Question 1

Is the barn air conditioned and heated?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Both venues are completely air conditioned and fully heated in the winter. Sugar Spring Ranch also has a heated floor for extra comfort in the winter. Sugar Spring South has a gorgeous, custom built, wood and stone fireplace which can hold a nice toasty fire on your most special day.

Question 2

Do you have indoor restrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your guests will appreciate our spacious ADA approved restrooms located inside both gorgeous venues.

Question 3

Can we bring our own DJ, wedding cake, flowers, photographer, videographer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can choose your own vendors. Our company does offer a preferred vendors list to assist in your planning process, all who have previous experience with our venues and staff. We do welcome you to choose vendors who match your style and whom you enjoy working with. All food vendors must be licensed and insured. All DJ’s must be licensed and insured as well.  Proof of licensing and insurance will be required.

Question 4

Do you have wifi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have high-speed internet at Sugar Spring Ranch and Sugar Spring South. So you can snap, post and stream your sweetest day ever!

Question 5

Can we decorate the barn? When can we decorate the barn?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can decorate the barn to your liking. There are some exceptions including but not limited to, no glitter, balloons, bubbles, rice or confetti as they pose a risk of damaging or harming our property and the surrounding environment/wildlife, only LED candles are permitted, no glassware is allowed outdoors, outdoor flowers and tossed flower petals must be real florals or made from a biodegradable material unless approved by our banquet manager prior to finalizing details, etc. All additional items must be self standing and nothing can puncture the floor, walls, ceiling, outdoor land or any additional items owned by our company. Due to the high beams and ceilings that cannot be reached by a ladder at Sugar Spring Ranch, we do not allow anything to be hung from the beams or chandeliers.   You are welcome to begin decorating as soon as your venue access time begins. Since our venue often has Friday, Saturday, and Sunday reservations, we do not permit any personal decorations/items/belongings to be brought onto the property prior to your given venue access time nor can we hold any personal belongings until the following day(s) after an event. Any rentals from any outside companies must be delivered and picked up within your venue rental timeframe.   If you require extra set up time the morning of your event, additional hours may be purchased beginning at 8AM. For weddings with extensive set up and design, please inquire for weekend buyout rates or if you plan on having a Friday event, please ask us about our 2 day rental special.

Question 6

Do you have a room available for the wedding party to prepare before the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Sugar Spring Ranch venue has two gorgeous suites available in the barn that can be used exclusively by the wedding party on your most special day. You will be given private access in these suites prior to the ceremony so you can prepare for the day.

Question 7

Do you have any sample itineraries/timelines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sugar Spring Ranch specializes in hosting continuous itinerary events. We have listed a few samples below. Please keep in mind the time of sunset when planning your itinerary as well.   SAMPLE A 5:30PM - Ceremony 6:00PM-10:00PM - Reception - This is a popular option for itineraries without a cocktail hour and/or planning on having a first look prior to the Ceremony.  SAMPLE B 4:30PM - Ceremony 5:00PM-6:00PM - Cocktail Hour 6:00PM-10:00PM - Reception - This is a popular itinerary for Sunday dates.  SAMPLE C 5:30PM - Ceremony 6:00PM-7:00PM - Cocktail Hour 7:00PM-11:00PM - Reception - This is a popular itinerary for Friday & Saturday dates.

Question 8

Do you allow outside catering?

Accepted Answer

Outside catering is allowed at our venue. All outside caterers must be licensed, insured and approved by our management team 6 months prior to the event. We highly recommend confirming with our banquet manager before signing a contract with another caterer as we can not guarantee the outside caterer will be approved. Please email us for more information regarding outside catering at events@sugarspringranch.com.

Question 9

Does Sugar Spring Weddings & Events manage the catering portion, or do I work with the caterer directly?

Accepted Answer

If you reserve our in-house catering option, Sugar Spring will communicate your details and selections with the caterer, distribute payments, and manage the catering team day of. If you choose to go with an approved outside caterer, our day of coordinator does reach out prior to the day of to confirm itineraries and helps guide the catering team day of.

Question 10

Can we bring our own liquor?

