Frequently Asked Questions

 Can we use our own caterer? Yes, you can. We have no restrictions on outside caterers or vendors, but we reserve the right of final approval of all selected for the event. All caterers must be licensed, insured and inspected by the Health Department. Caterers are required to provide a copy of their Health Department certificate, business and insurance certificates.

Can we use glitter, flower petals or smoke/fog machine? No glitter, fake flower petals and foil confetti or rice is allowed. No fog/smoke machines are prohibited both inside and outside of the venue.  Only real flower petals.

Can we take our Engagement/Save the Date photos at the venue? Yes, absolutely when scheduled in advance and not to interfere with any other event and use of the venue for your photo op is included in the venue price. 

Do you offer any discounts? We offer a $200 discount for the bride and groom who are military, educators, nurses and seniors (NEMS).  

What is the venue capacity and are the tent, table and chairs included?  A 40x80 tent with sidewalls is included in the wedding package pricing. We have table and chairs for 160 included also. You will need to rent additional tables, chairs, and linen for a larger event up to 200 guests.  There is an additional $400 for guests over 175.

Do you only rent the venue for weddings? Not only do we host weddings, but baby showers, bridal showers, family reunions, birthday and anniversary parties, corporate team-building events or meetings or whatever special occasion you might need the venue for – we can discuss. 

Do you allow alcohol, and can we bring our own? Yes, we do allow alcohol service in accordance with ABC and Virginia Laws. You must acquire an ABC License and provide it to the venue thirty (30) days before the event. All alcohol must be served to guests by an approved bartender (no self-serve alcohol allowed). You may bring your own alcohol or it can be brought from your caterer. No liquor shots allowed. No KEGS or beer bottles by the pool, cans only.

What forms of payment do you accept? We prefer cash or check. 

Are there restrooms? Yes, we have a regular outdoor bathroom near the pavilion and two full bathrooms on the main floor of the house. 

How do we secure our event date? You can request a hard-copy contract at your wedding tour or via email at awhisperingpinewedding@gmail.com for the appropriate package and event date. Your contract will be live for five (5) business days after it has been delivered. During that time, no one else can request a contract for your date. A non-refundable security deposit of $1,000 will be charged at the time of booking.  Payments for balance can be made. Final balance is due 90 days before the wedding. It is strongly suggested to have a day-of-coordinator, a certified and insured caterer, all insured vendors, ABC License (required) and special event insurance. We prefer cash or check. 

Can we extend our event time in the evening? Unfortunately, no. All guests and vendors must leave the property no later than 11 PM. If you are having a weekend wedding affair, the wedding is over at 10 PM and your guests must leave the venue but the eighteen (18) guests that are staying overnight can stay and enjoy. All outdoor music is still off by 11 pm. If there is no event on Sunday, for an additional charge you may extend your event time on Sunday morning for an additional fee. 

What is the parking situation? Complimentary parking with a parking attendant is available for $20 an hour.   Approximately 2 hours is needed. On the day of your event one (1) hour before event time, there will be a parking attendant on site. The attendant will assist guests in where to park. All cars will be directed to park and pull in backwards on the driveway so that leaving the event will be much easier with one car exiting at a time and no backing out at night time. The front parking area will be reserved for the wedding party, vendors and those with special parking needs. If guests need to be dropped off and then the car parked, the parking attendant will direct the driver. 

Can I hire a wedding planner-coordinator and do I need insurance? Yes, it is recommended. All vendors are required to have insurance and it is your responsibility to have Special Event Insurance and an ABC License.  We can give you the contact information for the company that insures the venue.

Can guests use the pool during the wedding reception? No guests can use the pool during the wedding or reception. Also, children must be chaperoned at all times around the pool deck area.  You can, however, host your cocktail hour around the pool deck.  The Pool is open from April to November.

Can we meet with our caterer/photographer/etc., at Whispering Pine? Yes. Please schedule all meetings you would like to have at the venue with the Wedding & Event Manager, Annmarie. 

May I have my dog in my ceremony? Yes. You may include your dog in your ceremony. Dogs are not to be left unattended throughout the event and should have a chaperone. It is recommended to have a pet carrier for the dog to rest and have a place to be secured. Dogs are not permitted in the House. Service animals are permitted.

We have children in our wedding party, is this ok? Yes, absolutely. We enjoy having children at the venue and being a part of the festivities, but, please be advised that the venue is not child proof. Amenities such as furniture with sharp edges, an open swimming pool, outdoor fireplace, alcohol, woods on site, cars, leaning products and other examples known and unknown pose safety issues for children. All children under the age of 18 are required to be supervised by an adult at all times while at the venue. 

Are you LBGQT friendly? Absolutely, all our welcome.