FAQs

Are outside food and beverages permitted in The Homestead and/or Rec Room while we get ready?

Outside food and drink are permitted prior to your ceremony start time. Once your ceremony starts, all drinks must be served by the bar service. NO PERSONAL ALCOHOL is permitted on property after your ceremony start time. Any personal alcohol must be taken off-site or locked in a vehicle prior to your ceremony start time and cannot be accessed for the duration of your event.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Paddock?

Great question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at The Paddock is between $20,000-$30,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.).  Depending on guest count and time of year, we’ve had couples host beautiful weddings in the $10,000 - $15,000 range and we’ve also held events spending significantly more than the average. Our open vendor policy is intended to help curb unnecessary fees and allow you the flexibility to choose food, beverage, and extras that meet your specific budget.

Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?

We have an open catering policy to allow you to choose the menu and food selections that best fit your style and budget. We simply require that all vendors be licensed and insured.

If you choose to have alcohol at your event, we require you to use our exclusive bar service for beer/wine/liquor. They are licensed, insured, and can provide the beverage service you desire! We also require security when alcohol is being served at any event to help ensure a safe environment for your guests and our staff.

If you need guidance on caterers or other vendors, just ask! We will help you with recommendations on who to check out.

What form of payment does The Paddock accept?

Cash or check.

Can we get married somewhere other than The Chapel?

Yes! You can choose the indoor or outdoor ceremony site that makes your heart happy! If you are looking for an outdoor option, brides love The Meadow with the pond as the backdrop. We’ve also had gorgeous ceremonies at the hand-built gazebo offering a hard surface for guest seating and walking down the aisle.

The Chapel is our brand new, all white (and stunning!) dedicated indoor ceremony space. The abundance of natural light is a photographer’s dream! Our gorgeous chandeliers, all natural wood beams, and simple blank canvas provides the perfect backdrop to say “I do!” Not to mention it is super convenient for guests to transition across the sidewalk, straight into cocktail hour and reception.

We plan to have our ceremony offsite, does your fee change?

Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony on- or off-site.

If we choose a one day rental option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony? 

If you elect the one day rental, our venue will likely be reserved by another couple the night before. For that reason, one day rentals should plan for a day-of rehearsal or rehearse offsite.

Day-of rehearsals are very common, and last 20-30 minutes. Typically, the bride stays in the house (everyone knows when & where the bride will be during the ceremony!) and the rest of the wedding party meets in the Chapel to do a quick run-through. A perfect time to do this is during the bride’s hair/makeup appointment time! A little alone time in the quiet is welcomed too!

What type of tables are included for guest seating?

We have both round (60”) and rectangle (8ft) tables for guest seating. We also have a few wooden farmhouse tables that can be used for the head table and/or guest tables too! (And they are beautiful!)

Do you provided table linens, cups, silverware, etc? 

No. The Paddock provides an awesome venue, tables, chairs, and lots of decor for the allotted amount of time. Linens can be rented through us, but are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring/rent your own linens and are not required to go through us.

Other items such as plates and utensils are often included or can be provided by your caterer. And many of our brides choose disposable with their buffet style reception. (These days, there are lots of affordable and attractive options available!)

Where can I find pictures of the decor available from your Borrow Me, Beautiful collection?

We have so many amazing and practical decor pieces for you to use throughout your ceremony and reception! (Think arbors, centerpieces, card boxes, lanterns, candle holders, cake stands, and more!) All booked couples receive a link to an online decor gallery and are invited to attend personal decor appointments to plan their special day.

Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"

This is a tricky question if you're trying to do an “apples to apples” comparison of local venues, and it is likely that the job duties of a "day-of wedding coordinator" means something different to you than it does to us. The last thing we want is the opportunity for miscommunication. So, our “basic” answer is no—but please keep reading! :-)

Your venue rental includes a Paddock venue team to make sure the venue runs flawlessly the day of your wedding. Venue managers are onsite throughout the duration of your day to finalize property prep, answer questions from vendors, and ensure you and your setup team have what you need leading up to your ceremony. A venue manager’s goal is to do everything possible to help the day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (But we still don't consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.)

You are welcome to hire your own planner and day-of coordinator though! And, we HIGHLY recommend it! So much so, that we offer in-house coordination services exclusively to our Paddock couples! Contact us directly for details.

Can vehicles be left overnight?

No vehicles can be left overnight, no exceptions. Please advise your guests of this policy.

What time does music need to end?

Music must conclude by 10:30 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays and 9:30 p.m. on Sundays & weekdays.

We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period? 

All deliveries and pick-ups must happen during your contracted rental period access times. Please advise your vendors of this policy.

Is it possible to seat 9 to a table?

In a pinch, yes (especially if one is a child,) but we would not recommend it for your guests’ comfort. Guests prefer to be seated 8 to a table to have some extra elbow room!

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

Three weeks.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly!

Are candles allowed?

Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons. 

Can we have fireworks on the property?

Fireworks are not permitted. This includes sparklers.  We don’t want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the fire department happy!

Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?

We request that holes are not placed in any walls or overhead beams. We will have areas where hooks are already placed that you are welcome to use for any additional decorations. If you have special requests for additional decor in the reception hall or other event space, please work with us directly to see if we are able to accommodate the request. We hope that you will find the space beautiful on its own without a lot of extra work!

What is the event clean-up process?

The Paddock staff will handle all standard clean up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception. It is your responsibility (or someone from your party) to make sure all personal belongings and non-Paddock decor are removed from the reception area by the contracted end time.

Please refer to your Stay Agreement for instructions on vacating The Homestead and Rec Room prior to the ceremony start time.