Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Ranch DOES NOT have a light’s out time! One of the special perks of booking here at The Ranch is that we have the capacity to accommodate overnight guests. Since so many of our guests do overnight here, it is easy to extend your party until the wee hours. We do need to be mindful, however, of the local ordinance which requires a slightly lower music volume after 10:00 PM. A Ranch Staff Member must remain onsite until the last guest retires. For your convenience, we will provide a Staff Member until 12:00 PM. After midnight, a nominal staffing fee applies.

  • Yes. The Ranch requires a professional coordinator to oversee your wedding weekend and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Due to the size of our property, the duration of events, and the overall complexity, a dedicated coordination team is essential for seamless execution. The Ranch at Stoney Creek offers an in-house coordination team that can assist with planning your full three-day celebration or a single-day wedding. Our team brings the added benefit of deep familiarity with the property, allowing for a more efficient and cohesive experience. You will also find a Recommended Vendor List in your Welcome Packet, which includes several outside coordinators we’ve worked with in the past. If you choose to hire an outside coordinator (even from our recommended list), they are required to visit the Ranch at least six months prior to your wedding. This ensures they are well-acquainted with the property and aware of the specific requirements needed to keep events flowing smoothly throughout your celebration.

  • Yes. We have no restrictions on the alcohol you bring, as long as it is served by a licensed bartender. We strongly encourage signature drinks as a means of budget management and to encourage responsible drinking. While shots are not prohibited, we have found that they promote irresponsible behavior that can incur damages that become the financial responsibility of the Bride & Groom. We ask that you please manage your consumption in a way that allows for a clean event and safe departure. Vomiting on the property or in the rooms will result in a minimum $250 fee taken from security deposit.

  • Yes. Our goal here at Stoney Creek is to enable our guests to have the best day ever. One of the few places we draw the line and have strict rules are with bartenders. Bartenders have a huge job and the safety of your guests are in their hands. We require professional bartenders at The Ranch for the safety of not only our business, but the safety of your family and friends as well. You may find a list of recommended bartenders on our “Recommended Vendor List” or through your caterer. If you select a bartender that is not found on our list, then they are required to come to the Ranch for an orientation at least one month prior to your wedding. Your bartender(s) needs to arrive 2-3 hours prior to the event (to ensure drinks are cooled on ice, and the bar is set up and ready) and is required to stay as long as your DJ/Band is providing service.

  • We welcome outside caterers at The Ranch. You’ll find a list of trusted, reliable caterers in our Recommended Vendor List. If you choose a caterer not included on that list, they are required to schedule an onsite visit at least one month before your wedding to familiarize themselves with our layout, equipment, and service expectations. Please note that it is the caterer’s responsibility to:

    • Set the dinner tables with your selected place settings (excluding décor)

    • Pre-fill water glasses before guests are seated

    • Buss tables following the reception dinner

    It is also an industry standard to provide vendor meals for those working your event. Please discuss the number of vendor meals needed with both your Coordinator and your Caterer during your planning process.

    In addition to accommodating outside catering, The Ranch at Stoney Creek also offers catering services for smaller gatherings, such as intimate rehearsal dinners (up to 50 guests). We also have a menu of lunch options, appetizers, late-night snacks, S’mores experiences, and enhanced Sunday Brunch options.

  • Tableside water service works best when the Caterer is responsible to pre-pour water glasses as they are typically serving food and setting tables. We would like to emphasize the importance of the water service for dinner especially during the warmer months, so please confirm with your Catering Team that they plan to provide this service. We are happy to step in and help with this service if needed for an additional fee. Please see the “Optional Item Pricing List".

