FAQs

​​​Are tables and chairs included?

• No, tables and chairs are not included. This is because we do not currently have a good place to store them, so we would be having to rent them on your behalf anyways. By having you do this, we are cutting out the administrative fee, allowing you to keep cost down and enabling you to pick the style that you prefer.  We do recommend going through one of our preferred vendors, as they are vetted, highly dependable, and familiar with the site. If they don't have what you are looking for, let us know and we can make some other suggestions.

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How many people can the Glade hold?

• For use as a reception site, the glade can hold up to 80 guests comfortably with room for a small dance floor.  For guests counts between 51-80, a portable restroom trailer is required.

• For use as a ceremony site only, the glade can accommodate up to 100 guests sitting​

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What happens in case of rain during May-Oct?

• It's actually considered good luck!

• For the ceremony portion we recommend use of umbrellas (the clear ones make for fantastic photos) and we will be flexible with your rental time to accommodate inclement weather as best we can.

• For the Vines, if you did not opt for tent rental at time of booking and it's beginning to look like rain, you will need to purchase tent rental at that time and it will be subject to availability. Depending on your head count, you may be able to hold the ceremony inside the tent as well

• For the Glade, you will be able to relocate to the Vines reception area but will also be required to pay an additional fee for rental of a (larger) luxury portable restroom trailer and will need to rent a tent (subject to availability). Depending on your head count and size of tent rented, you may be able to hold the ceremony inside the tent as well.

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How does the tent rental work?​

• A tent is required during the off-season (November-April)

• During the peak season (May-October) most don't opt for the tent rental unless there's unexpected rain

• Sacred Oak Vineyard coordinates and handles the tent rental. This is because we use a specific vendor to get you the best price and to ensure the correct tent size is used. We are finalizing tent pricing and package with our vendor.

• If there is more than one event in a single weekend, the cost of the tent is split equally between the parties.​

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What is your rehearsal policy?

• On-site one hour rehearsals can be scheduled for the week of your wedding up to one month in advance. Please note that the day before your wedding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.  Should you rehearse? Yes , definitely, but it doesn't have to be on-site. We find that having a really knowledgeable and experienced DJ as well as a cooperative bridal party makes a bigger difference.

• While we can easily host your rehearsal, hosting the dinner afterwards can be expensive.  You would need to rent tables and chairs, find a caterer, rent an additional restroom trailer... it just becomes more difficult than it might need to be.  As an alternative, we recommend considering Kluddes in Yucaipa (also one of our preferred vendors) or North Cork Winery on the North Bench of Yucaipa as alternatives (be sure to let them know who sent you and they may give you a discount!)

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I'd like to use the Grandfather Oak as my ceremony site but am worried about accessibility?​

• There are several parking spaces located just north of the event site with flatter access paths for shuttling elderly or disabled individuals, as well as the bride.

• One option is to add on the horse and carriage escort or vintage tractor pull to help transport those less mobile and to use as a transport/grand entrance for the bride

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I'd like to use the Grandfather Oak as my ceremony site but am worried about walking there in my white dress!

• One option is to have someone drive you up using the access road between the vines and drop you off in advance. For this, we recommend rental of some very cool rustic doors (click here to see) from which you can wait behind before making your grand entrance.

• Another option is to add on tractor shuttle or the horse and carriage escort which makes for a memorable grand entrance and great photo ops!

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I would like to drape the Grandfather Oak Tree. Can I do this?

• The ladder work is tricky and due to safety reasons, all draping/hanging of garlands that require ladder work at this site must be performed by a staff member (see below) or an insured vendor

• Sacred Oak Vineyard can do the install for $500. We charge a fee for this due to time and additional labor outside of the staff members normal duties that are required. 

• The draping is not included in the something borrowed stock because we can't guarantee what condition the fabric will be in by the time of your event and there are so many colors you might want to choose some. We recommend purchasing about 20 yards of material (sheer chiffon works well). Amazon is a great place to find it (example here).

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I would like to hang lanterns, different chandeliers, etc. from the Grandfather Oak tree?

• We currently have one hook on each of the main side branches framing the ceremony area from which you can hang décor. Please pre-hang on a wire or rope attached to a carabiner to hook in.​​

• Included in the something borrowed stock is a black chandelier that can be hung in the center. This is on a pulley system and can be removed/switched out for something else, or lowered if you would like to add florals/garlands to it. 

• If you would like to hang additional items, please contact us

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I'm interested in adding on the horse and carriage, can you tell me more?

• We have partnered with Riley's Livery to offer the horse and carriage services at our site. Most choose to use the Cinderella carriage option to make their grand entrance, as well as great photo ops.  First, you will need to select between an Escort and a Shuttle service:

  • The Bridal Escort is a "bang for your buck" option allowing your horse and carriage rental to be included in your ceremony and photos, and typically would escort the bridal and groom parties from the getting ready house or Glade up to the ceremony site.

  • The Shuttle service is a more extensive package allowing your guests to join in the experience of a horse-drawn carriage ride from the Glade up to the Vines, and typically includes larger capacity wagons and multiple shuttles.

