What services does the rental fee include?
The venue rental fee gives you private access to the venue from noon on Friday through noon on Sunday. You have the whole place to yourselves (we hang around to help out, of course). The following are included in the venue rental fee:
- day-of event coordination
- barn wood banquet tables with seating for 120 (handmade from locally grown and milled pine trees)
- wooden chairs (120)
- place settings for 120 (dinner plates, appetizer/cake plates, wine/beer/water glasses, flatware, napkins)
- use of venue kitchen (for outside catering or DIY)
- awesome custom-built portable restrooms
- 3 handmade wooden tables (gift, cake and sweetheart)
- 2 vintage wine barrel beverage bars
- 3 portable heaters (if needed)
- custom-made fire pit (seasonal)
- lighted dance floor
- event signage
Do you offer onsite event coordination? Is there a fee? What services are provided?
We provide day-of event coordination as part of the venue rental fee. This includes managing deliveries, facilitating the rehearsal, managing the timing/flow of the event, making sure your day is everything you dreamed of.
How many people can this location accommodate?
We can accommodate up to 120 people. We have both inside and outside options, and rain options if the weather demands it. We adhere to all State and Local Covid-19 guidelines. As such, capacity is based on those guidelines and are subject to change.
Can I have my ceremony here, too? Rehearsal dinner? Brunch on Sunday
Yes, yes, and yes! You have the venue to yourselves from Fri-Sun. Typically, couples’ setup on Friday, and have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner here that evening. Saturday, the big day, folks arrive throughout the day, using the Loft to get ready. Sunday morning you can host a mimosa brunch for friends and family (and get their help packing up your décor items.)
Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party?
The Loft in the barn is a wonderful spot to get ready. Lots of natural light, full bathroom, queen-sized bed, full-length mirrors, and lots of hooks to hang dresses on.
Is the rental fee cheaper if we don’t book a Saturday night?
The rental fee is the same regardless of the day of the week.
Are other events scheduled on the same day?
Nope. We want you to enjoy your wedding weekend. Hang out, setup, have your rehearsal dinner onsite if you want. Stay the night in the Barn Loft and relax without having to worry about anything.
What is your alcohol policy?
You bring your own alcohol. No corkage fees. No required purchases. Alcohol is not included in our packages. We can recommend excellent local wines, and local bartending services (which we strongly encourage).
What's your weather contingency (backup) plan for outdoor spaces?
We have a covered outdoor pole barn overlooking the pond and lawn area that can accommodate up to 120 guests seated.
Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?
We have 5 road signs that we strategically place on the highway to direct guests to the Farm. We also have event signage to identify the different locations (ceremony reception, restrooms, etc.)
Do you provide heaters and/or umbrellas for the outdoor spaces?
Included in the venue rental fee are 3 outdoor heaters, and 4 umbrellas that we move around depending on the season and time of day.
What are our catering options?
Our packages include tables, chairs, china, flatware and glassware. We also allow outside caterers in case you have something very specific in mind. We can provide a list of recommended local caters, food trucks, etc. The venue rental fee includes access to our kitchen.
Can I bring a cake from an outside vendor? Is there a cake cutting fee?
Of course. We do not provide wedding cakes – but we know some amazing local bakers we can introduce you to. We do provide cake cutting and cake plates as part of our packages at no additional fee.
Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations? Do you have décor items that we can rent?
Yes and Yes! This is your day and we want it to be exactly what you have always envisioned. That means making the place your own. We have a variety of table décor items (mason jars, flower vases, table runners, cute signage, etc.) available for use.
We strive to be environmentally conscious with all our events. We discourage use of plastic and anything synthetic (plastic place settings, water bottles, flower petals, confetti, silly string, and the like). If you choose to use plastics, there is a $250 recycling fee.
Are your insurance certificates up to date?
You betcha. We’re happy to share if you’re interested. All of our staff are vaccinated against Covid-19 (for everyone’s health and safety). Also, we do require couples to provide event liability insurance. WedSafe.com is a good source if you don’t have homeowners/renters insurance.
Are there adequate restroom facilities?
There is one restroom in the barn. We also have mobile restrooms to support up to 120 people. Both restrooms have a few steps. If accessible restrooms are needed, we can recommend local providers where they can be rented.
Can you accommodate physically challenged guests?
Vida Buena Farm is a rustic venue. There are not paved paths and guests will need to walk from site to site. That said, we often drive people who require assistance from spot to spot in a golf cart (or car if they are more comfortable). We do have not have accessible restrooms, but they can be rented for specific events as needed.
Are there any noise restrictions?
We hate to be party-poopers, but music must be off by 10:00pm per the County Noise Ordinance. All guests must leave no later than 10:00 pm (unless you are staying on the property).
Is there parking on site and if so, is it complimentary?
We have tons of parking (it’s on gravel or dirt, not paved). Rick will meet your guests as they arrive and explain where to park, the event logistics, and direct them to the different locations. There is no fee to park.
Are cabs/rideshares (like Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue?
Vida Buena Farm is in a very rural area. Unfortunately, we don’t have Uber, Lyft, etc. There are local shuttle services that you can book for your event.
Can you recommend local accommodations?
There are tons of local vacation rentals available via AirBnB, VRBO, and other services. There are several hotels available in Murphys and Angels Camp.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Upon signing, we need a $2,000 deposit to hold your date. A security deposit and the final payment are due two weeks before the event. We accept cash, checks, and Venmo. You may cancel your event within 60 days of the event and receive a refund of your deposit.