1888 Wedding Barn Questions and Answers:

1. What's included?

Just about everything you need is included when you book our beautiful wedding barn venue. The natural beauty of the rustic barn and the spectacular views of the Western Maine Mountains are simply breathtaking. Many brides have said, ” the only thing that is not covered is the wedding ceremony officiant, photographer, florist, and DJ or Band” and they can help you out with Preferred Vendors if you so desire. Everything else is provided as part of our three wedding package options.

2. Does 1888 Wedding Barn have standardized packages?

Chef Charisa and the whole Gourmet in a Pinch Team is our exclusive full service caterer that will handle all aspects of your culinary delights for your special wedding day. We simplify the wedding planning process by offering three unique wedding reception dinner menu packages from the White Pine Package, Spruce Package, or Hemlock Package which makes it much easier to plan a successful event. 

3. Can I bring in my own vendors like musicians, photographers, florists, etc.?

We have developed a close knit community of Preferred Network Vendors. The reason we recommend certain vendors is because, with experience comes excellence. These vendors have proven to be trustworthy, experienced and have met our high standards of excellence and quality. We are also happy to work with your preferred vendors providing they have proper licensing and insurance. Non-Venue Approved Vendor Fee may apply. Please inform your florists that no flowers are to be cut in the barn. Finished Floral Arrangements only. The safety of you and your guests are always a priority for us.

  1. Do you have lodging accommodations nearby?

Absolutely! Lots of options exist with Modern Guest Rooms, Condominium Suites, B&B's, RV Parks, Private Rental Homes, Historic Inns, and Resort Style Lodging. Each offers a variety of amenities and benefits from flat screen TV's, high speed internet, coffee maker, mini fridge, microwave, Cable TV, WiFi, A/C, outdoor fire pit, fireplaces, hot tubs, heated indoor/outdoor pools, bridal suites, tennis courts, health spa, bridal salon, table tennis, pool tables, and full kitchens.


5. What is there to do in the area?

1888 Wedding Barn and Reception Hall in Bethel, Maine is just a few miles from Sunday River Ski Resort, Grafton Notch, Evergreen Valley, and the White Mountains of Maine and New Hampshire. We have partnered with Sports Thoma for that ultimate memorable experience down the Androscoggin River. The area is a world renowned four season outdoor playground. Adventurous couples and guests can explore Maine’s natural beauty on extensive hiking trails, mountain and road bike paths, rivers, and lakes ideal for kayaking, canoeing and summer swimming. Sunday River Ski Resort area offers a wide range of activities from Twin Zipline Adventure, Scenic Chondola Rides, Mountain Biking, Wall Climbing, Hiking, Bungee Trampoline, Disc Golf, Geocaching, Sluicing, and the Sunday River Golf Course which was designed by Trent Jones and has been ranked top 100 in the country. Come check us out and stay a lifetime.

6. Will other events be hosted at 1888 Wedding Barn on my wedding day?

Absolutely not !!!! This is your special day and you will have exclusive use of the property and facilities you’ve reserved for that day.

7. How large can my 1888 Wedding Barn wedding be?

We can accommodate intimate ceremonies (Minimum of 50) to larger Wedding Celebrations up to 180 guests.

8. If I provide you with picture(s) of what I’d like for a wedding cake/dessert table, can you recreate it?

Yes, the Gourmet in a Pinch Pastry Chef will design a wedding cake/dessert table that meets your wedding day vision. We will cobble together different aspects of pictures you like into one cohesive integrated solution. 

9. How long can my event be and how late can my event conclude?

We work with each couple to design a timeline that works for the both of you. We will agree to a timeline as a part of our contract which is usually 5 hours duration (industry standard) concluding by 10:00 PM which does not include the actual Wedding Ceremony so you have even more time to enjoy family, friends, and relatives. Additional reception time beyond 5 hours is available at a pro-rated barn rental service fee up to 11 PM. Two local bar establishments walking distance away will help you keep your party going to the wee hours of the morning and quieter more intimate “after hours” events  (fire pits) can be conducted at nearby lodging accommodations until the cows come home. 

10. What is your payment policy?

$3000 initial check payment to hold wedding event date. 50% balance due 14 days prior to the wedding event date when RSVP's have been received with final payment due on or before your wedding rehearsal date.

$1,000 damage deposit due 7 days before event and refunded within 96 hours.

11. What is your alcohol policy?

Gourmet in a Pinch is a Class 1 Liquor Licensee for Beer, Wine, Mixed Drink Liquors, and non alcoholic beverages. Bartenders are included with the Cash Bar at no extra cost to you as long as all the Beer, Wine, and Mixed Drinks are purchased through the bar. Paul will work with you closely to design a Bar Package (Cash Bar, Ticket Bar, Open, $/Time Limit Bar, etc.) that will accommodate your special guests needs. Please note that no outside alcohol can be consumed on the 1888 Wedding Barn Property or Parking Lot. Additional Liquor Enforcement Fees may apply depending on Lodging Profile.

