Frequently asked questions
To download our 2026/2027 Information Packet, click here.
Venue Basics
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Indoor (Lodge):
Up to 150 guests, though it depends on your layout.
With all rectangular tables, we can comfortably seat up to 125-130 with a dance floor
With all circular tables, we can comftably seat up to about 100-110 with a dance floor.
See Floor Plans for layout ideas with both round and rectangular tables
Outdoor (Lawn & Campground): 200+ guests
Overnight Camping:
50 Combination tent & RV sites that accommodate 1 tent and 2 RVs on OR 3 tents on each site.
3 primitive cabins, with each cabin designed for 2 adults (up to 2 small children may accompany their parents)
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What’s included in the Lodge reservation varies based on the package you purchase. Check out the “What’s Included” section on the Events page for details on what is included with each package type!
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Our 50-acre property offers several beautiful spaces that can work together to create your perfect celebration:
The Lodge is our main indoor space, perfect for winter ceremonies/receptions or as a weather back-up. Featuring a rustic great room with a reclaimed wooden bar, a working stone fireplace, and large windows overlooking the lake. It connects directly to our Patio (great for cocktail hours!) and Lawn and includes a catering kitchen.
The Lawn stretches from the Lodge & Patio down to our 2-acre lake, providing a stunning natural backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or receptions. Our most popular spot for ceremonies, especially at sunset.
The Fire Circle is on the Lawn and ideal for evening ceremonies and celebrations, and anyone who loves a good campfire.
The Hidden Meadow is a private open space in the back corner of the property, often used for camping, though it can also be used for a ceremony, outdoor, or tented event.
Wooded areas wind through our property, with numerous little natural alcoves, perfect for more intimate, mystical ceremonies, photos, or quiet moments among the trees.
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Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Our favorite celebrations flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day and evening.
Our most popular combination is to start with an outdoor lakeside ceremony → Patio cocktail hour (perfect time for Lawn games) → Lodge dinner reception → Fire Circle evening celebration
Weather backup: If weather doesn't cooperate, we can easily move any outdoor elements inside the Lodge or under the cover of the patio, so you never have to worry about rain on your special day.
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We want your ceremony to be exactly what you're dreaming of, so we're quite flexible with ceremony locations.
Considerations, not restrictions:
Accessibility: Some areas are more accessible than others - we'll work with you to ensure all your loved ones (and vendors!) can attend
Seasonal factors: Some spots are more spectacular in certain seasons (read: some spots can be pretty muddy in the spring) and we're happy to make recommendations based on your wedding date
Sound considerations: If you're planning amplified music for your ceremony, quiet hours begin at 11 pm on weekends (10 pm on weeknights)
We welcome all spiritual traditions and ceremonies (including secular), as well as all types of couples and families.
No ceremony is too unique for our space.
Have a specific vision in mind? We'd love to walk the property with you and explore the possibilities together.
Venue Policies
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We want your space to feel completely yours during your event, while still protecting our natural beauty and spaces for future groups.
All set-up and tear-down must occur during your rental period.
If you want additional access to your space the day before or after your event, consider adding on a 3- or 6- hour Basic Reservation for extra set-up/clean-up time.
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Respect the property: No permanent changes, and do nothing that could damages trees, structures, or landscape.
Adhesives: No tape, staples, nails, or permanent adhesives on trees, walls, or structures. Use removable hanging methods or tie-on attachments only.
Installations: All hanging items must be securely installed. Do not hang anything on light or HVAC fixtures. Be mindful of the ceiling fans on the patio.
Electrical: Coordinate any power needs with us in advance (outdoor outlets available).
No loose glitter (sorry :( )
Clean up:
Your spaces (indoor and outdoor) must be tidied and vacated by the end of your rental time.
All decorations & personal items must be removed.
All trash must be placed in trash bags that are tied and either removed by you or placed in our dumpster.
Make sure you have coordinated clean-up plans with any outside vendors (e.g., floral installations, specialty linens, etc.).
Make It Easy:
Assign a clean-up team ahead of time to make sure everything gets done.
Pack up/clean what you can as you go. Ex: clean up spills immediately, don’t let dishes pile up, etc.
Label everything: Makes it easier to sort your items from rentals and keep everything organized.
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We want you to celebrate joyfully while still being respectful of our rural community.
Overnight quiet hours: 11:30 PM - 7:00 AM
Outdoor music and amplified sound is allowed: Until 10:00 PM on weekdays, 11:00 PM on weekends
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Before Use:
Wash hands thoroughly before beginning food preparation
After Use:
All surfaces, including the sinks, must be cleaned and sanitized (eco-friendly commercial-grade cleaning solutions provided)
All food items removed from refrigerator
Spilled food/drink wiped up
All personal items (and items rented from other vendors) such as dishes, crockpots, serving platters, etc. removed
All trash must be placed in trash bags; the bags must be tied, and then placed in the dumpsters outside (or removed from the premises by you.)
