Come see why couples select us every year to host the most important day of their lives. Wedding ceremonies can take place in the West Gardens, under our towering live oaks or in front of our historic stone fountain. Consider making the unique and secluded Turtle Court, with its Juliet-style balcony, a part of your timeless union. This sunken and romantic courtyard is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, wedding photo shoots and much more!
Make your wedding album the envy of all your friends by hosting your reception in the Spanish Court. The changing light from the glass ceiling in the atrium guarantees one-of-a-kind wedding photos. Your guests will talk for years to come about the time they danced the night away under the stars in this enchanting space.
Your meeting attendees will remember any seminar or retreat that they attend at the Thomas Center. We offer your organization flexibility and affordability in a unique setting. The center features charming banquet and meeting rooms enriched by 1920s period history, gallery exhibits and outdoor gardens.
The Long Gallery adjoins the Spanish Court with five sets of double doors on the north wall. This inviting room is paneled in walnut and has two fireplaces and carpeting.
The facility also offers two smaller, fully restored conference rooms for trainings or board retreats of less than 20 people.
Meeting Rooms
The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs offers a co-sponsorship program to local artists for cultural events held at the Thomas Center. If a proposed cultural event fits within the specific parameters of this program, the organizers may be eligible to pay reduced rental rates. The Spanish Court, with its glass ceiling, offers excellent acoustics and a charming performance space. The Thomas Center regularly hosts festivals, recitals, play readings and concerts for the benefit of the community.
The center is available to host bridal or baby showers, banquets, formals, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceañeras or your special occasion. The west veranda is the perfect introduction to the Thomas Center before your guests are ushered inside. There too, you can impress your out-of-town visitors with cocktails overlooking lush southern gardens, our original fountain and rose, camellia and azalea plantings. The Spanish Court, situated at the heart of the Thomas Center, rises two-stories to a full skylight. It is surrounded by a colonnade and second story mezzanine area. This room is perfect for meetings, banquets, receptions or luncheons.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, cultural celebration, or community event, our flexible rental packages offer access to our beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Choose the option that fits your event size and schedule.
Single-Room Package
- Saturday, Sunday or weekdays after 5 p.m.: $288.75 per hour
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: $57.75 per hour (no amplified sound permitted)
- Choose one room from:
Turtle Court, West Gardens, Spanish Court, Long Gallery, Conference Room 105, prepping kitchen and veranda
- Choose from a variety of table and chair options
- Capacity varies according to set up layout: max 100 seated
Double-Room Package
- Saturday, Sunday or weekdays after 5 p.m.: $2,656.50 per day
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: $1,155.00 per day (no amplified sound permitted)
- Up to six hours, including setup and clean up
- Choose two rooms from:
Turtle Court, West Gardens, Spanish Court, Long Gallery, Conference Room 102, prepping kitchen and veranda
- Choose from a variety of table and chair options
- Capacity varies according to set up layout: max 150 seated
- Additional rental time: $173.25 per hour
The Grand Package (Full Building Rental)
- Saturday or Sunday: $3,696.00 per day
- Up to 10 hours, including setup and breakdown
- Access to: Turtle Court, West Gardens, Spanish Court, Long Gallery, Conference Room 102, prepping kitchen, veranda and period room
- Choose from a variety of table and chair options
- Capacity varies according to setup layout: max 200 guests cocktail-style, 150 seated
- Additional rental time: $173.25 per hour
Rental Guidelines
- Reservation fee: 20% non-refundable (applied toward total)
- Security deposit: 10% refundable
- Final payment due:
All fees and deposits must be paid in full two weeks prior to your event
- Rental hours must include:
vendor setup, load in/out and full clean up.
We recommend at least two hours of setup and one hour for breakdown.
- Venue hours of operation:
7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sales tax: 7.5% not included in listed prices
- Accepted payment methods:
cash, check made payable to City of Gainesville, VISA
, MasterCard or American Express.
