The information provided here will answer real questions that we've received from clients.
How many guests can attend my wedding?
Our indoor chapel will seat 150 guests comfortably.
The outdoor pavilion will seat 200 guests comfortably.
The Grand Hall reception space will seat 200 guests (including the wedding party) with a nice sized dance floor.
How do I find what dates you have avaiable?
We work really hard to keep our open dates visible. Please visit our Dates page for info.
Can I use my own DJ & Bartender?
Yes, you can use your own professional WEDDING DJ.
Just be sure when sourcing your own DJ that you ask if they are a WEDDING DJ that is willing to emcee your reception and follow your day of timeline. Not all DJs will do this and they only want to play music and not make announcements of any sort. You need an emcee at your wedding!
No, you cannot use outside bartenders at this time.
To ensure the highest quality service and compliance with local/state regulations, we require that all clients hire one of our preferred bartending service providers. Our selected partners are well-vetted and experienced, guaranteeing a seamless and professional experience that aligns with our standards and your vision.
Our preferred bartenders range in price and offerings starting around $400 (price does not include alcohol)
Bella Sera will hire security on your behalf at no additional cost for up to 4 hours. Bar service ends by 11 pm. (latest 12 am with in advance discussions)
See preferred bartending service vendors here
How do I book my wedding with you? How do I pay?
To reserve your date: For the Venue package, the date reservation fee is 25% of the total package price and is due within 7 days of signing your contract. The 25% fee is non-refundable. This will reserve your date! If the 25% isn't received within 7 days of the contract signing your date will be released and the contract will be terminated.
The remaining balance will be divided into a maximum of 3 additional, consecutive payments with the final payment due 30 days before your event.
For the All Inclusive package the date reservation fee is 25% of the total package price and is due within 7 days of signing the contract. The remaining balance will be divided into a maximum of 5 additional payments over a maximum of 5 months. We accept checks, money orders, and cash.
Damages Deposit- We don't collect a damage deposit upfront. Instead, we collect credit card information within your contract to put on file for incidentals.
Do you charge a fee for outside Caterers?
Currently, we do not charge for outside food vendors.
The use of the Venue’s kitchen equipment IS NOT included and NOT PERMITTED for use with outside catering services. The Venue is not required to provide cold or warm storage. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure the caterer is aware of this policy.
The Venue’s foil, plastic wrap, plates, cups, eating utensils, napkins, linens, sterno’s, lighters, Chafers, gloves, aprons, stir sticks, toothpicks, and all other kitchen items are not included for Clients/Caterers use unless discussed and paid for in advance via a set rental fee. Usage of any items without payment will result in the Client’s getting charged for any goods used without permission of the Venue.
Clients shall indemnify, release and hold the Venue harmless for any acts, errors, omissions, injuries, representations, warranties, breaches, whether negligent or otherwise, of any such third-party caterers.
The Venue will not store the client’s food of any type overnight under any circumstances. We do not want to be held liable for any mishaps that may occur.
Prior approval is mandatory for any equipment the caterer wants to bring onto the Venue’s property. Written approval must be acquired by the client by no later than 30 days prior to the client event date. Failure to obtain approval from the Venue will result in the caterer being turned away from the Venue on the client event date.
The kitchen prep space must be returned to its original clean condition by the caterer/clients immediately following the dinner service. Caterers must remove all trash from the site. All trash must be collected, properly bagged, and removed by the caterer or party renting the space prior to the caterer leaving the premises. Caterers may use the Venues dumpster in the parking lot to dispose of properly bagged trash.
The failure of the Caterer and/or Clients to remove equipment, break down the buffet lines, clean off buffet tables, bus guest tables after dinner service, and/or completely clean up their areas will result in a $500 cleaning fee and will be charged to the Clients Damages Credit Card on file.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR OUTSIDE CATERER IS AWARE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS.
Why do I need wedding/event insurance?
Wedding/event insurance is designed to protect and reimburse the couple for certain losses from accidents or property damage that occur during the rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and reception.
We require a $1m event insurance policy with Bella Sera Ranch listed as the additional insured. Approximate cost is $200.
Insurance coverage requirements are in your contract as well.
The provider below has created a link for Bella Sera couples that includes all of our required coverage amounts. Easy!
eWed (no deductible): https://www.ewedinsurance.com/v/?14654
The minimum limits of the policy should be as follows:
Each Occurrence: $1,000,000.00
Damage to Rented Premises: $100,000.00
Med Exp (any one person): $5,000
Personal and Adv Injury: $1,000,000.00
General Aggregate: $2,000,000.00
Products - Comp/Op Agg: $1,000,000.00
Host Liquor Liability: Yes
Why should you ALSO buy wedding cancellation insurance.