Kitchen must be returned to clean condition
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To maintain a safe environment (that can also be readily cleaned before the next group!), the following items are strictly prohibited:
Firearms, explosives, or weapons of any kind
Illegal substances
Pets (see “Restricted Items” below for some exceptions)
Firewood brought in from off-site due to the risk of tree-killing pests… we’ve lost at least 2 dozen pine trees to beetles :(
Confetti (with the exception of biodegradable “confetti” used outdoors; think flower petals or maple seeds)
Loose glitter (while I LOVE glitter, it’s almost impossible to fully clean it up, and not everyone loves it)
Restricted items that may be acceptable with advanced permission:
Candles, incense, & open flames: Allowed with safety precautions in place
Live animals: Service animals are always welcome; pets in your ceremony - let's talk about it!
Large installations: Major decorative elements need advance approval for placement and safety
The following disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated:
Harassment, hate speech, discrimination, or any form of disruptive or violent behavior
Unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate behavior towards any staff or guests
Damage to property, vandalism, littering, or failure to respect private land
Excessive noise or disturbances during designated quiet hours
Any behavior that endangers the safety or well-being of others
Taking videos or photographs of people without their permission
Failure to comply with staff instructions
Use of illicit drugs
Getting out of control due to alcohol or marijuana use
Violation of these rules may result in immediate removal from the grounds without a refund.
Camping
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From glamping beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, we have a variety of options, despite having only “primitive camping” (ie, no electric or plumbing out on the campgrounds):
Primitive cabins with beds and mattresses (“shed with a bed”)
Primitive RV sites (no hookups)
Tent camping
Group camping areas
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Absolutely!
Why we love it:
Wake up together the morning after your event, still surrounded by your favorite people
No designated drivers - everyone can fully celebrate and walk to their tent
Extended time together around the fire circle under the stars
Cost-effective alternative to expensive hotel rooms
Natural bonding experience that creates incredible memories
Perfect for wedding parties, family reunions, and friend groups.
Not into camping? No problem! Many couples have some guests camp while others stay in nearby accommodations.
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Shower house with flush toilets
Potable water
Dump station for RVs
WiFi and electrical access at designated locations around the Lodge
Picnic tables and seating areas
Large communal fire circle
Individual fire pits at cabin and RV sites
Firewood available for purchase
Access to the Lake for catch-and-release fishing
Walking paths to explore the grounds
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Everyone’s needs will vary, but a basic packing list typically includes:
For sleeping (tent campers): Tent, tent stakes, hammer, sleeping bags, pillows
For sleeping (cabins): linens or sleeping bag, pillows
For relaxing: Camp chairs, picnic blanket or small table, games
For personal needs: Medications, toiletries, towels
For eating: Cooler with food & drinks
For seeing at night: Flashlight, little lights for your campsite
For the your body: Insect repellent, sun screen, hat, rain gear, layers for cooler weather, comfortable walking shoes for trails
Extras: Camera, portable speaker, portable phone charger
Pro Tips: Bring breakfast supplies - morning coffee by the lake is unforgettable!
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NO, when you book an Overnight Package or a Ceremony & Reception Package. With these packages, you are reserving the entire campground for just you and your people. No one else will be there so you can truly feel comfortable celebrating your own way!
If you book the Lodge only with a Basic Rental, it is possible that a second event may be occurring somewhere else on the grounds, either in the back meadow or front fields (neither of which are visible from the Lodge). However, the grounds will not be open for Community Events on the day of your event. (Any campers from the night before must check-out and leave the grounds by 11 AM.)
Food Service & Alcohol
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We do not provide catering services, but we're happy to work with any licensed caterer you choose that meets our requirements. (See below.)
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Yes, both Ohio state law and our insurance requirements set certain standards. For professional caterers, we request that they:
Hold a valid Ohio food service license
Have current Ohio food handler permits for all staff
Provide proof of general liability insurance
Coordinate arrival and set-up times with venue management
Comply with Ohio Administrative Code 3717 food safety requirements
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Our Lodge includes a catering kitchen equipped kitchen with:
Commercial-grade refrigerator (54” wide)
Commercial-grade freezer
Warming cabinet
Microwave
Prep space
Three-compartment dish-washing sink
Caterers must coordinate their timeline and equipment needs with us in advance.
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Absolutely! Keeping in mind that food safety is everyone's responsibility, we want to make sure both you and your guests stay safe.
Examples of Foods that are Safest to Self-Cater:
Professionally prepared items
Baked goods (cookies, crackers, breads, cakes, etc.)
Fresh fruit and vegetable platters (prepared day-of-event, or 2-3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator)
Store-bought pasteurized dairy products (eg, cheese plates stored in refrigerator until event)
Properly cooked items that are served immediately (or kept in a commercial warmer like ours for up to 4 hours):
Grilled, baked, or roasted meats, poultry, or fish
Cooked vegetables, grains, & pasta dishes (may include cheese)
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To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, we recommend the following items NOT be prepared in HOME kitchens:
Foods intended to be served warm more than 2 hours after they are finished cooking (or after more than 4 hours in a food warmer)
Large roasts over 6 pounds (difficult to cook evenly = high risk of undercooked portions)
Stuffed meats or poultry (high contamination risk)
Meat or poultry salads (chicken salad, tuna salad, ham salad)
Sushi or raw fish preparations
Proper storage & transport: Hot foods must be kept above 140 °F & cold foods below 40 °F during transport.
All food service should comply with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3717 and Lorain County Health District regulations.
We're here to help you navigate these requirements and ensure your celebration is both delicious and safe.
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Alcohol is allowed at your event.
Please note that you are responsible for the actions of your guests at all times; we respectfully request you take care to avoid out-of-control drunkenness.
If you chose to serve alcohol at your event, we require you to purchase Host Liability Insurance.
You may use whatever professional bar service you chose, or you may elect to buy, bring, and serve your own alcohol yourself.
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What does it cover? Host liquor liability insurance protects you from the financial consequences of alcohol-related incidents, including:
Medical expenses if a guest is injured
Legal defense costs if you're sued
Property damage caused by intoxicated guests
Incidents that occur during or after your event
Why is this required? When you serve alcohol at your event, even if it's free to your guests, you (and your venue) can be held legally responsible for accidents or injuries caused by intoxicated guests. This is true even if the incident happens after they leave your celebration. Ohio's "dram shop laws" mean that if an intoxicated guest gets into a car accident, injures someone, or damages property, you could face expensive lawsuits and medical bills.
How much does it cost? Most couples pay between $100-$150 for a single-event policy. It's a small investment for significant peace of mind.
How do I get it? It's easy! You can purchase coverage online in about 10 minutes. We have relationships with eWed Insurance, The Event Helper, and Gather Guard, but you may use any insurance provider you chose. Just add Carawood Lake as an "Additional Insured" (at no extra charge) and email us your certificate two weeks before your event (eWed Insurance emails us automatically on your behalf.)
Questions about food service for your event?
We're happy to discuss your vision and help you find the perfect solution!
Booking
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You can submit a request online here or you can give us a call at (440) 707-6235.
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We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date, especially for popular times like weekends and holidays.
Events booked with a Reception Package can be booked up to 2 and a half years in advance. Other events can be booked up to 6 months in advance.
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The Lodge is climate-controlled and beautiful in any weather. Plus, our covered patio provides additional flexibility for indoor/outdoor events.
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Additional hours can often be added to your rental or package for an additional fee. Contact us to discuss building a custom package for your event!
Payments & Cancellations
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See “What’s Included…” on our Lodge Rental page for a breakdown of what’s included with our Basic, Reception/Ceremony, and Overnight Packages.
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We require a non-refundable retainer equal to 20% of your Package price to purchase your date.
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In addition to the Lodge Reservation fee, we require that all events serving alcohol purchase their own Host Liability Insurance. This is typically about $100-$200, depending on the size of your wedding.
We also have a “You break it, you buy it” policy - basically, if you break our stuff during your event, you will be charged for the cost of repair or replacement. As part of this policy, we require a credit card to be stored on file prior to your event.
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For packages that cost $500 or less, the reservation fee is due 7 days prior to your event.
For packages that cost $501 to $999, the reservation fee is due 30 days prior to your event.
For packages that cost $1000 or more, the rental fee is due 90 days prior to your event (or upon booking, if booked within 90 days).
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YES! We can set-up custom payment plans at 0% interest, with payments every 4 weeks, designed to pay off the reservation fee by your due date.
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Before Payment Due Date
Get a FULL REFUND for any cancellation made before your payment due date (minus the non-refundable 10% booking retainer on bigger packages). We believe groups shouldn't be penalized for planning ahead, so you can cancel for your max refund right up until your payment is actually due!
After Payment Due Date
Packages $500 or Less (Payment due 7 days before event):
4-7 days before event: 50% refund
1-3 days before event: 25% refund
Day of event or no-show: No refund
Packages $501 to $999 (Payment due 30 days before event):
15-30 days before event: 50% refund
8-14 days before event: 25% refund
Within 7 days of event or no-show: No refund
Packages Over $1,000 (Payment due 90 days before event):
60-90 days before event: 50% refund
30-59 days before event: 25% refund
Within 30 days of event or no-show: No refund
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If extreme weather conditions (as determined by the National Weather Service) make the event unsafe or impossible to hold events may be rescheduled to an available date within 18 months at no additional charge.