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 $2,000 booking fee to be paid. Twelve months before the event, 50% of the remaining fee will be due. The final installment will be required 60 days before the 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.
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?
No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore, we don't have a food or guest count minimum. Some caterers may have a reasonable minimum for specific dates.
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 only host one wedding daily to ensure that each couple's event is unique and receives our full attention.
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?
No. Swan Lake provides an excellent venue, tables, upgraded wedding chairs, Linens Are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring your linens.
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 the rental fee.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only at Swan Lake. Has your fee changed?
Because we only host one event per day, 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?"
This is an excellent question! When straightforwardly comparing venues, we believe this can be a bit complex. Our answer is no. The role of a "day-of wedding coordinator" may hold different meanings for you than for us, and we want to avoid any potential miscommunication. However, we do assign a site coordinator before your arrival who will remain with you throughout your special day. This member of the Swan Lake team is dedicated to assisting you with any venue-related needs, such as adjusting fountains if necessary. While they are there to help with venue matters, we do not classify them as day-of wedding coordinators. We offer an add-on option to include that service if desired.