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 & Campground): 200 guests

    Overnight Camping:

    • 32 Tent sites that can accommodate up to 3 tents each.

    • 14 Combination tent & RV sites that accommodate 1 tent and 2 RVs on each site.

    • 3 Combination tent & primitive cabin sites, with each cabin designed for 2 adults (up to 2 small children may accompany their parents)

  • 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, personalized decorations, flowers, and entertainment. 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 (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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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: 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 one of our Overnight Packages or our All-Day Reception & Ceremony Package that gives you additional access to the space!

    Decoration Guidelines:

    • 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, 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: 11:30 PM - 7:00 AM

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

  • 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

    • Kitchen must be returned to clean condition

  • 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

    • Nudity at public events

    • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    • 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:

    • 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!

  • 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

  • We do not provide catering services, but we're happy to work with any licensed caterer you choose 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 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

  • Our Lodge includes a catering kitchen equipped kitchen with:

    • Commercial-grade refrigerator (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! Keeping in mind that food safety is everyone's responsibility, 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!

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

Booking

  • 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.

    Events booked with a Reception & Ceremony Package can be booked up to 2 years in advance. Other events can be booked up to 15 months in advance.

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

  • 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

  • See “What’s Included…” on our Lodge Rental page for a breakdown of what’s included with our Basic, Reception/Ceremony, and Overnight Packages.

  • Yes, we require a refundable cleaning deposit at the time of booking. This deposit is:

    • $150 for packages $750 or less

    • $250 for packages > $751

    This deposit will be refunded to you within 7 days of your event when the Lodge is found to be in satisfactory condition following your event.

    For weekend reservations only: We also a require a non-refundable retainer equal to 10% of your Package price to reserve your date.

  • For packages that cost $750 or less, the reservation fee is due 7 days prior to your event.

    For packages that cost $751 to $2,500, the reservation fee is due 30 days prior to your event.

    For packages that cost more than $2,500, the rental fee is due 90 days prior to your event (or upon booking, if booked within 90 days).

  • YES! With a credit card stored securely on file with Square (our payment processor) we can set-up custom payment plans at 0% interest, with payments every 2 or 4 weeks, designed to pay off the reservation fee by your due date.

  • 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 with a full refund right up until your payment is actually due!

    After Payment Due Date

    Packages $750 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 $751 to $2,500 (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 $2,500 (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

  • 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.