Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many details that go into planning your special day.
The Barn
What is the capacity of the Barn?
We can comfortably seat 260 inside in our beautiful climate controlled, air conditioned and heated Barn.
Is the Barn climate controlled?
Yes, it is! We want everyone to be comfortable inside our Barn no matter what the weather is outside. We offer a year round venue with heat and air conditioning in all areas of our venue. Being able to have your special event in a gorgeous authentic barn with air conditioning and heat ~ your guests will thank you!
Is there a Bridal Suite?
Yes, our venue has a Bridal suite and it is located inside the Barn. If the weather isn’t cooperating, our brides love that they do not have to go out in the weather to get to their suite. The bridal suite has six luxurious fabric lined stools that sit beneath the 18-foot-long vanity that was made from our original barn wood. There are six large vanity mirrors, elegant vanity lighting and plenty of outlets for the ladies to use when having their hair and makeup done. There are eight wall hooks for the brides, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. Our Brides and bridesmaids love our two beautiful large ornate wall dressing mirrors. The vaulted tin ceiling is an eye catcher and really shows off the three pretty bird cage chandeliers. There is a vintage settee, four chairs and a Victorian ottoman that surrounds the faux fireplace. An authentic barn door sits above the fireplace and ads that rustic element to an elegant room. This is a pretty photo area for the bride and her bridesmaids. The Bridal suite has air-conditioning and in-floor heating. The ladies like the automatic lock with a push button entry system so they can feel comfortable leaving their belongings in the suite during the evening.
Is there a Groom’s suite?
Yes, our Groom’s suite is also inside the Barn and is just across the hall from the bridal suite. This suite has an industrial pipe and wooden rack for hanging all the tuxes, a large wall mirror and wall hooks. There is a couch and chair, coffee table with a tick-tac-toe game, two wine cork filled side tables, and a TV. The round barn wood table is surrounded by six stools for sitting around, talking and playing cards. There is a unique rustic antique two teared metal electrician’s cart, vaulted tin ceiling and barn wood doors for their window coverings. It is truly a manly room where they can get ready, relax and have fun. The Groom’s suite is also equipped with air-conditioning as well as in-floor heating. This suite’s door also has an automatic lock with a push button entry system.
Does the Barn have indoor restrooms?
Yes, we do. Next to the suites, is a large handicapped family restroom that has two mirrors, one above the sink as well as a large wall mirror and baby changing station. We also have two other very nice His and Hers restrooms.
Does The Barn have Wi-Fi?
Yes, we do! Our Wi-Fi code is displayed in the bride & groom suites and by the bar.
Do you have Bluetooth, microphones and speakers we can use?
Yes, we do. We have Bluetooth for you to use when play your music through our system and speakers, should you choose to.
You can use our microphones for speeches, if needed.
Please note: Our Bluetooth, microphones and speakers are for inside use only. Should you need speakers out in the wedding ceremony areas, this is normally provided by your DJ.
Handicapped Accessible Barn
Is your Barn handicapped accessible?
Yes, our Barn is handicapped accessible. If a family member or guest uses a cane, walker or wheelchair they can park in our paved parking lot, come up our cement sidewalk into the Barn. The main level of the Barn, bride and groom suites, patio and ceremony areas all have flat cement surfaces making it easy for them to get around. We have made the front two church pews shorter in length, allowing spaces for wheelchairs. If the person using a walker or wheelchair prefers not to sit up front, we also have an eight-foot cement slab that extends beyond the patio, where they can sit. We have a large handicapped restroom as well.
On Site Staff
Do you offer a Venue Coordinator?
Yes, we do! We know how much time and thought is put into planning your wedding. When the big day is finally here, we want you to rest easy knowing we will be with you every step of the way. On your wedding day, will work closely with you, your wedding party, family and your vendors. Our team’s goal, is for your day to go smoothly so you can relax and just have fun.
Click below to find out everything your Venue Coordinator will be doing for you.
Is someone on site during our event?
Yes, renting the Barn includes the owners or manager as well as other Barn staff being on site during your event. We will be there to help make sure the day goes smoothly. We will gladly help assist wherever we are needed. We set up all the tables and chairs inside the Barn, on the patio, in the wedding ceremony site, and take down few tables to make way for the large dance floor area. We help your caterers with clean up after your meal, during the dance and after your event. We are there to assist and help make your day as stress free as possible. We want this to be the best day ever and the wedding of your dreams.
