Most Asked Q’s
What is the rental fee and what does it include?
· Please see the details found here for complete pricing and all included items. Note that all tables and white Chiavari chairs are included in the base price, as well as all outside seating (benches & 40 patio chairs). Tables include 8 farmhouse tables (four 7.5’ [seating up to 8 each] & four 5’ [seating up to 4 each]). We also have the following plastic folding tables: 8 - 72” rounds (seating up to 12 each); 12 - 60” rounds (seating up to 10 each); 25 - 8’ longs (seating up to 10 each); 10 - cocktail (31.5”W x 43.5”H); 1 - 5’ long; and 2 - 6’ long.
What is the building capacity?
· 250 seated guests
What dates are available?
· Please see the available dates information here.
Is there a deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
· Yes. A signed rental agreement and 20% deposit are required to guarantee a date. Full and final payment is required 90 days prior to the event. Random extra payments can be made anytime through your client portal. Preferred forms of payment are cash or check; debit and credit cards also accepted. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.
How do rehearsals work?
· Because of weekend back-to-back weddings, rehearsals are the day before from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. If at eight weeks before your wedding date the day before is not booked, your rehearsal can then be scheduled at your preferred time.
Do you allow rehearsal dinners?
· Because of weekend back-to-back weddings, rehearsal dinners are generally only allowed on a Thursday in conjunction with a Friday booking for $500 for a half day (4-10 PM) or $1000 for the full day before. For Saturday or Sunday weddings, if at eight weeks out the day before is not booked, you can reserve the full day before for $1000 or a half day (4-10 PM) for $500 for a rehearsal dinner and/or early decorating. Please note that the actual rehearsals themselves are included in the base price!
How do I reserve a date?
· Dates are reserved on a first requested basis, a 20% deposit, and a signed rental agreement. Whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
· We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. A tour can be requested here.
What is the average total budget of a couple getting married at Aurora Farms?
· That is a great question! Of course, this is dependent on the size of your guest list. In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at Aurora Farms is between $25,000-$35,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, alcohol, cake, dress, tux, DJ, flowers, photographer, videographer, decorations, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists host beautiful weddings less than that, and we have had many lovely events here spending significantly more than the average.
Do we have to utilize your photographer?
· No. As much as we love our photographer (and daughter), we understand that you may have a history with your own photographer whom you love as much as we love ours.
Do you allow photo shoots only?
· Yes. Photo shoots are allowed but must be scheduled during non-peak times, typically Mondays through Thursdays. While here, you are allowed to move anything, but we kindly ask that everything be put back in its place when you are finished. The hourly rate is $50, but bridal portrait sessions are complimentary to our booked brides.
Will there be another wedding the same day?
· At Aurora Farms we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
· Yes! Our new guest house is now open for booking; see full details here: OAK VIEW INN! There are also many local hotels and Airbnbs to choose from. We highly recommend beautiful Downtown Greenville, which is wonderful and is just 11 miles away! Check out more lodging suggestions here: https://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/, which says this about Greenville: “Experience what turned America’s 4th fastest-growing city into one of America’s hottest destinations. Yeah, we’re that Greenville!” Aurora Farms and Greenville, SC, are your perfect Destination Greenville combo!
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
· Our parking lot will hold 100 cars. We can also suggest several shuttle services from your Downtown Greenville or Greer hotel to Aurora Farms.
What size are your tables and how many do you have of each?
· We have 8 round 72” tables (seating up to 12 each), 12 round 60” tables (seating up to 10 each), 25 long tables (30” x 96”, seating up to 10 each). We also have 10 30” round bar height/cocktail tables; 8 farmhouse tables (four 5’ long & four 7.5’ long), which make beautiful food displays or bridal party and/or family seating; a scalloped 3’ round cake table; two double tier white tables (used for apps, desserts, guest book, etc.); a 5’ long folding table; and two 6’ long folding tables.
Do you provide table linens, plates, cups, silverware, etc.?
· Aurora Farms offers all of these items on its a la carte menu. Note that every single full-day rental includes our awesome venue, tables, upgraded white Chiavari chairs, décor, and a long list of other items. There are no hidden fees! Please also note that we only offer white cloth linens (due to storage limitations). Should you desire a color other than our white, of course you are welcome to rent linens elsewhere or bring your own.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite, and only plan to have our reception at Aurora Farms. Does your fee change?
· Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite. This also gives you and your vendors ample time to set up and decorate prior to your wedding.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
· We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Tame dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval) at the ceremony and for pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.
What form of payment does Aurora Farms accept?
· We accept just about all forms of payment.
My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?
· We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. As soon as a date does become available we post it here.
