FAQs

Which packages include the ceremony?
Both the Lovebirds package and the Eagle package include your ceremony.

Can I choose my own caterer? Is there a list we have to choose from?
At this time we are allowing any licensed, insured, professional caterer to provide service at 19 Hawthorne. Those we have built relationships with and recommend are listed under “Vendors” on our website, but we have do not exclude any licensed caterer at this time.

Do we have to use specific vendors for other things?
Nope! Those we know and love are listed here:  https://19hawthorne.com/vendors but you can contract with vendors at your discretion as long as they have all necessary licensing and insurance.

What personnel is provided?
We always have at least one staff member present if there are clients and guests in the building. Bar personnel is included with all reception packages. We have appropriate staff on hand to keep the building maintained throughout your event.

Are the any hotels available locally?
Absolutely. Fewer than ten minutes away you will find several affordable hotels. Two we recommend are Courtyard by Marriott and Towneplace Suites by Marriott. Both of these offer discounted pricing if you reserve rooms in blocks.

Is there a shuttle to the local hotels?
Unfortunately none of our local hotels currently offer a shuttle. If you would like to contract one for yourself or your guests, there are great bus/limo companies listed on our vendors page.

What hours can we use the building on our wedding day/the day before?
All wedding packages include exclusive access on the day of your wedding, beginning at 9 A.M., event ending no later than 11 P.M., all personal belongings removed from the building by 1 A.M. Decorating the day before is subject to availability, and incurs additional cost depending on your selected package.

What is the guest capacity?
We can comfortably sit up to 500 people in our great hall. The number in attendance does affect possible table layout options.

How many tables are available for use?
We have (60) 72” round tables, (2) 60” round tables, (42) 8’ banquet tables, (4) 6’ banquet tables, (7) high-top bistro tables, and assorted accent tables available for use.

Are chairs included with all packages?
Yes. We have 500 black folding chairs and 30 glossy chiavari chairs available inside. Outdoor chairs are included with ceremony packages.

Are table linens included in the contract price?
White, ivory, or black floor length linens are included with all wedding packages. A selection of linen napkin colors is included with these packages as well. The Eagle package comes with more color selections. You can rent linens through 19 Hawthorne for other types of events, but they are not included with those packages.

What items does venue staff set up/tear down?
We set up all tables, chairs, linens, and bar necessities for your convenience. We also tear down those things at the end. You are responsible for all decorations and personal items.

How much parking is available?
There are 50+ paved parking spaces and space for 250+ in the stone lot.

What if our ceremony is scheduled to be outside, but it rains?
If it is obviously going to be a rainy day, the best option is to set up a ceremony space inside in front of the fireplace and then move the chairs following the service. If it is a pop-up storm, guests may have to sit at their tables for the ceremony itself. (It’s not as crazy as it sounds!)

Are animals allowed?
If being included in the ceremony, dogs are permitted if on leash and cats if in arms. Pets must be crated or taken home after their job is done. Service animals are always welcome.

What is event insurance? Is it required?
In addition to the insurance required of on-site vendors, we require our clients to carry at least $500,000 of liability insurance. This can usually be done as a rider on homeowner’s insurance, and cost varies from approximately $30-$300 for one-day coverage.

When are payments due?
For wedding packages, there is a $1000 non-refundable deposit due at contract signing. This is the ONLY way to hold your date. A second payment of 50% of the remaining rental fee is due six months prior to your event, and the final rental payment is due sixty days before the scheduled event.

Any other incidentals, such as extra equipment rental or bar charges is due at the conclusion of your event on the same day for weddings. Corporate events are billed according to the agreement made between both parties.

How can we make payments?
Rental fees may be paid by cash or check only. Personal checks are permitted. Bar payments may be paid by cash or check.

Can we hang things on the walls?
There is a convenient metal beam that runs the entire perimeter of the reception area. It is very easy to hang decorations from it using magnets and fishing line. No tape, command strips, staples, or nails are permitted on inside or outside walls. The best way to secure decor on the ramada (outside ceremony area) is zip ties. T-pins work great between the stones of the fireplace.

Do we get to choose any DJ? What equipment do they need?
You may contract the DJ of your choosing. They must bring all of their own equipment for indoor sound and special lighting. Uplighting looks beautiful on our white beams and some local DJs offer it. For outdoor ceremonies we require a DJ for that as well. There is limited power available for use near the outdoor ceremony area.

Is there a discount for non-Saturday weddings?
At this time 19 Hawthorne does not offer discounted rates for Friday or Sunday weddings. We do however offer some off-season (January-March) discounts.

Can I hold other types of events at 19 Hawthorne?
Yes please! Different events have different needs and expenses so contact us for special event pricing.

How do I access all of the beautiful grounds for engagement or wedding photos?
Many of the original golf cart paths remain accessible, and we provide a golf cart that can accommodate up to five people. Ask for a tour of the grounds before your event so that you can plan ahead. We’d love to show you around!

What cleanup are wedding parties required to do?
If you want any pre-bussing done, it’s best to ask the caterer if they have staff to accommodate that. Otherwise 19 Hawthorne staff will take care of all typical cleanup at the conclusion of your event. You are responsible only for your own belongings and decorations. Caterers are required to leave kitchen in the condition that they find it and dispose of any trash for which they are responsible in our dumpster.

If there is any mess out of the ordinary (vomit/blood/etc.) someone in your party may be asked to take care of that. We do have necessary cleaning materials on hand.

Does 19 Hawthorne provide silverware or flatware?
Are suggestion it to use plastic silverware and plates, that can be thrown away. Many caterers can and will provide utensils at a cost, ask yours if that is an option. Most couples place these on the table when decorating.

Is security provided? Required?
We have a camera system that provides some security during your event. We do not require security guards at this time, but if you would like to contract them we are happy to do that for you through the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, at a rate of $38 per security guard per hour.

Are any beverages included with wedding/reception packages?
Reception packages include fountain Pepsi products, water, and lemonade.

Can we bring our own alcohol?
For your convenience we carry and maintain a liquor license with the State of Ohio. This disallows us from permitting any alcohol not purchased through us on the premises. We can service your beverage needs for every part of your event, including your rehearsal and the morning of your wedding.

Can underage family members drink at the event?
Absolutely not. This is illegal in the State of Ohio. Bar staff reserves the right to require state-issued ID from anyone.

Can I have a wedding without alcohol?
Yes. In that case, rather than charging per soft drink, we charge a flat rate of $4000 that covers the cost of all drinks ordered by your guests. With this package, no guest or client may bring ANY alcohol of their own on the premises.

How are we charged for alcohol?
We require that every wedding that offers alcohol begin with a host-provided bar up until the potential amount of $5000. What does this mean? We charge you only for what you and your guests order. If that amount does reach $5000 (tax and gratuity included) you then have the option to convert to a guest-provided (cash) bar. We also take credit cards for these individual transactions, but many weddings never reach that threshold.

How do we decide on a drink menu?
We are here to help with that! We do require that weddings that include alcohol offer at minimum our house selection of domestic beers, craft beers and seltzers, and call liquor. Beyond that the possibilities are nearly endless. We can help you develop colors, flavors, signature recipes, frozen drinks and memorable cocktails that can be an exciting part of your celebration. We also offer options to help control costs and make the bar service an affordable part of your day.