Do we have to provide our own security guard?
A security guard is required when alcohol is served, however, our preferred alcohol vendor is happy to provide you with this service at no extra cost.
Tables & Chairs
Are tables and chairs included?
Yes, we supply tables and chairs for up to 260 people inside the Barn. There are three beautiful handmade barn wood tables that are used as the head table for the bridal party. There are two baby high chairs, if needed. There are also extra rectangular tables and four rounds tables for you to use for family to sit at, a photo display, gift table, snack, drink, cake or dessert table. In the outdoor wedding ceremony area, we have 250 white padded wedding chairs and eight gorgeous antique church pews for your family and guests. We have a picnic table and seating in our gazebo that you and your guests can enjoy.
Linens
Do you rent linens?
Yes, we do. We charge $11 per linen. We place all linens on the tables for you, prior to your arrival. That way when you or your decorator come to The Barn, they can start decorating right away.
Your table linen needs will be discussed during your final walk-through, which will be scheduled four to six weeks before your wedding.
Payment for linens is due during your final walk-through.
The Property
What is the Barn property like?
Our Barn property has over 3 acres of mature oak, pine and apple trees as well as many younger plantings, flowers and trees that make our property so beautiful. We take great pride in our property to make sure it looks amazing for your special day. We have an in ground sprinkler system that helps to make our grass areas look really healthy and green. We have installed many up lighting fixtures that highlight the trees in the evening. Our berm is nestled behind the wedding ceremony area and is a gorgeous backdrop. The berm is filled with pine and birch trees, ferns, bushes, flowers and boulders. The berm also glows at night with all the pretty landscaping lights we have installed.
Our renters and guests LOVE our in town location. It makes it so nice for everyone to easily get to and from our venue and is only minutes from many lodging options.
Are we allowed to play yard games on the property?
Yes! One nice thing about renting our venue is the ability to enjoy outdoor spaces. You are welcome to use our three sets of corn hole/bean bag boards during your event or you can bring some of your own lawn games.
Do you spray for mosquitos?
For our summer and fall weddings, we do spray for mosquitos before your wedding day, so you can enjoy being outside.
Wedding Ceremony Areas
Do you have outdoor and indoor wedding ceremony options?
Yes, we do. If you are getting married at our venue, we have a stunning wedding ceremony area. The wedding party exits the Barn from the two French doors and they walk down the amazing stamped concrete aisle that resembles old barn wood. We wanted to have hard cement surfaces for everyone to walk on both inside the Barn and out into the ceremony area. That way the bride and bridesmaid’s high heels won’t sink into the soft ground during the ceremony. The wedding aisle leads to the ceremony circle. The circle represents a wedding ring – A circle has no beginning or end and is a symbol of endless love. Your attendants stand on the cement slabs and your family will be seated on stunning vintage church pews that are also on cement slabs. Your guests will be seated in our grass area, on elegant white padded wedding chairs, as they watch you exchange your vows.
Another beautiful outdoor ceremony option would be under our unique grain bin gazebo. How pretty would it be with your guests sitting on our white wedding chairs in a semi-circle surrounding the round grain bin as you say I-do.
For those intimate weddings of 100 or less guests, our patio area would be a beautiful option.
Our patio is open to The Barn and has air conditioning and heat. Two beautiful French doors lead out to the patio. The patio is enclosed by ten gorgeous large operational windows, an entire wall of glass and a beautiful French door. This allows you and your guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery, while being comfortable in our climate controlled Barn.
However, if you have always dreamed of getting married inside a gorgeous authentic Barn or if this is your Plan B, you can have your wedding ceremony inside. With it’s amazing 42 foot high cathedral ceiling and romantic lighting, your wedding will be absolutely stunning!
Photos
What backdrops are available for my wedding photos?
Many beautiful photos have been taken against the outside of the Barn, by the grain bin, the corn crib, gazebo, in front of the berm, by the mature oak and pine trees, and in front of a pretty wall of greenery we have. We have also added many new large trees, shrubs and flowers to our property. There are unique benches that are located throughout the property in our three pretty flower and plant garden areas. Inside the Barn offers many gorgeous areas to take pictures. We encourage our guests and their photographers to explore our venue and property for that perfect photo.
