- Who is my wedding coordinator?
- On my wedding day who will be my Emcee?
- Will any staff be on site to open the venue, and to oversee the ceremony/reception?
- Is there a rehearsal time prior to my wedding day?
- Is there a separate waiting area for the bridesmaids and groomsmen prior to the ceremony?
- Can we access Hatley Castle for planning, measuring etc?
- What is provided for an outdoor Wedding Ceremony?
- What tables, chairs, linen, etc. are provided?
- Do you have a microphone or can we rent audio equipment?
- Who will set up tables for the cake, gifts, guest book & registry tables?
- If I require tents, who is responsible for ordering them?
- How long can guests stay?
- Where do my guests park?
- How can you keep other people from interrupting my wedding in the gardens?
- Regarding decorations, can they be set the night before or is time allowed in booking for decorating prior to the ceremony and/or reception?
- Who provides & arranges the flowers & wedding decorations?
- Can we toss confetti or flower petals at my ceremony? (inside or out)
- Are we allowed to bring candles?
- Is it okay to have music on the Terrace of Hatley Castle?
- Can the carpets be removed for dancing in Hatley Castle?
- Can we bring our own homemade food?
- What is the cost of bartending?
- Who provides the liquor?
- Are there overnight accommodations available?
- Is there a photographer affiliated with the University?
If this FAQ doesn't answer your questions, please contact our staff at: 1-866-241-0674
Or email: weddings@hatleypark.ca
- Who is my wedding coordinator?
An event coordinator from Hatley Park will meet with you for an initial site inspection where they will answer your questions and book your venue. The coordinator can take care of arrangements for the rental of additional tents, tables & chairs you may require, as well as provide a preferred supplier list for items such as photography, music, flowers, cakes, etc. If you are looking for assistance planning full wedding details, you will need to contract a ‘wedding coordinator’.
- On my wedding day who will be my Emcee?
A Master of Ceremonies or Emcee is the person who will assure the itinerary runs smoothly from announcing the arrival of the newlyweds at the reception to introducing toasts and speeches. It is the responsibility of the bridal party to hire or ask a friend or family member to be their emcee.
- Will any staff be on site to open the venue, and to oversee the ceremony/reception?
Your 'on site coordinator' arrives an hour before your booking to assure the building is unlocked and the set up is accurate and then stays till the last guest departs. This person will be your primary point of contact for any logistical concerns.
- Is there a rehearsal time prior to my wedding day?
Your venue rental does not include a rehearsal time. We do offer a 2 hour rehearsal booking time for $150 fee + gst. This can be booked 30 days prior to your wedding date, based on availability.
- Is there a separate waiting area for the bridesmaids and groomsmen prior to the ceremony?
For a full Castle rental, there is a separate room on the 1st floor of the Castle that the bride utilizes as a change room. If the groomsmen require a separate room, arrangements can also be made.
- Can we access Hatley Castle for planning, measuring etc.?
Hatley Castle is used for classes, conferences and administration purposes during the week. Weekends are generally busy with special events. Please make an appointment with your event coordinator for viewing.
- What is provided for an outdoor Wedding Ceremony?
Dark green plastic folding chairs will be arranged in a theatre-style set up for the guests, as well as a small linen covered table for the signing of the registry. You will be responsible for providing any other wedding decorations for the ceremony that might be desired.
- What tables, chairs, linen, etc. are provided?
For indoor events, we will provide and set up round or rectangular tables with 8-10 banquet chairs per table. Classic white linen tablecloths and napkins are provided (specialty colors may be ordered upon request); China, cutlery, & glassware are set on the tables by our staff with tea light candles in small clear glass holders.
If your reception is outdoors or under a tent you will need to rent tables and chairs from an external supplier at an additional rental fee. This can be arranged through your event coordinator.
- Do you have a microphone or can we rent audio equipment?
Included with your rental is a PA System with a microphone. However, if previous arrangements have been made with your DJ or band – you can often use their system.
- Who will set up tables for the cake, gifts, guest book & registry tables?
We will provide & set up these tables with linen tablecloths.
- If I require tents, who is responsible for ordering them?
Your event coordinator can arrange the rental of tents, dance floors, etc. We will require one months notice for rental items and the cost will be reflected in your final deposit.
- How long can guests stay?
The bar can remain open until Midnight. Guests are asked to depart by 12.30am.
- Where do my guests park?
Your guests can park for free in Parking Lot #3 below the Castle. We have parking passes we can provide to you for your guests. They will need to display them in their window in order to receive the free parking.
- How can you keep other people from interrupting my wedding in the gardens?
Your ‘on site coordinator’ is responsible for ensuring that your event is kept private.
- Regarding decorations can they be set the night before or is time allowed in booking for decorating prior to the ceremony and/or reception?
If you require the venue the evening before for decorating, you will be billed an additional 50% of the one day venue rental. There are no additional charges if the decorating can be accomplished in a few hours on the morning of the wedding.
- Who provides & arranges the flowers & wedding decorations?
It is the responsibility of the bridal party to make arrangements for all décor and flowers. Flowers and table centres must be arranged prior to arriving onsite.
- Can we toss confetti or flower petals at my ceremony? (inside or out)
Unfortunately we do not allow the tossing of confetti, flower petals or any other objects inside or outside the Castle. We suggest bubbles!
Should the above items be tossed, an additional cleaning charge will be applied to the final invoice.
- Are we allowed to bring in candles?
Drip-less candles are permitted on the guest tables inside a container & outside on the terrace. Candles may not be put on the mantles or in the Castle Foyer due to sensitive smoke detectors. Truffles will provide clear glass holders with tea lights for the guest tables at no charge.
- Is it okay to have music on the Terrace of Hatley Castle?
Yes, however, the music level must be kept at a reasonable volume so our neighbors are not disturbed. Dancing on the Terrace has been very popular.
- Can the carpets be removed for dancing in Hatley Castle?
Hatley Castle is a National Historic site and the hardwood floors throughout the Castle must be preserved, so the carpets must remain down. If dancing in the castle is expected, the rental of a dance floor can be arranged through your event coordinator. A dance floor is not required for the Terrace.
- Can we bring our own homemade food?
All food and beverage, with the exception of the wedding cake, must be provided by our exclusive caterers, Truffles. Due to health regulations, leftover food or beverage may not leave the property.
- What is the cost of bartending?
There is no charge for the bartenders or for basic glassware at a wedding. Drinks are priced individually for either a cash bar or host bar. We will try to accommodate special requests. A minimum order of $100.00 applies to Bar Service. Please note on Statutory Holidays, a labor surcharge will apply to the bartender hours.
- Who provides the liquor?
Hatley Park is a licensed facility and for this reason groups may not bring their own alcohol or homemade wines. All alcohol must be ordered and served by Truffles Catering. We will try to accommodate special requests for specific brand names.
- Are there overnight accommodations available?
We do have ‘dorm’ style rooms available. For further information please contact your event coordinator.
- Is there a photographer affiliated with the University?
We do not have an official photographer, however your event coordinator would be happy to provide a preferred supplier list.
If this FAQ doesn't answer your questions, please contact our staff at: 1-866-241-0674
Or email: weddings@hatleypark.ca