Question 1

What sets The Barn apart from other venues?

Accepted Answer

Our amenities and accommodations! Here at The Barn, we are able to comfortably seat up to 400 guests indoors. Additionally, Aspen Acres is the Black Hills' premier wedding venue, complete with air conditioning, heating, large indoor restrooms, an outside catering prep kitchen, and so much more! To learn more about the features of The Barn, click here!

Question 2

What is included in the rental price?

Accepted Answer

+ Access to The Barn from 8am to Midnight with last call at 11:30pm (unless otherwise specified during your consultation)
+ Custom barn wood tables and cross back chairs for up to 400 guests (34 barn wood tables, 18 round tables)
+ Onsite parking 
+Free Wi-Fi
+Climate controlled A/C and heating
+ Access to our beautiful Bridal Loft
+ Use of our prep kitchen (open to outside caterer use) 
+ Bar services + bartenders (option for cash or hosted bar, with beer, wine, and wine-based liquor)

If hosting a wedding, Aspen Acres also includes:
+ A beautiful ceremony site and a basic barnwood arbor
+ White folding chairs for your outdoor ceremony up to 400 guests, set up by our staff the morning of your wedding based on a pre-determined layout + view
+The option to move your ceremony inside if the weather does not cooperate with an outdoor ceremony, with our staff taking care of all necessary transitions
+2 bottles of champagne + assorted juices for a morning mimosa bar
	+Additional bottles can be purchased from the bar
+Use of our ceramic dishes, for up to 400 guests (large plates, small plates, bowls, salad forks, dinner froks, knives, spoons, and water glasses)
	+You will have the option to place the dishes at your buffet line, or at your tables as                  place settings
	+Our staff will bus and wash all dishes after your dinner service concludes
	+If you would like us to set your tables, you can add-on our Table Setting Package!
+Our staff will take care of all the venue cleanup at the end of the night - you are only responsible for your decor and personal belongings
	+If you would like us to take care of your table decor, you can add on our Decor                          Clean Up Package!
+Access to our prep kitchen for you or your caterer to use (no cooking or heating equipment provided, limited outlets)
+Bartenders, staffed based on headcount
	+Beer, wine, and wine-based liquor drink options
	+Option to host an open bar, purchase kegs, host certain items or limits, or a cash                    bar (meaning your guests will be responsible for purchasing all their drinks)
+ Outdoor patio with furniture + option for an outdoor bar
+The option to put out yard games after your ceremony
+ Seating options overlooking expansive panoramic views of our beloved Black Hills
+An optional 4–6 month meeting to go over any details you might have questions on as you plan your day
+A pre-event meeting, 30–45 days prior to your event, when we will determine all the details of your day
+An all-day venue attendant to assist you with any questions you may have throughout the day

PLEASE NOTE:
Our venue rental price includes the features listed above. Additional services can be added on to your rental, for an additional fee. The venue rental price does NOT include event coordination, full set up, full decorating services, or full cleanup. Some of these services can be arranged for an additional cost. Please let us know if you would like to add on our additional services!

Question 3

Who is responsible for table and chair setup and teardown?

Accepted Answer

The Barn staff will handle table and chair setup and teardown, as well as basic venue cleaning. At the end of the night, you are only responsible for removing your decor and personal belongings.

Ask us about our decor clean up packages!

Question 4

Is The Barn an inclusive venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes - at Aspen Acres, we believe that love is love! We sincerely believe in the right to marriage equality, and are proud to be an inclusive venue that celebrates life's best moments with all!

Question 5

How many guests can The Barn accommodate?

Accepted Answer

The Barn is best suited for guest lists of 60 to 400 people.

Question 6

What do your venue rental prices start at?

Accepted Answer

Our venue rental prices start at $4,000. Fill out  this form to get in touch with us, and get additional information on the pricing and packages we offer!

Question 7

What is the deposit amount due in order to hold my event date?

Accepted Answer

50% of your venue rental is due at the time of booking to officially reserve your date, and is non-refundable. The remaining 50% of your rental will be due 4 months prior to your event date. Any services, add-ons, or rentals will be decided at your pre-event meeting, which takes place 30–45 days prior to your event, and payment for those additions will be due 1 week after your meeting.
 
A $500 security/damage deposit must also be collected via check or with a credit card at least 30 days before the scheduled event date. This deposit may be returned after the event, if the property is properly cleaned and no damages have occurred. Otherwise, this deposit will be used to pay expenses and an itemized statement will be sent to the renter.

