FAQs
frequently asked questions
Q: How long are wedding time frames?
A: All wedding rentals are for a 6 hour event between 12:00pm and 10:30pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with vendor load in and load out, as our schedule allows. Generally, vendors can arrive as early as 9:00am and load out by 1:00am on the day of your event.
Q: What does Big Spring's set-up and tear-down entail?
A: Our staff and exclusive caterers take care of setting up all of our tables, chairs, and wedding props for you before your rental begins so that when you arrive on your wedding day, all of the heavy lifting is already taken care of! At the end of the night, Big Spring staff and caterers will put away all of our tables, chairs, and props, as well as remove any non-food trash from the event space. Smaller decor like florals, table numbers, and custom signage, is handled by your florist, coordinator, or is DIY.
Q: Can I add my own decorations to the barn?
A: We invite all of our couples to decorate and make Big Spring their own! Any decorations that you add to the space are your (or your vendor's) responsibility to install and remove. Anything left behind after the rental period may be discarded during Big Spring staff's clean up process. In addition, we have two decorating rules: no flames of any kind are allowed in the barn, and you may not install a decoration that could damage the property (i.e. using staples, nails, glue...). Hanging decorations is easily achieved using existing anchor points, or by tying string around cross beams. For any decoration involving climbing a ladder, we require a professional planner, or lighting expert. See our Vendor page for our preferred list!
Q: Does Big Spring have a curfew?
A: In accordance with Rockbridge County ordinance, Big Spring Events has a curfew of 10:30PM.
Q: Does the barn come with the string lights and uplighting or is that added for each event?
A: We have dressed the barn up with cantina string lights, sconce uplighting, and exterior barn lighting as part of the permanent barn package. If the string lighting is not to your preference, it can be removed for an additional fee.
Q: What if the weather does not allow for an outdoor ceremony?
A: Big Spring's post and beam barn makes an excellent indoor ceremony location in the event of inclement weather. For parties of 150 or more, we highly suggest renting a tent to provide adequate covered space for guests. Check out one of our favorite indoor weddings over on our blog!
Q: When do we have to remove everything from the barn?
A: Load out should be completed the night of your event. Any items left behind need to be designated as trash or not, as Big Spring staff will be cleaning the barn, removing all trash and food items, and prepping for the next event after your event concludes! At Big Spring staff approval, you may retrieve items the day following your event before 10:00AM.
Q: May cars be left overnight?
A: You and your guests' cars may be left overnight as long as they are retrieved before 10:00AM the day following your event.
Q: How do I hold and book a date?
A: We offer a 5 day hold on your date, once you request a contract. To officially lock in your date, you have to sign your contract, and pay 50% of the grand total of the venue cost. This includes the venue fee, a $500 security deposit, and state sales tax. It can include any of the three add ons we have, but you can also add those as late as 30 days before your wedding date, when your final balance is due. For current pricing information, shoot us an email at hello@bigspringva.com!
Q: How many people comfortably fit at a 60" round table?
A: 8 Adults
Q: Do you allow alcohol and can we bring our own?
A: Yes we do allow alcohol service in accordance with ABC and Virginia Laws. All alcohol must be served to guests by one of our preferred caterers. Guests may not bring or self serve their own alcohol.
Q: What is Big Spring's max capacity?
A: The 2200 square foot barn offers a max seated capacity of 150. Our open air veranda adds 1200 square feet of covered space, connecting directly to the grand front porch and another 700 square feet of covered space. The barn is surrounded by a 4000 square foot patio complete with fire pit, residential wood furniture, bench seating, and tiki torches. There is also room for up to a 60x90 foot tent on the lawn next to the barn for a maximum venue capacity of 300 guests.
Q: Can I hire a caterer outside the vendor list on Big Spring's website?
A: While we do not recommend it, you may hire a caterer outside out list on our Vendor Page. There is an additional fee of $1,500 for hiring caterer's outside our preferred list, and we require at least one meeting at Big Spring with your caterer 60 days before your event. This fee does not apply to any other vendor category.
Q: Do vendors have to have liability insurance?
A: Absolutely! All vendors must have a certificate of general liability insurance on file with Big Spring to work your event. Remember to ask vendors about this before hiring them! Or just stick to our preferred Vendor list on our website where all vendors have been pre-approved!
