Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reserve a date?
To reserve a date, email us at hello@thebarnatblackwalnutfarm.com with the date you are ready to book, and we’ll let you know if it’s available.
We encourage you to come take a tour prior to reserving your date, although it is not required. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Your reservation is not official until we receive your booking fee and contract.
We require initial payment for 50% of the venue rental site fee and a signed event contract. Additional payments will be made in two installments of 25% leading up to your event (payment schedule TBD according to your event lead time).
Do I need to schedule a tour, or can I stop by?
Tours are by appointment only since we are a private residence. To book your tour, click here.
In the meantime, enjoy our Gallery!
Do you have Fall 2024 dates available?
We are fully booked for September, October, and November 2024.
We still have two Summer 2024 weekends available: July 20th and August 10th, please inquire. We are now booking 2025!
Do you have packages and pricing available?
Reach out via our contact page and we’ll send you all of our pricing details. Our single-day packages start at $9500, and each rental includes over $20K worth of specialty rentals, decor, staffing, and inclusions! From a photo booth and audio guestbook, to Pinterest-worthy tables, chairs, and lounge furniture, curated decor items, an epic disco ball, a classic car for your photo opps— we include it all to provide amazing value with zero stress of coordinating outside rentals.
View some of our favorite inclusions:
What’s Included at Black Walnut Farm
Are there any additional fees associated with the venue?
We believe in transparency in pricing, and have no additional taxes or service fees applied to the venue rental subtotal.
Does the fee change if we only want to have our reception there and not the ceremony? How about for a micro-wedding or elopement?
Great question. The answer is no, and here is why. Our fee is based upon several factors including set-up, tear down, cleaning, wear and tear of facility and utilities. We also only host one event per day so we can focus all our energy on you and your event, so the fee remains the same regardless of activities or group size.
We do have a Wedding Wednesday elopement package, reach out to learn more and for rates: Contact Us.
Do you have an all-inclusive package?
Black Walnut Farm falls somewhere in between a DIY venue and an all-inclusive. We love for our couples to be able to choose vendors who fit them the best— so, we do not provide “in-house” catering or other mandatory services that you’re forced to use. However, we have several preferred catering partners that we trust to handle your food and bar packages, and we work closely with them to provide a seamless experience for our couples. We can also approve a caterer of your choice.
We do include items worth over $20K in rental value in our venue package— to minimize the amount of outside rentals and vendors you’ll need. Some of these include: services like a parking attendant and coat check, staff to set up and break down your floor plan, farmhouse tables and 250 chairs, many display carts and tables, in-house sound system, a portable PA and microphone, a digital photo booth, an audio guest book, a handmade white birch chuppah, a black wrought iron wedding arbor, a complimentary popcorn station and s’mores around the bonfire, and access to our collection of decor and service items you can borrow (including bud vases, votive holders, antique china platters, tiered dessert stands and cake stands, beverage dispensers, table runners and more).
Besides catering, the main things we do not include that most couples bring in are their photographer/videographer, florals, and DJ/entertainment.
Is it possible to plan a wedding at Black Walnut Farm in less than 6 months?
Yes! Our first wedding ever was booked about 8 weeks prior to their wedding date! Because we offer so many amenities and event items in-house, we can help you pull things together quickly and with minimal stress. It doesn’t hurt that Events Unlimited, perhaps the best event rental company in the whole area, is right next door to the venue should you need to source anything additional— and our preferred catering partner, Stone Pony Catering Co., is right across the street. We have a great network of local vendors, and we can help you find the right pros to bring your event to life.
I read that you specialize in long-weekend weddings. If we only want to rent the barn for the day, is that possible?
We have a single-day package as well— please note, this is not offered in September, October, or on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day).
How many people can the barn accommodate?
Our barn is intimate, and can seat up to 80 guests for dinner on the main level, and an option of seating an additional 30 guests on our mezzanine-level overlooking the main floor. Cocktail-style events can accommodate up to 200 for drinks and dancing.
Larger groups typically have their dinner out on the lawn (either in a tent— rented from a third-party rental vendor, or open-air under the stars), and then bring everyone into the barn to dance and lounge under our 4-foot disco ball.
Our Shed Bar is ready for service out on the front lawn, and satellite bars can be placed around the property.
