F.A.Q.'s
At Vintage Acres Weddings & Events, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Baltimore, Ontario, we specialize in crafting intimate and memorable wedding experiences. Our team is dedicated to come as close to your vision as possible, offering personalized service in a serene and elegant setting. With a deep commitment to detail and a passion for creating cherished moments, Vintage Acres is the perfect backdrop for your special day, ensuring an unforgettable and enchanting celebration.
How far is Vintage Acres from Toronto ?
We are located just 1.5 hours east of Toronto, 50 min from the GTA, 4.5 hours from Montreal and 3 hours from Ottawa depending on traffic and where you are coming from.
Do you have a maximum for the Nano Wedding package ?
The Nano package has 3 different tiers, with Tier III having a maximum attendee count of 74. The Premium Nano Plus package can be up to 88 in attendance. If you are looking for something even more smaller in scale (32 & under) please inquire.
Does the attendance count already include us ?
The couple of honor, the wedding party and all guests are counted in the max attendance.
Please note that if you are bringing an outside vendor who will require a meal and who will have access to your open bar, such as the DJ, content creator or photographer, they will be considered as a guest in the total count.
Do you have a minimum ?
The Nano Package starts with an attendance count of 40. If you wish to have less in attendance, please reach out, we have alternative packages that may to suit your needs.
Do we have to keep the tables set up as 8 people per table ?
Our package pricing is based on seating 8 guests per each round table. Should you choose to adjust the layout to accommodate smaller groups during the styling session meeting, please note this will increase the styling setup time and will require additional centerpieces. A per-table charge will apply if the final table count exceeds the number of tables originally included in your selected package.
How can I check if my preferred date is available ?
To confirm if your date is truly available, we recommend to ask us through an email message.
Can we have a winter wedding ?
We are open seasonally from the second week-end in May to the last day of Thanksgiving Week-End.
Do we need event insurance, even for smaller guest list ?
Yes. A day-of event insurance certificate is required 4 weeks before your event. We’ll email you a DUUO link two months in advance for an easy online quote. When applying, please register as individuals hosting an event with alcohol.
Can we bring our own caterer ?
The Nano package has been tailored with our in house catering only, for all the foods during the cocktail hour, the main meal, dessert & Moonlight snack. The In-house catering is an integral part of our Nano Wedding packages; as such, we do not offer the option remove the catering portion within this package or to bring in an outside catering company in lieu.
Can we have a pot-luck style dinner, where our guests contribute to our day by bringing food ?
To align with the rules of our insurance policy, please note that bringing potluck-style homemade food items, including desserts, is not permitted, .
Are cutlery, glassware & flatware (rentals) included ?
Cutlery, glassware, and flatware are provided - you may choose from our Standard selection or from our list of premium styling items.
Where can I get dressed if I have booked a Nano Package ?
As an afternoon into the evening event, the Nanos are meant to have the couple arrive dressed and ready to do their first look and proceed with the ceremony, hence most couples will get ready at home or at a hotel prior to their arrival here.
If you have selected to add the overnight stay in our beautiful farmhouse cottage, you will have access to it at 3:30pm and can use it for your final preparations before the big moment. (The farmhouse cottage is not be available during the event unless it has been specifically been selected to be added during the booking process). If you are booking the Premium plus package, the use of our beautiful dressing room is also included.
What about the decorations and wedding planning ?
Vintage Acres provides styled ceremony and styled reception tables and includes the couple's florals (as a custom x1 bouquet and x1 custom boutonniere).
Our coordination team will work closely with you to come as close to your vision as possible during your design meeting. Should you wish to include additional florals, such as corsages, boutonnieres or bridesmaid's bouquets, these can be added on separately and will be invoiced separately by the Andrea Ashley team.
The Nano Packages tier I, II or III include limited styling & design, where as the Premium Nano Plus package, includes full planning.
