FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQ's

HOW MUCH DOES THE VENUE COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Check our WEDDINGS page for pricing and all that is included. Our package prices are transparent. We do not hide or add any additional fees to our packages.

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN WE INVITE?

The barn can comfortably accommodate 200 guests.

WHAT IS THE DOWN PAYMENT TO RESERVE MY DATE?

A non-refundable $1,000 event retainer ($2,000 for Weekend package) is required at the time your event is scheduled. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event.

WHAT FORM OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept cash, check, Venmo or credit card.

DO I NEED TO PROVIDE LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Yes. An event liability insurance policy in the amount of not less than $1,000,000 naming Blue Heron Barn LLC, as an additional insured will need to be provided 30 days prior to the event. We recommend Angie at Nulty Insurance nulty.com/wedding.

IS THERE A DAMAGE DEPOSIT REQUIRED?

Yes, we require a $500 refundable damage deposit due 30 days before the event.

WHAT TIME WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE VENUE?

Friday and Saturday events are allowed access to the barn from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and vendors must vacate the premises by midnight.

Sunday events are allowed access to the barn from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and vendors must vacate the premises by 9 p.m.

Weekend packages are allowed access 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday and personal belongings must be picked up by 10 a.m. on Sunday.

CAN I DO MY REHEARSAL AT THE VENUE?

Absolutely! Rehearsals are allowed for an additional cost of $100/hour on the Thursday prior to your event. Rehearsals are scheduled on a first come/first serve basis.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I HAVE MY CEREMONY?

A general rule of thumb is the entire event should not last more than 7 hours, from beginning of ceremony to end of reception. Open dancing should never last more than 3 hours.

IS THE BARN HEATED?

Yes, the barn is heated to keep your guests comfortable on cool Michigan evenings.

CAN I BRING MY OWN CATERER?

While we encourage you to use one of our preferred caterers, you are welcome to hire your own licensed and insured caterer. Proof of licensing and liability insurance are required 30 days before the event.

Food must be fully prepared off-site, unless they have the necessary equipment to cook using their own equipment.

Caterers must remain on site to remove all excess food and chafing/buffet equipment once the meal is complete.

See RECOMMENDED CATERERS for a great selection.

ARE LINENS AND PLACE SETTINGS PROVIDED?

We provide white or black tablecloths for our round tables and buffet tables. Place settings will need to be rented or purchased from another vendor. Disposable place settings are allowed.

CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOL?

ALL alcohol must be purchased and served by The Liquor Cabinet. See EXCLUSIVE BARTENDER for contact information.

IS OVERNIGHT PARKING ALLOWED?

For the safety of guests, overnight parking is allowed to those who feel it is best not to drive. Vehicles must be picked up the next morning by 10 a.m.

WHERE ARE THE CLOSEST ACCOMMODATIONS?

You are in luck! While it may seem like you are in the middle of nowhere, we are only 6 miles to the nearest interstate and hotels. Click here for a list of RECOMMENDED HOTELS.

WILL THERE BE A BHB STAFF MEMBER ON SITE?

A venue coordinator(s) will be available during the event to address any questions/concerns. Parking attendants are provided as guests are arriving. A golf cart is available to assist elderly or disabled guests.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO HAVE CANDLES?

Candles or anything with an open flame are not permitted.

ARE SPARKLERS ALLOWED?

Yes, sparklers exits are allowed outside of the barn.

CAN WE BRING OUR FUR BABIES?

We love our pets and understand how important it is to make them feel included. For the safety of the pet, please get approval before bringing them. Service dogs are welcome.

DO YOU HAVE HIGH CHAIRS?

We do not have high chairs. Guests bringing their little ones will need to bring a high chair.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

The barn is a non-smoking/non-vaping facility. Guests must use the designated smoking area.

IS THE BARN HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, the barn is handicap accessible.

IS BLUE HERON BARN LGBTQ FRIENDLY? We are honored to host LGBTQ celebrations.

CAN I SEE OPTIONS FOR TABLE LAYOUTS?

Absolutely! We offer several options for setting up tables. Each plan can be customized to meet your needs.

Sample Layout - 82 or less guests

Sample Layout - 120 or less guests

Sample Layout - 152 or less guests