Prices effective Oct. 1, 2025.
The Thomas Center provides a unique, historic and versatile space for memorable events of all types. All of our rooms have adaptive functionality:
- traditional banquet style set up
- family style banquet set up
- auditorium style set up
- classroom style set up
- or lounge (cocktail style) set up
Rooms
Spanish Court
The Spanish Court serves as the heart of the Historic Thomas Center. The Spanish Court continues to be highly sought-after for weddings, receptions, luncheons, meetings, recitals, performances and gallery events.
Signature features
- Full skylight ceiling that illuminates the room with evolving daylight and evening ambiance. Perfect for lively or romantic atmospheres.
- Colonnaded layout with mezzanine that offers architectural beauty and dynamic vantage points.
- Terrazzo flooring and Mediterranean details echo its historical roots while fostering a timeless aesthetic.
Suggested capacity
-
Standing reception: ~100-200 depending on rental package and layout
- Seated: ~ 80-150 depending on rental package and layout
Long Gallery
The Long Gallery is a graceful, elongated space that beautifully reflects the historic charm and architectural elegance of the early 20th century. Adjacent to our Spanish Court, the Long Gallery can serve as a stylish multi-purpose event space. The Long Gallery is commonly used for conferences, meetings, small receptions or the add on room.
Signature features
- Two fireplaces of original mantelpieces of natural terra cotta.
- Walls fully paneled in walnut.
- Pairs beautifully with indoor rooms like the Spanish Court or the Veranda for a multi-space event.
Suggested capacity
- Standing reception: ~50-100 depending on rental package and layout
- Seated: ~ 40-70 depending on rental package and layout
Veranda
The veranda is our spacious wrap-around porch that elegantly frames the exterior of the venue. With its sweeping views of the manicured grounds and gardens, this airy, open-air space offers a relaxed yet refined setting that’s perfect for cocktail hours, casual receptions, photo sessions or a peaceful prelude to your main event.
Signature features
- Wrap around design that allows multiple configurations and seamless guest flow.
- Covered and weather-friendly while still open to the breeze and natural light.
Suggested capacity
- Standing reception: ~50–100 guests depending on rental package and setup
- Seated: ~30 guests for small ceremonies or outdoor dining
West Gardens
The West Gardens at the Historic Thomas Center offer a picturesque and tranquil setting, blending natural beauty with historical charm.
Signature features
- Original stone fountain dating back to the original Hotel Thomas era, positioned as the garden’s central focal point.
- Circular plaza and diagonal walkways that mirror the Mediterranean Revival architecture of the Thomas Center.
- Majestic live oak tree draped in Spanish moss, providing a stunning natural canopy and a dramatic backdrop for ceremonies and photos.
Suggested capacity
- Standing reception: ~100-200 guests depending on rental package and setup
- Seated: ~100-150 guests depending on rental package and set up
Turtle Court
Tucked beside the West Gardens, the Turtle Court is a charming, sunken courtyard that offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere perfect for small gatherings, wedding ceremonies, or photo sessions. This hidden gem features historic stonework, a whimsical turtle-shaped fountain, and lush plantings that echo the elegance and tranquility of the Thomas Center grounds.
Signature features
- Turtle-shaped stone fountain at the center of the gardens.
- Sunken courtyard design creates a private, enclosed feel perfect for ceremonies, small receptions or photoshoots.
Suggested capacity
- Standing reception: ~8-120 guests depending on rental package and setup
- Seated: ~80-100 guests depending on rental package and set up
Room 105
Room 105, also known as the Lucille Maloney Room, is reserved for conferences and meetings. This room can hold up to 20 people.
Prep Kitchen
Located in the basement of the building, the kitchen is just for preparing food and not cooking a full meal. Renters will have access to the small fridge.
The Thomas Center is a center for arts and cultural services and is owned by the City of Gainesville and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA). It has been listed with the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The Thomas Center Gardens include all outdoor areas surrounding the Thomas Center, the Grace and Sidney Knight Children’s Theatre, Turtle Court and West Gardens.
