Frequently Asked Questions

What dates do you have available?Accordion Arrow

Please visit our calendar to see if a date is available: https://www.thebarnsmithlake.com/calendar You may also email us to check a date at thebarnsmithlake@gmail.com

Where are you located?Accordion Arrow

The address is 1000 County Road 78 Bremen AL 35033 We are 45 minutes North of downtown Birmingham AL, and 60 minutes South of Huntsville AL right between Cullman and Jasper. We are located in the town of Bremen and the property sits on 40 private acres of rustic farmland overlooking beautiful Smith Lake, the 3rd cleanest lake in the Country!

Can we see the venue beforehand? Accordion Arrow

Absolutely! You can schedule a tour after looking over our pricing and package information. Please email thebarnsmithlake@gmail.com for more information.

How many people can the venue accommodate?Accordion Arrow

The Barn can accommodate up to 250 people; The Glass House can accommodate up to 40 for a rehearsal or wedding event.

Can I pay extra to increase the capacity? Accordion Arrow

No, due to our facilities we can not have events in excess of the guest count listed above.

What is the cost difference for a small wedding?Accordion Arrow

The cost of your wedding, whether it is large or small, will depend on all of your personal choices and your vision for your day. 

How many tables and chairs do you have?Accordion Arrow

 

  • 300 fruitwood chairs
  • 25 60" round tables
  • 12 8ft banquet tables
  • 4 6ft banquet tables
  • 15 highboy tables
What is included varies from package to package.

What if I need more tables and chairs?Accordion Arrow

Additional tables and chairs can be rented from TBSL when the guest count exceeds 150.

Do you provide linen?Accordion Arrow

No, we do not have linens for rent. We strongly advise renting your linens from Decor to Adore. Pre-steamed, hung, and clean linens can significantly enhance the flow of your day and contribute to the final look of the space

What size linen do I need to rent for the tables provided by the Barn?Accordion Arrow

  • 60in round tables - 120in floor drop
  • 8ft banquet tables - 90in x 156in floor drop
  • 6ft banquet tables - 90in x 132in floor drop
  • Highboys - 120in floor drop

What are the inside Barn dimensions? Accordion Arrow

70 feet x 34.9 feet.

How many cars does the parking lot accommodate?Accordion Arrow

Up to 125 cars.

Do you have rental accommodations on site?Accordion Arrow

Yes. Several of our packages include our homes and cottages for on-site accommodations. Your guests can also rent directly through us to book their stay. To see all of our rental accommodations Please visit https://www.thebarnsmithlake.com/overnight-accomodations

When can I access the rental accommodations I have booked?Accordion Arrow

Check-in time is 3 pm for all homes and cottages. Depending on availability we try to accommodate an early check-in of 1 pm for the Glass House only. Please contact your coordinator for more information regarding this.

When do I need to check-out of the accommodations I have rented?Accordion Arrow

Check-out time is 10 am for all homes and cottages. Due to the nature of our business, we require all guests to vacate the property by 10 am. Failure to complete all check-out instructions and on-time departure may incur a fee. Depending on availability and if arranged with TBSL ahead of time, you may be able to pay for a late check-out.

Do you have any required vendors?Accordion Arrow

Yes. We require you to choose your caterer, bartending services, transportation, and fireworks vendors from our list. No outside wedding planners are allowed. Our list offers a diverse range of options and budgets to accommodate all preferences and needs.

What amenities do the homes have?Accordion Arrow

All homes are equipped with the following: Bedding, towels, cookware, dining ware, Keurig*, toilet paper, paper towels, dish pods, dish soap, travel-sized shampoo/conditioner/body soap, iron and ironing board, laundry detergent, garbage bags, and hairdryers. Glass House - In addition to the above: Drip coffee pot, large and hand-held steamers, garment rack Glass House Cottage - In addition to the above: Drip Coffee Pot For extended stays, we suggest you bring additional toilet paper and paper towels.

What time will I have access to the venue on wedding day?Accordion Arrow

For both venues, the access time is from 9 am to 11 pm unless otherwise specified when booking.

Can I access the venue prior to the event date to store my decor or set up early?Accordion Arrow

The only drop-off times for supplies and personal items for the event are either during your walk-through the evening prior or at 9 am on the morning of your event. Supplies and personal items include arbors, décor, photo walls, floral, alcohol, signs, etc. Decorating and vendor access will only be allowed on the day of your event beginning at 9 am (12 pm for Barn Rehearsal Events).

Can I add on additional rental time? Accordion Arrow

Unfortunately, we are unable to extend rental hours before or after the stated times due to the nature of our property

When is my rehearsal?Accordion Arrow

The rehearsal walk-through is typically scheduled for the evening before your event. However, if there's another event booked the day prior, we'll arrange the rehearsal for the morning of your event or on an alternative day during your event week. For those who have secured the Barn for their rehearsal dinner/event, venue access is available from 12 pm to 10 pm on the rehearsal dinner day.

What is event insurance? Accordion Arrow

Event insurance is like your car insurance or home insurance, it protects you in case of unforeseen mishaps. We require all events to secure wedding insurance. Typically this cost is around $200.