Do you have a minimum or maximum number of guests?
We don’t have a minimum; we love your elopements and micro-weddings! The maximum that we are authorized to host on-property is 200 guests.
Do you have overnight accommodations?
Our 1747 farmhouse sleeps 8. Our most popular package is our Long Weekend Wedding Package, which features check-in on Thursday and check-out on Monday. Take a virtual tour of the farmhouse.
Is the barn wheelchair-friendly?
Yes! The main floor of the barn is all on the ground level with no steps, and there is an ADA accessible bathroom available to roll right in. Most of the outdoor areas are on flat, level ground.
Do you have in-house catering?
We have several wonderful catering partners that provide full-service catering and bar packages at Black Walnut Farm. We work with them to create a flawless experience on your wedding day!
As the venue, and as an advocate for you and your special day, we do encourage you to check our vendor recommendations list.
If you prefer to hire a caterer not on our list, they must be professional, licensed, and insured and we can get them approved.
Can we have a potluck or can our friends/family provide food?
We love home-cooked meals and family recipes, but must operate within certain guidelines set forth by state laws and our insurance carrier. We require ALL food to be cooked and prepared in a licensed off-site kitchen. For your convenience, the caterer you choose to serve at The Barn at Black Walnut Farm must be “full service” caterers.
We do not provide use of an onsite kitchen; local caterers will be accustomed to bringing in the equipment they need including warming trays, rental ovens, refrigerated trailers, etc. They may set up a tent onsite to house their equipment and food staging areas.
Can we have our rehearsal dinner or send-off brunch there?
Absolutely, the option to utilize our spaces for events surrounding the wedding day is offered as part of our Long Weekend Wedding Package for no additional rental fee.
We want a food truck wedding, is that ok?
Absolutely! As long as your food trucks are licensed, insured, and agree to our venue policies we can get them approved to work on our property.
We do require that any food truck you hire also provides staff assigned to bussing tables and clearing food-related litter throughout the evening.
Our advice is that you work with a food truck that has experience in weddings and private events, and knows how to handle a high volume of service to avoid long lines for your guests.
Do you have a list of recommended vendors?
Yes, when you book your event at The Barn at Black Walnut Farm, we will provide you with our hand-picked list - including wedding planners, florists, photographers/videographers, lodging, rentals, photographers and videographers, DJs, live music ensembles, hair & make-up, bakeries, officiants, insurance, rentals, transportation, valet parking, and more. Every vendor on our list reflects our dedication to warm-hearted, inclusive service.
Are you vendor who would like to work with us? Introduce Yourself Here.
Is the barn air conditioned?
Yes, the barn features air conditioning and also de-humidifying.
Is the barn heated?
Yes, the barn is heated.
Can we have our guests camp on the grounds?
We’re sorry, but camping is not permitted according to our town regulations. Check out our neighbors at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds and AutoCamp Catskills for wonderful camping options nearby!
Do you require event insurance?
Yes, we do– we can help arrange event insurance through our insurance partner (avg range is $125-$250). We have already filled in all the necessary paperwork, so you just add your signature, purchase your insurance, and they will automatically send us your documents. Easy peasy!!
We also recommend cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any payments already made should there be circumstances beyond your control causing you to cancel your wedding. While we don’t require cancellation insurance, we’re unable to refund payments due to client cancellation— so we advise it to protect our couples! Cancellation insurance usually costs less than 2% of your total wedding budget.
Is there a curfew?
We kindly request events wrap by midnight— we can recommend some fun options in town (6-8 minutes away) for after-parties. After midnight, any guests not staying overnight in the farmhouse must vacate the property.
What happens if it rains?
We highly recommend a tent rental as a contingency plan to provide a space we can move guests to and from while we ‘flip’ the barn for different moments of your day.
If you reserve a tent but the weather looks perfect the week of the wedding, all of our local rental companies have flexible cancellation policies if you determine you don’t need the tent after all.
What parking do you have?
A parking lot for 100 cars is currently under construction and projected for completion in early Spring 2024. While you are welcome to offer parking for your guests onsite, we do recommend that a bus service be hired to shuttle guests for their safety and convenience, so they can relax and enjoy all the festivities without worrying about driving. Uber and Lyft aren’t reliably available in our area!
