Frequently Asked Questions
Wedding and Event FAQ
At a Glance
Policies
Requirements
Capacity
Deposit
Where are you located?
Nestled at 14145 Banks O’Dee Rd. in Newburg, MD, our venue is a hidden gem in Southern MD, Charles County. Conveniently situated just one hour outside of Washington, DC, Alexandria VA, Richmond, Northern VA, and Baltimore, we offer the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility.
What is the capacity of your venue?
We’re here to accommodate your dream wedding with tables and chairs provided for up to 200 guests and an option for a maximum of 250. For each additional guest beyond 200, there’s a small charge to cover the extra rental needs for tables and chairs.
Do you offer overnight accommodations?
While we don’t provide overnight stays on-site, we’ve got you covered with numerous local hotel options and charming Air B&Bs nearby, ensuring your guests have a cozy place to rest after celebrating your special day.
What venue spaces are on your property?
Our venue offers a diverse range of spaces to make your wedding truly special. From exclusive luxury getting-ready rooms to picturesque waterfront ceremony locations, a spacious outdoor lawn with seating and games, and a timber frame Pavilion for your reception, dining, and dancing—we’ve thoughtfully designed each space to enhance every moment of your celebration.
Do you have on-site parking?
Absolutely! Our Parking Crew is here to assist your guests, guiding them to designated spots. We even allow overnight parking at no extra charge if a shuttle bus is provided for their safe travels.
What kind of outdoor spaces do you offer?
Picture your dream wedding against the backdrop of nature’s beauty. As a waterfront venue, we provide enchanting outdoor spaces to elevate your experience. Our scenic grounds boast waterfront views, a 130ft waterfront pier, a serene beach area, lush gardens, farm fields, a charming pond, and other outdoor spots perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and capturing those unforgettable moments in photographs.
Do you have a backup plan for inclement weather?
Absolutely! We understand that weather can be unpredictable. Rest assured, we have a well-thought-out plan to seamlessly transition your celebration to the indoor space of our Pavilion if needed. Your comfort and enjoyment on your special day are our top priorities.
What is included in the venue rental fee?
Our comprehensive package ensures you have exclusive access to the venue from 9 am to 11 pm, with 7 hours dedicated to hosting your event. We take care of the clean-up, repackaging your personal items, and provide access to getting ready rooms, photo-friendly areas, tables, and chairs for up to 200 guests. Our full venue staff is on-site to assist with setup and breakdown, and you’ll have a day-of coordinator (we require one) and virtual assistant to help plan your day seamlessly.
Do you offer elopement packages, micro wedding packages, or small wedding packages?
Absolutely! We reserve these options, along with smaller parties like bridal showers, baby showers, and birthday events, for Sunday-Wednesday celebrations.
What style of weddings do you specialize in?
We specialize in creating unforgettable weddings tailored to your unique style. Bring us your decor and style that best represents you, and let’s invite family and friends to celebrate love in all its forms.
Can we bring in our own decor?
Certainly! Your wedding should reflect your unique style. We not only welcome but encourage you to bring your own decor to personalize the venue and make it uniquely yours. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure your vision comes to life just as you’ve imagined.
What kind of lighting do you have available?
Immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of our venue. Adorned with elegant chandeliers, our space creates a timeless atmosphere. Enjoy the warm glow of bistro lighting that adds charm to your celebration. As the night unfolds, all our light fixtures can be dimmed, and experience the energy with uplighting that transforms the space, enhancing the festive mood during the dancing hours.
Do you have ready rooms?
Absolutely! Prepare for your special day in style. Our exquisite ready rooms for both parties are designed with a spectacular expansive waterview. These rooms offer comfort, convenience, and entertainment, featuring elegant decor, ample natural light, and all the amenities you need to get ready for your wedding.
Who is responsible for the table and chair setup and teardown?
Leave the logistics to us! At The Pavilion at Weatherly, we take care of the setup and teardown of tables and chairs, ensuring a stress-free experience for you. Our dedicated team handles all the details, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your celebration. It’s part of our commitment to providing a seamless and memorable wedding experience for our couples.
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely! We’re proud to be an inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly wedding venue, welcoming couples from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their love with us.
Can we bring in our own caterer?