Care is taken to preserve the historic nature of the facility. We ask our licensees to respect the special use regulations to prevent any damage to the building or misuse of the facility. In addition to liability for damages, any user who causes damage to the Thomas Center beyond normal wear may lose the right to use the facility in the future.
All events at the Thomas Center will be confirmed upon execution of the Thomas Center license agreement between the city’s facilities coordinator and the person in charge of the event (licensee). This agreement includes a promise to uphold current use regulations. The execution of the agreement is valid upon receipt of all fees due and only for the date of the agreement.
Please read these regulations carefully as they are a part of your contract with the city.
1. No smoking
The licensee shall not permit smoking onsite at any time. Violators are subject to fine by civil authorities. It is not permissible to light candles or do anything that causes a high concentration of particles e.g., dust, vapor, smoke, confetti, snow, glitter, sparklers, etc. to be in the air, as this may activate the halon fire extinguishing system. In the event this regulation is disregarded and the fire extinguishing system is discharged, the licensee is liable for the cost of recharging the system and any alarm response or false alarm costs and charges.
2. Closing time
At stated expiration time of agreement, the licensee will peacefully yield all of the premises in as good order and repair as upon commencement of this agreement. Only reasonable wear and tear is expected. If an event extends beyond the time specified in the license agreement, additional room rental fees will be assessed at an hourly rate as designated in the current fee schedule for each hour or portion thereof. These additional fees shall be charged and may be taken from the security deposit.
3. Consumption/sale of food and drink
Food and drink are not allowed in the Main Gallery or the Period Room of the Thomas Center. Actions and conduct of the licensee, licensee’s clients, visitors or employees shall be the sole responsibility of the licensee. The licensee has the responsibility to assist in compliance with this regulation. The licensee shall obtain prior consent from the department for sale of any consumable or non-consumable items. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the Thomas Center Building or in the gardens, but not sold. The licensee is responsible for obtaining appropriate permits and licenses and for monitoring the consumption of alcohol by guests, visitors, or patrons, and for providing a bartender who has completed the State of Florida’s ServSafe Program and is 21 years of age or older to serve alcoholic beverages during the duration of their event. No kegs are permitted.
4. Caterer regulations
See regulations for both private and public functions.
Catering private functions
The Historic Thomas Center requires a licensed catering company or restaurant to provide all food for private functions, with the exception of the items listed below.
A. Prepared platters from grocery stores or restaurants are acceptable. This includes sandwich platters, meat trays, cheese trays, veggie/fruit trays and dessert platters.
B. Baked goods (i.e. birthday cakes, wedding cakes etc.) can be homemade or purchased from a retail outlet if they comply with the State of Florida’s Cottage Food Law. A brochure detailing this law is available from the Thomas Center facilities coordinator.
Catering public functions
PRCA requires a licensed catering company or restaurant for all food except desserts.
Desserts can be homemade or purchased from a retail outlet if they comply with the State of Florida’s Cottage Food Law. A brochure detailing this law is available from the Thomas Center facilities coordinator.
Prepared platters from grocery stores or restaurants are acceptable. This includes sandwich platters, meat trays, cheese trays, veggie/fruit trays and dessert platters. Should this option be selected, platters must be presented to the public as-is. City staff and visitors are not permitted to be involved in “food preparation,” which includes such activities as: cutting bread, cheese, meat, vegetables or fruit in preparation for display.
5. Staff
An employee of the City of Gainesville is in charge of the facility during each use. Department staff is responsible for taking reasonable security and safety precautions, preventing unauthorized entry to the leased premises, and is generally available to assist the licensee during the rental period. Staff may not serve food or beverages, unload or set up equipment not rented from the city or perform other acts which put the city at risk of suit.
6. Removal of equipment and decorations
At the conclusion of the event/performance, the licensee shall clear the facility of all material which has been brought into the Thomas Center for their event. Any items left will be discarded and a charge will be assessed for failure to adhere to this regulation.
