FAQs

What is your “hold” policy?

We will hold a date for you for up to five days once you have had your tour. At the end of those five days we can reserve the date for you with a non-refundable deposit of 50% percent and a signed contract submitted to Vanderwende Acres. If we do not hear back from you the date will be released. We know life can be busy, so don’t worry – we will follow up and check in before the five days are up.

What is your payment policy?

We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your date. The final event payment and security deposit must be made at least one month prior to the date of your event. Payments can be made by check, cash, or credit card. Please note – there is an additional 3.0% processing fee for credit card payments.

Security Damage Deposit

We require a $1,000.00 Security Damage Deposit for any damages that might occur while renting our venue. The $1,000.00 Security Damage Deposit will be refunded within two weeks if NO damages occur.

Can I bring in my own caterer and other vendors?

Yes! Vanderwende Acres requires all food and alcohol to be supplied and served by a full-service caterer who has their Delaware off-premise liquor license. If you are hiring a caterer not on our list, we must approve BEFORE you book them. All other vendors providing any type of service must be licensed and insured and be able to provide proof of this 30 days prior to the event. We have a Preferred Vendor list that we are happy to give you!

Do I need to hire a wedding planner?

This is completely up to you, but is not required. Our team will be accessible throughout your entire wedding planning process and day to assist with a number of things. The venue manager represents the venue and is in charge of making sure the facilities are operating smoothly. That includes opening and closing the venue, coordinating logistics with your vendors, keeping bathrooms and facility clean, and set up and break down of VA furniture. We are not a wedding planner, but we will keep an eye on your timeline and help behind the scenes so everything runs smoothly!

What is your capacity? 

The patio and pavilion can accommodate approximately 200 guests. The inside barn can accommodate 80 guests seated.

What time may we have access to the venue to get ready and set up?

Venue access begins at 9:00 a.m. the day of your wedding!

What are the hours for my event?

Events that include a Ceremony and Reception will not exceed an event period of six (6) hours. Events which are solely for a Reception will not exceed an event period of four (4) hours. Friday and Saturday events are to end no later than 10:00 p.m. Sunday events must end no later than 9:00 p.m. Any events that exceed these timeframes may result in an hourly charge.

Are other events scheduled on the same day?

No, we only host one event per day. We want our attention to be focused entirely on your event.

When is my rehearsal time?

Your complimentary one-hour rehearsal time will be scheduled as close to your wedding day as possible. The day and time will be based upon the availability of Vanderwende Acres and will be scheduled at your month out meeting! *Food and beverages are not permitted*  

May we decorate?

Absolutely! You may decorate if you do not need the use of a ladder. Any decorations requiring use of a ladder must be done by an insured and approved vendor. All displays and or decorations within the Barn are subject to approval by Vanderwende Acres. Nails, thumbtacks, screws, glue, silly putty or staples are not permitted. No items of any kind are to be placed on any fixed furniture or walls throughout the property.

Are candles allowed?

Candles may be used provided they are kept in enclosed glass containers, such as votives, mason jars, or lantern and safely secured. No candles are to be placed on the floors.

Are linens provided?

Linens are not provided because we believe each couple has their own unique vision – so we leave this up to you! We will gladly place your linens where they need to be the day of your wedding. Please note, all rental delivery times should be discussed with Vanderwende Acres prior to the event.

Can we have a sparkler send-off?

Unfortunately, no. Our Barn is a historic piece of property and would be extremely hard to rebuild if any damages occurred. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of barn friendly send offs out there!

Are the patio lights permanent?

The patio lights aren’t for everyone’s style so they are not permanent. If you would like them to be a part of your big day, we highly suggest SoDel Lighting & Event Décor to make that happen and can be installed before or after your ceremony.

Are pets allowed?

Yes! We love our pets just as much as you do. We do ask pets are only on-site for ceremony and picture purposes. No pets are allowed while getting ready or once the reception has started.

Is smoking allowed at the venue?

Our venue is a non-smoking venue, except for our designated smoking area.  If we find guests are not compliant to our rules, we will ask all guests to refrain from smoking and could use a portion of the security deposit for our cleaning purposes.

Who is responsible for cleaning after our wedding?

You are required to clean up and collect your décor, rented décor, and personal items. This includes collecting all trash in the suites and making sure furniture is back in place. You are also responsible for ensuring you have a caterer or assigned group of people to clear all dishes, food, and trash from your tables so you can collect table linens. VA does not provide table clearing services but we’re happy to help you grab your linens, centerpieces, etc. once tables have been cleared of trash, food, dinnerware, etc.! You’ll take everything with you that you don’t want us to throw away the night of your wedding and  we’ll take care of the rest! 

Do you provide heaters for the outside patio and pavilion?

Our pavilion stays toasty for the most part without heaters when enclosed. For those extra chilly nights, we suggest renting heaters if you see fit.