Frequently Asked Questions :
Afternoon & Evening Weddings

How far in advance can I book?   back to top
As a rule of thumb, about 12 months prior to the date of the wedding.

I want to come and view the property and wedding sites, do I need to make an appointment?   back to top
We do recommend that you make an appointment so that we can ensure that you will meet with a catering manager to discuss all the details necessary to make your special day run flawlessly, and to answer any questions that you may have.

Can we visit the property and watch while another wedding is taking place?   back to top
We pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled level of service and attention to detail, our catering managers will be dedicated to ensuring that each wedding event is handled with personal attention. This unfortunately means that we will not be able to meet with you while a wedding is taking place. Please speak with a catering manager for an alternate time to come and visit the property so that they may meet with you and give you the time you deserve.

We are also looking to host a rehearsal dinner & post wedding brunch, can you handle these and if so where?   back to top
We have many different venues that can accommodate your weekend’s wedding events. The size of the of your party and theme of the event will help to determine which locations would be the best fit. Your catering manager would be pleased to assist you in creating a special theme with each event.

Can the location be used for both the ceremony and reception?   back to top
We strongly advise you to have a separate location for each event. Château Élan has four ceremony locations as well as a variety of reception locations that help to provide a smooth and convenient transition from ceremony to reception.

What ceremony locations do you have? If I choose to have an outdoor ceremony what happens if it rains the day of the wedding?   back to top
We have four ceremony locations. Please see our space capacity charts for details on capacities. Also, please note that we reserve a back up location for any outdoor ceremony locations.

Can I have just my ceremony at Château Élan?   back to top
Château Élan requires that either both the ceremony and reception or the reception only are held here.

How long do we have the reception room for?   back to top
Afternoon receptions can start at 11:00 am and must be completed by 4:00 pm. Evening receptions start after 6:00 pm and must be completed by 12:00 am. Outdoor evening receptions must be completed by 11:00 pm due to noise.

Are there any overtime charges if we run over our rental time?   back to top
Overtime charges may apply, please speak with a catering manager for full details.

Are there certain days of the week, or times of day, when the price is discounted?   back to top
Non-Saturday evening weddings (with the exception of holiday weekends) are given a 10% food discount.

What is the deposit, and when is it due to secure the date? Can you hold a date w/out a deposit?   back to top
Once you have decided on your date, your catering manager can hold the space up to 72 hours without a deposit. After the 72 hours, an agreement will need to be signed along with a $2,000 deposit for evening weddings received in order to confirm your definite.

What types of payments do you take?   back to top
Château Élan accepts most major credit cards and certified checks.

What is the schedule of payments?   back to top
The initial deposit of $2,000 is due when you first sign your agreement, the next payment of 50% is due three months prior to the event. The final payment is due along with the final guaranteed number of guests, ten business days prior to your event date.  

What is the cancellation policy?   back to top
Should the Event not be held at the Resort or it is canceled, you will be required to pay the Resort, as liquidated damages, within thirty days after written notification to the Resort of the transfer or cancellation as follows:

0-30 Days Prior to Event = Payment Owed is 100% of the Food & Beverage minimum and rental fees.
31-60 Days Prior to Event = Payment Owed is 75%
61-120 Days Prior to Event = Payment Owed is 50%
121 to Date Signed Prior to Event = Payment Owed is 25%

Château Élan agrees that after receipt of such amounts it will not seek additional damages.

What happens if my numbers for attendees grow larger than what I contracted for?   back to top
We will do everything we can to relocate your ceremony or reception to a larger area based on availability. Food and Beverage minimums for the alternate area will apply. If we are unable to move your event to another area, other arrangements may need to be made such as tent rentals, etc.

Do you have onsite wedding planners and coordinators or can we bring our own?   back to top
Our catering event staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure that this day is all that you have imagined here at Château Élan. You are welcome to bring in your own advisors.

Will the person I book the wedding with be the same person I work with throughout the entire planning process and will that person be on hand the day of the wedding?   back to top
Your catering manager will be your contact throughout the entire event. Only in limited cases, will you be working with another catering manager at the time of the event. You will be notified in advance unless it is an emergency situation.

If I am out of state and worried about planning are you able to help me?   back to top
Absolutely! Our catering managers will work with you through email, phone conversations, and mail to make sure that all the details are covered.

Can I use my own caterer or do we have to use Château Élan’s catering?   back to top
Due to specific liability policies, all food and beverage must be provided by Château Élan with the exception of the wedding cake.

Can I taste the food before I decide on a menu?   back to top
Food tastings can be scheduled prior to your event and they are designed specifically for you and your event. Due to the large volume of request for weddings, we can not set up a tasting until the event is has been confirmed.

I have a specific theme that I would like to use, can I customize my own wedding event?   back to top
Our catering managers can work with you to ensure that your wedding is customized to reflect your vision.

Do I have to use your vendors or can I bring in my own?   back to top
We do have a recommended vendor list but you are also welcome to utilize your own vendors. All entertainment must show proof of insurance.

Can we reserve a dressing room for the bride, groom and attendants to change into wedding attire or going away clothes?   back to top
Please let your catering manager know of your needs and they will ensure you have dressing areas for your wedding party.

I have a lot of out of town guest, what is available on property to keep them busy?   back to top
Our resort offers many activities for your guest. We offer golf, spa, winery tours, tennis, walking and hiking trails, swimming pools both indoor and outdoor, and equestrian shows. Please review our website for full details regarding each area.

Can I reserve Spa Treatments, Golf Tee Times, Tennis Games to entertain my guests?   back to top
Your catering manager will happily assist you in setting up any reservations you require. Due to the demand of these amenities, it is encouraged to book early.

Is there a piano, or other musical instruments, at the site? Is there a charge to use them, and someone on property who can play them?   back to top
There is a piano available for use when reserving the Atrium for the ceremony. You will need to provide a pianist to play the piano or one of the catering managers can assist in hiring one for you at an additional cost. All other instruments will need to be provided by your hired musicians.

I want the Atrium for my ceremony, are there any restrictions?   back to top
Length of ceremonies in the Atrium are restricted to 30 minutes or less due to the displacement of other resort guests. The Atrium can be reserved for your ceremony on a Saturday (or Holiday weekend) only in conjunction with the Elan or Debussy Ballrooms for your reception.

What is the Food and Beverage minimum cost?   back to top
Every location has a food and beverage minimum that must be met. A food and beverage minimum is met through only food and beverage sales prior to taxes and taxable service charge. This is not an additional charge, it is made up of the menu cost multiplied by the number of guests (for example, a certain ballroom may have a $15,000.00 food and beverage minimum and 100 guests multiplied by $115.00 per person menu equals $15,000.00 so the minimum is met). The food and beverage minimum varies per location and day of the week.