7. Throwing of substances prohibited
Nothing is allowed to be thrown or scattered on the premises, including the outdoor gardens. That includes, but is not limited to: rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter, silly string, bubbles, flower petals, sparklers or the like. If this regulation is disregarded, a fee will be assessed from the security deposit.
8. Installed decorations
Because of the public and historic nature of the Thomas Center, any furnishing, seasonal decoration and/or other appurtenances already in place will not be moved in order to accommodate any licensee. No fixed part of the building will be disarranged in any manner.
9. Installations
A. The licensee shall not install any wires or electrical appliances without consent from the facilities coordinator.
B. Use of tape or other adhesives, nails, tacks, screws or similar articles on interior or exterior surfaces is not allowed. A minimum damage fee or cost of repair, whichever is greater, will be assessed from the security deposit for any infringement of this rule. All decorations shall be put up without defacing the building, and their installation shall be subject to the prior approval and subsequent supervision of the facilities coordinator.
C. Tents smaller than 10’x10′ may be erected without damaging the building or grounds, and their installation shall be subject to the prior approval and subsequent supervision of the facilities coordinator. The licensee may hire an outside vendor to install a special event tent larger than 10’x10′ on the west lawn provided that the licensee submits a City of Gainesville special vent permit application and acquires any permits or inspections deemed necessary. The special event permit application requires a separate fee to be paid by the licensee in addition to the standard reservation fee, rental fee and security deposit.
10. Lights, heat, water and ventilation
The City of Gainesville will furnish lights, heat, water and ventilation inside the building. Please note: heating and cooling are automatic and cannot be regulated by staff due to the complexity of the systems. Any special lights, lighting effects or fixtures shall be provided by and paid for by the licensee as set forth in regulation #9 above, after the express written approval of the facilities coordinator.
11. Protection of floors
Any item to be moved across an uncarpeted floor must be carried to prevent scarring of the floor surface.
12. Fees
All fees for the Thomas Center are determined by the Gainesville City Commission and are subject to change at its discretion. PRCA has no authority to change or waive these fees; therefore, no price can be altered once the license agreement has been executed. All events require payment of a non-refundable reservation fee equal to 20% of the total rental fee to reserve the date. This non-refundable reservation fee is not transferable. If the event is held, this fee will be applied to the balance due. Rentals may be rescheduled only one-time to another available date; after that this fee will be forfeited. All fees are due 14 days in advance of the event date. The licensee is responsible for paying all fees by the deadline. The Thomas Center is not responsible for notifying the licensee that deadline is approaching. Payment may be made by cash (exact change only), check, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards.
Rental fees must include the total duration of time for access required by caterer, agent or user, as well as sufficient time for complete clean-up of the leased premises. One-and-a-half hour set-up and one-and-a-half-hour for clean-up is suggested when using one room. A two-hour set-up period and a 90-minute clean-up period is suggested when using multiple areas.
A. Non-profit organizations must present proof of tax-exempt status when rendering payment.
B. Rehearsals may be arranged after business hours for a fee.
C. The grand piano or upright piano in the Spanish Court may be made available for the licensee use during rentals. Use of either instrument must be requested in advance and duly noted in the license agreement. Special tuning requested for an event will be done by the contractor used by the City of Gainesville and may not necessarily be at the City of Gainesville’s expense.
D. The following equipment may be made available for rental:
- Rectangular tables: 8’, 6’ card tables
- Round tables: 48”, 60”, 30” round pub tables
- Chateau chairs
- White wedding chairs
- Brown padded folding chairs
- Grand piano
- Upright piano
- 25” TV / VCR / DVD player
- Projection screen
- Podium
E. Security deposit: The licensee shall pay a security deposit to the City of Gainesville equal to 10% of the rental fees. Deposit shall be made 14 days prior to the event date.
