FAQ & Policies

How many guests can you hold?

Each barn holds up to 130 guests — 120 seated plus 10 for the wedding party and head table. If you need more room, you’re welcome to hold your reception outdoors in the grass courtyard; you’d provide the tent.

What’s included in a full-day rental?

Access to both the ceremony and reception barns, all tables and chairs, the outdoor bar, fire pit area, gazebo, lawn games, and two getting-ready rooms.

When can we get in on the wedding day?

Early access begins at 7:00 a.m. for hair and makeup.

When does everything need to wrap up?

Music ends at 11:00 p.m., with cleanup and departure immediately after. You’re responsible for taking your belongings and taking out the trash.

Do we get a rehearsal?

Yes. Rehearsals are scheduled Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday depending on availability, and you’ll have the barns for 3 hours to rehearse and have dinner.

When do we decorate?

For single-day rentals, all decorating happens on the wedding day. If you’d like a hand, our day-of coordinator package covers decor setup and teardown.

Do we have to hire a day-of coordinator?

Not at all — it’s completely optional. Plenty of couples handle the day themselves or lean on a friend or family member. It’s there if you’d rather not think about the details.

Are you there during our event?

We’ll check in with your designated contact or coordinator several times throughout the day. We stay onsite or within 15 minutes of the property for your whole rental — just a call or text away. We won’t be in the barns the entire time unless you’ve hired us as your coordinator.

What happens if it rains?

Nothing changes. Ceremonies are held in the ceremony barn and receptions in the reception barn, so your whole day is under roof either way. Weather is the one thing you won’t need a backup plan for.

Can we bring our dog?

Yes! Pets are welcome. We’d just ask that someone is responsible for them and for cleaning up after them.

Tell us about the decor shed.

This is one of our favorite things to offer. Our decor shed is stocked with pieces you’re welcome to use — and the best part is the cleanup: you take what you want out, and we put it all back. One less thing on your list at the end of a long, wonderful day. Access to the decor shed is a $100 add-on.

What can we use to decorate?

Flameless candles are welcome. Biodegradable petals are allowed as long as they’re cleaned up afterward. Sparklers are permitted in the parking lot area.

What’s not allowed?

No open-flame candles or lanterns inside the barns. No nails, staples, or permanent fasteners — and please remove any adhesives, string, or tape you use. No spray paint anywhere on the property. No fireworks, glitter, hay or straw bales, birdseed, synthetic petals, or confetti.

Can we rearrange the furniture?

Ceremony benches, barrels, and venue furnishings can’t be moved without checking with us first.

Do we have to use your vendors?

Not at all — bring who you like. We’re happy to share a list of vendors we love working with.

What are the alcohol rules?

All alcohol must be provided and served by a certified, licensed bartender, and we’ll need their license and insurance at least two weeks before your event. No shots. No one under 21 may drink. We reserve the right to remove anyone intoxicated or unruly.

Do we need event insurance?

Only if your bartender doesn’t carry liability insurance. In that case you’ll need a one-day special event policy naming Ridge View Ranch as an additional insured, with at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage including bodily injury, property damage, and liquor liability. You can usually add this through your homeowner’s policy or buy it online at eventhelper.com or wedsafe.com — typically around $130.

Can we bring in food trucks?

Yes. The reception barn’s garage doors open right up for food trucks or a fresh breeze.

Where do guests park?

There’s parking for up to 100 vehicles on the north side of the red barn, including two handicap-accessible spaces. Please don’t park or drive on the grass.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes — we have handicap-accessible bathrooms and designated accessible parking.

What are the bathrooms like?

We have two-stall bathrooms for both the guys and the gals, so there’s no long line at the one door. They’re handicap accessible and indoors — no portable toilets here.

Can we use the fire pit?

Yes, there’s a propane fire pit available. You provide, install, and remove the propane tank. Use is at your own risk, and we ask that no one climb on it or tamper with the flames.

Is smoking allowed?

Not inside the barns. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas where receptacles are provided.

Any other property rules?

No firearms or weapons of any kind. Please respect posted boundaries and stay out of private areas, including the pasture.

Where should our guests stay?

We recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Cedar Springs — it’s the closest good option and an easy drive from the ranch.

How do we reserve our date?

A signed contract and your first payment hold the date.

How does payment work?

Payments are split across three installments: 30% at signing, 40% due six months before your event, and 30% due 90 days before.

What if we need to change our date?

Date changes require at least eight months’ notice and carry a $250 rescheduling fee.