  • We believe The Ranch is your best option for this service. Oftentimes the catering team offers this service, but they leave much earlier than your guests and take it with them. We now offer this service and allow the beverages to stay out for the duration of your party. Your Drink Station decorations will be cohesive with your overall décor theme. We also provide a staff member who will be responsible for maintenance and refills until the last person goes to bed. (See our Optional Item Pricing)

  • Coffee service is an important offering at The Ranch, especially as guests prepare to head home on the curvy country roads. We recommend booking one of our fully decorated Coffee Service Stations through The Ranch. When provided by our team, your coffee station will remain available throughout the entire evening, ensuring even late-night guests have access. Because we are providing this service, your caterer is welcome to pack up and depart at the end of dinner service—our team will take care of managing, maintaining, and refilling the coffee station for the rest of the night.

  • Yes. Open wine bottles may be placed on dinner tables as long as a licensed bartender is present and actively overseeing service in that area. Please coordinate this plan directly with your Bartender or Caterer to ensure proper supervision and compliance.

    We also recommend keeping this in mind when designing your table layout so your décor and place settings accommodate the wine bottles comfortably and safely.

  • This is an often over-looked detail. It is important to think ahead and preplan with your Coordination Team, Caterers and/or Bartender to strategize how you prefer for your guests to receive their champagne. You can make arrangements with your bartender to pour or serve prepoured champagne, or perhaps you guests would prefer to toast you with their drink of choice. If you do plan to serve champagne, please plan to use real glass flutes for this as plastic flutes are flimsy and fall over.

  • We have plenty of restrooms in the Venue Area. However, some of your camping guests may really appreciate your providing portable restrooms in the campground area so that they have access in the middle of the night to something closer than our restrooms. We recommend that you rent Portable Restrooms for the campground area in a quantity sufficient for your camping guest count, as well as wash stations. Please refer to our “Recommended Vendor List” for rental company options.

  • Yes. We provide a carefully curated Recommended Vendor List featuring professionals who consistently deliver excellent service and who are already familiar with the unique logistics of our expansive property.

    We understand that you may prefer to hire vendors outside of this list. If so, please note that your Coordinator, Caterer, Florist, DJ, Photographer and Bartender must be hired from professional service providers. These five key vendors play an essential role in the flow and safety of your weekend. If they have not previously worked at our Venue, they must be pre-approved by the Ranch (prior to your signing a contract) and are required to schedule an onsite visit at least one month prior to your wedding weekend.

    Other vendor categories are welcome without an onsite visit.

    If multiple required vendors need a property tour, please be aware that an additional fee may apply.

  • This tradition is always super fun and interactive for everyone. We require that all tossed items are eco-friendly, such as: natural flowers or flower petals, dried flowers (such as lavender), rice or bubbles. No synthetic items please! Even when the item is promoted as being biodegradable (we find that it is not) and we cannot allow it. We love sparklers and know that exit toss photos with sparklers are beautiful. However, they do pose a fire threat, and thus will need pre-approval and staff assistance.

  • The flower shop is divided into two parts. There is a front area and walk-in cooler behind an insulated door. The front area of The Flower Shop is a working area for The Ranch and is full of our own tools and supplies and is for Stoney Creek use only. There are times that we have other floral related projects in motion during an event or wedding that is separate from the event in place. The walk-in cooler is available to hold bouquets and finished arrangements as well as a minimal amount of pre-stripped loose floral ready to be used around the venue and staged for your event. (The Ranch at Stoney Creek is NOT responsible for any lost or damaged items.)

  • While we love animals, pets are not allowed on the Stoney Creek property without prior approval. We are a working farm with chickens, ducks, cats and goats free ranging on our property. Our ranch dogs are LGD working dogs. Their job is to protect our animals from outside predatory animals including wild dogs. While our dogs are sweet dogs for people, they are very large and may see other dogs as a threat. Pre-approval may be granted for the Bride and Groom ONLY (during ceremony) and a non-refundable deposit of $150 per pet will be required. Dogs are strictly forbidden from being inside any room, except the Saloon. The presence of any unapproved pets on our property will result in a $200 fee per pet deduction from your deposit. Please advise your guests on your wedding website.