Rental & Payments
Do you offer one, two and three day rentals?
Yes, we do. We know how much time and thought is put into planning a wedding or event and we want you to have choices for your special day. We are happy to offer one, two or three day rentals.
During an event when does everyone have to be off the property?
On Friday and Saturday – Music ends at 11 pm, and the customers, guests and vendors depart by 12 midnight.
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday – Music ends at 10:30 pm, and the customers, guests and vendors depart by 11:30 pm.
For a December 31st event – music ends at 12:05 am on New Year’s Day, and the customers, guests and vendors depart by 1 am.
When are payments due?
After you have chosen your day, a save the date fee of ½ of the rental fee is due at the time of the contract signing. The remaining second ½ is due 6 months before your event.
Can we leave items overnight?
Items can be left at the Barn overnight, if you have rented our venue for those days. If you have only rented our venue for one day, then our policy is that everything must be removed at the end of the rental period; decorations, gifts and personal belongings.
Tours
How can I set up a tour?
We offer private tours to allow you, your fiancé and family the time you need to explore our Barn and property and ask questions. Choosing your venue is a big deal and we understand that. We are so excited to meet you and show you our venue. We hope you love it as much as we do. Please contact us to set up your tour.
Email: [email protected]
Call or Text: 507-383-8878
Available Dates
How do I find out what dates are available?
There are so many details that go into planning your special day. We would love to talk to you about your wedding or event. Please contact us for more information about available dates.
Email: [email protected]
Call or Text: 507-383-8878
Insurance
Do we have to purchase liability coverage for our event?
Yes, we require our weddings and events to purchase their own event liability insurance coverage for the duration of their event with The Barn of Chapeau Shores listed as an additional insured through Wedsure.com or Wedsafe.com. The average cost for this insurance is approximately $125 – $200. Proof of insurance is required before your event.
Décor
Do you offer any free décor or do you have items for rent?
Yes, and Yes! We have many décor items, serving pieces, microphones, music stands, high top tables, sweetheart table, greenery & flower valances for behind the head table, water and lemonade dispensers, umbrellas, corn hole boards, fire pit, and several outdoor urns filled with greenery or flowers that you can use for FREE.
We also have over 3000 individual items available for you to rent, such as table decorations, both elegant and rustic tables, spools, crates, chalk boards, old doors, signs, easels, ladders, pillars, whiskey barrels, arbors, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider urns, charger plates and much more.
Many couples love to use our free and rental items! They like that at the end of the night; we pick up all of the items.
A complete picture list and description of all of the Free & Rental items are listed in the Décor Tab.
Vendors
Do you have any vendor suggestions?
When you book with us we supply our couples with a detailed vendor list. It includes many vendors and their contact information, from catering, décor rentals, desserts, photography, officiants, dance lessons, DJs, flowers, formal wear, hair and makeup, transportation, musicians, wedding planners, as well as nearby home rentals, hotel options and campgrounds. We are happy to supply you with this information. We often hear that our couples love our vendor list, as it helps to make the planning process much easier.
How does the bar service work?
We own and operate, The Barn Bar, and will work with you on all of your alcohol needs.
We provide an extensive alcohol selection from beer, wine, champagne, Selzer’s, and mixed drinks. The bar fee is $200 for one bar or an additional $50 ($250 total) to have two inside bars. The main bar and a bar in the patio area.
Should you have the venue rented for two days and wish to have alcohol served at your rehearsal dinner, the fee is $50.
All your alcohol requests, any special orders, and details will be completed during your final walk through and payment will be due at that time.
Do you have an on-site catering service or can other caterers cook food at the Barn?
We do not have an on-site catering service. We will provide you with a list of caterers or you can choose one of your own. Our couples love that they can choose the caterer of their choice. Your chosen caterer cannot cook their food inside the Barn, however, if your caterer uses an outdoor cooker, smoker or grill, that is allowed. We have special electrical hookups for them to use outside our vendor entrance. We charge your caterer, a 10% catering fee, for our assistance in clean up, helping with table bussing and disposal of all their paper, plastic and food garbage.
Is there a separate vendor entrance?
Yes, there is a vendor entrance located on the East side of the Barn.
Can my vendors come and set up early?
You and your vendors are welcome to be in the Barn and on the property during the dates and times stated on your contract. If the day before your event if open, you can purchase another day for decorating and set up, if more time is needed.