• If you wish to use the Shuttle option as a means to transport all your guests up to the Vines area, then typically  one wagonette is required for events <70 and two wagonettes are required for events >70. Please be advised that this is subject to both availability and weather conditions. 

  • Horses will not be able to work in heat conditions of 97 degrees or hotter. For this reason we advise a later ceremony start time (4:30-5:30) during July and September. Horses will also be unable to work in certain rainy conditions. 

  • ​The antique tractor and covered trolley will be used in leu of the horse drawn wagon if available.​​  This is a non-negotiable policy in order to protect the health and safety of the animals.

• Please note that the horse and carriage are not available during the month of October unless we are able do find another vendor and will be subject to their pricing and availability

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Do you allow outside vendors?​

• In short yes, provided they are licensed and insured where applicable and perform a site visit with a staff member in advance (to ensure your event runs smoothly). We do recommend whenever possible, using one of our preferred vendors, who we have already met with and work closely with. This is because they come highly recommended, provide great service/product, are more familiar with the site, and have shown to be dependable. That being said, we recognize that you may have that one specific thing that your REALLY want that's not available through one of our vendors or is just not quite within budget and you need other options.

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What is the rental fee and what does it include?

• Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items

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Will your rental fee's change?

• Pricing can change at any time, however, you will only pay what is outlined in your signed contract

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Who sign's the contract?

• The bride and groom! While payments may come from any individual or organization, this is YOUR day!

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Is there a deposit?​ When are additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

• When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a non-refundable reservation fee that will be put towards the total cost.

  • Ceremony-only deposit: $500​

    • The remainder of the balance is due one month prior to the event

  • Micro-weddings deposit: $500

    • About 70% of the total payment is due 6 months prior to the event*​

    • The remainder of the balance is due one month prior to the event

  • Weddings at the Vines deposit: $1,000

    • 50% of the total is due 9 months prior to the event*​

    • The remainder of the balance is due one month prior to the event

 

*You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule. Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds or breach of contract

 

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What form of payment do you accept?

• At this time we are only accepting bank-to-bank transfer through quickbooks or personal or cashier's checks

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How do I reserve a date?

• To reserve a date please e-mail us at admin@sacredoakvineyard.com saying you are ready to book XYZ date if it is still available. We suggest you e-mail us stating you are ready to book your preferred date and then include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable. Prior to booking a date, we hope you are able to come out in person to visit the vineyard. You can request a tour (or a Facetime tour if you live out of the area) on our visit-in person page by filling out the contact form; a tour is not required prior to booking a date however. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis and whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by e-mail first for a specific date will be first in line. From there, you have two weeks to complete all necessary paperwork/submit the deposit fee before the date is released.

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Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?

• We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only.  You can request a tour here

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Will there be another wedding the same day?

• At Sacred Oak, we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention

 

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Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

• Yes there are several nearby options including the Holiday inn Express in Beaumont (10 min. drive), La Quinta inn in Yucaipa (15 min. drive) or alternatively, the Morongo Casino resort (25 min. drive.) which offers suites with a luxury feel.

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How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

• The main lot accommodates 75 vehicles, with overflow parking available near the house for an additional 20 vehicles

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Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?

• Animals, other than service animals, are NOT typically allowed. If you really want your furry friend to be in the ceremony they must remain on a leash at all times and watched by someone (you can hire an on-site sitter) or kenneled. They cannot be in the house at any point.

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What time will I have access to the venue to decorate/get ready?

• You will have access to the venue, including the house, at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly

 

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Do you include a wedding day of coordinator?

• While we do have a team member that will be on-site for the duration of the event, our staff are NOT coordinators.  If this is something you would like, we recommend hiring someone off of our preferred vendor list.

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What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?

• We suggest starting between 4:00-5:00 pm depending on the time of year. 

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Can we have fireworks on the property?

• Due to the high fire hazards, and out of respect for our neighbors and wildlife, we do not allow fireworks under any circumstances. Similarly sparklers are not allowed either. We recommend bubbles or glow-sticks as an alternative.

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Is smoking allowed?

• Due to the high fire hazards, smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

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Can vehicles be left overnight?

• No, vehicles may not be left on the property overnight. Please advise your guests of this policy. The gates will be locked at 11:00 PM. The exception is if the bride/groom have elected for an overnight stay. The car(s) the bride/groom are using can remain onsite and gates will remain unlocked until 11:00AM the following morning. 

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What time does music need to end?

• Music must conclude by 10:00 PM in accordance with county regulations and to allow enough time for guests to leave and cleanup

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Are candles allowed?

• Because of the high fire hazard, we only allow flameless or battery operated candles. We have a limited number in our something borrowed decor stock.

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What is the event clean-up process?

• All trash must be thrown in provided receptacles, bagged, and taken to designated trash holding area. A team member will take care of final removal from there. Any décor, personal belongings, or other such items that you brought onto the site must leave with you. 

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How should we arrange tables, chairs, etc. for my sized events?

• Jake (one of the owners), happens to be an architect. So, if you tell us what style table you plan on renting, we can provide drawings for several layouts that work well.

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Can we hang stuff from the trees or string lights?

• Please check with us first for safety reasons

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