Question 8

Is there a ceremony site available?

Accepted Answer

Aspen Acres has two beautiful ceremony site options included with the price of your wedding rental package. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Black Hills, each ceremony viewpoint is bound to make your day beautiful. Your rental package also includes a beautiful barnwood arbor, and seating for up to 400 guests.

Question 9

What time do wedding ceremonies typically take place?

Accepted Answer

Typically, in our peak season, most ceremonies take place around 4pm, with a cocktail hour to follow, but really any time between 3:30 and 4:30 is normal. If you are getting married in the off-season, when the sun sets earlier, we tend to see earlier ceremonies, around 3pm.

Question 10

Do you allow pets on the Aspen Acres premises?

Accepted Answer

At The Barn, we consider your fur babies as family. We would love for your pet(s) to be a part of your celebration! However, we can only allow your pet(s) on the Aspen Acres premises during the ceremony portion of your event. Additionally, we will hold you responsible for cleaning up after and caring for your pet(s) during their time with you at The Barn. If you'd like your pet(s) to attend your celebration, please feel free to reach out to our team and notify us PRIOR to your event day for pre-approval!

Question 11

Can our flower girl throw real flower petals down the aisle?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You are more than welcome to have real or fake flower petals thrown at your wedding. We just ask that someone pick them up and dispose of them after your ceremony. We do NOT allow any type of crumbled flower petal, or any kind of confetti on the premises, as they are difficult to clean up.

Question 12

If I am hosting an event at The Barn, when will I have access to the property?

Accepted Answer

Unless a different time is agreed upon in advance, you will have access to the venue at 8am the morning of your event, to begin setup and preparation.

Question 13

What am I allowed to use as decor?

Accepted Answer

We want to make your creative vision a reality, so let your creativity flow! But please note our restrictions: 
+ We ask that only air-filled balloons be used for decoration inside The Barn. Helium balloons are not allowed.
+ Please refrain from using staples, tape, or harmful adhesives on the walls, ceiling, and furnishings of The Barn. 
+ Any and all candles must be contained when lit. Taper candles are allowed, however, they need to have a “hurricane vase” containing the flame, and something at the base to catch the wax. If wax spills/drips, you will be responsible for cleaning and/or damages caused.
+ We also ask that all decor be removed from the Aspen Acres property by midnight the night of your event.

We also have just added new basic decor rental and design packages to our add-on services! These packages are exclusive for Aspen Acres clients, and relives all the stress of planning out and purchasing your decor in your wedding planning process. Just one less vendor you need to contact and book! If you are interested in learning more about these options, please contact us.

Question 14

Does The Barn have a PA System?

Accepted Answer

Yes, The Barn does have an indoor-only PA system. However, it is set up to be used ONLY for background music during decorating; it is not meant to replace a DJ. We do not have any outdoor PA equipment.

Question 15

Can I bring an outside caterer for my event at The Barn?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Barn does not offer any catering services, but we are happy to provide you with a list of local caterer recommendations for your event. All caterers must carry insurance, as The Barn is not liable for any actions of caterers or other vendors. You are also welcome to self-cater your event. If this is your plan, please let us know in advance so we can provide you with our self-catering guidelines.
 
Under NO circumstances may outside alcoholic beverages be brought onto the Aspen Acres premises.

Question 16

Does The Barn offer dishes or flatware?

Accepted Answer

The Barn provides use of our plates, silverware, and glassware for your event for up to 400 guests (large plates, small plates, bowls, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, spoons, and water glasses).
You can place dishes at your buffet line, or at your tables as place settings. 
Our staff will bus and wash all dishes after dinner.
If you would like us to set your tables, you can add on our table setting package!

Question 17

What are your table dimensions?

Accepted Answer

Each of our beautiful custom barn wood tables are 8 feet long and 3.5 feet wide, and can seat 8–10 guests each. To seat larger guest lists from 200 to 400, we will provide our 34 barn wood tables and up to 18, additional round tables (60 inches), for which linen will be provided. All barn wood tables must be used before using rounds. Tables may be used for other purposes during your event such as for displays, gifts, and cakes.

Question 18

Does The Barn offer a full service bar?