Accepted Answer

No, outside alcohol cannot be brought onto the Sugar Spring Ranch or Sugar Spring South property due to our liquor license. Our company will provide all bar and beverage services.

Question 11

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your fur baby is allowed to be part of your outdoor ceremony at Sugar Spring Ranch, but is not permitted inside the reception hall. Service dogs are permitted. We do require a trained handler for your four legged friend, this person is responsible for ensuring any droppings from your pet are picked up and discarded properly. We have a great preferred vendor that can assist you and your pet! Your pet must remain on a leash that does not exceed 3 feet, and proof of vaccination is required. Your vet must sign off on this document to approve your pet so they can participate on your day.

Question 12

Is there a discounted rate for a ceremony only or reception only booking at Sugar Spring Ranch?

Accepted Answer

Sugar Spring Ranch exclusively offers one event per day on our property. We do not offer discounts for ceremony only or reception only events.

Question 13

What is the difference between a ceremony walkthrough and a rehearsal dinner? Is this included in the pricing?

Accepted Answer

A 50 minute ceremony walkthrough is included when you have your ceremony at Sugar Spring Ranch. This is considered a "practice run" for those in the wedding procession prior to your big day day. This will be scheduled with your day of coordinator on the Thursday prior to your scheduled date, but may adjust due to holidays. We highly recommend and welcome you to ask your DJ and officiant to attend your ceremony walkthrough.  The rehearsal dinner is a separate event which traditionally follows directly after the ceremony walkthrough. This is traditionally the time to invite your families, out of town guests, and those in the wedding procession for an additional meal before the wedding day. While this is not included in our package pricing, we do offer rehearsal dinner packages at Sugar Spring Ranch & Sugar Spring South. Please email events@sugarspringranch.com for more information.

Question 14

What is the day of concierge responsible for at Sugar Spring Ranch?

Accepted Answer

The day of concierge is responsible for,  - Welcoming the wedding party and directing guests to their designated getting ready suites and restrooms. - Assist guests with bringing in any personal belongings (Provided these do not contain any breakables or valuables). - Serving any requested morning alcohol packages provided by Sugar Spring Ranch as well as setting up a water station in both suites. - Assists with vendor arrivals and coordinate locations for set up. - Sets up any ceremony decorations rented from Sugar Spring Weddings & Events. This includes setting up the first row of chairs for the ceremony and aligning benches for the majority seating. - Displays any glassware, chinaware, silverware and linen napkins at guest tables if applicable. - Ensures the event space is clean and presentable prior to the guest access time. - Assist guests with removing any personal belongings from the getting ready suites prior to the ceremony. - Assist the day of coordinator at the time of ceremony. This may include cueing music, dismissing the wedding party down the aisle, and fluffing the bridal gown if applicable. - Available for any venue related questions prior to the ceremony.  The day of concierge is not responsible for,  - Moving/rearranging any tables or chairs. A custom floor plan is created and finalized between the booked couple and their day of coordinator a few weeks prior to the day.  - Assist with the set up or display of any personal decorations not offered by Sugar Spring Weddings & Events. This includes but is not limited to, table décor, arbors, unity ceremonies, centerpieces, seating charts and/or table place cards, cake or dessert tables, gifts and gift table, etc. We recommend investing in a well seasoned decorator for assistance with any personal decorations on your day. - Operating DJ booth. A Bluetooth speaker is available in both of the getting ready suites.

Question 15

What is the day of coordinator responsible for?

