Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the cost?
Ceremony
Rehearsal and Ceremony Facilitator, Candelabras, Candles, Elegant Ceremony chairs, Setup, Tear Down, Private Bridal Suite, CD and microphone sound system, Castle Farms Event Staff, Staff will play your chosen music, Guest book podium
Reception
Reception Facilitator, DJ stage or band stage, Dance floor, Bar (bartender and alcohol not included), Decorated Rooms, Rectangular tables, Round tables, White wooden chairs, Candle centerpieces with white candles, White table linens, Private Bridal Suite, Keg coolers, Catering area for caterer, Setup, Teardown, Cleaning
2. Can we bring in our own alcohol?
Yes, you may bring in your own alcohol. This is a significant cost savings to you and your family as you can purchase in bulk and get a much better price. Castle Farms does not have alcohol for purchasing. We do require that you hire a licensed bartender; you can typically do this through your caterer or we have names we can provide you with.
3. Do you provide catering?
We do not have on-site catering, but we do have highly recommended caterers that are familiar with our rooms and provide exceptional service. Please see our preferred vendor list.
4. Do we have to use your preferred service providers?
We have hand-picked our preferred service providers not only because of their high quality performance with exceeding expectations, but also because they are experienced in working at our unique facility. With that said, you may choose to bring in your own service providers. Caterers and bartenders are required to abide by our etiquette rules; catering and bartending contracts can be faxed or mailed to your service provider.
5. What do you recommend for ceremony music?
We have a sound system in each courtyard with a CD player, wireless handheld and lapel microphone. If you provide a CD and directions, a Castle Farms Wedding Coordinator will play your ceremony music. On occasion, brides like to have string quartets or other musicians. Please see our preferred service provider list for prospective musicians.
6. When & where do we get ready?
Each ceremony area comes with a private bridal suite. Brides and bridesmaids are welcome to arrive and use two hours prior to the ceremony start time to finish dressing on the day of their wedding. Grooms typically come ready and are whisked off to a waiting area designated for the Groom and family (specified during rehearsal).
7. Will someone be present during our event?
If you are having your ceremony & reception at Castle Farms we provide a Day-of Coordinator to facilitate your rehearsal, ceremony and transition into the cocktail hour. We then have an assistant venue coordinator present during your reception.
8. Are there any service providers you recommend?
Please see the preferred service providers list.
9. What is your availability?
Please call or email our Wedding Team to learn more about availability.
10. How fast do you fill up?
On average we reserve 2-3 weddings per week.
11. How do I reserve my room? When is the balance due?
The signed contract and non-refundable first payment secure your reservation. This payment can be made with a personal check or money order. We accept all major credit cards. The final balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding date.
12. How many people can fit in my room?
King’s Great Hall: 130-350
East Garden Room: 130-350 (500 if combined with Gallery)
West Garden Room: 100-230
Queen’s Tavern: 10-60
Knight’s Castle: 60-200
13. Can you mix and match ceremony areas and reception rooms?
In order to accommodate multiple ceremonies and receptions, we have come up with a grouping of courtyards and reception halls that flow best for you and your guests. However, if a room has not been booked 60 days prior to your wedding date, and it does not interfere with another wedding we may allow “mixing and matching.”
14. Do we hire our own bartender?
We do require that you hire a licensed bartender; you can typically do this through your caterer or we have vendor names we can provide you with.
15. Do we have to come clean up afterwards?
The only thing you need to take with you the evening of your wedding is anything you want to keep. Everything else (trash cans, dirty linens, bathrooms, floors, etc), we take care of for you!
16. Can we decorate the room as we wish?
We understand that each bride has her own taste and style; therefore we allow each to decorate accordingly. In order to preserve our historic property, we do ask that nothing is adhered to the walls or ceilings. We also require prior approval before using glitter, confetti, bubbles, etc. to ensure we have adequate cleaning staff following your event.
17. When can we decorate the room?
We can confirm decorating times 60 days prior to your wedding. If your room is not reserved the day prior to your wedding, then you may come in the day prior to decorate between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If your room is booked the day prior to your wedding, then you may either come in after 10 a.m. on your wedding date or you can hire one of our decorators ($50 for the first hour, $25 for each additional hour) to set up your final touches.
18. What happens if it rains?
In case of inclement weather, we guarantee that all ceremonies are moved into their respective reception halls. If another room happens to be open, we can move your ceremony there. Rain calls must be made 2 hours prior to the ceremony start time.
19. Can we bring our own linen?
Yes, you may bring in your own linen. We will set up one overlay per table at no additional charge (as we include that anyway). Any additional set-up above and beyond what we include will require either yourself or our decorator to set up the room.
20. Can my caterer cook on site?
Our catering service area does not have cooking facilities. If a caterer wanted to cook on-site, they would need to bring in their own equipment (we request catering trailers). Note that all cooking MUST be done outside as to not damage our historic buildings. Our preferred caterers are most familiar with our facility and have the appropriate equipment needed.
21. How will people know where to park?
Upon arrival on your wedding day, guests are directed by our signs and parking attendants. If you wish, you may include a Castle Farms site map in your wedding invitations so guests have a general idea of the facility layout. Contact a Castle Farms coordinator if this is something you would like to do.
22. Can we bring items to the room early for storage?
You may bring items in early if your room is not reserved on the day prior to your wedding.
23. Can we use different centerpieces?
Yes. You will indicate this on the setup sheet so we know to remove the complimentary ones.
24. When do you need a final count?
You will receive a Set-Up Packet approximately 60 days prior to your wedding date. The completed set up packet (including final count and sketch) must be returned to Castle Farms no later than two weeks prior to your wedding date. The final count is confirmed with your caterer, so please be as accurate as possible.
25. How will our guests know where to enter?
We ask that the Bride and Groom include a copy of our facility map in their wedding invitations so your guests have a general idea of the facility layout. Upon arrival on your wedding day, guests are directed by our signs and parking attendants.
26. How much power can your outlets provide?
Our indoor outlets are standard 120s. We do have each outlet labeled with the breaker number as a convenience to you and your vendors. We also have 220 outlets on the outside of some of our buildings as well.
27. How close are hotels to Castle Farms?
Our preferred hotels are within only a few minutes of Castle Farms. Please see the preferred service provider list for a complete list.
28. Can we go off site to take pictures?
Yes. You may wish to rent transportation from our preferred service provider list.
