Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What type of events are held?
The barn is a great facility often rented for wedding ceremonies, receptions, banquets, corporate events & seminars, celebrations and workshops.
What does the On River’s Edge facility include?
Indoor facilities available for your use:
- The Original Dairy Barn, which is 3,000 sq. ft altogether,. can house up to 150 for a wedding ceremony or seated function or up to 150 for a reception (with room for dancing, food, drinks, etc.)
- 1 Catering Prep Room 15'x21' - no on-site cooking utilities available [Ample counter space, refrigerator, and farm sink]
- 2 Indoor Restrooms
- 1 Women’s Dressing Room 15'x16' [This room can become a play room or quiet room for the youngest guests]
- 1 Men’s Dressing Room 15’ x 18’ [This room can become an age-appropriate haven for teens later in the evening]
Outdoor facilities available for your use:
- Several garden rooms feature seasonal displays, intimate seating areas, and ample photo opportunities
- A one-third acre level lawn for formal ceremonies or casual play
- A unique and fitting arbor for your ceremony, speaker, or serving stage
- Gravel terrace surrouned by landscaping, with a working firepit, great for alfresco dining
- A boardwalk next to the river and a charming pedestrian bridge through the meadow
Do you have space for an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, right outside the Barn’s stunning doors we do have a gravel plaza overlooking the adjoining lawn and the Little Spokane River beyond. Many choose to use the lawn for their ceremony and have the reception in the Barn, where the picturesque lighting warms up the evening. It is great to also have the ability, in case of inclement weather, to move your beautiful event into the Barn, even at the last minute.
Do you provide the staff to set-up & take-down the tables and chairs?
Yes, we do provide labor for your event, to set-up & tear-down facility tables, chairs, staging, sound equipment, etc., and a Wedding Coordinator to monitor the event throughout the rental period, restock restrooms, take out garbage, clean-up spills, consult your caterer and other vendors, provide on-site assistance and troubleshooting, and at the end of the night, sweep and mop.
What equipment comes with the rental?
- Platform to stage the Bride & Groom’s Table or Officiant
- (20) 6' rectangular tables
- A variety of special use tables
- Garbage cans & liners
- Bistro lights attached to the timbers
- 4 propane heaters for the evening
- 2 rolling bars for beverage service
- Guest Book Table
- 2 classic urns
- 150 white plastic McCort chairs
- Fabric for swags or bunting
- Many decorative vases and candle holders
- Portable sound system
Do you have a sound system or A/V equipment?
Yes, a wireless mic and speakers are provided in the ceremony arbor and speakers are wired in the Barn for background music. Your DJ will provide their additional equipment, or you can use our speakers and cable to attach to your laptop.
Do you decorate the facility for us?
We provide beautiful ceiling lighting in the Barn and walkway lighting in the gardens.
Additional decorating that reflects your taste, your theme, and your color scheme is the responsibility of the renter. Many have friends and family assist. Some contract for this work with their caterer or florist, while others hire event decorators. The wonderful decorations in our albums reflect some of the fun ideas guests have employed to make their day unique.
How much time do we get to decorate for my event?
You should allow at least 2 hours to decorate & prepare, although the more intricate your decorations the more time that will be needed. Tear-down can usually happen in just one hour. Set-up can be done the day before or as early as 10 a.m. on event day, and you will need to finish taking down your personal items by 11:00 p.m..
Is the facility going to be pre-set with the tables & chairs before we arrive?
Yes, the tables and chairs are pre-set according to the plan you have developed and provided. We have scale floor plans for you to work out all the details well in advance. We will help you, as will the local equipment rental businesses, so that the planning is fun and rewarding.
When can the rental supplies or food/beverage service be delivered for the event?
For a weekend event, deliveries are accepted on Fridayand pick-ups are arranged. The names of those companies expected to deliver & pick-up must be provided, along with a copy of the order.
Do you provide linens, dishes, serving pieces, etc.?
You or your caterer will want to select and coordinate all the supplies for your event so that it becomes part of your overall design. We can recommend equipment rental companies, as well as caterers, florists, and any of the service providers that you have not already selected.
What are your Catering Rules & Regulations? Can we provide our own food? Can we have a pot-luck?
