FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the rental fee for Swan Lake, and what does it include?

  • Please see the details found Here for complete pricing and included items.

 

What is the Venue capacity?

  • 200 + guests, including the bridal party 

 

When are the payments due? Would you happen to offer a payment plan?

  • When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a $3,500 booking fee to be paid. The final installment will be 90 days after you have booked. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your event. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount before the specified due date, so in effect creating your payment plan on your schedule. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds. Tax is applied to each payment. There is an 18% service fee that is applied to the total.

 

How do I reserve a date?

  • To reserve a date, email us at Venuedirector@swanlakeweddingsandevents.com saying you are ready to book XYZ date if it is still available. We suggest you email us stating you are ready to book your preferred date and then include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable. Before booking a date, we hope you can come out in person to visit the Ranch. You can request a tour on our tour request page, but an in-person tour is not required before booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first-requested basis. Whoever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.

Do I need to schedule a tour, or can I just stop by?

  • We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.

 

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Swan Lake?

  • That is a great question! Generally, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at Swan Lake is between $17,000-$21,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists host beautiful weddings in the $12,000 - $15,000 range, and we have had several lovely events here, spending significantly more than the average.

 

Is there a minimum food or guest count?

  • Yes, we do have a guest count and/or package minimum for our prime dates (typically Saturdays during peak season). This helps us ensure the best experience for all of our couples and keep everything running smoothly.

 

Do you know if we have to use your caterers?

  • Yes, but please see the question and answer above. Initially, we allowed outside catering because, honestly, most venues don't, and we didn't understand why! It seems like a great benefit to allow outside catering. The truth is, after two years of allowing any caterer under the sun to waltz through our door, we realized that not a workable business model of quality food and a quality experience are important to our couples and their guests. Some caterers were terrific, but some were clearly in it for the money and not the couple (like when we asked, do you help with XYZ and the caterer responded, "they didn't pay for that." Once you get to know us, you'll see that attitude doesn't sit well with us.) We had issues with caterers showing up hours late and unprepared. We had caterers run out of food. We had caterers who routinely sent three 16-year-olds to be the event staff. Although we had many great experiences with caterers who were new to us, when it was a bad experience, it was really bad for us, the couple, and their guests.

  • We selected the caterers on our list after having many come through our doors those first few years because we thought they had good food, good service. After all, they had very affordable options along with a variety of upgrades, and honestly because we thought they were friendly people. Don't discount the fact that you'll work with all the vendors you choose leading up to the big day. It's important actually to like your vendors! Additionally, we have purposely selected small business owners because although no one is perfect, and none of our caterers claim to be, when you work with a small business owner, they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day.

  • An exception can be made to bring your caterer; they just need our approval.

 

Will there be another wedding on the same day?

  • At Swan Lake, we have two separate sides of the venue that operate independently and are booked separately. There may occasionally be another event on the opposite side, but the spaces are completely private and don’t interfere with each other at all. Each side has its own ceremony and reception areas, parking, and dedicated staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Are there overnight accommodations?

Yes, you can reserve our guest house overnight, and we can accommodate up to 6 guests. 

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

  • 200 + cars.

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

Yes! We provide table linens, goblets, silverware, plates, and basic table settings, all depending on the package you choose. You’re always welcome to upgrade or customize your tableware to better match your vision.

 

What happens in case of rain?

We will recommend one of our preferred vendors and help you make arrangements for a tent; this service is not included in your package  

We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only at Swan Lake.  Has your fee changed?

  • Our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.

 

Do you allow dogs on site to participate in our wedding day?

  • We are dog-friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Elizabeth) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals other than service animals are NOT allowed in the Patio area or near food. Dogs must be on a leash, and someone other than the bride and groom must be responsible for them.

 

What form of payment does Swan Lake accept?

  • Cash or check if you want to pay online with a credit/debit card, there will be a small credit card fee of 2.9%

 

My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?

  • We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable.

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!

 Is there a real swan on the lake?

  • Yes, there is. He is very happy to see all of our guests when they come in and tour.

 

Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"

  • Day-of Coordination Requirement
    To ensure a smooth setup and a seamless event experience at Swan Lake, we require that all day-of coordination services be provided through our in-house team. Our coordinators are familiar with the property, timeline flow, and vendor logistics, allowing us to manage your event efficiently and with the highest level of care

  • They ensure every detail of your celebration is expertly managed and brought to life on our stunning grounds. 6 hours of event time. Our standard coordination fee includes coverage for up to 150 guests. If your final guest count exceeds this number, an additional fee will apply, which will be determined based on your total guest count and the level of support required