The nano-wedding includes the following sessions with the Coordination team:
x1 online Intro meeting
x1 on-line Design meeting
x1 on-line Timeline meeting
x1 Walk-though site visit at venue
Event day coordination (6-hours)
Round tables and white Chiavari chairs for the reception, as well as Black or White tablecloths are complimentary with all our packages. We also offer the use of four live edge acacia 6' tables, which make up a head table suitable for a group of up to 12
or in configuration to suit up to 14 people. You also have your choice of table numbers, plate style, table runners, napkins, chargers & glassware.
What about Day-of Coordination ?
Day of coordination is included with our Nano Wedding packages & Nano plus package.
How does the D.I.Y. bar package work ?
The D.I.Y. Open Bar Package provides the bartending staff, the Ice, after dinner plastic glassware & your special occasions permit for the event.
You provide all the alcohol for your event the morning of your day at 10:30am, including the prepared garnishes, juices & soft drinks for your mixes & the bar menu. This is offered as an 'open bar' option, without any sales to your guests.
All drinks are served in mixes, (no shots, no doubles and no self-serve is permitted). All alcohol must be listed on the receipts tied to the S.O.P. and consumed only at the designated areas, and served within the S.O.P. indicated times. At the end of the event, all the stock (both open and un-opened) will be remitted back to you - you can then choose to get a refund at the LCBO for the untouched stock.
Costco will not process alcohol purchases and tie the purchase to an S.O.P.
The LCBO will allow 100% of the unopened stock to be returned & record the receipts as tied to an S.O.P.
The Beer Store will allow 30% of the unopened stock to be returned and record the receipts as tied to an S.O.P.
Can my guests take some bottles with them at the end of the event as parting gifts ?
We are only allowed to remit the bar stock back to the hosts registered on the S.O.P. (Clients)
For this reason, we cannot allow guests to take home some of your leftover stock with them or on the shuttle after the celebration.
Can our guest arrive earlier to enjoy a few drinks before the ceremony ?
As the bartenders do not arrive until 4pm for their bar set up, and since the barn & bar are not accessible until 330pm, it is not possible to offer bar service until cocktail hour. Cocktail hour starts after the ceremony, typically around 430pm-530pm, with dinner starting around 5:45pm or 6pm dinner buffet service will be dependant on your timeline of key events decided such as grand entrance, first dance, mother-son dance etc.
What about the wine at dinner & when does the bar open and close ?
The bar will open at cocktail hour, during the prosecco and charcuterie service. Table wine will be placed on the tables and the bar will close during dinner, to open again after dinner. The remaining table wine will be placed behind the bar after dinner, to be part of the open bar service to your guests. As the bartenders need to monitor drinking, we cannot leave the bottles on the tables for the rest of the night. The bar comes to a full close at 11pm.
What do we do if it’s raining on our wedding day ?
We sincerely hope for sunny skies on your wedding day at Vintage Acres. However, as an outdoor venue, we acknowledge the unpredictability of weather. In the event of inclement weather, we can relocate your ceremony to the inside of the barn or under our beautiful marquee tent space. A lovely idea - under light rain- is to do an 'umbrella ceremony' where we will provide white umbrellas for your guests to borrow during the ceremony, it also makes for lovely pictures.
Shoe shoes shoes...which should I wear ?
We are looking forward to hosting you at our outdoor venue, As a gentle reminder, please consider the outdoor terrain when selecting your shoes for the day and provide a note in your invitations to help your guests be mindful of their steps and to wear the appropriate footwear for outdoor grass spaces. The Forest Chapel is carpeted with Faux turf which makes it easy to walk on, even with heals, however the short walk back to the barn is on natural grass, and is not even everywhere.
Is the barn heated ?
The barn is not heated; we are considered an outdoor venue and operate according to the natural ambient temperatures. For events held in late September or October, we recommend making plans to provide a basket of cozy blankets for guests and a friendly note included on your invitations encouraging guests to dress warmly or in layers, as the venue does not provide heating in the barn space.
Can we have a live band perform at our wedding ?