Absolutely! We understand the importance of personal choices. If you have a specific full-service caterer in mind that is not on our recommended list, we are open to considering them. Contact us to discuss and gain pre-approval, ensuring a smooth coordination with the venue for your catering preferences.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Alcohol can only be served through the Pavilion at Weatherly. We offer a selection of bar packages to accommodate your preferences. This ensures compliance with regulations and a seamless, personalized experience for you and your guests.
Do you have a caterer’s kitchen and prep area?
Absolutely! The Pavilion at Weatherly features a dedicated caterer’s prep kitchen equipped to meet the needs of your culinary team. We also offer a separate entrance for caterers, providing convenient access. Additionally, designated outdoor space is available for outdoor grilling and cooking. We prioritize creating a seamless and accommodating environment for all our vendors.
Do you have a preferred vendor list?
Yes, we do! We’re delighted to share our recommended favorites with you. Our curated list includes vendors known for their excellence in various services across the bridal industry.
Do we need to hire a wedding coordinator?
Absolutely! Your special day deserves special attention. We have an incredible list of coordinators that have worked events here in the past for you to choose from. What’s more, leading up to your big day, we offer virtual assistance to ensure a seamless planning process. Our goal is to provide you with a dedicated team, both in person and virtually, making your wedding experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Can we hire our own wedding planner?
Certainly! Your wedding, your way. Feel free to hire your own wedding planner. We do require that you hire a coordinator. We value the expertise they bring, and we’re more than happy to collaborate closely with them. Our aim is to work hand in hand with your chosen planner to bring your vision to life seamlessly, creating the perfect wedding experience tailored to your preferences.
What is the timeline for planning a wedding at your venue?
The timeline for planning a wedding at The Pavilion at Weatherly can vary based on your preferred date and the complexity of your vision. Typically, couples book 12-18 months in advance to secure their desired date. However, we understand that love knows no timeline, and we’re flexible to accommodate shorter timelines based on availability.
Is there a rehearsal included in the rental fee?
Absolutely! As part of our inclusive rental fee, we offer a complimentary rehearsal for events scheduled on Friday/Saturday or Sunday. Rehearsals are scheduled on Thursdays preceding your event, ensuring that everything flows seamlessly on your big day.
Do you have any restrictions on music or entertainment?
To keep things harmonious, we comply with our county ordinance requiring music to conclude by 10pm. We provide a sound acknowledgment form to be signed by both the couple and the entertainment in advance of your celebration. This ensures a smooth and joyful experience, allowing flexibility for the choice of a DJ, band, or both to enhance your celebration within the specified timeframe.
Can we have our ceremony and reception at different locations on the property?
Yes! Your wedding is a unique reflection of your love story. Most wedding events celebrate an outdoor waterfront ceremony, and if you desire, you can continue the festivities with dinner and dancing inside our picturesque waterfront Pavilion.
Are tables and chairs included in the rental fee?
Absolutely! We believe in making your planning process as smooth as possible. Tables and chairs are included in the rental fee, and we take care of the setup and breakdown. You’ll receive a list of different tables and chairs to choose from, and we even offer a computer planning option to design your floor plan setup, ensuring everything is just the way you envision it.
Do you have liability insurance?
Rest assured, the venue is covered for liability insurance. To ensure a secure celebration, we encourage clients to obtain liability insurance coverage as well. During our planning period, we’ll discuss this in detail and assist you with the necessary requirements.
Are there any restrictions on photography or videography?
Capture your love story freely! Both photographers and videographers are welcome to film and photograph anywhere on the property. If you’re thinking of adding an aerial touch with a drone, we simply ask that the drone operator be certified and provide a copy of the license due to our proximity to the DC area.
Do you have preferred vendors for other services, such as photography, florists, or entertainment?
Absolutely! We believe in surrounding you with excellence. Our curated list includes recommended vendors covering every category in the bridal industry. These vendors are known for their exceptional services and can contribute to making your special day even more memorable.
What is your policy on candles, open flames, or other decorations?
Personalize your space to your heart’s content! We welcome candles, with a preference for battery-operated ones. Open flames are allowed if safely enclosed in a vase. Feel free to bring your creative ideas for other decorations, and if you’re unsure, discuss them with us. We’re here to assist and ensure everything aligns with our venue policies.
Is there a designated smoking area?
For the comfort of all guests, we’ve designated a smoking area outside the Pavilion. To maintain cleanliness, we provide butt disposal in this area. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please do not smoke in the dressing suites or anywhere inside.