  • For the safety of all our guests and the threat of fires, smoking is taken very seriously at The Ranch. All smoking must be contained in the designated smoking area (circular stone driveway in front of the red barns). This includes cigarettes, cannabis, vapes, etc. Please dispose of all by-products in the provided garbage containers. With preapproval, cigar smoking may also take place in our Cigar Lounge (if added from our Optional Price List). Smoking in any other areas at The Ranch is strictly forbidden. Anyone found walking around smoking, smoking in any buildings or outside of the designated area can cause your hosts to incur a $500 fine.

  • Yes. We do have a campground that will accommodate up to 100 guests. The cost is $35 per person per night and includes a Continental Breakfast. You can bring your own tent and sleeping gear or bring a trailer up to 26' or a motorhome up to 30'. We do not have hookups, but there are 2 restrooms and 2 outdoor showers available for campers. Renting additional porta potties is recommended for larger groups or for extra comfort. Please see our “Recommended Vendor List" for portable restroom vendors and alternative tent rental resources (glamping tents are GREAT FUN). For the sake of efficiency, we do not manage the campers and their cost. We include the camping cost to the final payment invoice. Couples typically include camping information on their wedding website and have guests Venmo them directly.

  • Cooking campfires in our predesignated venue firepit are a fun part of your experience. S'More's campfires are overseen by RSC Staff and can be included in your events from 9:30-11:00 PM (while guests are in attendance). Check our Optional Item Pricing to learn more about our S'More's Package. You must provide adult supervision to oversee any children in your party. Due to drought conditions and the risk of wildfires, campfires in the campground area require pre-approval and are only permitted during some seasons based on local ordinances.

  • Yes. You are welcome to use the small kitchen located in the Lakehouse for cooking family meals. It is equipped with a small refrigerator, small range, and limited counter space. It is ideal for a cozy family dinner. The size will limit you to only cooking for small groups, typically 12 people or less. The kitchen has not worked in the past for event cooking such as rehearsal dinner and ceremony. Take a load off and enjoy having the caterers handle the big numbers!

  • Yes. The Ranch can provide ice for $10 per bag with one week’s notice. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own ice or purchase it from the reliable ice delivery vendor listed on our Recommended Vendor List. We also provide a designated space in the Small Barn for you to drop off personal items for your event weekend. Inside this space is a chest freezer reserved exclusively for storing your ice, with capacity for 380 pounds (nineteen 20-pound bags).

    Please plan ahead to ensure you have enough ice for your three-day wedding weekend, as quantities vary depending on guest count and weather. If you require more than the 380 pounds stored onsite, you are welcome to bring additional ice in your own coolers when you arrive on Friday for your wedding weekend. If you plan to bring additional ice in your own coolers, we ask that you keep all personal coolers on one of the porches just outside the building you’ll be using, rather than taking them indoors. Coolers tend to create wet floors, which can be unsafe for guests and staff.

  • Yes. The Ranch at Stoney Creek is a dream for kids and we love it when they are included! We've even had events that designate their own fun areas including tents, teepees, games, coloring tables, and more! We encourage you to enhance the experience and make a fun and safe space for the kids attending. Many weddings hire a sitter or assign a family member to supervise the children. Please let your guests know that we have a 20'+ deep pond, free range animals, and an evening bonfire that pose hazards for children. ALL children under the age of 13 require adult supervision at all times.

  • Yes. You are welcome to bring your own decorations and personal items.* The Welcome Area, Memorial Table, Sweetheart Table, and the Favor Table are the areas which benefit most from your personal keepsakes. For your convenience, we have a large selection of decorations, accessories and furniture at competitive rental prices. We offer you the option to source from us to reduce your costs and to make your planning easier and more efficient. However, we are receptive to your bringing decorations, accessories or furniture for areas other than those listed above with the understanding that you are responsible for set up and break down of these items. Be advised that your items will likely show some wear after the event and may possibly be damaged. Should you choose to source decorations, accessories or furniture elsewhere, please understand that it is quite difficult to keep like items separated (ie: our candle holders and your candle holders). Therefore, if you are going to bring a specific item (such as candle holders), we ask that you please bring enough to decorate the entire event with that item. PLEASE NOTE that if we are your Coordinator, then we require that you drop off your full inventory of personal items on the Tuesday prior to your wedding day (unless arrangements have been made for a different day) in order to effectively streamline organization.

