Question 1

What is the rental fee and what does it include?

Accepted Answer

Please click here (https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/signature-weekend-wedding)for your investment and here f(https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/whats-included)or what's included.

Question 2

What is the venue capacity?

Accepted Answer

We have seating for 120 guests for outside or up to 75 guests in our main building (including the bridal party).

You can rent a tent and additional furniture to accommodate more guests.

Question 3

Is there a deposit? Do you offer a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a $1,000 booking fee to be paid.

Halfway prior to the event, 50% of the remaining fee will be due. 
The final installment will be required 60 days prior to the event.

We prefer cash, check or Zelle but can accept major credit cards.

You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule.

Full payment is due by the specified due date. 
We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.

Question 4

How Do I Reserve a date?

Accepted Answer

The process is easy!  Just send us an email to info@islandviewwaterfrontevents.net (mailto:info@islandviewwaterfrontevents.net)with your name, your requested date, and a back-up date.

We’ll then start the contract process and email you the information needed to create the contract. A date is then reserved for you once you have provided the first payment at the time of signing the contract.

Before booking a date, we would love to show you our family-owned venue in person. You are not required to view the property before booking with us, you can request a tour on our tour request (https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/tours-1)page.

Question 5

Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?

Accepted Answer

We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.(https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/tours-1)(https://manage.wix.com/tours-1)

Question 6

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Island View Waterfront?

Accepted Answer

Wonderful question!  We believe that the average total wedding budget of a couple getting married at Island View Waterfront is between $25,000 and 45,000.  This includes the total cost of a wedding (the venue, catering, photographer, DJ/band, florist, etc.).  With the beautiful natural setting and all that is included in our packages, and with smaller guest counts and creativity within your budget, it is possible to spend less.

Question 7

Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a food or guest count minimum. We know weddings can be expensive and we don't want you to worry about minimums that can add to your overall budget.

Question 8

Are we required to use a professional caterer or can we bring in our own food for the reception?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer in house catering services or require professional caterers with liability insurance ($350 outside caterer fee)
This is an extra measure to help keep you and your guests from any foodborne illnesses and also to provide you with another layer of quality service.

However, if you need help choosing a caterer (or any vendor) we have a list of recommendations.

Question 9

Are there any requirements for caterers?

Accepted Answer

Since there are so many caterers to choose from, we do require prior approval of a caterer for events at Island View Waterfront if you are not using our catering services.

Caterers will be charged a $500 utility fee to use our kitchen and equipment.

All caterers must have liability insurance and list Island View Waterfront as an additional beneficiary.  Proof of this insurance must be given to us 60 days prior to the event.

Also, we require caterers to collect and remove any trash created by the caterer or by the use of their product.  Caterers are also responsible for providing their own linens and cleaning the kitchen before leaving the venue.  It’s helpful to advise your caterer of these venue rules so they can prepare for your special day. Please have them email us so they understand our expectations prior to your special day.

If using a corporate company, drop off service, or food truck, you must have staff hired to setup, maintain, cleanup, and breakdown the event.

Question 10

What amenities are available in the caterer’s kitchen?

Accepted Answer

There are 1 standard-size refrigerator, 1 large standing freezer, a 3-compartment commercial sink, 2 prep tables, a small portable island cart, a microwave, a 6 burner propane stove with oven a flat top grill with broiler and oven, a hand-washing sink, 1 ice machine, and 1 walk-in.  We also have 2 entrances for the caterers for easy unloading and loading of their food and supplies.

Question 11

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Accepted Answer

All alcohol must be ordered and served by Island View Waterfront.

Question 12

Will there be another wedding the same day?

Accepted Answer

We only host one wedding each day at Island View Waterfront to ensure your event is special and uninterrupted.

Question 13

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

Accepted Answer

There are! White Marsh, Maryland offers a variety of accommodations. And there are plenty of local AirBnBs in the area to explore.

Question 14

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

Accepted Answer

Our main lot can hold up to 50, and our parking field can hold up to 100.

Question 15

Do you offer straight tables instead of round?

Accepted Answer

We have a limited number of straight tables onsite that can be used for your gift table, head table, etc. Usually we have a few extras that can be mixed in with reception seating, but the majority of your guests will be seated at round tables.

Question 16

Do you provided table linens, cups, silverware, etc?

Accepted Answer

No. Island View Waterfront provides an awesome venue, tables, and wedding chairs for the allotted amount of time. You are welcome to bring your own linens or we can rent them for you.

Question 17

What happens in case of rain?

Accepted Answer

Island View Waterfront always recommends a plan A, B, and C.

With that being said, in order to keep cost venue rental at such a low price, a tent is not included in the price. So any rental that will have more than 75 guests will be required to rent a tent for their event.

Any rental with 75 or less guests can use the main building as their Plan B.

Question 18

We plan to have our ceremony offsite, does your fee change?

Accepted Answer

We have reception packages. You can review our different packages here.(https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/social-events)

Question 19

Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?