The City of Gainesville offers a Cultural Event Program to local artists for cultural events held at the Thomas Center. Each artist is limited to four events per calendar year. Local non-profit organizations may contract with artists outside the Alachua County area to perform a cultural event at the Thomas Center. Please request the cultural event program’s guidelines for detailed information regarding this program.
13. Refund policy
In the event of cancellation of a scheduled event, a refund of monies paid will be disbursed, governed by the following conditions:
A. Reservation fee: The reservation deposit is non-refundable.
B. Rental fee Refund of paid rental fees are subject to the following: 80% will be refunded when notice is provided 14 or more days in advance of date of event. No money will be refunded when notice is provided less than 14 days in advance of date of event.
C. Security deposit: The City of Gainesville shall have the right and option of applying any or all portion of the security deposit to the cost of cleaning/repair of leased premises, and/or to pay for staffing during hours of access extending beyond those contracted for and to cover loss of revenue resulting from extended use of the Thomas Center. Refund of security deposit will be initiated within five business days following the scheduled event. Notice of this procedure and deduction(s) made to the security deposit will be sent to the licensee, confirming in writing the amount of such deduction(s) and the reason therefore.
Any damage requiring a written estimate of repairs will entail withholding of the licensee’s security deposit until said estimates have been received by the City of Gainesville and the exact amount required for the necessary repair is determined.
In the event the licensee shall faithfully perform the terms of the license agreement, City of Gainesville shall refund to the licensee said security deposit or balance thereof not applied by the City of Gainesville in discharge of the licensee’s obligations.
14. Non-payment of fees and deposits
Non-payment by the licensee of any fees and deposits by the date(s) due as stated in regulation #12 of these building use regulations may, at the discretion of the City of Gainesville, void the license agreement. This voiding of the agreement will be made without requirement of written notice to the licensee and will be binding upon the licensee.
15. City, state and federal laws
The licensee in conducting any performance, public or private gathering, or in giving any lecture or concert shall conform to, comply with, and abide by all laws of the United States and the State of Florida, the rules and regulations of all state and federal boards and bureaus, the ordinances of the City of Gainesville, and regulations of the Fire Department, the Board of Health and the City of Gainesville.
16. Fire code enforcement
Aisles shall be used only for passage to and from seats and shall be kept unobstructed at all times in accordance with fire codes. The licensee shall not transact nor allow the transaction of any business on the premises, nor keep thereon anything that will increase the rate of the fire insurance on the building, nor conflict with the provisions of the insurance policies on the building or any part thereof. The licensee shall not use nor permit the use upon the premises of any substances of a hazardous nature, such as explosives or highly flammable material, candles or sparklers.
17. Prior damage or destruction of premises
In the event the building or any part of it is destroyed or so damaged by fire or other casualty as to make it totally or partially unfit for use, the City of Gainesville shall have the option either to repair such damage or to cancel the agreement, in which event rental fees collected shall be returned to the licensee.
18. User property insurance
Property insurance does not cover any item in the building that is not the property of the City of Gainesville. The licensee and its agents, caterers or employees are responsible for ensuring the safety of all items brought into the Thomas Center. The City of Gainesville assumes no responsibility and no liability whatsoever for the loss of, or damage to, property of the licensee, its agents, caterers or employees.
19. Rain plan
At the time an event is scheduled in the gardens, veranda or Turtle Court, a rain plan should also be discussed. If the licensee has rented only outside areas, and the decision is made to move the event inside due to inclement weather (i.e. rain, temperature etc.), the city will apply the fees paid for the exterior areas to the rental fees for the interior areas. The licensee will also be required to pay the difference associated with renting the interior areas.
20. Minors
Children under the age of ten (10) attending or performing in a scheduled event must be accompanied at all times by parent or guardian and under supervision at all times.
21. Vehicles
Vehicles will be confined to driveways only. No vehicle, trailer or other heavy equipment may traverse or be placed upon grass or planted areas.