Can we have a winter wedding at Black Walnut Farm?
We are an indoor/outdoor venue, and most couples have their ceremony outdoors. We do have outdoor patio heaters that can be set up in your ceremony area; and we recommend providing some cozy touches for guests like blankets or a hot cocoa and cider station. The barn itself is heated. A tent with a tent heater may also be rented from a third-party vendor.
Do you provide a tent if our guest count is too large to dine inside the barn?
We do not include a tent; we can recommend local tent rental options in a variety of price points.
Can our dog be a part of our wedding?
We love animals, and our property is dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. We can refer you to a dog sitting concierge service for the day if you’d like your dog present for the ceremony and pictures, and then moved to an alternate location for the rest of the evening.
What is your alcohol policy?
If you plan to have alcohol at your event, it must be provided by your caterer with a NY State Liquor Authority Catering Permit or Off-Premises Catering License. All alcoholic beverages must be served by catering staff.
We also do not allow shots, to encourage safe and responsible imbibing for your guests.
Can we purchase and provide our own alcohol for catering staff to serve?
New York State requires all alcoholic beverage service to have the proper licenses and permits; your caterer of choice will let you know what is possible according to their specific license. We do not allow alcohol to be served without a permit, and our venue does not provide the permits— they must be secured through your caterer.
Will there be other events happening on the property at the same time as ours?
Nope! We only book one event per weekend.
What should my guests know?
Guests, please be aware that this is an old working farm with some uneven surfaces and terrain. Most of the happenings will be outdoors in the woods, on the lawn, or inside the barn, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Ladies will be more comfortable in wedge or block heels than stilettos.
I’d like to have a small gathering just for a partial day (a baby shower, birthday, corporate meeting)– do you have an hourly rental rate?
Depending on the date, it might be possible! Please inquire.
How close are you to the Village of Saugerties?
The Village is where you’ll find wonderful art galleries, restaurants, bars, antique shops, bookstores, cafes and more. We are a 6-8 minute drive from the heart of the Village.
What hotels are nearby?
There are seven national hotel brands within eight miles of the farm, including three hotels just two miles up the road, as well as numerous small inns and vacation rentals for guests to stay. Ask us for our lodging list!
Do you require us to work with a wedding planner or coordinator?
We don’t require you to hire a full-service wedding planner, however, to make your day the absolute best, we do require a professional Day-Of Coordinator be hired to run the schedule and timeline for the day, and be our venue manager’s point of contact for any issues that arise, Then, we won’t have to bother you or your parents on your wedding day with minor questions or small hiccups!
We have Day-of Coordinator services available through our venue via a package add-on (pending availability, please inquire). We can also refer you to our preferred list of coordinators.
Do you include a Day-of Coordinator in a wedding rental?
Pending availability, this service is available for an additional fee. We do include a venue manager to look after the facilities and help handle any venue issues at no additional charge. Curious about the difference? This cheat sheet explains what services are included at our venue, and what you may want to hire: Venue Manager vs. Coordinator vs. Planner
Do you include linens and table settings?
Table settings and linens are usually arranged via our catering partners— we do not maintain our own collection of tableware. Place settings can also be rented through a third party (we have recommended vendors we can introduce you to!).
Our farmhouse tables are gorgeous and intended to be used without tablecloths— although if you prefer that look, tablecloths can also be rented. Many couples just bring in their own runners and simple table decor.
Do you include tables and chairs?
We have 250 chairs, 10 wooden farmhouse tables (each seating 10), and numerous display tables and carts. Supplemental furniture can be rented through a third-party rental vendor.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, we have three designated outdoor ceremony spaces: the Meadow, the Forest, and the Lawn.
Do you have a designated cocktail hour area?
We have multiple outdoor spaces that can be utilized for cocktail hour; and we have outdoor heat lamps as well as a complimentary bonfire (weather permitting).
Do you allow candles?
We do not allow live flame inside the barn— we recommend battery-operated candles, lamps, and lanterns for indoor table settings.
We allow candles in the outdoor spaces, however they must be inside a glass container.
Will we have to rent a bathroom trailer?