    *The Ranch at Stoney Creek is NOT responsible for any lost or damaged items.

  • Yes. We have a designated day and space set aside just for this purpose. Our 3-day wedding couples will schedule an appointment for the Tuesday afternoon prior to their wedding to drop off items in a dedicated storage area reserved just for you. During this time, you’ll meet with your Day-of Coordinator to review and inventory your personal items together.

    To ensure accuracy and a smooth setup, all personal items must be delivered at the same time during your scheduled Tuesday drop-off. Items delivered separately may limit our ability to guarantee proper placement. This process helps eliminate stress, ensures nothing is forgotten, and streamlines your wedding preparations. Please note that our storage space is limited, and we are not able to accommodate large furniture items.

  • Yes. You may wish to bring certain sentimental items such as a special cake cutter or glasses for the wedding couple*. We prefer that the remainder of your tableware be sourced through your caterer or through us; however, disposable place settings are absolutely welcome and can be a simple, beautiful option for your event.

    Please note that any non-disposable tableware must be thoroughly cleaned, with all stickers removed, and packaged in a dust-free container prior to your event. We do not have facilities for washing or cleaning on site and are unable to store dirty dishes.

    Many couples choose to bring their own cloth napkins to complement their décor, which we love. Please note that napkins must be pressed, knotted, and folded prior to drop-off. To help streamline your setup, we recommend designating in advance who will be responsible for completing these preparations. All personal items should be brought during your scheduled drop-off day.

  • Yes! Most of our 3 Day wedding couples do host their Rehearsal Dinner here at The Ranch. The use of the Rehearsal Site is part of your Wedding Package and includes the use of our generous sized Upper Patio. We have tables and chairs, a caterers/buffet table, a table for drinks display and a tub that you may use for ice and/or for display of iced drinks.

    You are welcome to bring prepared foods or have your dinner catered. We do not encourage family BBQ's as it has not worked well in the past. Please note that having a food truck at this upper site does not work as there is no flat space near to the dinner tables for them to park, cook and serve. Here are some things to consider when planning your Rehearsal Dinner or Lunch:

    • How many guests?

    • Who will be responsible for: Food, dishes, utensils, napkins, drinks, decor, set up and clean up?

    • Who will serve alcohol? We require you to have a bartender if you have 30 people or more drinking beer and wine OR any number of people drinking hard alcohol.

    • We require you to make coffee available for your Guests because this is such a frequent request. We do offer coffee service, but you are not required to source this from us. We are also happy for you to bring everything you would need to provide this, if you wish.

    • If you choose to provide your drinks (please see our available services in "Optional Item Pricing"), then please make sure you:

    Make water available at least an hour in advance of your Rehearsal Realize that the closest place to fill/refill water containers is in the Lake House Clean up by 10:00 PM (Rehearsal Dinner) or 2:00 PM (Wedding Day Lunch) PLEASE DO NOT use plastic water bottles or red solo cups.

  • Kick off the celebration and gather your favorite people—especially those who’ve traveled to be here—with a relaxed, post-rehearsal evening in the backyard. Set against peaceful pond views, our beautiful deck is the perfect place to mingle and unwind. Enjoy tables with umbrellas and comfortable seating, a cozy lounge area, and a bar ready for your favorite sips. As the evening settles in, guests can gather around our fun s’mores firepit—a sweet and memorable way to start the wedding festivities.

  • Our saloon is where the Groomsmen have lunch and get ready on your wedding day. The saloon is not ideal for overnight stays. However, there are occasions when you feel it is unsafe for one of your guests to drive. In this case, there is a sofa and a queen size air mattress with 2 sleeping bags available for use in the saloon. There will be a fee of $100 per person per night to sleep in the saloon.

