Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many details that go into planning your big day and we know you have lots of questions! Here's a list of some of our frequently asked questions and we hope they will help you. Please always reach out to us should you have a question about a topic that is not address here!
Securing your Date and Payments
What is the retainer fee to secure my date?
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The retainer is 1/3 of your contracted balance and is due at time of contract signing. These two completed items will secure your date.
How do I reserve a date?
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Complete and electronically sign the contract and remit your 1/3 retainer fee. Payments can either be mailed, dropped off, or paid online at contract signing.
When are the additional payments due?
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1/3 is due 90 days prior and 1/3 is due thirty days prior to your wedding day.
Do you offer a payment plan?
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Yes, we are happy to discuss payment options to make the payment process easier for you.
What form of payments do you accept?
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Cash, debit card, credit card and check.
General Venue Questions
What is the building capacity?
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Our maximum guest capacity for the entire venue is 100. The Waterfall Terrace seats 100 guests. The Wedding Chapel can seat 90. The Ballroom seats 63, when including a dance floor, while the adjoining Veranda seats 40. These numbers allow us to comfortably seat all guests, while leaving adequate room for all other wedding essentials like cake, food, dance floor, etc.
Will there be another wedding the same day?
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No, you have the venue exclusively to you, your family, and guests during the rental time specified in your contract. We don’t allow tours or meetings to go on while the venue is yours.
What time will I have access to the venue?
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Venue access is determined by your timeline and is established at your planning meeting. You may arrive at the time stated on your timeline. Please do not arrive early. Our staff is busy preparing the property for your arrival and will not be available to assist you any earlier than your actual arrival time.
Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"
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A wedding day coordinator is included in our All-Inclusive packages! This is a great asset to help assist you with the many details that are needed on wedding day. From rehearsal to ceremony, from boutonnieres to cake cutting. Our coordinator will help you with everything you need!
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
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The Hampton Inn and Suites – Hampton Cove is located just 2.8 miles east of us. There is also a great selection of hotels a short 7 minutes away from us in downtown Huntsville.
Do outside vendors have to be licensed and insured?
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Yes, all vendors must be licensed and insured. Catering must be provided from a licensed and inspected kitchen.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
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Yes, however we do require you to bring a kennel for the dog to reside in during the reception. The dog is permitted outside the kennel during the outside ceremony and pictures. However, it is not allowed indoors during reception times and must be on a leash at all times.
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
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35+ in the upper lot and 15 in the lower lot.
Do you provide parking shuttle?
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Yes, we offer golf cart shuttle service prior to the ceremony. If needed, guests can be shuttled from the parking lot to the ceremony location; after the ceremony, we can shuttle them to the reception area.
What happens in case of rain?
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We provide Inclement Weather Planning - our staff will make the necessary changes for ceremony site set up in The Chapel should we have to change due to the weather.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
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Due to liability, fireworks are not allowed on property, with the exception of sparklers.
Can we bring confetti for our celebration?
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Due to the time involved with cleanup, Confetti is not allowed indoors or outdoors at The Chapel. This includes biodegradable confetti. If confetti is used on property there will be a $350 cleanup fee added to the bridal invoice.
Is smoking allowed on property?
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Smoking is only allowed in the parking lot at the East end of the property. Smoking is absolutely prohibited within 50 feet of any of the Wedding Chapel buildings.
Can vehicles be left overnight?
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Unfortunately, we cannot allow vehicles to be left overnight. Here, on our little slice of the mountain, parking comes at a premium. With weddings happening almost every day, any car left behind will be encroaching on the next wedding’s parking space. The property is locked and gated each night following an event so any vehicle left may not be accessible when you need to gain access to it. Also, should a vehicle be left behind, we will not be responsible for the vehicle or its contents.
Food and Beverage
Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
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Yes, our packages are set up to include up to 50 guests or up to 100 guests. The package price remains the same should your guest count fall below the 50 or 100 increment included in your package.
Do you provide tableware and flatware?
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Yes, all needed tableware and flatware are provided in our all-inclusive packages. Clear plasticware (plates, cups, forks) and dinner napkins are included for our catering services.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
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30 days prior to your event
Do we have to utilize your bar service?