Where can I find pictures of the décor available?
· Our current décor includes a cross; a trellis/arbor & a dark wooden circle backdrop (for use indoors or outdoors); lots of fake greenery & garlands; lanterns (30+ white plus several other colors and sizes); 100+ gold mercury tealight and votive holders (LED candles provided); candlestick holders (some for use in a unity candle ceremony); table numbers; 50 LED tapers; cake stands in all sizes in white, gold, silver, and rustic; letter boards with letters; a handful of large chalkboards; many large floor and tabletop easels; mirrors (that you can personalize); various wedding signs; Mason jars (clear and whitewashed); vases of all shapes and sizes; about 40 wood slices; shepherds hooks; eight gold flower stands in various sizes; baskets of all shapes and sizes; a bride & groom corn hole game; seasonal decorations; and our inventory grows regularly. Pictures of some of our décor can be found here.
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
· Unless prior arrangements are made, you will have access to the venue at the time listed on your rental agreement, not earlier, which is 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (music stops), with full exit by 11 p.m. This allows time for the venue to be cleaned and reset for the next day. Please plan accordingly! Early entrance fees will apply at $100/hour.
What staff is included in our rental?
· Our full-day rentals include two to four staff members (depending on your guest count) who are on site and available to you throughout the duration of your big day. Our team will set up inside and outside tables, chairs, benches, and patio furniture; help you find our decor for your use; flip the inside space from ceremony to reception if needed; answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary; clean up spills; restock bathrooms; and much more. Our goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (Note that our staff members are NOT decorators or wedding coordinators, which is done by our on-site coordinator!)
Do you have a preferred vendor list?
· Aurora Farms has had the pleasure of working with many awesome vendors. We are happy to share our experiences and offer vendor suggestions to you, based upon your specific wants and needs.
Planning Questions
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
· We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings at 4:00 pm., but the timing is ultimately up to you, keeping in mind that the music stops at 10:00 pm, and the full exit is at 11:00 pm.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
· Click here to download the Aurora Farms building layout for planning purposes. We will reach out to you to give you suggestions in determining your preferred layout prior to the big day! Interested in some pre-made layouts specific to your guest count? CLICK HERE!
Are we allowed to rehearse on site?
· We do believe in on-site rehearsals. However, due to back-to-back bookings, on-site rehearsals are typically 10-11 a.m. the morning before. Bridal parties can get ready simultaneously on the other side of the closed barn doors!
Can we have fireworks on the property?
· Fireworks are not permitted, with the exception of sparklers. We don’t want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the fire department happy!
Is confetti allowed for our exit? What IS allowed?
· No confetti, birdseed, stand alone streamers, sky lanterns (fire hazard), or any type of non-biodegradable materials are permitted for the exit. These can make a huge mess! In addition to sparklers, you are permitted to use bubbles, light-up wands, ribbon wands, pop out streamers that stay attached to their base, biodegradable fake snow, confetti made from leaves, dried flowers, and/or lavender. You are responsible for cleaning after the exit, and we ask that everyone be respectful of the folks who may be coming in the next day.
Can vehicles be left overnight?
· Only in rare circumstances can vehicles be left overnight on the property. To be respectful of the next day’s guests, we ask that all vehicles be removed by 12 noon the following day. Note that our front gates are locked overnight, open by 9 a.m.!
What time does the music need to end?
· Music must conclude by 10 p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off-property by 11 p.m.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
· All deliveries must happen during the standard rental period unless prior arrangements are made with Aurora Farms. This is to be respectful of our other clients’ rental periods. Please advise your vendors of this policy.
Are candles allowed?
· Yes, candles are allowed, but they must be contained in a candle holder, cylinder vase, lantern, Mason jar, and/or candle base. Tapered candles must be used with caution and be paired with YOUR linens.
Is smoking allowed?
· Smoking and/or vaping is NOT allowed inside the venue; however, commercial ashtrays are provided on the front porch and back patio. We kindly ask that cigarette/cigar butts be disposed of properly.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
· Two weeks
How do I obtain a marriage license?
· See full details here: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Probate/MarriageLicense.aspx.
Setup and Day-of Event Questions
What is the event clean-up process?
· Caterers and bartenders are responsible for taking out all of their trash throughout the wedding reception. Please note that the kitchen is NOT INCLUDED in the venue clean-up. We respectfully ask that the kitchen be returned to its original state by you and/or your caterer. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the kitchen equipment.
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
· No nails are allowed. However, you may use white zip ties, pipe cleaners, cloth strips, twine, or fishing line to hang decorations on the beams. We hope that you will find the beams beautiful without too much extra work!