  • A wedding website is an excellent way to communicate important details to your guests. We often receive calls from guests seeking clarification, so providing clear information in advance will help everyone feel prepared and make their experience at The Ranch more enjoyable.

    We recommend including the following details on your wedding website:

    • Attire Guidance: Let guests know what clothing and footwear are appropriate for the terrain and weather. Encourage practical shoes and suggest layers or jackets for cooler evenings.

    • Campground Fees: Camping is charged per person, per night and is typically paid directly to the couple, often through a Venmo link on the wedding website. Make sure guests know how and when to pay.

    • Smoking Policy: Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area and is strictly enforced. A $500 fine (minimum) will be deducted from the couple’s deposit if any guest is found smoking outside the designated area.

    • Pet Policy: Pets are strictly forbidden. Although The Ranch is a working farm, our large Livestock Guardian Dogs are trained to protect our animals and cannot distinguish between a guest’s pet and a potential threat. Any non-approved pet will result in a $200 per pet deduction. Please make sure to communicate any pets in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

    Providing this information upfront will help your guests arrive informed and ready to enjoy the celebration.

  • Yes. The purchase of Event Liability Insurance is mandatory. We require a $2 million liability policy that covers the entire 3-day event and includes liquor liability. Please be sure to verify that The Ranch at Stoney Creek, Leon Jackson and Michelle Jackson must be specifically named in the policy. Proof of purchase must be submitted at least 1 month prior to your wedding. We highly recommend your purchasing a Cancellation Insurance Policy to protect you from financial loss should your big day need to be cancelled or postponed. You can find a list of Insurance Providers on our “Recommended Vendor List".

  • We recommend that all guests at The Ranch wear comfortable shoes for walking outside on sloping gravel roads and grass. Flat or low- heeled shoes are very highly recommended.

    ** Dress in or bring layers of clothing. Even the hottest of days can transition to a chilly night.

  • We have super creative floral designers here at the Ranch. We grow a great deal of our own flowers which results in a much higher quality flower and lower costs for you. If you wish to bring in your own Florist, then please know that the placement and removal of all flowers (including installations) is their responsibility. Because our venue is outdoors, the timing of placement is dictated by the sun, shade, temperature and other relevant weather conditions. Additionally, we promote ecofriendly and sustainable practices that do not allow for the use of any synthetic materials. You are welcome to use dried or fresh flowers and/or greenery, but we do not allow artificial flowers.

  • As with any event, unexpected situations can arise. We are always prepared to step in and help as needed so your wedding flows smoothly and seamlessly. Occasionally, this may require us to supplement items or services (with your approval) to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your guests.

    For example, if the evening turns unexpectedly cool, we may need to add heaters or Mexican-style blankets. If you source your place settings elsewhere and we find that there are missing, forgotten, or miscounted glasses, plates, or tableware, we may need to supplement those items. Additional non-overnight guests may join your for breakfast, or a reception that runs longer than expected and requires extra RSC staff hours, are examples of things that may result in additional charges.

    While we make every effort to avoid deductions, they may be assessed when necessary. Possible reasons include:

    • Guests smoking outside the designated area

    • Presence of unapproved animals

    • Vomiting on the property or in rooms

    • Synthetic exit toss materials

    • Children left unattended near the pond or bonfire

    • Damage to property or furniture

    • Missing items

    • Excessive cleanup needs (e.g., glitter, haircut debris)

    Your happiness is our top priority, and we want your wedding weekend to be one of your favorite memories. We also understand the importance of receiving your deposit back promptly. We will review your case within 30 days of the conclusion of your wedding weekend and return your deposit after all aspects have been thoroughly reviewed and settled.

  • Tipping isn’t required, but it’s a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for the amazing people who help make your day unforgettable. It’s also customary in the wedding world! We suggest doing a little research to see what’s typical for each type of vendor—resources like ChatGPT, The Knot or Brides.com may have helpful guides to give you a good idea.