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Common Bridal Questions

 

Q: Can I bring my own alcohol?
A: No, we are very sorry but Cooper’s Landing has a full ABC License and all alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the Inn. We also carry the liability insurance required for events.

Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: No, we have on site catering facilities and all food is made on-site in order to stay compliant with health code regulations and our on-site licenses.

Q: Do you allow same sex marriages?
A: Yes, our officiant does a very beautiful service and at Cooper’s we LOVE everyone!

Q: Can I bring my own minister?
A: Yes, $100 will be deducted from your package price and your minister will then handle all paperwork. We will just need to know the duration of your minister’s ceremony.

Q: Can I make adjustments to the heavy hors d’oeuvers selection included in the package?
A: Yes, some items are able to be traded out at no additional cost and others may incur a small upcharge. This is typically something Nichol discusses with each individual bride.

Q: Can the total cost of the heavy hors d’oeuvers be applied towards a full dinner for guests?
A: Yes. The hors d’oeuvres are built into the package at $12 per person so we would take the maximum number of guests in that package tier and multiply that number by the cost of hors d’oeuvers and apply the credit to the dinner (For example, if you fall into the 75-100 person package then we take 100 guests x $12 and give you a $1200 credit towards your selected dinner). Dinner costs are based on selected menu and we are happy to discuss these options at your scheduled bridal meeting.

Q: Do non-alcoholic beverages come with the packages?
A: No, you may add a non-alcoholic beverage station for $2.50 per person which includes tea and lemonade.

Q: What is the length of time included for our wedding/reception?
A: 4 hours from the scheduled start time to scheduled end time.


Q: Can we add an additional hour to our reception time?

A: Yes, the cost is $250 per hour.

Q: How do I obtain a marriage license?
A: You can obtain a marriage license at the Clerk of Court anywhere in the state of Virginia 60 days prior to your wedding date.

Q: What type of ceremonies do you offer?
A: Our minister offers both religious and secular ceremonies. He is happy to customize the ceremony to include your own vows or readings.

Q: How do I save my date?
A: You will need to make a $500.00 non-refundable “save the date deposit” and this secures your date.

Q: Are any of the payments/deposits refundable?
A: No, all payments and deposits are non refundable. We are very sorry but we cannot make any exceptions because we have been holding this date especially for you.

Q: What type of payments do you accept for deposits?
A: We accept cash, check, or money order for deposits. We do not accept credit cards for wedding payments.

Q: What are our bar options?
A: We have several bar options… Open bar, cash bar, or a budgeted open bar. For example, you set a $1500 budget and when we approach that amount we will let you know and you can either extend the bar or change to cash bar. We can also do a mix of open and cash bar (for example, you may have beer and wine as an open bar and cocktails through a cash).

Q: If we do a cash bar is there a bar fee?
A: Yes, all cash bars incur a $50 bar set-up fee and a $100 bartender fee. For open bars and budgeted bars over $500 the bartender fee will be waived. For budgeted bars over $1,000 both fees will be waived.

Q: Can I make changes to my package size after I have booked?
A: We do one complementary package size change as long as we are notified 8 weeks prior to your wedding date. Your package can be changed one size up or one size down at that time.

Q: Most of my guests are from out of town, is there lodging near the Inn?
A: On site we have 6 rooms at the main Inn and 6 cottages. You can sleep 32 people comfortably on-site. There are also 2 hotels 6 blocks away that are walking distance.

Q: Do you allow DJ’s or live bands?
A: Yes, we allow both and there is ample electricity for both. The town ordinance is 11pm so any band or DJ has to be turned down to a regular restaurant level at that time.

Q: Do you allow pets in the ceremony?
A: Yes, over the years we have had many dog ring bearers and even one bunny and one monkey as a flower girl! If your pet is staying with you, our pet fees and policies will be in effect.

Q: Can I customize my cake flavors for the different tiers?
A: Yes, we offer the following flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Mocha, Marble, Strawberry, Pineapple, Vanilla, Almond, Lemon, Pistachio, Pumpkin Spice, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, Butter Pecan, Lemon Pound Cake, and Butter Pound Cake. Each tier can be a different flavor if you desire. **Gluten free option also available

Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, we are happy to accommodate your needs. We are happy to work with you to create gluten free, low sugar, dairy free, or vegetarian offerings for your guests.

Q: Is the venue handicap accessible?
A: Both the ceremony site and the two options for receptions are handicap accessible. However, the bathrooms do require one small step down. Because of the age of the house the door frames are oversized and an oversized wheelchair can easily go down this step backwards. There are grab bars in the large restroom as well.

Q: Do you box up leftover food and cake?
A: Yes

Q: I see the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere are included? If I have a friend making my bouquet can these items be removed from the package?
A: Yes. We would remove $75 from your package price.

Q: Since the bouquet and wedding cake are included, can these items be customized?
A: Yes, most couples refer to sample cakes and bouquets they like from our website and then we forward them to the local florist and our pastry chef. For the cake we do all buttercream icing and offer the following icing techniques – smooth traditional piping, spackle effect, rosette effect, swirl effect, or naked cakes. For the bouquet we will find out your wedding colors and whether you would like roses or mixed seasonal flowers.

Q: How do you work payments?
A: At booking you will pay a $500 “save the date” deposit. Then we will generate a confirmation for you. For your second deposit we will take your “booking date” and “wedding date” and meet in the middle. At that time you will pay 50% of your total. Your final balance will be due 30 days prior to the event.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book?
A: Every year and season varies. Some people book 2 years in advance and others book 2 months in advance. A good rule of thumb is 8 months – year if you have a specific date in mind.

Q: Do you only accept Saturday weddings?
A: No, we are happy to accommodate any request you have based on availability.

Q: Do we do a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner?
A: If you would like to schedule a rehearsal and dinner we are happy to do that. $150 fee will apply for the rehearsal. Dinner cost will depend on menu selected.

Q: When am I able to decorate?
A: The staff comes 4 hours prior to events to do set-up and cleaning. We always ask you to give them 30-45 minutes and then you are welcome to start decorating.