We are installing bathrooms inside the barn in early 2024! Until they are ready to use, we coordinate and provide a luxury restroom trailer at no additional cost to our clients.
Do you include setup and cleanup?
Our staff will set up and break down all the furniture for the ceremony and reception. We do not set up personal items and decor, or rental items from a third-party vendor such as floral installs. Your Day-Of Coordinator may handle all of those items for a stress-free day.
After your personal items and rental items are removed, we will take care of cleaning.
After we book our event, how many onsite meetings are included?
For our single-day bookings, we include two visits:
An initial planning meeting with your planner, family, or any vendors that have never worked in our spaces, 6-12 months before the event.
A final planning meeting, to finalize your details and floor plan, in the 30 days leading up to the event. This can be done in-person, or virtually. All visits and on-site meetings are by appointment only, please do not drop by.
If purchasing our weekend packages, we realize you may have additional logistical needs and questions, so we include additional visits for planning, your engagement photo shoot, and your mixology session.
We’re always available for a call or Zoom and will support your planning process as much (or as little) as you need.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
7 days.
What is the electric capability in the barn?
Our outlets are 110V/20 Amp.
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
We recommend about 90 minutes to 2 hours before sunset, to get that ‘golden hour’ glow during cocktail hour!
We want a summer wedding, should we be concerned about bugs?
We have the property treated every other week with an organic, non-toxic tick and mosquito spray— this has been a true game-changer and very effective! However, in our rural area bugs are a part of nature— please be aware that if you walk through the forest, you should check for ticks.
Do you have separate getting-ready areas for each member of the wedding couple and their wedding parties?
We offer our 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom farmhouse for getting ready! Common areas include the Sun Room, Living Room, Dining Room, and Patio. We haven’t designated specific changing areas for each partner, that’s up to you. We also offer the use of our barn for getting-ready; there are restrooms, a changing area (the Parlor) with a mirror, and our mezzanine-level Lounge is available for a fun, relaxing space to hang out with leather club chairs, a vintage vinyl collection and turntable, and a card table.
If we book a single-day wedding barn rental, when can we access the property?
We will make the property available for a 1-hour timeframe the day before the event, for a rehearsal and to drop off any decor items or personal items. Then, the venue is available from 8am-midnight on the day of your event. We require all personal items and decor removed after the event, and we include 2 hours of load-out/breakdown time immediately following the conclusion of your event.
Rental items must be stacked in a designated location for pickup (pickup times from rental vendors or florists must be confirmed in advance so venue staff can be onsite).
If you prefer to break down/load out the following day, this can be arranged by request and a convenience fee may apply.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes, we are pleased to offer a 10% Military Discount. Thank you for your service!
Is the Farm child friendly?
We love children, and have designed the space with eye to whimsy and imagination (for kids of all ages!). However, we are in no way child-safe. There are breakable items pretty much everywhere, sharp corners, creeks, bonfires, an active train line, and lots of features really meant for adults to enjoy. Children under 12 at our events must be with in 6 feet of an adult handler at all times.
Where are the best places for hiking in the area?
Our friendly Town of Saugerties put together a hiking guide, find that here.
How far is the Farm from NYC?
About 100 miles. The estimated travel time is 2 hours in car/bus/train.
What’s the closest airport?
Albany International Airport is about a 45-minute drive.
If we’re coming for the whole weekend, will we need a car?
Although it’s definitely possible to travel from NYC via train (Amtrak to Rhinecliff Station), or bus (Trailways to Kingston) and get a car service to the property, there’s nothing walkable from the property, and Uber etc are not plentiful in this area. Via car, it’s 4-8 minutes drive to all the main attractions and shops in the area.
What are your favorite restaurants in Saugerties?
We absolutely love The Dutch Alehouse for amazing local craft beers and excellent German-inspired fare (schnitzel and spaetzle and sausages oh my!)— and Miss Lucy’s Kitchen is a must for fabulous food and cocktails (they are famous for their desserts). In summertime, The Partition offers great bar bites in a casual outdoor atmosphere with cornhole, karaoke, and a super family-friendly environment.
What are some activities our guests might enjoy at our Weekend Wedding?
We have a whole blog post about that— check it out for some of our favorite recommendations: How to Host a Magical Upstate New York Weekend Wedding