Do you offer Day-of Coordination?Accordion Arrow

All packages include Day of Coordination:

    • The coordinator will contact you a month before your event to get all the details of your wedding
      • Day of Timeline
      • Vendor Contacts
      • Vendor Timeline
      • Floor Plan Layout
    • Vendor recommendations upon request
    • Rehearsal walkthrough coordination
    • Directing ceremony processional & recessional (if no separate coordinator)
    • Table and chair setup and breakdown as per your layout
    • Setup assistance for the ceremony and reception
    • Serving as main vendor contact
    • Assisting wedding party and guests
    • Emergency kit provision if needed
    • Handling unforeseen situations
    • Email support until one month before your event

Do you offer full wedding planning services?Accordion Arrow

Yes! Please email thebarnsmithlake@gmail.com for more information about wedding planning services.

What is the back up rain plan? Accordion Arrow

We would do a “flip” while cocktail hour is in progress. We will stage all necessary decor to set the room.

How do we officially book our date?Accordion Arrow

Yay! You have decided on a date and package! Our invoicing department will set up your booking and send you a deposit invoice to lock in your date. The total of your deposit will depend on the package you choose as well as the date of the event.

Can we have our rehearsal dinner event on site?Accordion Arrow

Yes, depending on the package you choose this may already be included. If it is not then we can add a rehearsal event to your package. Hosting your rehearsal event on-site includes the set-up and breakdown of tables and chairs, trash removal, event coordinator, and labor.

Can we bring our own alcohol?Accordion Arrow

Absolutely! We permit alcohol of any kind. For weddings, we ask for a licensed bartender to handle serving. For rehearsal events, you have the option for a self-serve station. To ensure ease of service and bartender convenience, we kindly request avoiding beer bottles and opting for liquor bottles that are 1/2 gallon or smaller.

Do we need a licensed bartender?Accordion Arrow

Alcoholic beverages can be supplied by the client or catering/bartending providers. We require the proper consumption and serving of alcohol and the client assumes all responsibility. For the safety of your guests and peace of mind for you, we require you choose your licensed bartending service from our vendor list.

Does the venue have a kitchen?Accordion Arrow

Yes, we have a traditional-style kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, a standard oven with conventional and convection options, microwave, sink, and dishwasher.

  • We do not provide kitchen equipment including utensils, pots and pans, servingware, glassware, and plateware.
  • Please do not use any kitchen items we have without our permission.

Does the venue have an ice maker?Accordion Arrow

No. The client, caterer or bartending service will need to provide ice. The closest store is a Dollar General approximately 10 minutes from the venue.

Can I have a food truck?Accordion Arrow

We allow food trucks on a case-by-case basis. Please contact The Barn Event Manager to discuss further.

What is the weather like? Accordion Arrow

The weather can vary depending on the time of year, but we're fortunate to experience beautiful conditions during most of the wedding season.

Do you have any rental items? Accordion Arrow

We do rent the following:

  • (2) Movable Bars
  • (1) Light up LOVE sign
  • (2) Farm tables
  • (6) Propane heaters
  • (4) Arbors: Circle, rectangle, wood cross, and a white cross
  • And more...
You can view available add-ons here: https://thebarnsmithlake.com/rental-add-ons/

Are there any sound restrictions at The Barn?Accordion Arrow

Music must conclude by 10:30pm.

Are there any decor restrictions? Accordion Arrow

No holes can be placed on any surface or wall. Decor that is hung by command strip or fishing line must be removed before departure. If you place any directional signs leading to the venue, we kindly ask that you retrieve these upon exit as a courtesy to our neighbors.

Do you have more than one wedding a day? Accordion Arrow

Yes, it's possible to have a wedding at two different locations on the property.

Although this does not happen often, we could have one wedding at the Barn and one at the Glass House.  When two weddings are booked for the same day, we ensure we have plenty of staff to create a magical day for both events.

We want to include our fur-baby, is that allowed?Accordion Arrow

Yes. We allow two pets per home with a $150 pet fee per home.

What time do my vendors have access to the venue?Accordion Arrow

For weddings, access begins at 9AM. For rehearsal events, access is at 12PM for the Barn and 1PM for the Glass House.  

What should be happening at 11pm when the event has ended?Accordion Arrow

By 11pm all guests should have vacated the Barn property and all vendors should be cleaning and packing up to leave.

What items are restricted from the venue? Accordion Arrow

Anything artificial cannot be thrown, we want to maintain the pristine conditions of Smith Lake and its landscapes.

Do you allow smoking? Accordion Arrow

Yes, in designated areas.

Does the venue set-up reception and ceremony areas?Accordion Arrow

Yes, the Day of Coordinator will help set up both areas to execute your vision.

Can I get married indoors or outdoors? Accordion Arrow

Yes.

Do you offer any discounts? Accordion Arrow

Yes, military and weekday weddings. We also offer a 20% discount for wedding packages booked for January, February, and July!

Is there any staff on-site during my event? Accordion Arrow

Yes. All packages include a day-of coordinator who will be present for the entire day. Additionally, we have other staff onsite to assist with set-up and breakdown as well as other duties.

Can I have fireworks? Accordion Arrow

Yes, we have one approved professional and we can give their contact information upon request.