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 90 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: You can if you wish, however we do not have a proper set-up for hair, makeup, and changing. We recommend you get ready off property.
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 the clients will 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? (e.g. no hanging from the ceilings, or restrictions on sparklers or confetti)
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. Rentals
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 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 type 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 would be happy to have you in for tour! Please contact us at Patio Gardens if you have any further questions.