12. What is your policy on 1888 Wedding Barn decorating?

The 1888 Wedding Barn Event Team totally sets up the venue space in advance of your wedding celebration adhering to our mutually agreed Barn CAD Layout drawing and Integrated Master Timeline. You will have the opportunity to personalize the wedding barn for approximately one hour in the morning before the wedding celebration. This way it is all set up for a risk free, hassle free Wedding Celebration Event. Ask about our Rehearsal Dinner Wedding Packages if you want to setup the day before.

13. Can I practice my wedding ceremony at the 1888 Barn the night before?

Absolutely! ... Chef Charisa's Rehearsal Dinner Pizza/BBQ/Mexican/Italian/Theme Party at the 1888 Barn Bar on Friday night or the Hemlock Wedding Package includes early barn setup and wedding ceremony practice on Friday at no cost to you which is a $295 Value if booked separately.

14. Do you allow candles?

A lot of sweat equity went into renovating the 1888 Wedding Barn so we do not allow any open flames such as candles or sparklers. LED bulbs are allowed for your special lighting requirements and they look great!

15. What 1888 Barn services are included? 
Your wedding guests will be serviced by two professional teams (1888 Wedding Barn Team and the Gourmet in a Pinch Team) . The 1888 Wedding Barn Team will make sure that the event venue is clean before and after the event, trash removal, perennial garden and lawn maintenance, design signage, table, chair, buffet, and cocktail table setup, press linens, set place settings, stock bar, restroom checks, and pack your personal belongings at night's end. The Gourmet in a Pinch Team will prepare and serve appetizers, food, and dessert, and bus plates and glasses throughout the evening. Both teams combine to give you the utmost in customer satisfaction at the 1888 Wedding Barn.

16. Are there any other amenities or upgrades that you offer?

Ask Paul about our upgrade services like the Premium Standalone Photo Booth  (Shameless Fun Photo Booth II) integrated with Social Media,  our state of the art QVC Sound/PA System with internal and external speakers, and our Mavic II Pro Video Drone that you can include with any package for extra fun and enjoyment. 
17. Does the barn have a fire suppression, (sprinkler) system?    
There is nothing more important than the safety of our guests. It is for that reason that The 1888 Wedding is fully compliant with NFPA 13 Fire Standards and ADA Life Safety 101. We have a state of the art fire suppression sprinkler system, code compliant exit doors, with panic hardware, full exit lighting and fire extinguishers in case of any emergency. Every barn venue in Maine needs to be compliant with these standards or risk having their venue fined and or closed down. This could perhaps be the single most important question to ask your venue. Without a fire sprinkler system, you run the risk of having an investigator from the Fire Marshall’s office show up on the day of your wedding and ask everyone to leave.
18. Any cost associated with the 1888 Wedding Barn Off Street Parking?   
We provide complimentary off street parking to our wedding reception guests on your wedding day and will extend that free amenity to your Rehearsal Dinner and Post Brunch Wedding Event if you book your catered event with Chef Charisa at Gourmet in a Pinch.
19. Does the wedding barn have any heat or air conditioning?
Yes.. High Tech Heat Pumps and High Efficiency Air Conditioners will make your special wedding celebration comfortable no matter what is going on outside at no additional cost to you. This amenity has proven to be a huge competitive discriminator for our clients when selection the right wedding rustic barn for their special wedding event.

20. What kind of Wedding Planning Services are included with all your 1888 Wedding Barn Packages?
Great question!!! From the moment you Book your wedding reception on our 1888 Wedding Barn Event Calendar, Paul and his team are hard at work making all your dreams come true. We safeguard your ceremonial wedding day by turning down countless other anxious Bride and Grooms who showed up late to the plate seeking your special day. Some of the 1888 Barn Wedding Planning Services include Initial/Final On-Site Guided Tour ($100 Value*), 1888 Barn Layout CAD Design ($500 Value), Integrated Master Time Line ($250 Value), Risk Mitigation Tactics/Strategy ($250 Value), Contract Invoice Update ($75 Value*), Unlimited E-Mail Support ($30 Value*), Phone Support ($30 Value*), Vendor Contact Questionnaire ($250 Value), Chef Charisa Dietary/Allergy Support ($150 Value), Preferred Vendor List ($150 Value), Customized Bar Package Design ($200 Value), LT Hourly Rate ($150*), and the highly effective Final Telcon to Cross T's and Dot I's to ensure total customer satisfaction. This comprehensive task list is complementary to you when we execute your wedding vision to perfection using these effective Six Sigma communication techniques. (* per occurrence/update/hourly)