This Frequently Asked Questions Section addresses most of your questions about our venue culture, offerings, and policies as a matter of time-saving courtesy, so none of these answers are considered complete or legally binding. The more detailed answers are found in our contract.
We can also discuss more specifics with you, personally.
What if I want more than 50 guests?
This is a really common question, actually! While we are a microwedding venue, some people struggle to hit a number less than 50.
Here’s details to consider: We don’t “count” the couple and the vendors in the guest count, but we only provide tables and chairs for 50. So, if you have numbers over that, or need to provide additional tables and chairs for… catering, for instance, you can provide those.
If your numbers go over 50 in any significant capacity, you’ll need to rent a bathroom trailer, (we don’t allow port-a-johns, because… ew.) Bathroom trailers have plumbing, sinks, lighting, and flushing toilets. Yay! They are very nice, and affordable!
We have 22 parking spaces, so for guest counts over 50, you may need to devise a carpool or shuttling plan. This usually happens fairly easily if you have a situation where you have the wedding party and family lodging in a nearby lakehouse, Air B&B, etc.
What are our food service policies?
You can go as simple as having pizzas delivered, as fun as having food trucks on our middle lawn, or as fancy as a caterer or chef serving you and your guests. You are able to book food service with your caterer of choice, but they must be licensed and insured.
What is set-up and clean-up like?
You are welcome to DIY or have professionals decorate for you.
Essentially, you leave the site the way you found it.
There will be trash cans placed around the property. We will handle taking the normal and customary trash off.
Do we have an indoor restroom?
Yes! We have a large, ADA compliant restroom plus sitting room in the main cottage for you and your guests to use.
Do we have tables and chairs?
We do! And you don’t have to rent them from us! We have tables and chairs for up to 50.
Can you have live music?
Yes! Live music is preferred, actually. We named this The Ruins of Castle GROVE for a reason! You’ll see the castle ruins are situated in a cozy grove of trees. Your string quartet or guitar music will bounce among the leaves and surround your guests with elegance. You are welcome to have acoustic music or ambience-forming music with no other clearance needed.
If you wish to have a loudspeaker or amp-style music, you can simply get a permit from the town. It’s very quick, easy, and only $25.
Candles:
You are welcome to have real flame candles, but it is subject to local burn bans, and our candle policies outlined in our contract, and candles must be covered/included in your wedding insurance coverage.
Property Attendant:
We include a property attendant with each wedding package!
Is alcohol permitted?:
We do allow alcohol, you just have to share a copy of your license with us, or notify us of who your licensed bartender is.
Booking:
The booking process is very straightforward and high touch. Fill out the inquiry on our contact page, we reach out to schedule a call and/or a tour. Sign and return the contract and pay the retainer, which is 50% of your package, and you are booked.
Rain Plan:
Everyone’s favorite question for an outdoor wedding! You can plan how you want your rain plan to go, but for most brides, it goes as follows:
For ceremony, clear covered arbor that covers the bride, groom, & officiant, (we provide),
Clear umbrellas for guests, (bride provides.)
For reception: our beautiful, clear-topped, 20×40 canopy area, (we provide.)
Vendor List:
Do we have a list of vendors that you are limited to? No, we don’t. We allow you to choose your own vendors! Yay! They must be licensed and insured. We do have some favorites, so if you need help with options, we can pass along some names of favorite vendors.
Reach out to us if you have more questions! Use the inquiry form on the contact page.
