What is the rental fee for The Olde Farmhouse Barn?

• Please see here for full details on pricing and inclusions.

What is your capacity at the venue?

• The barn comfortably seats 160

What dates are available?

• Please see available dates here.

What is the rental fee for the venue and what is included?

• Please see here for pricing details and inclusions.

What is required to reserve the date?

• We require a $1500 non-refundable retainer to save the date, along with the signed contract. The retainer is applied towards your balance. Please see below for payment schedule.

Do you offer a payment schedule?

• Twelve (12) months prior to the event, an additional payment of $1500 is due. The final installment for the venue rent will be due 30 days prior to the event. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due dates, in effect creating your own payment schedule. Please include couples name and wedding date in the memo line if paying by check. Please note that payments are still due by specified dates. We also reserve the right to keep a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or property.

What form of payment does The Olde Farmhouse Barn accept?

• Cash or Check.

• We do require a credit card number to be kept on file for any last minute additions or damages to the facility or property.

We plan to have our ceremony off-site. Does the venue fee change?

• No, we only host one event per day so our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both on site.

Do you offer overnight accommodations on site?

• No, but Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express are located just 4 minutes south of The Olde Farmhouse. There is also a few quaint little boutique inns located downtown that you can find here. Click here for a list of accommodations.

What is the back-up plan if it rains?

• In the case of rain we have a beautiful backdrop overlooking the fields, situated under an antique crystal chandelier. Guests sit at their tables creating a beautiful aisle down the center of the barn. Our couples have loved this option because it doesn’t disrupt your event having to flip the room.

Do you allow dogs on site for the wedding day?

• We are dog friendly with a few stipulations. Dogs are allowed with pre-approval for ceremony and pictures only. Animals, other than service animals, are not allowed in the barn, buildings, or near food. All dogs must be on a leash, someone must be responsible for them at all times other than bride and groom, and must be picked up after. Must include “animals” on your insurance policy.

Do I need an appointment to tour the venue?

• The Olde Farmhouse kindly requests that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Olde Farmhouse Barn?

• This is a great question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at The Olde Farmhouse is between $15,000 - $20,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, music, photographer, etc.). We’ve had some creative couples with smaller guests lists host beautiful weddings in the $12,000 - $15,000 range, and we have also had several lovely events here spending significantly more than the average.

Do you have a guest count minimum?

• No, we do not have a minimum guest count although we believe the barn is best suited for 75 guests or more. Many venues apply guest count minimums because they make a 10-15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food and bar. We choose not to apply this practice because we want our options to be as affordable or as elegant as your budget allows. Please keep in mind that some of our catering partners may implement reasonable minimums for specific days.

Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?

• Yes, but please see the question and answer above. Initially we were an all-inclusive venue with Pistachios Catering & Events as our exclusive caterer because we wanted our clients to have a seamless experience filled with delicious food and a high level of service. However, over years of business we have realized that some couples prefer to have a few options to choose from. For that reason, we are happy to offer both forms of service…all-inclusive or flexible option. We have selected small businesses that have years of experience in the wedding industry, a history of a providing quality food and service by showing up on time and always coming prepared. These companies are backed by glowing reviews from couples and our personal experience with them.

• Our exclusive bar services are provided by With A Twist, which you will reserve directly through The Olde Farmhouse. They provide a variety of hosted bar packages, consumption bar, or cash bar options. No outside alcohol is permitted on the property, buildings, or parking lot.

Do you provide table linens for the tables?

• No. We have found that couples prefer to choose their own color or style, so for that reason we welcome you to bring your own or you may choose to rent directly through us. For details regarding our linen package, please click here.

What is event insurance?

• Special event insurance is an insurance policy that helps protect your investment in a specific event, such as a wedding.

  • Event liability insurance protects you from responsibility from any accidents or injuries during your ceremony or reception. This extends to alcohol-related incidents. REQUIRED

  • Cancelation insurance reimburses you for all money spent in the event your wedding has to be called off. There is a very important caveat to this: nearly all policies do not cover a change of heart. OPTIONAL.

What time do you suggest we plan the ceremony?

• We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings we suggest 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm. If you do NOT plan to do a first look or plan to get married when the sun sets earlier in the evening, please contact us to discuss schedule.

What time can I get in to the venue to decorate?

• You will have access to the venue beginning at 10 AM on the day of your event. Please plan accordingly.

If we are using a rental company, can they drop off early?

• All deliveries must happen during standard rental period, so please advise your vendors.

How far in advance do you need my guest count?

• 3 weeks

• With A Twist also requires your final guest count 3 weeks before, as well as most caterers.

Can we get in the night before to rehearse?

• If you opt the one day rental option, our venue will most likely be reserved by another couple the night before. For that reason, all one day rentals should plan for to have their rehearsal off-site. Another great option is to attend one of our monthly open houses to rehearse. You are welcome to bring your parents, bridal party, or wedding vendors who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue.

Are candles allowed?

• Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely enclosed in glass candle holder. Tapered candles are not allowed unless using flameless candles.

How many people can I sit at a table?

• We recommend seating no more than 8 per table, but you can seat up a maximum of 10 if young children are seated at the table.

How will the tables and chairs be arranged for my event?

• We have sample layouts that we are happy to share with you, but once we receive your final guest count we will create a final layout for you.

Do you include a wedding coordinator?

• Wedding coordinator or wedding planner means something different to everyone. We do not want there to be any confusion, so the short answer is NO.

• We have an Olde Farmhouse Team Member, who we like to refer to as a venue coordinator, that is on site from beginning to end. They are there assist when needed, answer vendor or guest questions, and lead them in the right direction. Their goal is to help things run smoothly and do everything possible to ensure your day is stress-free.

Are the tables round or rectangular style tables?

• Guests will be seated at 60” round tables

• 2 - 10’ farm tables that can be used as a kings table, head table, or family style table.

• 8’ rectangular tables that may be used for food, gifts, assigned seating, etc.

• If you choose to rent your own linen, we suggest the following depending on the look you are wanting to achieve:

  • Casual - Lap Length: 90” round or 52x120” for rectangular.

  • Elegant/Formal - Floor length: 120” round or 90 x 156” draped for rectangular tables.

Can we have sparklers?

• Pre-approval is required. The Olde Farmhouse makes the determination based on the climate (wind, rain, lack of rain, etc.), as well as the surrounding crops.

• Children are not allowed to participate with sparklers.

• Sparklers must be used away from barn in grassy area.

• You must designate someone to light sparklers and dispose of of properly.

Can we bring in our own decorations?

• We want you to add your personal touch. You are welcome to do that by using our decor items or yours. Decorations may not be nailed, glued, screwed, stapled, pinned, or duct taped to the barn. Confetti, paint of any kind, hot glue, and glitter are not permitted. For throwing materials or send offs, confetti, glitter, silly string, rice, or balloons are not permitted. We recommend bubbles, natural flower petals, or send off sparklers. Please see above for more info on sparklers.

Can vehicles be left in the parking lot overnight?

• We prefer that your guests not drive if intoxicated, so if they feel they cannot drive we want them to feel comfortable leaving their vehicle and catch a ride with another guest. We only ask that all vehicles be picked up no later than 9 am the following day.

• Not responsible for theft or damages incurred in the parking lot.

What time does music need to end?

• Music on Friday and Saturday’s must end by 10:45 pm to ensure all of your guests exit the property by 11 pm. Music on Sundays must end by 9:30 pm.

How do I get my marriage license?

• Calhoun County Building - County Clerk Office

  • 315 W. Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068

  • (269) 781-0700

• Click here for website and detailed instructions.