It is recommended that all food service be under the supervision of a Licensed Caterer who has a current Health Certificate, Business Licenses and Commercial Liability Insurance, and provide us with a copy of these documents. Their food must be prepared in a commercial kitchen, purchased from a store or delivered from a restaurant, and all servers must have a current Washington State Food Handlers Permit. So, you can only provide privately prepared food or do a pot-luck if there is a licensed food handler in the group who will handle this paperwork. You must also provide busser(s) throughout the event period. You can go to the Washington State Health Department's website to see what is involved in becoming a food handler. We want you and your guests to stay safe!
Can we bring in a caterer of our choice?
Absolutely, as long as they have the credentials listed above.
Is there a catering fee?
No, a catering fee is not charged.
Is alcohol allowed?
Yes, alcohol is allowed for serving during the reception. On River’s Edge has the following Rules & Regulations regarding alcohol service. Wine, champagne and beer can be served. We can recommend a Washington State Licensed Bartender, or your caterer may include that service.
How can the alcohol be distributed during our event?
All alcohol MUST be served by a Washington State Licensed Bartender. No self service is allowed, and personal use of privately provided alcohol, including flasks, is not allowed.
When and where can alcohol be distributed?
Service is allowed throughout the reception as long as served by the Licensed Bartender. Alcohol service must end 1 hour prior to your contractual end time. For example, an event ending at 10 p.m. will stop serving at 9 p.m.
What are my responsibilities for the alcohol at our event?
The legal responsibility for any guest’s consumption of alcohol rests with the individual signing the rental contract. These Rules & Regulations are required for your protection! On Rivers' Edge will strictly enforce all state laws.
Do you require Event Insurance? What does this involve?
Yes.
When must I apply for the Event Insurance?
If you are applying for WCIA Special Event Insurance, you must submit your application at least 2 months prior to your event. It will take 2 weeks to receive your Event Insurance Certificate. Please confirm appropriate classification and name On River’s Edge as "an additional insured".
Corporate Events & Organizations
WCIA Event Insurance or Commercial Liability Insurance
Banquet Permit or One Day Event Permit:
If there will be alcohol served, a Banquet Permit is required by law. You can apply for the permit online. There is a small fee. During the event, the banquet permit must be posted in a conspicuous place at the premises where the event is held. This only allows the service and consumption of alcohol, not the purchase of alcohol.
May we have a cash bar?
Private rentals such as weddings, parties, receptions, and corporate rentals cannot legally have a cash bar. Events put on by non-profit organizations are the only events that can have can have a cash barn, and they must provide a Special Occasion License ($60 at the liquor store, approved by the Liquor Board) instead of the Banquet Permit ($10 to $25 at the liquor store). It takes about 1 month to receive approval.
If admission to our event requires the purchase of a ticket or payment upon entrance, or if it is open to the public, must I submit any paperwork to the owners of On River’s Edge?
Yes, and you will need to provide proof of the WCIA Event Insurance or Commercial Liability Insurance prior to the event.
Can we throw or use rice/birdseed/confetti/glitter, etc.?
Yes, the throwing of kisses, blowing bubbles, and birdseed IF obtained from On River’s Edge (so that it is appropriate for our birds and plants) is permitted.
Can we decorate with hay bales?
Although this is a barn, hay bales create some fire safety and allergen issues. Therefore a limit of four bales outside the barn keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
Can we decorate with candles?
Yes – in order to assure safety, we allow candles as long as they are INSIDE a safe, decorative holder of your choice – (votive, hurricane, etc. or floating). Lit candelabras DURING the ceremonies are allowed.
Can we have music outside?
Yes. Even inside, amplified music must be off by 10 pm and the sound confined to the property at all times. We want to be courteous.
What time do I need to have my event cleaned up by?
11:00 p.m.
How is parking handled?
In order to preserve the natural beauty of the site during the event, no parking is allowed in the actual event area, but a parking area is available across the river, and it is an easy walk from there to the wedding area. Up to six cars at a time can be parked in the drive-court during the set up and clean up hours. Guests can be driven back and forth to their cars by valet drivers or some special vehicles if you choose to arrange this, with constant phone coordination.
Does the Barn have a kitchen?
There is a well equipped catering support area with ample counters, sink, and a refrigerator.
Is there a dance floor?
The Barn floor is smooth finished concrete. Groups usually choose NOT to bring in an additional dance floor, although it is allowed.
When is the best time to visit?
You will need to schedule an appointment to tour the facility. Please call or email.