Accepted Answer

The Barn at Aspen Acres offers a fully stocked (cash or hosted) beer, wine, and wine-based liquor bar. Bartenders are included in the cost of your rental. No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed on premises under any circumstances. For more information or a beverage menu, feel free to inquire!

Question 19

What time should our send-off be at? What time do we need to leave The Barn?

Accepted Answer

As is our county ordinance, everyone must be off the property by 12am (Midnight). That being said, we typically suggest that your DJ play the last song around 11pm, with your send-off following shortly after at 11:10/11:15pm. This will give your cleaning team enough time to clean up inside. If you have hired our Partial Clean or our Full Cleaning service, you must be off the premise by 11:30pm, so our staff can complete the cleanup inside before midnight.

Question 20

Who is responsible for clean up?

Accepted Answer

The renters are responsible for cleanup, and should make a plan with The Barn in advance if assistance is needed, or if you're looking for recommendations for outside sources who may be able to assist with this task. The Barn will provide a checklist of cleaning tasks that must be completed before leaving (at 12am), including: removal of all decorations, gifts, and personal property; as well as pickup of garbage, florals, flower petals, empty bottles, food or drinks, parking lot trash, and cigarette butts. If cleanup is not adequate, or damages have incurred, expenses may be removed from renter's security deposit, and an itemized statement will be issued.

Additionally, The Barn offers partial cleaning and full cleaning packages, available for you to add on to your rental. Please contact us for pricing!

Question 21

Can a vehicle be left at Aspen Acres overnight?

Accepted Answer

It is fine if a few vehicles are left on property overnight, but this action is taken at renter's discretion. Aspen Acres is not a gated property, and we are not liable for any potential thefts or damages. Any vehicles left must be picked up by 9am the next morning. No campers or motor homes are allowed onsite.

Question 22

Can we have our rehearsal at The Barn?

Accepted Answer

There are a few different options for hosting your rehearsal at Aspen Acres!

+ If you're getting married on a Friday, you can rent our Thursday/Friday early access package, allowing you to come in to decorate and have your rehearsal/dinner at The Barn in the late afternoon/evening. This package is not available for Saturday or Sunday weddings.
+ If there is a different event the day before your wedding, you can stop by for an hour, before noon, and can rehearse outside on the grass. Please reach out to us for pre-approval if you would like to do this, and we can confirm a time. If people go with this option, they usually go out for brunch after!
+ You can also do a quick run-through the morning of your wedding.
+ You also have the option to book our evening rental package at The Social Hall, the day before your wedding. This gives you access to our newly built A-Frame Social Hall from 3pm to 10pm for rehearsal walkthrough, and rehearsal dinner. This is a separate building from The Barn, but is just across the parking lot on the same property. Please inquire with us for pricing and additional details on this option.

If we are unable to accommodate your rehearsal and dinner on site, you can host it offsite! Popular locations are Spearfish City Park, Miller Creek Pub, The Clubhouse, or an Airbnb.

Question 23

Does The Barn offer any Day of Coordination Services? What would that entail?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a full-service Day of Coordination package as service add-ons, exclusive for Barn at Aspen Acres clients. With this service, your day-of coordinator will reach out to you about 3 months prior to your wedding to get an idea of your wedding vision and vendors, so she can start working on your rehearsal + day-of timeline. You guys will finalize all necessary details at a meeting that will take place 2 months before your wedding, and have the option to meet with her additionally after that time, if need be. She will help with all things coordination on your day, including vendor organization, photos, organizing your bridal party for entrances, and helping your set-up team, among other things, making sure the whole day runs smoothly, and you stay stress-free! For a detailed list of all the tasks your coordinator will handle, please contact us!

Question 24

We booked The Barn for our wedding! When do we need to book and pay for any add-on rentals or services we want?

Accepted Answer

You can add-on any of our additional rentals and services at any point in your planning process! Sometimes, couples will make these decisions upon booking with us, and we can invoice you for them right away. Typically, our couples will book everything additional at their pre-event meeting, which will take place 30–45 days prior to your wedding. At this meeting, we will go over all the details of your day, including any services or rentals you want to additionally add on to your day. We will invoice you for these things following your meeting, and payment will be due 10 days after the invoice is sent.

**If you are wanting to book any of our decor rental + design packages, or either of our day-of coordination packages, we ask that you book these with us as soon as you know, so we can make sure you get the full benefits of these packages.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sets The Barn apart from other venues?