Do you have a noise curfew or specific hours for events?
To comply with our county ordinance and ensure a harmonious experience, music concludes by 10 pm. We provide a sound acknowledgment form to be signed by both the couple and the entertainment in advance. This allows flexibility for the choice of a DJ, band, or both to enhance your celebration within the specified timeframe. Our venue rental fee includes exclusive access from 9 am-11 pm, giving you 7 hours to host your event, with 6 hours dedicated to the ceremony to reception timeline and 1 hour for clean-up. Don’t worry about clean-up; we take care of it, repackaging your private items to make the day truly yours. The couple also has access to getting-ready rooms prior to the ceremony.
Are there any restrictions on the type of entertainment, such as live bands or DJs?
Celebrate your way! To comply with the county ordinance, music concludes by 10 pm. We provide a sound acknowledgment form for your chosen entertainment to sign in advance, ensuring a seamless and joyful experience. You have the flexibility to choose a DJ, band, or both within the specified timeframe.
Can we bring in our own vendors if they are not on your recommended list?
Absolutely! Your choices matter. You’re welcome to bring in your own vendors, and we’ll work seamlessly with them. While we have recommended favorites covering every category in the bridal industry, we understand personal preferences. If you’re bringing in your own caterer, they must be a Full-Service Caterer and pre-approved through Denise, the Owner.
What time can we access the venue on the wedding day?
Your special day begins at 9 am! The dressing suites open up for those needing hair and make-up applied. Set-up and vendor arrivals commence, offering you a full 7 hours for the actual event celebration. From the ceremony’s start time to the end of the reception, enjoy 6 hours of joyful moments, with an additional 1 hour allotted for clean-up and departure. The venue gracefully closes at 11 pm.
Is there a limit on how many hours we can use the venue?
Your celebration unfolds over 7 magical hours! From the initial access at 9 am, the timeline flows seamlessly, providing ample time for preparations, the ceremony, reception, and a smooth departure by 11 pm.
What time does the party need to stop?
As per county regulations, all events must conclude by 10 pm. At this time, the music gracefully fades, the lights come on, and the clean-up process begins. Your event officially closes at 11 pm, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration.
What is the closest international airport to your venue?
The closest international airports are Reagan National and Dulles Airports. They serve as convenient gateways to travelers to and from the area.
What is the proximity of accommodations for guests traveling from out of town?
Our venue offers a spectrum of accommodation options for your out-of-town guests. To the south, hotels are conveniently located just 7 miles away, while to the north, there are additional options within a 13-mile distance. For those seeking the charm of Airbnb, several choices are available in the vicinity, with the closest being approximately 4 miles away. Additionally, we provide recommendations for transportation companies that can efficiently transport your guests to and from our venue. Your guests will have a range of choices for a comfortable stay near our enchanting venue.
How is the parking situation for guests?
Our venue offers ample parking space for 100 cars or more. We have designated handicapped parking spaces. To enhance your experience, we provide a dedicated parking crew to welcome your guests and guide them to their spots. As an added convenience, overnight parking is allowed at no additional charge, provided the cars are picked up 10 am the following morning. We strive to make parking stress-free and accommodating for all our guests
How do I book your venue for my wedding?
Booking is a breeze! Reach out to us via email, check availability, discuss packages, and let’s schedule a tour. We’re eager to help you bring your vision to life!
Can I schedule a tour of the venue?
Certainly! Reach out through our website or email, and we’ll arrange a tour at a time that suits you best. We can’t wait to meet you and hear all about your wedding day dreams!
Is a deposit required to book a date?
Yes, to secure your chosen date, we do require a deposit along with a signed contract. The second payment towards the venue rental is due 6 months before the date chosen and the final is due 3 months prior.
Are there any additional fees or charges?
The total venue price includes the rental fee plus a 6% MD SALES TAX. A Certificate of Liability insurance is required. The bar package cost, based on the number of guests over 21, is an additional fee collected 2 weeks before the event. Optional family fun activities like a Fireworks Display, Waterfront Golf, and Boat Ride Services are available upon request.
When is the final payment due?
The final venue rental payment is due 3 months before the event date. The bar package payment is due 2 weeks before the event date. We ensure a transparent process, allowing you to plan and prepare with ease.
