The Japanese Garden at Cowden can be hired for team days, workshops and small weddings in a traditional Japanese garden at Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. The main space is the Garden Pavilion, which seats 28 guests, and groups can use the whole garden exclusively. It is a venue-only site: organizers bring their own caterers and staff.
Seminars and company events
The garden describes itself as a setting for team-building and meetings in central Scotland. The Garden Pavilion can be hired exclusively on any day between 9am and 9pm. Tables and chairs are available to hire for the event. The pages read do not list screens, projectors or Wi-Fi, so an organizer who needs presentation equipment should ask the events team before booking.
Activity is the strength of this offer. The garden works with local artists and workshop leaders who run spoon carving, willow weaving, forest therapy and Japanese slow stitching sessions, and these are flexible to the group. A day can mix a working session in the Pavilion with a hands-on workshop in the grounds.
Weddings and receptions
For weddings, the garden offers an intimate venue. A ceremony can take place in the Garden Pavilion, which seats 28 and is available from 5pm, or outdoors around the Azumaya overlooking the pond. Marquees are welcome for additional guests. The reception continues in the Pavilion in the evening.
The facility fee covers hire of the Pavilion and surrounding garden for four hours, from 5pm to 9pm, exclusive access to the garden, a list of local wedding suppliers on request, parking for guests, wedding photography in the garden, a table and cloth for signing the register and a cake knife. Further tables and chairs can be hired. Couples can contact the wedding coordinator for a brochure and a viewing.
Rooms and capacities
There is one enclosed space for hire, the Garden Pavilion, with 28 seats for a ceremony. The Azumaya is an open-sided structure by the pond for outdoor ceremonies. Larger parties need a marquee in the grounds.
Accommodation
The pages read do not describe accommodation for event guests. The navigation lists a lodge, The Christie Lodge, but its use was not confirmed here.
Catering
There is no in-house catering. The garden asks couples and organizers to bring caterers and staff that suit their event, and can share a list of local suppliers.
History and setting
The garden is a traditional Japanese garden set among ancient trees in the Scottish countryside, with a view of the Ochil hills from the Pavilion. The site also opens to ticketed visitors, so private hire times are arranged separately.
Getting there
The address is The Japanese Garden at Cowden, Upper Hillfoot Road, Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 7PL. Parking is available for wedding guests. For availability and a viewing, contact the events team at events@cowdengarden.com.