While we appreciate the enthusiasm for live music, our venue unfortunately does not permit live bands due to the acoustic limitations of the space and in consideration of our neighboring community. Our team is dedicated to creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests, and we are happy to work with you to explore alternative entertainment options that align with our venue's guidelines. String instrument groups and DJ's listed on our preferred vendor's list are welcomed, we request that they use the venue's sound system during their time here.
Please note that in consideration and in compliance with local noise regulations, we kindly bring to your attention that all amplified sound will be turned down to an appropriate volume by 11:00 PM. We want to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone, and your cooperation in adhering to this time frame is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns regarding sound management, our event staff will be happy to assist you in achieving a harmonious atmosphere throughout your event.
Are furry friends allowed as you are an outdoor venue ?
We love animals, but since the property is home to sheep and chickens, pets are not permitted on site. This helps keep our farm animals calm and comfortable as they startle at anything that resembles fox or coyotes
Please include a note in your invitations that pets are not permitted on the property.
Just a short distance away, Tucked Inn Kennels offers a delightful country retreat for your furry friends. From private hikes and spa treatments to bedtime stories and snuggles, your dog will be well-cared for at Tucked Inn Kennels. They are located approximately 12 minutes from our farm. http://www.tuckedinn.ca. Alternatively, CJ's Dog Resort is about a 15 min drive also. http://cjsdogresortandspa.ca
Is Wi-Fi available at Vintage Acres ?
Due to the remote location of Vintage Acres, cellular reception may be limited and guests may not be able to stay connected to the outside world. We encourage guests to embrace the opportunity for a screen-free day and enjoy the natural beauty of the ponds and grounds.
Do you provide washrooms ?
We provide washrooms that are higher end portable style units in May.
From June to October, we have here an additional x2 unit luxury washroom trailer on site.
Can we stay overnight with the Nano-wedding package as an optional add-on ?
The Farmhouse cottage overnight stay can be add-on to any of the Nano Wedding packages and includes a breakfast delivered at 9 am the next day. It is an integral part of the Nano-Plus package.
If we rent the farmhouse cottage, can our dogs stay in it too ?
Due to allergies and our own farm animals on site, Dogs are not permitted on the property and not permitted in the farmhouse cottage.
Must is be the couple of honor who stays overnight, or can it be someone else ?
The farmhouse cottage is suitable for an occupancy of two adults, with a queen bed. If added, It can be hosting the couple of honor or any other two guests from your group. The overnight stay add on applies the same date as your event.
Where can my guests stay overnight when attending an event at Vintage Acres ?
The town of Cobourg, which is located 12 minutes south of Vintage Acres, has several options including the Best Western and Comfort Inn, and many bed and breakfasts. We can provide you with a list of local Air Bnb's for your convenience.
Is the shuttle included ?
For the Tier III Nano Wedding package and the Nano Premium Plus package, the shuttle for your guests is included, limited to 2 pickups from the Best Western in Cobourg, and two returns at 10:00pm and 11pm. (11 & 12 on the premium plus package) For the Tier I and Tier II Nano Wedding packages, you may choose to add on a shuttle as an option - we will be sure to get you a quote first, so you can approve before invoicing of the initial deposit.
May our guests to bring their own tents to camp on the property ?
Vintage Acres Venue is classified as an outdoor venue space, and is not zoned, nor permitted as a campground or resort space. We are subject to the bylaws of the Township of Alnwick-Haldimand; as per these regulations, we are not authorized to allow guests to pitch and stay in their own tents on the property overnight. All guests, other than the couple staying in the farmhouse cottage that night, are required to leave Vintage Acres by the end of the event, according to the chosen package's timeline.
Overnight camping or RV set up is not permitted at anytime. Please note any overnight parking must be approved & cars are to be removed by 10 am the day following your event.
Can our guests go swimming in the ponds ?
The ponds are definitely not suitable for swimming.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times, with particular attention when near the ponds and near the animals.
Do I need to pay a security deposit to book the venue ?
We require your credit card details upon signing the contract, to be kept on file for incidentals or damages caused to the property or furniture. This will be a refundable amount of $400. We ask our guests to help us maintain the property's condition for future weddings, just like previous couples will have done for others.
