Frequently Asked Questions To Make Planning Your Special Day That Much Easier.
Do we need to schedule a tour or can we just stop by?
You must schedule a tour, click here to find a date that works for you!
Does CSF host weddings year round?
Great question! We are proud to announce that we are now open year-round! Every season is beautiful here in New Hampshire. We have been working very hard to be able to share them all with you. We are excited to announce that we now have winter offerings! There is heat available in both the upper and lower floors of the barn, and it stays toasty warm - even on the coldest days! Our expansive glass doors help bring the outside in for a magical winter wedding inside the barn. Please contact us at diane.loudon@gmail.com for more details if you are interested in a winter wedding. There are some things to consider when planning for the logistics of getting up the mountain during the winter - and we want you to be able to make a fully informed decision about whether or not this will be right for your big day.
What is the venue rental fee and what does it include?
Click here to check out our investment page for pricing details, optional add ons, and a detailed list of what’s included.
Does CSF host weddings year round?
Great question! We are proud to announce that we are now open year-round! Every season is beautiful here in New Hampshire. We have been working very hard to be able to share them all with you. We are excited to announce that we now have winter offerings! There is heat available in both the upper and lower floors of the barn, and it stays toasty warm - even on the coldest days! Our expansive glass doors help bring the outside in for a magical winter wedding inside the barn. Please contact us at diane.loudon@gmail.com for more details if you are interested in a winter wedding. There are some things to consider when planning for the logistics of getting up the mountain during the winter - and we want you to be able to make a fully informed decision about whether or not this will be right for your big day.
Do you require a deposit?
When you return your signed contract, we require an initial $2,500 deposit to hold the date. *The remainder of the venue fee, your $500 security deposit, and any optional add-ons must be paid for in full no later than thirty days before your event date. **You have the option to pay in multiple payments if you’d like.*
What form of payment does Cold Spring Farm accept?
We prefer checks. We do not process credit cards.
What is the average full wedding budget of a couple getting married at Cold Spring Farm?
This is a great question to consider as you begin your planning process! Typically, we see brides planning for 100 guests with an average total wedding budget of $20,000+ (including venue, catering, DJ, flowers, photographer, dress, liquor, etc.) Your total wedding cost can vary greatly depending on what is most important to you, time of year, day of the week, and how many guests you plan to have.
Is there a food and beverage or guest count minimum?
There is NO minimum spend requirements from us! We strive to provide you with the best value we possibly can. Part of that is offering you the freedom to decide on vendors that best fit your budget, style, and vision. We do not make a commission on your choice of vendors. If you are on the hunt for great local vendors, [check out our list of Vendors we have loved working with.]4
Is there lodging at CSF?
No. There is not currently any lodging on-site. We are in the process of building a cabin due to be completed in 2023. Watch for progress updates on the build here. [Click here to see our list of nearby lodging for some options on where to stay close to the farm!]6
Can we bring our dog(s)?
We LOVE dogs - and we completely understand wanting to include them in your day. You are allowed to bring your pups (couple’s dog(s) only, no other animals allowed to come in with guests.)
- You must let us know ahead of time if you plan to bring your pup.
- They must always remain leashed and outside and may join you for the ceremony only.
- please designate someone besides yourself to be accountable for your pups that doesn’t mind taking them off-site once the ceremony is over. There are many animals on-site at Cold Spring Farm. As any animal-lover knows - it can be a complicated process introducing new ones to the mix. We limit what we allow because it may take away from our ability to focus on your event and creates an increased liability (which could also reflect in your cost of insurance for the day.)
Will there be another wedding the same day as ours?
No, we do only one wedding per day and typically only one per weekend. You and your guests have exclusive access to the event spaces on the property for the contracted time period. (There will always be staff members on-site.)
We plan to have our wedding offsite and just have our reception at Cold Spring Farm. Does the fee change?
No, it does not change the fee. Our level of preparation for your event, and our staffing requirements largely determine our venue fees. Those requirements remain the same regardless of how you choose to utilize the included spaces. The ceremony area will be photo-ready for you, even if you don’t choose to tie the knot in that spot.
Can we ride the horses or have them pull a carriage?
No. Our horses are not formally trained to pull a carriage and our insurance does not allow us to offer any riding. Depending on the time of year - the horses will be in the pasture just beyond the ceremony and often make a lovely addition to the backdrop of your photos. We know that you love them - we do too!! This is why we ask that you love them from outside of their pasture fencing - for your safety and theirs while you enjoy the glory of these great animals.
Who is on the CSF team to help us?
You can find out all about our team members and what we do here.
Click here to check out how and why we started Cold Spring Farm.
Can we visit the horses?
If you’d like to visit the horses and get some photos with them, let us know ahead of time - and we will gladly send a team member to help you achieve the shots you’re looking for. We ask that this moment only be the couple & photographer - so that we don’t spook the horses. Please do not feed the horses, or excite them from the fence line. Large crowds can spook them and create a potentially dangerous situation. To keep everyone safe, we ask that you enjoy these great animals from a distance.
Can we take photos around the farm on our wedding day?
Absolutely – Check out the included spaces here. If you or your photographer have another idea - let us know! We love a creative perspective! We appreciate you being respectful of the private residence(s) on the property, and keeping your event to the designated event areas.
Can we have fireworks?
No. The town of Alton prohibits fireworks. You are more than welcome to use sparklers (outside.)
Can we be married elsewhere on the farm other than the designated ceremony area?
Yes, we are open to this. Let’s discuss what you are thinking. Contact us at Diane.loudon@gmail.com
Are real candles allowed?
No. However, we are happy to provide you with several options of battery-operated candles to choose from. You may also feel free to provide your own if we do not have the style you prefer.
Are outside snacks allowed?
Yes. We don’t provide any food. We do require that you plan for all food to be cleaned up. This is usually handled by your caterer, but in the case of non-traditional choices like food trucks - you may have to hire someone additionally to bus tables.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes. We do allow smoking outside in designated areas. Cigarette butt receptacles are placed outside, and we ask kindly that you help us enforce their use. We are very passionate about preserving the beauty and health of the land at CSF. We have many gardens and animals that can be negatively affected by litter on the ground - particularly cigarette butts. Additional fees may be charged if cigarette butts are found around the property following your event. Please ensure that your guests know to utilize the provided receptacles and where they are located. We also allow smoking at the firepit.