WHAT IS THE RENTAL FEE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Please visit this page for complete details on pricing and included amenities.

WHAT IS THE RAYMOND VENUE AND BIRD DOG CAPACITY?

The Raymond Venue has a capacity of 200 guests including the bridal party.

The Bird Dog’s capacity is 25 guests.

WHAT DATES ARE AVAILABLE?

Please see the available dates information here.

IS THERE A BOOKING FEE OR PAYMENT PLAN TERMS?

Yes. When the contract is signed, to continue to hold the date we require a $1,000 booking fee. Six months prior to the event all but $500 of the remaining fee will be due. The final $500 installment will be required 30 days prior to the event. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due date. In lieu of a security deposit, we require a credit card on file in the unlikely event of any damages to the facility or grounds.

HOW DO I RESERVE A DATE?

To reserve a date email us at theraymondvenue@gmail.com with the date you are ready to book if it is still available. We encourage you to come take a tour prior to reserving your date, although it is not required. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Your reservation is not official until we receive your booking fee and contract.

You may also begin the booking process by filling out our Book Now form.

DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CAN I STOP BY?

We kindly require a scheduled tour time. You can request a tour here.

WILL THERE BE ANOTHER WEDDING SCHEDULED FOR THE SAME DAY/WEEKEND?

At The Raymond, we only host one wedding each day to ensure that the couple’s event is special and receives our full attention.

ARE THERE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS ON PROPERTY OR NEARBY?

Yes. We are less than 10 miles from several hotels. Eagle Ridge Golf & Conference Center is located 1.8 miles from the venue that can accommodate any size group. Additionally, there is also the adorable Mamie’s Cottage B&B at the Dupree House within minutes of downtown. The Moody General, The Porter House, The Dove Cottage, and Highland Court are the area’s newest overnight accommodations conveniently located right down the road from the venue.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

Due to the size and layout of our venue, we will make sure we keep you covered. In the event of rain, you will be able to have both the ceremony and reception indoors. The walkway to our outdoor courtyard and bathroom area is completely covered so no worries.

DOES THE FEE CHANGE IF I ONLY WANT TO USE THE SPACE FOR MY RECEPTION AND NOT THE CEREMONY?

Great question. The answer is no, and here is why. Our fee is based upon several factors including set-up, tear down, cleaning, wear and tear of facility and utilities. We also only host one event per day so we can focus all our energy on you and your event, so the fee remains the same.

DO YOU ALLOW DOGS OR PETS?

We are dog-friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are only allowed with pre-approval at the ceremony and pictures. They must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. Dogs must be taken off the premises or kenneled after the ceremony and pictures. If you need an awesome dog handler the day of your wedding check out Wagnolia Bells.

DO YOU HAVE CATERING RESTRICTIONS?

No, we do not have an exclusive catering list you must choose from. As the venue, and as an advocate for you and your special day, we do encourage you to check our vendor recommendations list.

CAN WE HAVE A POTLUCK MEAL OR CAN THE FAMILY PROVIDE THE FOOD?

We love home-cooked meals and family recipes but must operate within certain guidelines set forth by state laws and our insurance carrier. We require ALL food to be cooked and prepared in a licensed off-site kitchen. For your convenience, the caterer you choose to serve at The Raymond must be “full service” caterers. View our Prep Kitchen Policy here. Caterers are also required to carry $1 Million liability insurance and be ServeSafe certified.

ARE TABLE LINENS, PLATES, SILVERWARE, GLASSWARE INCLUDED IN THE RAYMOND RENTAL FEE?

No. Your full-service caterer will likely offer plates, flatware, and drinkware. Linens are available through a local rental company and we will be happy to assist you with that. Our bar service does include all glassware.

HOW MANY TABLES AND CHAIRS DO YOU HAVE?

Click here to see our table and chairs list!

DO YOU ALLOW FIREWORKS?

With an additional waiver, we do allow a sparkler send-off in a single location on the concrete driveway. The sparkler use is also subject to cancellation by the venue staff if the fire risk is deemed too high or a burn ban is in place in our county. We are surrounded by an incredible historic piece of property and want to do our best to preserve it.

DO YOU ALLOW CANDLES?

Yes, but the candle and flame must be fully contained inside of a glass container. If you choose to use real tapered candles, you must provide your own candle holders and contain them from dripping on our surfaces (tables). We do now offer beautiful faux tapered candlesticks for a rental fee.

DO YOU INCLUDE A “WEDDING COORDINATOR”?

We do not provide a wedding coordinator. We do highly recommend that you use a day of coordinator or full planner to make your day the absolute best. Our venue managers are not wedding coordinators but will be there to lend a helping hand and to assist in making sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes, communicate with your coordinator, and help direct people where to go.

Click here to see a list of a few of the amazing wedding planners in the the area.

ARE WE ALLOWED BACK INTO THE GROOMS SUITE (The Bird Dog) AND BRIDAL SUITE DURING RECEPTION?

To better protect your belongings the bridal suite and groom’s suite (The Bird Dog) will be locked during the reception. During and after the ceremony, your venue team hostess will also be available to unlock doors. We are happy to make sure the groom and their groomsmen are able to get back into The Bird Dog after the ceremony to change clothes or get their cell phones etc. before they enter the reception. A venue team members contact informations (name & phone number) will be posted on The Bird Dog door during the reception in case you or your bridal party need additional access.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU NEED OUR FINAL HEADCOUNT?

Thirty Days

WHAT FORM OF PAYMENT DOES THE RAYMOND ACCEPT?

Our preferred payment is cash or check but also accept credit/debit cards.

WHAT TIME WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE VENUE TO DECORATE?

You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly.

WHAT TIME DO YOU SUGGEST WE START THE CEREMONY?

We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings at 4:00 pm. Of course, this also depends on the season. In the event of a summer wedding, couples are able to fluctuate time a bit more.

WHAT TIME DOES THE MUSIC NEED TO END?

City ordinance requires music on Fridays and Saturdays must conclude by 10:30 pm. Weekdays and Sundays by 9:30 pm. (Special exceptions are not guaranteed and only approved by the city with adequate notice.)

IF WE CHOOSE THE ONE-DAY OPTION, WILL WE BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE LOCATION EARLY TO REHEARSE OUR CEREMONY?

If you elect the one-day rental, our venue could possibly be reserved for another couple the night before. For that reason, one-day rentals should plan for an off-site rehearsal. You are always welcome to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue to one of our monthly open houses. In the event that we are not booked the night before your event, you may rent the venue for a one-hour rehearsal for $400.

• The Portico, our NEWEST space, is available to rent for rehearsals based on availability. It has amble seating, a lounge area, and it’s own bar.

• The Bird Dog is also available to rent for rehearsals based on availability. This is located near the outdoor ceremony option and includes a large party deck.. perfect for Al Fresco or buffet-style dining.

CAN WE BRING OUR OWN ALCOHOL?

Short answer, no. We don’t allow outside alcohol to be brought into the venue, but we do offer our own bar package. You can see all the details on our bar packages and pricing here.

WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE FOR REHEARSAL?

If you have 25 guests or less we recommend using The Bird Dog for an indoor rehearsal/outdoor rehearsal. If your guest list exceeds 25 you have a couple of options. The rehearsal dinner can be held inside the main venue hall and the venue’s courtyard area. The Portico, our NEWEST space, is another option. It has amble seating, a lounge area, and it’s own bar.

DOES THE RAYMOND VENUE PROVIDE DRINKS SUCH AS COFFEE, TEA, WATER, OR SOFT DRINKS AT EVENTS?

We do not. If you purchase a bar package from us, we will provide the alcohol and mixers only. See our bar packages here!