Will you hold my date for me, while I make my decision and look around at other venues ?
We are happy to hold your preferred single date for a period of one week (7 consecutive days) upon receiving confirmation from you to hold it by email notice, we will do this once only per couple, following their venue tour.
Do you refund the initial deposit if the couple cancels their booking ?
A deposit and signing of the agreement is required to confirm your wedding venue reservation. All deposits are non-refundable. If your event needs to be rescheduled due to new Covid-related regulations, we will, work with you to reschedule and choose a new suitable date in lieu.
Is smoking cigarettes, vaping or weed allowed at Vintage Acres ?
Smoking, vaping and are solely and only allowed in a designated area which will be clearly marked for you and your guests. One of our regular bartender has Asma and is immediately affected by smoke and vapes. If someone is found vaping or smoking at the patio, or near the barn, they will be promptly asked to leave and go to the Smoking designated area under the red tent. Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited outside of the designated area, including near the farm entrances and the parking areas.
Can my guests arrive anytime on our booked day ?
The property access to guests will be available as of 3:30pm only; prior to this, the barn and forest ceremony will be bustling with the coordination team setting up your decor and the Vintage Acres team will be making preparations inside the barn to get things just right for your day. Please indicate on your RSVP's that guest arrival is at 3:30pm.
How will my guests know where to go ?
There will be an attendant at the driveway, who will direct your guests upon their arrival, telling them where to park and where to get seated as they wait for the ceremony.
What happens if a guest arrives late?
Once the processional begins, our attendant will move closer to the road to ensure there are no interruptions during the ceremony. Any late arrivals will be kindly directed to an alternate parking area, out of view and away from ceremony noise. Guests are welcome to move their vehicle to the regular parking area after the recessional.
Do you allow yard games ?
You are welcome have yard games on the lawn on the flat grass area south of the firepit. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements or arrangements such as rental company drop off. We required proper clean up the games by the clients to ensure there are no small pieces left behind on the grounds that could damage our property management tools.
If you are bringing yard games during the drop off, the day of your event at 10:30am, Please ensure they are already assembled - Assembly of yard games is outside of the venue or coordination team responsibilities.
Can we have a campfire ?
We have a beautiful large Gas firepit area with Adirondack and armor stone seating on the East side of the pavilion which is lit during your event. Guests are naturally drawn to this favorite gathering spot. Gas Firepits are not subject to the restrictions of fire bans and will stay lit even in high winds or rain. No one will go home smelling like smoke or campfire.
We do not have a wood-burning firepit on site.
Can we do Smore's at the firepit?
To retain the beauty of the Firepit, as it is gas fired, S'mores are not allowed; any bits of marsh-mellows falling in the beautiful stones would damage the firing system and ruin the porous lava stones.
What about parking ?
The farm has ample parking. All vehicles should be removed by end of the event's timeline, with the exception of the honeymooners who may stay until 10 am the following day. All vehicles must be removed from the property by 10 am following the wedding night to make way for the next day's event.
When is the deadline for all guests and vendors to leave the premises ?
Vintage Acres must adhere to the Alnwick-Haldimand township assigned zoning which mandates the venue to close at 11pm. Please note that all clean up must be completely finished by 10 am the next day in order to allow Vintage Acres to host their next event.
Is it possible for us to enter the sheep enclosures & pet them ?
The sheep are gentle and enjoy grazing on grass. While you are welcome to pet them, we request that for everyone's safety, please know that the fence is electrified and that absolutely everyone remain outside the fenced area. It is best to pet them on their heads, when they come up to the fence. It's important to remember that they are still animals and may react differently to different people, caution should always be exercised. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times on the grounds. We are happy to provide a guided experience with our sheep and chickens, where you can pet them closely.
Can we bring our own food?
All our packages include in house catering. We are happy to accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and celiac-friendly options.
Please know that all catering is provided in-house by Vintage Pizza Pie Co. - outside caterers, potlucks, or homemade foods (including desserts) are not permitted.
A family member wants to bake our wedding cake — is that okay?
Although a lovely idea, our health and insurance regulations do not allow homemade or third-party baked goods to be served or consumed on site.
Can we decorate the space? What’s allowed for bringing our own decor?
You’re welcome to bring a few personal touches to make your day feel uniquely yours at time of the bar drop off (10:30am)
These items can include x2 bar menus, a seating chart, name cards, a card box, yard games (already assembled) guest favors, and a guest signing book. Please ask in advance if you wish to bring a large items such as display or greenery wall, in consideration that the venue must be prepared in advance to create space for this item (if possible).
To help our team come as close to your vision as possible, please ensure that all décor items arrive fully assembled and ready to display. (For example, card boxes, signage, or yard games should already be put together before drop-off.)
The Day of Coordination person will take care of styling and setting up the agreed-upon décor items.
These are limited to:
Seating chart, Welcome Sign, Name cards, and Guest favours and Card box display
Reception table settings and their centerpieces
Reserved ceremony seating signs and Ceremony Altar florals styling / display - as discussed in sessions.
Yard Games placement (only if already assembled and ready to display)
Please note that any extra décor items unexpectedly dropped off the day of your wedding which have not been discussed in advance with the Andrea Ashley team, cannot be set up by either the coordination team or by the venue team on the day of your event - This is because the day set up timing will have already been established during sessions and cannot be altered on the day as a last minute change.
Please respect that there will be no guest or additional drop off access between 11AM-330pm as we this a sensitive time for us to prepare for your event. Certain vendors (DJ, photographer, content creator) will be allotted early access for their specialty set up, as arranged with venue and coordination team in advance, however, Guests are kindly asked to arrive between 3:30 and 4:00 PM only.
Can we offer a cash bar?
This package operates under a Special Occasion Permit (S.O.P.), which does not allow alcohol sales.
You may offer an open bar by purchasing alcohol through the LCBO. This keeps costs manageable, and unopened bottles can be returned (Multi packs are returnable provided they are full and unopened packages) Alcohol must remain within the permitted areas at all times and within the listed: Barn, Patio, Bridge & Marquee Tent.
When can we drop off our alcohol?
Bar stock drop-off is at 10:30 AM on your event day, giving us time to chill your drinks for the evening. Due to limited storage, and with respect to on-going events, your alcohol cannot be dropped off earlier or stored at Vintage Acres in the days prior or during the days after your event.
When do we pickup our alcohol and wedding items once the wedding is over?
All items, including alcohol, must be removed from Vintage Acres by 10am the day following your event.
Can we have shots or signature drinks?
Drinks are served as mixes only. Shots (and shots on ice) doubles, and self-serve options are not permitted.
Simple signature drinks are welcomed as long as all supplies and garnishes are provided during your bar stock drop off. We will not serve home-made alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixtures; the bartenders must make the mixes at the venue in our commercial kitchen.
Can guests bring their own drinks?
All alcohol served or consumed on site must come from your approved S.O.P. stock and be served by the bartender. Guests may not bring or consume their own alcohol anywhere on the property, including in cars, parking lot, or other non-designated areas. SOP designated areas are: The barn, barn patio, Marquee tent and firepit areas.
Are the florals included?
The Mini celebrations do not include the florals, however, all the Nano packages do include a bridal bouquet and a bridal boutonniere, along with table centre pieces to match your theme are included, this also includes the ceremony florals to highlight your Altar space . Please note that there may be seasonal limits to available florals, and that for specialty requests or specific floral upgrades, an additional charge will apply. If you would like any additional or specialty floral enhancements, they will be invoiced by the Andrea Ashley team separately.
Is the M.C. included in your services?
The Master of Ceremony task is an important and essential one to keep things running smoothly. This person must be assigned by the couple and is outside of the Nano package. The MC can someone from your guest list of a hired professional D.J. - The M.C. will be responsible to manage all the songs from your plug n' play list, make the announcements for the grand entrance & significant dances, as well as call out dinner tables and announce speeches