FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What months are you open?
May – October

What is the venue capacity?
Including the bridal party, 300 seated

What dates are available?
For available dates please click here

How many events do you have per day?
In order to deliver you the best possible celebration, we only focus on one event per day.

Do you have electricity outside?
Yes, all of our ceremony locations include electricity. We also have outdoor speakers that your DJ or band may use to stream music on the outdoor patio during your event.

Where do my guests park?
We have a large lighted parking area for guests. Our Northfork Staff runs golf carts continuously throughout the event in case your guests prefer a ride. We also have legally designated handicapped parking closer to the venue.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully legal and carry venue liability insurance.

Where can I get ready with my bridesmaids?
We have a beautiful bridal suite that attaches to our restrooms with full air, full-length mirrors, and plenty of space to do hair and makeup.

Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
All tours are by appointment only.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Yes. The Holiday inn Express is located in Charlotte about 15 minutes away. We also have relationships with additional hotels that offer shuttle services. Please click here to see our list of hotels.

Do you allow animals onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
Only with pre-approval by Marta, dogs are allowed for the ceremony and photos. Other than service animals, dogs are NOT allowed inside the facility. Dogs must be leashed and have a specific caregiver to have them arrive immediately prior to the ceremony and depart immediately after photos. This cannot be the bride and groom.

Guests of Northfork:
No outside alcohol is permitted on the facility including the parking area. The Northfork Estate is a Drug-Free and Weapons Free Facility. Anyone not abiding by our policy will be asked to leave the premises.

Heating/Cooling:
The Northfork Estate is not heated or cooled in the main hall. Please dress accordingly for the weather.

Is the building accessible to those with mobility concerns?
Yes, the venue is ADA/handicap accessible along with handicap parking. The parking attendants will direct guests to this area if needed.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Northfork Estate?
Fantastic question! The average budget of a couple getting married at Northfork is between $18,000 and $22,000 for all wedding-related expenses. We have had some couples with smaller budgets and some with larger ones. It all depends on your vision for your day!

What is the investment and what does it include?
For included items and pricing please click here

When is the first payment due? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes, the first payment is due with the signed contract and is $1600. One year prior to your event the second payment is due, the third payment is due six months prior to your date and the final payment is due 60 days prior to your date. Yes, you can send smaller partial payments anytime along the way to create your very own payment plan. Full payment is due by the contract due date.

Do you include a rehearsal time in your fee?
We do not. We have monthly open houses where you are free to bring your tribe and walk through the experience of the day. Our venue will most likely be booked by another couple the night prior to your day. For that reason, you should plan for an offsite rehearsal or morning without the bride. You are also more than welcome to bring anyone you to one of our open houses ie: your DJ, minister, or any little ones in the wedding party.

We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only plan to have our ceremony at The Northfork Estate. Does your pricing change?
Our investment is the same whether you choose to have the ceremony, reception, or both here at The Northfork Estate; simply because we only host one event per day.

What form of payment does The Northfork Estate accept?
You can pay in person or drop a check in the mail (preferred). We do accept credit cards however we have to pass on the 3% fee they charge us to use their services.

Do you require Wedding Day Insurance?
We do require same-day event liability insurance to include host liquor if you will be providing it for your day. This can be purchased through your regular insurance company or through one of our vendors listed here. Proof of insurance is due 30 days prior to your event day.

How do I reserve a date?
Please email us at marta@thenorthforkestate.com indicating you are ready to book and include your date of preference. We will then send you the customized contract and once signed with the first payment your date will be solidified! In case your date is no longer available, please also include a second date of choice. It is not a requirement to set a tour prior to booking however we do encourage it. To set a tour please click here to request a tour. Our dates are reserved on a first come first serve basis.

My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?
Cancellations are rare and predictable; therefore we do not keep a wailing list.

Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
Prior to the opening of the gates, outside food and drink are permitted. Once gates are open to guests, outside food and drinks are not permitted. Please also inform your guests of this policy – no outside alcohol will be admitted onto the property. Please no drinks in glass bottles.

What is the event clean-up process?
The Northfork Staff will handle all clean-up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception; in addition to tearing down tables, chairs, and linens after the event.

Can we take photos around the venue on our wedding day?
Of Course – simply ask us and we would be happy to make recommendations; along with providing transportation for the bride and groom to the outskirts of the property. If this is desired, we can add it to the timeline for a seamless encounter.

Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
No. Many venues make a commission on food and drinks, therefore, requiring minimums or specific vendors. We choose Not to make a commission on any of our vendors allowing you to have the choice in what your budget allows with no additional add-on fees.

