Wedding FAQ's
Availability
Q: Does Patio Gardens allow multiple wedding bookings per weekend?
A: No, we focus on one wedding per 48 hour period
Q: How many guests can I have on site?
A: We can accommodate up to 110 guests
Q: Can I visit the venue before my wedding for planning?
A: Yes, this can be arranged.
Q: Is the venue available for exclusive use?
A: Pondside Pasture is exclusive use. There is an operating garden centre on the premises, therefore the Cedar Room and Greenhouse will be exclusive from 5:30 pm onward.
Q: How far in advance can we reserve our date?
A: Depending on availability we suggest you book your event 6 months to 1 year in advance
Q: What are the rates for different seasons or day of the week?
A: Our rates are based on the space, not the season or day of the week.
Q: What day of the week can I have my wedding?
A: Any day!
Q: How many hours are included in the rental of the space? How early can we arrive, and how late can we stay?
A: Day prior - 12pm to 6pm, Day of wedding - 8am to close, Day after - 9 am to 12pm
Payment
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: 25% of the total due at booking, as a non-refundable Deposit. $1000 Damage Deposit is required in addition to the Venue Rental Deposit, which is fully refundable.
Q: How do you structure the payment schedule?
A: 25% due upon signing to secure your date, remaining 75% due a minimum of 30 days prior to event date.
Q: What is included in the venue rental? Does it cover service charges, gratuity, and cleaning fees, or are those additional line items?
A: The Venue Rental includes only the physical space(s) itself. The total rental includes the venue rental fee, any a la carte items, plus GST.
Q: When is the last possible date to make changes to our package option?
A: One month prior to wedding date
Q: How do you accept payment for deposits, etc?
A: E-transfer, Cash, Cheque or Credit card
Logistics
Q: Is the site handicap accessible?
A: Yes, including one handicap accessible bathroom.
Q: Are there noise restrictions?
A: Yes, due to local area restrictions, music must be reduced by 9:00pm.
Q: Does the property offer overnight accommodations?
A: No, but we are happy to make recommendations!
Q: In the case of rain, does the property offer tenting solutions?
A: We have two tents available to rent, however the venue cannot guarantee the weather, so please plan for alternate arrangements.
Q: How many bathrooms are there?
A: There are 3 bathrooms inside (including one handicap accessible washroom), and 2 outside near the Pondside Pasture
Q: Is there a sound system? Can we bring in a DJ or a band?
A: No we do not provide a full sound system. You can bring in a DJ and/or a band. Please check power requirement compatibilities. We have a single Bluetooth speaker with 2 microphones available for use.
Q: Are shuttles mandatory?
A: No, shuttles are not mandatory, but recommended as parking is limited to 20 vehicles.
Q: Does the venue have guest WIFI?
A: Yes WIFI is available but limited to inside buildings only.
Q: Is smoking and vaping allowed on site?
A: Yes, only in designated smoking areas
Q: Are weddings at Patio Gardens pet friendly?
A: Leashed pets are allowed at the Pondside Pasture for the ceremony. There are no pets allowed in the indoor areas.
Q: Is parking available on-site? Will guests be charged for parking?
A: There is complimentary parking for up to 20 vehicles
Q: Can we park overnight at Patio Gardens? A: Yes but only for standard vehicles. No campers are permitted and all vehicles must be picked up by noon the next day.
Q: Where am I able to take pictures?
A: Anywhere in the Cedar Room, Greenhouse, lower field and outside the barn, orchard and Pondside Pasture.
Q: Will there be an on-site supervisor for the duration of my wedding?
A: Yes, Patio Garden's Event Liaison will be onsite for the entire duration of your wedding, to supervise the event and provide limited assistance.
Q: Can I have candles on property?
A: Yes, candles are permitted indoors within an enclosed container only. No candles or flames of any kind in or around the Pondside Pasture.
Q: Can I get ready for my wedding at Patio Gardens?
A: Yes! We have a private wedding suite available for getting ready, complete with a full-length mirror and vanity for hair, makeup, and enjoying those special moments with your wedding party before your ceremony.
Q: Is it my responsibility to communicate Patio Garden's policies to my guests?
A: Yes. You are responsible for adequately communicating Patio Garden's policies to your guests, and you will be held liable for the actions of your guests, including but not limited to: damage to any part of the property, and smoking anywhere outside the designated smoking area. You will receive a written set of all policies and rules in advance of signing your contract with us.
Q: Can we provide our own food for the reception?
A: Yes, however all food must be prepared in a certified food-safe kitchen. Homemade food is not permitted. Clients will also assume full liability for all food and beverage served.
Q: Do I require liability insurance to have my event at Patio Gardens?
A: Yes, a $5 million liability policy is required
Q: Do I need a Special Events Permit to have my event at Patio Gardens?
A: Yes, a Special Events Permit (liquor license) is required
Q: When is my proof of insurance due?
A: Proof of liability insurance, special event permit and Serving it Right certificates are due a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your wedding date.
Q: Can we bring in our own alcohol?
A: Yes. You must provide proof of a Special Event Permit as well as a Serving it Right certificate for your servers/bartender.
Q: Can I hire my own vendors?
A: Yes, you will be responsible for hiring your own vendors. We would be happy to provide recommendations!
Q: Are there any décor restrictions?
A: Only natural products can be used in the Pondside Pasture area; no flammables, glass, rice or confetti are permitted to maintain our natural farm aesthetic. No permanent or damaging attachments to walls, ceilings or floors inside.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: The initial 25% deposit is non-refundable. If the required documents listed above is not received by Patio Gardens a minimum of 2 weeks prior to rental date, the event will be cancelled and all fees paid by the client are considered non refundable. For more details, please request our Venue Rental Agreement.
Q: Are the linen, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will we have to rent them separately?
A: No, you will need to rent these items separately.
Q: Are there tables available? What are their size and shape? How many do you have available?
A: We have 8' and 6' rectangular tables and 2 x 6' rounds available. Additional tables of various sizes can be arranged by Patio Gardens if required.
Q: What types of chairs are included or available? and how many are there?
A: There are 46 metal and wood cross-back chairs as well as 125 white plastic folding chairs available to rent on an a la carte basis for use within the Greenhouse and Cedar Room. There are 20 x 8' wooden benches available a la carte for use for the ceremony. Additional types of chairs or benches can be arranged by Patio Gardens if required.
Q: Are there samples of the rental a la cart items available to look at?
A: Yes! We’d be happy to have you come in for a tour to view our à la carte rental items and décor selections. Please contact us at Patio Gardens if you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit.