Frequently asked questions

Venue Basics

  • Indoor (Lodge):

    • Up to 125 guests

    • Up to 12 60-inch round tables on the main floor plus 2 additional 8-ft rectangular tables on the dais

    Outdoor (Lawn & Fire Circle areas): 200 guests

    Overnight Camping:

    • 3 primitive cabins designed for 2 adults each (up to 2 young children may accompany their parents)

    • 1 large glamping yurt (23ft diameter) that can sleep up 12 adults

    • 100 primitive tent sites

    • 30 RV sites (no hook-ups)

  • Your venue rental includes everything you need for a beautiful celebration:

    The Lodge:

    • Rustic great room with bar and wood-burning fireplace

    • Catering kitchen

    • Tables and chairs for up to 120 guests

    • Thermostat, basic lighting, and electrical access

    • Restrooms

    Outdoor Spaces:

    • Full access to the Patio, Lawn, Fire Circle, and any reserved camping areas

    • Parking for all guests

    The “Intangibles” - the natural beauty, the privacy of our 50 acres, and the time and space for your celebration to unfold over multiple days rather than just a few hours.

    What's NOT included: Catering, bar service, decorations, flowers, entertainment, and specialty lighting. We're happy to connect you with our preferred vendor list for all these services.

  • 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 (lawn games available)→ 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.

  • 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 bonfire.

    The Hidden Meadow is a private open space in the back corner of the property, typically 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.

  • 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, 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. We've hosted everything from sunrise ceremonies to full moon celebrations, and we love helping couples create something that truly reflects their love story.

    Have a specific vision in mind? We'd love to walk the property with you and explore the possibilities together.

Camping

  • From glamping beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, we have a variety of options to accommodate different comfort levels, despite having only “primitive camping” (ie, no electric or plumbing out on the campgrounds):

    • Primitive cabins with beds and mattresses

    • Glamping tents with mattresses and room to stand

    • Primitive RV sites (no hookups)

    • Primitive tent camping

    • Group camping areas & flexible arrangements

  • Absolutely! Camping transforms your wedding from a single-day event into a magical weekend retreat. Think of it as your own private festival, centered around celebrating your love.

    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 celebration 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.

    • 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

  • Everyone’s needs will vary, but a basic packing list typically includes:

    • Tent, tent stakes, hammer, sleeping bags, pillows

    • Camp chairs, picnic blanket or small table

    • Personal toiletries, towels

    • Cooler with food & drinks

    • Flashlight, little lights for your campsite

    • Insect repellent, sun screen, hat, rain gear

    • Layers for cooler weather

    • Comfortable walking shoes for trails

    • Camera

    • Portable phone charger

    Pro Tips: Bring breakfast supplies - morning coffee by the lake is unforgettable!

Food & Drink

  • We don't provide catering services, but we're happy to work with any licensed caterer you choose. We'll provide you with our preferred vendor list, but you're welcome to bring any caterer that meets our requirements (See below)

  • Yes, both Ohio state law and our insurance requirements set certain standards. For professional caterers, we require that they:

    • Hold valid Ohio food service license

    • Have current Ohio food handler permits for all staff

    • Provide proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1 million)

    • Must coordinate arrival and set-up times with venue management

    • Comply with Ohio Administrative Code 3717 food safety requirements

  • Our Lodge includes a catering kitchen equipped kitchen with:

    • Commercial-grade refrigerator and freezer space (coming soon!)

    • Warming cabinets (coming soon!)

    • Microwave

    • Prep space

    • Three-compartment dish-washing sink

    Caterers must coordinate their timeline and equipment needs with us in advance. 

  • Absolutely! We love when groups want to share their special recipes and traditions. However, food safety is everyone's responsibility, and we want to make sure both you and your guests stay safe.

    For self-catered events, we require:

    • Signed food service waiver that transfers all food-related liability to the event host

    • Written acknowledgment that you've received and will follow our food safety guidelines

    Examples of What You Can Safely 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 warmer for up to 4 hours): 

      • Grilled, baked, or roasted meats, poultry, or fish

      • Cooked vegetables, grains, & pasta dishes (may include cheese)

  • To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, we recommend the following items NOT be prepared in HOME kitchens:

    Meat, Poultry, & Fish:

    • Foods intended to be served warm more than 2 hours after it is 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 must 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. Our event coordination team will work with you and your caterer to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  • Yes, but we do require you to purchase Host Alcohol Liability Insurance for the event.

  • Host Alcohol Liability Insurance Policies cover special events, such as weddings or parties, for groups and individuals that elect to serve alcohol to their guests. This insurance can help with medical bills, property damage, and legal costs associated with injury or damage related to alcohol consumption at the event.

    Although we do have our own Alcohol Liability Insurance for the venue, this policy typically will NOT cover our renters (ie, you!) if the renter or their guests are responsible for injury or damage. In most cases, our policy will only cover incidents related to our own actions.

Questions about food service for your event?
We're happy to discuss your vision and help you find the perfect solution!

Venue Policies

  • We want your space to feel completely yours during your event, while still protecting our natural beauty and spaces for future groups.

    Set-up and Tear-down: Occurs DURING your rental period. If you want access to your space for set-up the day before or tear-down the day after your event, consider a multi-day rental!

    Decoration Guidelines:

    • Respect the property: No permanent changes, and do nothing that could that damages trees, structures, or landscape.

    • Adhesives: No tape, staples, nails, or permanent adhesives on trees, walls, or structures. Use removable hanging methods, clamps, 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.

    • Electrical: Coordinate any power needs with us in advance (outdoor outlets available)

    • No loose glitter

    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.

  • We want you to celebrate joyfully while still being respectful of our rural community.

    Overnight quiet hours: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

    Music and Amplified Sound:

    • Outdoor amplified music is allowed: Until 10:00 PM on weekdays, 11:00 PM on weekends

    • Indoor music: Can continue later if you’ve booked the Lodge overnight (it contains sound better).

    Fire Circle & Camping Conversations:

    • No restrictions on conversation or quiet music around the fire circle (guitars around the fire circle at midnight? Yes, please!)

    • Just be mindful that voices carry across water, especially late at night.

  • Before Use:

    • Check that refrigerator temperature is 40°F or below

    • Wash hands thoroughly before beginning food preparation

    During Use:

    • Maximum 6 people allowed in the kitchen at one time

    • Clean as you go - don't let dishes pile up

    After Use:

    • All surfaces, including the sinks, must be cleaned and sanitized

    • All food items removed from refrigerator

    • All personal items (and items rented from other vendors) such as dishes, crockpots, serving platters, etc. must be removed

    • All trash must be placed in trash bags; the bags must be tied, and then placed in the dumpsters outside

    • Kitchen must be returned to clean condition

    • Alcohol & marijuana consumption is permitted only by individuals of legal age (21+), in compliance with current Ohio law.

    • All guests must consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation.

    • Obvious intoxication, drunkenness, or inebriation is not safe and is not permitted.

    • All cigarette and cigar butts must be properly disposed of in designated receptacles.

    • The use of all illegal substances is strictly prohibited.

  • To maintain a safe environment that can be readily cleaned, the following items are strictly prohibited:

    • Firearms, explosives, or weapons of any kind

    • Illegal substances

    • Pets (see “Restricted Items” for exception)

    • Firewood brought in from off-site (due to the risk of tree-killing pests)

    • Confetti (with the exception of biodegradable “confetti” used outdoors; think flower petals or maple seeds)

    • Loose glitter

    Restricted items that may be acceptable with advanced permission:

    • Candles, incense, & open flames: Allowed with safety precautions

    • Live animals: Horses for fairy-tale entrances, 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

    • Nudity (outside of your tent)

    • 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.

Booking

  • Great question! You can submit a request online here or you can give us a call at (440) 707-6235.

  • We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date, especially for popular times like weekends and holidays.

  • The Lodge is climate-controlled and beautiful in any weather. Plus, our covered patio provides additional flexibility for indoor/outdoor events.

  • Subject to availability, additional hours can often be added to your rental. We recommend discussing potential extensions when booking.