Do you provide dinnerware?
No. The Northfork Estate does not have dinnerware such as plates, silverware, charges, and glasses. These items must be provided by the caterer, purchased, or rented for your event. You may use disposable dinnerware or fine china – the choice is yours! The Northfork Estate is not responsible for cleaning or returning dinnerware. We do provide a one-of-a-kind venue, tables, white padded wedding chairs, white linens, linen napkins, staffing, and lots of décor. Check with your caterer for cups and silverware or your liking.

What is your alcohol policy?
The Northfork Estate does not carry a liquor license; therefore, all alcohol must be offered to guests without a charge. Alcohol must be served by a bartender either on our list click here, an authorized caterer, or our certified bartenders. Host liquor liability is required for your event if you choose to bring in your own alcohol and use a bartender that does not have a liquor license.

What is your food policy?
The Northfork Estate does not have onsite catering. Food must be prepared offsite in a Health Department-approved, licensed commercial kitchen. We do not allow homemade food of any kind. There is a catering kitchen on-site for the caterer’s use that includes two refrigerators, 2 freezers, prep tables, and a commercial sink. We do have a list of vendors we love working with see them here. If you have your heart set on a favorite vendor, not on our list, we require them to be approved (to verify they aren’t on the naughty list!), licensed, and insured. Please contact us about this procedure.

Does The Northfork Estate handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
You will work directly with the caterer, to experience a tasting and book their service. At that point, we will be in contact to work out the logistics of your day with the caterer directly.

Do you offer straight tables instead of rounds?
We do provide straight tables for all of the ancillary tables, such as gifts, guest books, catering, the head table, etc. All the guests will be seated at rounds that hold 8 adults comfortably.

What time can I arrive on my wedding day?
Please refer to your contract for arrival times on your date.

What happens if there is bad weather?
We always have a Plan B and know how to keep things moving smoothly in the event of bad weather. Our venue is set to be able to accommodate an indoor ceremony with no issues and no flipping of the facility. Making the decision to move indoors less stressful. Our Northfork Team can move quickly to assist you and your guests in case of a change in plans.

Do you have décor we can rent?
All of our décor including arches, uplighting, vases are included in the fee.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
Access to our venue will be in accordance with the time listed on your contract.

Do you include a “wedding day coordinator?”
Yes, we do! You have a dedicated day of coordinator and do not need to hire a professional wedding planner; however, you are more than welcome to do so. Our coordinator will help with ceremony management, timeline assistance, floor plan set up, unlimited emails, and phone communication which lead up to final execution on the wedding day. Vendor management and communication are also part of this service. We do not provide decorating services. Our Northfork Staff is also available to help pack up your personal items and décor at the end of the night (along with your designated family and friends) to ensure a speedy departure at the end of the night.

What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
Depending on the time of year, when the sun sets and if you plan on doing a first look, all affect the time of your ceremony start. Our suggested start times are 5:00 pm on Fridays, between 4:00 pm. We are available to help with timeline suggestions as well.

How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
Once a final headcount is established, you will be provided the layout of the venue for your day. Approximate layouts can be downloaded here.

What types of decorations are prohibited and what is allowed?
We do not allow fireworks, sparklers, or open flames (including candles) at The Northfork Estate. Confetti or loose glitter, rice, silly string, or fake snow are also prohibited. Balloons must be tied down or weighted down. Real flower petals or bubbles are allowed for the ceremony.

Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
The pallets behind the head table are the only area in which we allow small nails or thumbtacks. The side walls can be decorated using fishing wire or zip ties to hold items. The beams at Northfork are extremely tall and not accessible by a ladder. For this reason, we do not allow for anything to be hung from the beams. Our hope is that you will find them beautiful without all the extra work!

Can vehicles be left overnight?
We encourage all guests to plan on Not leaving a vehicle overnight. However, in the rare instance, this may be required, guests can contact Marta the following morning for retrieval between 11:00-11:30 am. Please advise your guests of this policy. The gates will be locked at midnight.

What time does the music need to end?
The music ends at 12:00 midnight.

We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
Deliveries occur during the standard rental time unless otherwise approved by Marta. Please advise your vendors of this policy.

Is it possible to seat 9 at a table?
For you guests comfort we do not recommend this unless one is a child.

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
Two weeks

How do I obtain a marriage license?
Information can be found at the Eaton County Website: https://www.eatoncounty.org/240/Marriage-License-Process