Cancellation insurance isn't required, but recommended.
No matter how diligent you are or reputable your vendors promise to be, wedding tragedies happen. This could lead to financial loss for you. Wedding Event Cancellation/Postponement Insurance offers protection if you need to cancel/reschedule your event for reasons such as:
Severe weather
Sudden illness/Death
Lost/non-refundable deposits
Vendor bankruptcy
Can we have real candles?
Due to insurance restrictions, we do not allow real candles at our venue. Battery operated candles only.
Are the lights dimmable in the Grand Hall Reception Site?
Yes, all of the lighting is dimmable inside the Grand Hall reception area and Chapel.
How do I tour the Venue?
Our available tour dates are typically during the week. Here is why...
We book weddings for Friday and Saturday. We don't tour on our couple's wedding days as we focus all of our attention on them! Our days off are Sunday and Monday. We clean the Venue and do all landscaping on Monday and Tuesday. We have tight schedule to say the least!
If we have a Friday or Saturday available for a tour the dates will be reflected in our online tour scheduler.
Do you require me to use a coordinator?
No, we don't require it but we strongly recommend having one. It's really hard to put a price tag on someone who is 100% dedicated to the bride and groom (all day) and who will handle any last-minute issues that arise the day of. Coordinators work hard to protect their couples from any undue stress so they can focus on what is important... getting married!
Do you allow dogs or other animals to be in the ceremony?
We are dog lovers ourselves and we cherish our fur babies, so we get wanting to have a pet in your wedding. Most of the time, we can work out these details to accommodate your pets. We wouldn't be responsible for babysitting them or picking up the poop!
We just need to have a conversation about the details to determine if our venue rules would be do-able for you.
Bella Sera House Rules
1. As the host of a private party, the Clients are responsible for all guests and guest actions. Clients are financially responsible for any damages received to Bella Sera Ranch property.
2. Smoking or vaping is not allowed in any building at BSR. Guests may smoke in designated areas 25 feet away from all buildings.
3. All alcohol must be served from the bar.
• Shots or straight liquor chilled or on the rocks is not permitted. Liquor must be served in a cocktail.
• No coolers allowed.
• No consuming alcohol in the parking lot.
• All alcohol must be removed from VIP suite and Chapel lounge prior to wedding ceremony and placed behind the bar. BSR staff will enter each room to remove all alcohol.
4. We are working extremely hard to maintain and improve our landscaping and grounds. Absolutely no parking, driving, or unloading on grass unless it is in the designated guest parking lot.
5. Client must identify two people that Bella Sera Ranch can easily contact on the day of the event to seek assistance with any issues that may arise. These people should be reliable, present on site the day of, and able to deal with issues or make decisions with consent of the Bride and Groom.
6. Bella Sera Ranch staff will NOT clean up bodily fluids of any type. Whoever made the mess needs to clean it or have someone who is with them clean it. If we have to clean it we will charge the Client a $500 hazardous waste cleaning fee. Eww.
7. All of the Client's decor must be removed at the end of the night. We do not allow Client's to come back the next day to retrieve their brought in decor and other items.
Can we have a rehearsal dinner at the Venue?
Yes!
You can add an additional 6 hours the day before your wedding from 1 pm to 7 pm for only $950. Use this time to set up/decorate your space, have a self run rehearsal, and host your rehearsal dinner on site! It is the Client and Caterers responsibility to set up for the rehearsal dinner, execute the dinner, and clean up after dinner. The buffet tables must be broken down, the floor below the buffet should be swept and any spills cleaned up. All guest tables must be bussed and wiped off before being reset for the wedding day decor. Failure of the Client and/or Caterer to completely clean up their rehearsal dinner set up will be charged a $500 cleaning fee.
A wedding ceremony rehearsal is included and will be run by a coordinator with the All-Inclusive package.
My event is not a wedding. Do I still need Event Insurance?
Yes, Event Insurance is required for every event held at Bella Sera Ranch.
Can we use flower petals/confetti for our ceremony and/or departure?
You may use faux flower petals in the chapel only.
You may use real flower petals outside only.
We do not allow "Biodegradable" petals or confetti of any type.
Do you allow cold sparks anywhere on the property?
Sorry, we do not allow cold sparks.
Do you allow sparklers for the departure?
Due to insurance restrictions, sparklers or flames of any type are no longer allowed.
Can we wrap the dance floor?
No, the wraps will leave a sticky residue on our floors making it impossible to clean off. A better option is asking your DJ if they can project your initials or names on the dance floor with colored lights!