption.
Safety Requirements
- Extension cords must not cross walkways or create tripping hazards.
- Cords may be secured using non-residue floor tape, such as gaffer’s tape.
- Duct tape may not be used on Center floors.
Additional Lighting
- Any additional lighting must be approved by the Park Supervisor prior to event setup.
Decorations & Equipment
- No permanent alterations
- Walkways and exits must remain clear
- Extension cords must not create tripping hazards
- Lighting and power needs must be approved in advance
Cleanup Responsibilities
- All personal items must be removed after the event
- Center equipment will be handled by staff
- Kitchen must be cleaned and inspected before departure
- Damage or theft will be billed to the applicant
Parking & Transportation
- Parking attendants provided
- ADA-accessible parking spaces available upon request
- Valet or bus services require prior approval
- Aircraft and watercraft use is prohibited
Environmental Protection
Guests must respect desert plants and wildlife:
- Stay on designated trails
- No confetti, birdseed, or artificial petals
- No wildlife harassment
- Real flower petals are permitted
Minors, Pets & Smoking
- Minors must be supervised (1 adult per 10 minors)
- Only service animals permitted (exceptions require approval)
- Smoking permitted only in designated outdoor areas
Center Staff Support
A Center staff member will be onsite throughout your event to assist with:
- Facility access
- Parking and gate control
- Equipment use
- Compliance with the Facility Use Agreement