Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many details that go into planning your special day.
The Barn
What is the capacity of the Barn?
Our maximum capacity of 264, which includes seating inside the Barn and on the patio. The Barn main floor and loft can comfortably seat 200 people. The attached covered patio can seat another 48 to 64 people, depending on the table layout you choose. The patio can also be completely enclosed with pretty tent like curtains that can be pulled around if preferred or needed due to wind, rain or cooler weather. Patio curtains cannot be used during winter months.
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 and candelabra. 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 leather 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.
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 covered patio, where they can sit. We have a large handicapped restroom as well.
On site Staff
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 200 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. On the covered patio we have eight beautiful teak wood topped tables that can seat up to 64 people. 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.
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 outdoor ceremony option would in our unique and beautiful gazebo. However, if you have always dreamed of getting married inside an authentic Barn or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can have your wedding ceremony inside our venue, and it would be gorgeous!
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: info@thebarnofchapeaushores.com
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: info@thebarnofchapeaushores.com
Call or Text: 507-383-8878
Insurance
Do we have to purchase liability coverage for our event?
Yes, we require our renters, when alcohol is served, to have their own liability insurance coverage for the duration of their event. The average cost for this insurance is approximately $190. Proof of insurance is required before your event.
Décor For Rent
Do you have any wedding decorations or other items available to rent?
Yes! We have over 2300 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, serving pieces, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider urns, charger plates and much more. Many couples like to rent from us since it is a much less expensive option as comparted to purchasing them. They also like at the end of the night; we pick up all of the rental items. There is a complete picture list of all of the rental items and their cost on our Facebook page under Photos and the Barn Décor For Rent folder, or by clicking the link below.
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.
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.
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 stainless steel countertop, 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.
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.
Lodging
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.