Accepted Answer

We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Jessica) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed under roof or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom, and any “deposits” of waste must be picked up with your own poop bags, sealed, and put in outside trash cans.

Question 20

What form of payment does Island View Waterfront accept?

Accepted Answer

We prefer cash, check or Zelle.
But we can accept all major credit cards with an added 4% processing fee per transaction.

Question 21

My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?

Accepted Answer

We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are rare.

Question 22

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

Accepted Answer

You are allowed to decorate and have access to the venue according to the time frame noted on your contract.

Extra time or days are available by purchasing signature wedding weekend or the two-day package.  This package allows you an additional six (6) hours the day before your event for your rehearsal, to decorate, or prepare the venue for your special day.

Question 23

Do you provide a professional Wedding or Event Planner?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide a coordinator. We provide staff members that handle the logistics of our building. We do ask that you consider having a day-of coordinator for your event.

We do require you to select someone to be the decision-maker for the day, to help make important decisions on the day of your wedding.  This should be someone other than the bride, groom, bridal party, and immediate family members if possible.

With that being said, although we don’t require a planner, we do thinks it’s a good idea to have one. It’s always beneficial to have at least a day-of-event professional wedding planner to help support you and your vision for the day. Let them take that stress from you so you can fully enjoy your special day.

Question 24

How will the tables, chairs, and dance floor be arranged for my event?

Accepted Answer

The benefit of a wedding at Island View Waterfront is that there is no "set" design. It's your day to decide. However, we will share floor plans that have worked best in our spaces.

Question 25

If we choose the one-day option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Our 1 hour of rehearsal time is scheduled a day the week(s) before the wedding, if needed & if available.

If an event is booked the day before your wedding, you may contact us to see if there is availability on another day to have the 1 hour of rehearsal time.  Some couples select our two-day option to allow for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and extra decoration time.  See our investment page here f(https://islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/single-day-weddings)or details.

Question 26

Can we have sparklers on the property?  Are fireworks allowed?

Accepted Answer

Sparklers are allowed in the grass area or driveway area for the send-off of the couple. All other fireworks are not allowed as we don’t want to scare the animals or disturb our neighbors.

Question 27

Can vehicles be left overnight?

Accepted Answer

For the safety of our guests, yes, please leave cars overnight if needed. Cars left overnight should be moved to our overflow lot and they must be retrieved by 10am the following day.

Question 28

What time does the music need to end?

Accepted Answer

Music on Friday's/Saturday's must conclude by 10pm to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off-property by 11pm. Music on Sunday's and weekday events must conclude by 8pm to be off property by 9:00 pm.

Question 29

We are using a rental company.  Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?

Accepted Answer

All deliveries and pick-up of items must take place during the standard rental period.  If you have a two-day package, rental items may be dropped off the day before the event during the scheduled six-hour time frame of  2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Island View has partnered with local rental companies and can also assist you  with rentals.

Question 30

Are real candles allowed?

Accepted Answer

LED candles inside

Question 31

Are food trucks allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We love food trucks and think they are a fun option for your reception.

Just be sure they offer staff to setup, maintain, cleanup, & breakdown.

Question 32

Are outside snacks and trays permitted?

Accepted Answer

Outside food and non alcoholic drinks are permitted prior to the ceremony (during setup). But please no glass or alcohol.
Ask us about our food and drink packages.

Question 33

What is the event clean-up process?

Accepted Answer

Trash removal from the bathrooms will take place throughout the reception. You will need to remove any personal items by the end of the event, along with picking up any trash and making sure the furniture is back in its original place.

As a reminder, we require caterers to collect and remove any trash created by the caterer or by the use of their product.  Caterers are also responsible for cleaning the kitchen before leaving the venue.  It’s helpful to advise your caterer of these venue rules so they can prepare for your special day.

Question 34

Can we take photos around the Property on our wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Just ask and we would be happy to make recommendations.

Question 35

Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams and ceilings?

Accepted Answer

No. Our main building has a lot of family history so we only allow magnets to be used on metal surfaces.  No tacks, tape, nails, staples, etc. are to be used on wooden surfaces.  We have beautiful romantic ceiling lights that can only be reached with tall ladders, so please, do not add anything to the ceiling.  Our floor is very old, so we kindly ask that no tape of any kind be used on the floor.

Question 36

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

Accepted Answer

30 days, please.

Question 37

When is Last call for alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Last call is made at the last 30 minutes of your bar time.

Question 38

Do you offer kayak rentals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Island View Waterfront offers kayak rentals on the Chesapeake Bay (https://www.islandviewwaterfrontevents.net/kayak-rentals-wedding-weekends)right here in Essex, MD. Whether you’re looking for a quick paddle or a full day on the water, our kayaks are perfect for exploring the Bay, relaxing outdoors, and soaking in beautiful waterfront views. Rentals are available seasonally, and we provide everything you need for a safe and fun experience.

Question 39

Do you need more information?

Accepted Answer

We are here to help! Email info@islandviewwaterfrontevents.net (mailto:info@islandviewwaterfrontevents.net)

Frequently Asked Questions