Do you have any vendor suggestions?
When you book with us we supply our couples with a detailed vendor list. It includes many vendors and their contact information, from catering, décor rentals, desserts, photography, officiants, dance lessons, DJs, flowers, formal wear, hair and makeup, transportation, musicians, wedding planners, as well as nearby home rentals, hotel options and campgrounds. We are happy to supply you with this information. We often hear that our couples love our vendor list, as it helps to make the planning process much easier.
Is there an alcohol minimum?
No, we do not have an alcohol minimum.
Bar & Caterer Areas
Is there a Bar?
Yes, our bar is unique and is made out of original barn wood beams and tin. If a larger wedding or event is planned, a second bar can be set up on the patio.
Is there an area for the caterer?
Yes, we have a sink and refrigerator that can be used by you and your caterer. We supply four 8 foot tables and a large space with many outlets for your caterer. Bistro lights hang from the ceiling above the caterer area.
Is there a separate caterer entrance?
Yes, there is a vendor entrance located on the East side of the Barn.
Can my caterer come and set up the day before my event?
Due to many events occurring at our Barn, we request that your caterer set up during your rental period.
Do you have Ice we can buy?
Yes, we do. We sell a 20-pound bag of ice for $6 per bag.
DJ & Audio
Do you have a DJ or musician area?
Yes, we have a DJ or musician area located inside the Barn with special outlets for their specific needs. We will supply them with a six-foot table and chairs, if needed. There are also outlets located outside by the wedding ceremony areas so they can set up and play music for your wedding.
Can my DJ come and set up early?
We request your DJ set up during the dates and times stated on your contract. If the day before your event if open, you can purchase another day for decorating and set up, if more time is needed.
Does the Barn have audio speakers?
Yes, we have a speaker system that is located inside the Barn. We also have two microphones that can be used for speeches, musicians, a singer or other needs. While decorating or in place of a DJ, customers can play their own music through our system, if they wish.
Parking
Is there parking onsite for my guests?
Yes, there is onsite parking for your event. We have a paved parking lot for your guests to use, as well as street parking. Your guests will really appreciate our paved and lighted parking lot! We also have an over flow gravel parking lot immediately across from our property, if needed. We do highly recommend utilizing a designated driver, a shuttle services or cab, for safety, if guests are having alcoholic beverages.
Can we leave our cars in the parking lot overnight?
Yes, we want you and your guests to be safe. If we have an event the next day, cars must be removed by 9 am. If we do not have an event the next day cars can be in our lot until 1 pm.
Shuttle Bus
Do you offer a Shuttle Bus?
Yes, we do. We have a 14 passenger Shuttle Bus available to rent for you, your wedding party and your guests to be transported to and from their hotels. We offer several packages based on your specific needs and they start as low as $200. (Please note: If blocking rooms at 2 different hotels, the hotels must be close by each other and on the same side of town. This allows us to be able to shuttle your guests more efficiently. Please ask if you have questions regarding this.)
Lodging
Do you offer On-Site Housing?
Yes, we do. We offer a very nice spacious home that is located on-site, right next to The Barn for you, your wedding party, family or guests to enjoy on your wedding weekend. It sleeps up to 15 people and is such a nice place for everyone to be together.
Couples that have booked The Barn for their wedding can Save 15%, off The Cottage rental, if they book directly through us. That is a 15% savings off of the VRBO fee.
To check available dates and make your reservation, please contact Jayne at [email protected] or 507-383-8878. Direct bookings can be paid by check, cashier’s check or cash. (Please note: The Cottage may or may not be available for your wedding. We recommend if you are interested, that you book The Cottage, as soon as possible)
For more detailed information and to see photos of The Cottage, please click the button below.
You also have the ability to book through Airbnb or VRBO, should you choose to book this way.
Do you allow RVs and camping at The Barn?
We are not allowed to have guests camp at our location. Guests bringing in RVs should either find an alternate place to park and be shuttled to and from the Barn or you can park in the gravel lot across the street during the event.
Is there hotel and lodging nearby?
Yes, we are located in the beautiful town of Albert Lea and there are many lodging options such as hotels, homes for rent and campgrounds that are only minutes from the Barn. Our Barn’s in-town location makes it so easy for your guest to get to and from our venue.