Accepted Answer

The day of coordinator is responsible for,  - Oversee and direct all venue related tasks. - Coordinate the ceremony walkthrough with those in the wedding procession. - Initiate communication with vendors prior to the day of to confirm timelines as well as discuss other important details.  - Ensure the event space is set to the agreed upon floor plan between the booked couple and the venue prior to the day of venue access time. This includes the set up of tables, chairs, table linen, and other items provided by Sugar Spring Weddings & Events. - Assist with vendor arrivals and coordinate locations for set up. - Manage and communicate details with bar staff, venue hosts/hostesses and our in-house catering team. Coordinator will provide guidance for any approved outside catering teams. - Manage and guide the confirmed itinerary. - Confirm ceremony logistics with your officiant. - Line up and direct those in the wedding procession down the aisle for the ceremony. Ceremony duties may include, cueing the DJ for music changes, dismissing the wedding party down the aisle, and fluffing the bridal gown if applicable. - Welcome and direct guests in and out of the venue. - Line up and direct wedding party for the grand entrance announcement.  - Dismiss tables for a buffet style dinner. - Coordinate the Sugar Spring team in gathering all items rented from Sugar Spring Weddings & Events towards the end of the reception. - Available for any venue related questions during the ceremony and reception.  The day of coordinator is not responsible for,  - Moving/rearranging any tables or chairs. A custom floor plan is created and finalized between the booked couple and their day of coordinator a few weeks prior to the day.  - Assist with the set up or display of any personal decorations not offered by Sugar Spring Weddings & Events. This includes but is not limited to, table décor, arbors, unity ceremonies, centerpieces, seating charts and/or table place cards, cake or dessert tables, gifts and gift table, etc. We recommend investing in a well seasoned decorator for assistance with any personal decorations on your day. - Operating the DJ booth or performing any announcements. This includes but is not limited to announcing, the wedding party, special dances, toasts, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, etc. Your licensed/insured Band or DJ is responsible for making all announcements and operating the DJ booth.   - Packing up or transporting any personal belongings.

Question 16

I want to see the venue! Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just swing by?

Accepted Answer

We kindly request that all tours are scheduled by appointment only. We will not be able to accommodate guests who do not have a scheduled reservation.

Question 17

What do I need to do to secure my date?

Accepted Answer

We require a 25% deposit and a signed agreement in order to secure your date. Your deposit will consist only of the initial costs, this includes the rental fee and your preferred food/beverage package with an estimated guest count. Discussion of dates does not guarantee a reservation. Rates are based on current pricing listed on our website, not the date of inquiry and are subject to change.

Question 18

Are there any additional booking fees?

Accepted Answer

Illinois charges a 7.5% tax to all items. A 18% service charge is only added to food and beverage items. This covers the additional costs and fees associated with these services (i.e. delivery charges, cleaning fees, set up fees, order minimums, etc.) Gratuity is not included.

Question 19

I’m ready to secure my date. What do I do next?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at events@sugarspringranch.com so we can create your agreement and take the next step to secure your date with us!

Question 20

What is the payment schedule? How do I make payments for my date?

Accepted Answer

There will be a 25% payment due at 9 months and another 25% payment due at 6 months prior to your event with the final balance due 9 business days prior to the event and must be submitted during office hours. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule, as long as the balance stated is submitted by the due date.  We can accept cash, check or card for all payments. All cash payments must scheduled an appointment during our office hours. Please let our banquet manager know if you would like to pay by card and we will send you an invoice. Please send/drop off any check payments to your designated venue and be sure to include your date following by "SSR" for a reservation at Sugar Spring Ranch or "SSS" for a reservation at Sugar Spring South. We will not be able to accept any check without this memo note.  (Check Memo Example: MM/DD/YY "SSR" or MM/DD/YY "SSS")

Question 21

When is my venue details meeting with my day of coordinator?

Accepted Answer

One meeting is included with your day of coordinator to discuss details relating to the venue. This meeting can be held in person or over the phone. Your day of coordinator will discuss your bar/menu selections, ceremony/reception details, additional items, and itinerary. The day of coordinator will reach out to you a few months prior to your date, around the 3 month mark, to schedule the venue details meeting.

Question 22

When do I need to submit my final guest count, menu selections, add decoration rentals, etc?

Accepted Answer

All details will be finalized 10 business day prior to your date. These details must be submitted by noon on the day specified by your day of coordinator.

Question 23

Are fireworks or sparklers allowed?

Accepted Answer

Fireworks are not allowed at our venues.  Sparklers are permitted with a few rules, Sparklers must be given to your day of coordinator prior to the day of. Sparklers must be unwrapped and place in the container you would like them to be distributed in. Sugar Spring staff will distribute and light sparklers at the designated time.  One sparkler is allowed per adult. Sparkler send off's must be approved by your day of coordinator prior to finalizing venue details.

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