Ridiculous, insane idea for my wedding reception, someone give me encouragement or a reality check?

Question

okay, I live near this huge farm where they do all this crazy stuff for Halloween. They built a huge castle that they use as their haunted house. I've never been in it (too scary!!) but I've driven by it many times and it's gorgeous.

Okay.. so my friend was asking me where I wanted my wedding reception and I was joking around and said, "In a castle!" and then my mind jumped to the castle at the farm....

do you think they would let me hold me reception there??? what would be the issues with that?

Answer 1

I think that would be a great idea. and you could have everyone dress in ballgowns and such. How cool would that be?

Answer 2

oh dear god no.

please.

do not.

there is nothing gorgeous or elegant about some run down barn  - they don't build "castles" on cattle property - in a farmer's cow-pie riddled back yard.

unless of course you will be riding a donkey down the aisle, wearing overalls with no shirt underneath and have straw sticking out of your mouths during the ceremony.

Answer 3

I can't give you any advice on logistics, unfortunately, but I can say that if I were invited to a Halloween castle wedding, I'd be so excited that I'd risk peeing myself.  That would be so much fun, and think of the possibilities for theme invites, food, decor ....!!!!

Answer 4

Sounds fun.  If it is empty through out the year they may be okay with it.  Biggest problem would be open areas for dining and dancing.  What about a dept of health license for serving food there???  I say go for it....you could do it up like a gothic theme or be a fairy tale princess....cool.

Answer 5

You could call and find out. The worst thing that could happen is they tell you no. If they say yes they may charge you. Good luck with the wedding planning

Answer 6

That would be totally original and awesome. You should do it.

Answer 7

Doesn't hurt to call!  I think it sounds fun, but I see 2 issues.  The owners may not have the liability to cover such an event.  Also, haunted houses usually have a bunch of small rooms instead of a large room that you would need for a wedding.  Good luck!

Answer 8

i think that's an awesome idea!  check to see if they would do it

Answer 9

ask.

make sure you ask how many people it holds. or depending on the season you might be able to do it indoor and outdoor.

make sure you factor in the food. Will whoever is making your food do it there? or just transport it there?

sounds like an awesome idea to me! good luck

Answer 10

Why not? Ask! The worse they can do is say "Sorry, we don't rent out as banquet halls" that's it! and if they say yes then. you have a great, unique venue for your reception! Good luck and enjoy your day....

Answer 11

If it's big enough I think that would be really cool and unique! I would call the people who usually organize the halloween haunted house and ask them who to get in touch with for more information on whether or not they would allow it and what kind of restrictions they would have. You might have issues with alcohol or something. But it doesn't hurt to ask!

Answer 12

If it were built for halloween, it might not be an actual full building. Haunted houses usually look real from the outside, and inside it's mostly cheap drywall in the form of hallways and rooms. I would ask, if it was a real building, then I think that would be a great idea. You could make a great party theme out of it.

Answer 13

that would be freaking awesome!  all you have to do it ask

Answer 14

They might. Just ask. I mean, the worst that can happen is that they'll say no. You may have to offer some kind of "rental" money, but you probably expected that.

Answer 15

That sounds so cool! Can I come?? Contact the owners and see if this is possible. Sometimes you can't due to insurance reasons, but you never know. Maybe you'll start a trend. :)

Answer 16

its a great idea to have a wedding in a castle but you really need to see what it is like inside first it could be a right s**t hole so check first and then find out if you can rent it.

Answer 17

You'll need to call the owners and ask, first of all, whether they rent out the castle, what their policies are, and how much it costs. That may be an end to your idea immediately.

However, if they do rent it out and you can afford it, you'll need to find out what amenities are there. No kitchen? That will be a problem. What about bathrooms? Somewhere for a dance floor? Will you need to rent tables, chairs, dishes, etc? What about parking?

It definitely sounds like a fun idea, but you should definitely consider the budget and logistical implications.

Answer 18

Why not just phone or drop in on the farm? They'd probably think it's a great idea. And really, they're the only ones who can go over the issues with you.

Meanwhile, you could check your library's etiquette guides for the usual expectations about receptions.

Answer 19

I think it's a great idea, but you definitely have to check it out.  Among other things, they may not maintain it during the non-Halloween season.  The fact that you've never been in it because you were too scared may interest them though. ;)

I knew some folks that wanted to get married in a castle. They made do with the castle at the MN Renaissance Festival.

Answer 20

I think your idea is AWESOME! If I could have mine in a castle, I would!! I'd definitely ask! :)

Answer 21

That would be pretty neat, if you can get it decorated nicely.  Like a fairy tale.  You'd just have to get the icky halloween stuff out :)

Answer 22

If your wedding isn't halloween-themed, this castle might be too dark/eerie for a wedding.  I'm having a Halloween wedding, so I LOVE the idea but have some worries, such as:

Is it heated or air condition?

are there restroom facilities for your guests?

what about a kitchen area for food prep?

Are there any rooms large enough to hold the # of guests you are having?

What will it cost you to bring in tables & chairs?