22. Noise
The licensee is expected to assist the city in being a good neighbor. The Thomas Center is located in a residential neighborhood, therefore certain limits on outdoor events apply. Events with a high noise level, such as those using amplified sound, are restricted to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The music/sound provider will be required, prior to the day of the contracted event, to sign a “Music/Sound Provider Agreement” and will be required to abide by all rules and regulations contained therein.
Application for a noise permit is required for events that are open to the public and which use amplified sound. These events are limited to hours between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Sundays. Events of a quiet nature may be scheduled for weekday evenings.
A. Wedding ceremonies, hors d’oeuvres receptions and other functions are permitted in the fountain area in the west gardens provided that the policies listed above are followed.
B. Only wedding ceremonies will be permitted on the northwest side of the gardens near the big oak tree and the Feiber Memorial pergola. No wedding receptions, parties or other events requiring amplified sound will be permitted in this area.
C. Wedding ceremonies, receptions, parties, film showings etc. are permitted in the Turtle Court provided that the above noise policies are adhered to by the licensee.
23. Operational schedule
The Thomas Center is closed on City of Gainesville designated holidays. Rental event hours begin at 7 a.m. (for event set-up). Events must be concluded, cleaned up, and vacate the premises no later than 11 p.m.
What are your rental hours?
Our operating hours are 7 a.m.-11 p.m. We offer rental packages with timeframes. Additional rental hours are available at an additional price.
7 a.m. is the earlies time we allow for set-up to begin; 11 p.m. is when all vendors and guests must be out of the building.
Is set-up and breakdown time included in the rental hours?
Client rental period must include the total duration of time for access required by all vendors as well as sufficient time for complete cleanup of the leased premises. Access outside of contracted hours will incur additional fees pending availability.
Can I access the venue the day before my event for setup?
Day-before set-up is not available.
What is the payment schedule?
We require a non-refundable reservation fee to secure your date at booking. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your event. Payment methods include credit cards, checks, and cash.
Are outside vendors allowed?
Absolutely! We welcome your choice of caterers, photographers, and other vendors. Caterers and bartenders must be licensed and insured. All vendors must be approved during the final details meeting.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes, alcohol is permitted with proper licensing and service by a licensed bartender. Because we are a government building, you are required to have an open bar.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed. No open flame is allowed on property.
Is parking available onsite?
Yes, we provide onsite parking for guests.
Do you offer event coordination or staffing?
We provide onsite staff to assist with venue operations during your event. We do not offer full event coordination services.
Are tables and chairs included in the rental?
Yes, our rental packages include:
Circular: 60" round, 48" round and 30" round high-top tables (1 adjusts short)
Rectangular: 6ftx2.5ft tables, 8ftx2.5ft tables, and 3ft card tables
Do you offer rental packages?
Yes, we offer three different rental packages. You can learn more about them on our rental package page.
What is the max capacity?
The guest capacity changes with the floor plan and each of our rental packages. Our max capacity is 200 guests for a cocktail style set up only with our grand rental package.
What happens if it rains?
We do have a rain plan. It varies with which rental package you select.
How long do I have to make any changes to my rental?
You will have up until two weeks before the day of the event to make any adjustments. This allows us to schedule our staff accordingly and get the remainder of the paperwork finalized.
Do you have A/V equipment or decorations available to rent?
No, we do not. We only provide tables and chairs. All other equipment must be brought in by an outside source.
Do you have a kitchen?
Yes, we do. Our kitchen is a prep kitchen; it is not meant for cooking full meals. The use of the kitchen is limited with the rental package chosen. Our single room rental package does not include the use of the kitchen.
Am I allowed to bring in my own food?
No. We do not allow you to cook and bring your own food. Pot-luck style is not allowed.
We require a licensed catering company or restaurant to provide all food. Premade platters from a grocery store or restaurant are acceptable.
Baked goods can be homemade or purchased from a retail outlet if they comply with the State of Florida’s Cottage Food Law.