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Yes, if you want to provide beer and wine to your guests. Bar services include the bartender, drinking supplies (cups, napkins, coolers and ice) and an off-duty police officer for security. You are responsible for providing the beer and wine. Hard Liquor is permitted but will require and additional fee of $250 and the couple is responsible for providing all of the alcohol and mixers.
Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
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Yes. We absolutely encourage you to bring snacks and drinks for The Bridal Suite and The Groom’s Lounge. Your bridal party will be here for an extended period of time and food/drinks will not be provided by The Chapel until the reception/catering services begins.
Can I leave my bar items behind and pick them up the next day?
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No. Unfortunately, we cannot allow you to leave behind any items, including your alcohol and bar items. We host weddings Friday, Saturday and Sundays and it’s incredibly difficult to keep one party’s items separate from another. We are not responsible for any items left behind at The Chapel.
Do you provide water/food to guests prior to the reception?
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No. Food and drink is not available to your guests until we open the buffet during the reception. However, bring bottled water for your guests and we will set these items up in an outdoor tub prior to the ceremony.
Ceremony
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
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Great Question! We will determine ceremony time during your planning meeting. This time will be based on the best time for sunset, how many photos you are taking before/after the ceremony, and the amount of sunlight you may need to capture your memories. During the winter months, ceremonies typically start between 2pm and 4pm. In the summer months, they typically start between 3pm and 6:30pm.
How do you handle ceremony rehearsal?
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Because we host weddings on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, we do all of our rehearsals on wedding day. It takes approximately 20 minutes to do the walk through and the bride does not participate in this practice ceremony. Our wedding day coordinator will step everyone through their paces, helping them with where to stand and how to walk.
If it’s something important to you, we absolutely encourage you to have a "Rehearsal" Dinner! This Welcome Dinner has always been the couple’s opportunity to thank their family and bridal party for participating in their big day. So please feel free to have your Dinner the night before and we will take care of the Rehearsal on Wedding Day.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at The Wedding Chapel. Does your fee change?
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No, we would love to host just your ceremony or only your reception, but the package price would remain the same as we only host one wedding per day.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my wedding?
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We will take care of ceremony and reception setup. If you have something specific you would like to request for either area, please feel free to ask.
What is the measurement for the Ceremony Arbor?
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The arbor at the Waterfall Terrace is 7 feet high and 8 feet wide.
Reception Questions
What size are the Ballroom Tables?
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The Ballroom has (9) 48” Round tables that seats 7 guests per table.
Is it possible to seat more to a table?
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Yes. However, we recommend no more than 7 to fit comfortably.
Are candles allowed?
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Yes, we love natural candles! However, we do require they are in a contained glass setting. No open flames please.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the venue rental period?
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Unfortunately, no. We do not have space to store the items should we have an event the day prior or after the day of your event. We also do not have anyone onsite prior to your rental hours to handle this request.
What is the latest time we can be on property?
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11pm. We will discuss these times during your planning meeting and determine your actual departure time from property
Setup Questions
When do you pick out included décor?
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You will select décor from our inventory at your first planning meeting. In the meantime, you can view our online decor inventory here: https://www.chapelonthemountain.com/proofing/decor-inventory?bec=1
Can we affix decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
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Unfortunately, no. We want to make sure our facilities are always ready and in beautiful condition for your special day, as well as the next event. We also have hooks/nails in many spots that couples use quite often. Please contact us directly if you should have any questions on this.
Am I responsible for setting up my own décor?
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No, we will complete all of the setup for you. However, there are times when some brides bring some of their own decor. In those instances, we may ask for someone from your party assist us to complete your vision.
Do I have to set up or tear down tables and chairs?
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No, we have you covered! We do full set up and tear down of all your tables and chairs.
Setup/Cleanup Questions
What is the event clean-up process?
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Our packages include a complete break down and cleaning of the venue. You will be responsible for removing your personal items from the Bridal Suite and Groom’s Lounge. We will take care of trash, sweeping, mopping, etc.