FAQ
General Questions About the Castle
What is the rental fee for Castleshire at Chateau Charmant and what does it include?
When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
What are our catering options at Castleshire?
How much should we expect to spend on catering and bar?
Does Casltehsire handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
When is the next open house?
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
If we choose the one day option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony?
Can we have fireworks on the property?
Can vehicles be left overnight?
What time does the music need to end?
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
Can we get married somewhere else on the castle grounds other than the patio or under roof in the Great Hall?
Are candles allowed?
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
How do I obtain a marriage license?
Setup and Day-of Event Questions
Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
What is the event clean-up process?
Can we take photos around the farm on our wedding day?
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
- Please see the details found CASTLESHIRE - Weddings START HERE for complete pricing and included items.
- 200 guests including the bridal party
When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
- When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a $1,000 booking fee to be paid. Six months prior to the event 50% of the remaining fee will be due. The final installment will be required 30 days 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. Please include the last names of the couple and the wedding date in the memo line if you are mailing a check. 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.
- To reserve a date email us at [email protected] saying you are ready to book XYZ date if it is still available. We suggest you email 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 castle. You can request a tour in person, but a tour is not required prior to booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.
- We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. We have dogs and they are often out in the garden. You can request a tour by calling 417 767 2233 or emailing: [email protected]
- That is a great question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married in Southern Missouri is between $15,000-$18,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guests lists host beautiful weddings in the $12,000 - $15,000 range, and we have had several lovely events here spending significantly more than the average.
- No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food and drinks. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don't have a food and beverage or guest count minimum. Some caterers may have a reasonable minimum for specific dates.
- It is preferred, but please see the question and answer above. Initially we allowed outside catering, because honestly most venues don't and we didn't understand why! It seems like a great benefit to allow outside catering. The truth is, after two years of allowing any caterer under the sun to waltz through our door, we realized that not a workable business model if quality food and a quality experience is important to our couples and their guests. Some caterers were amazing, but some were clearly in it for the money and not the couple (like when we asked, do you help with XYZ and the caterer responded "they didn't pay for that." Once you get to know us, you'll know that attitude doesn't sit well with us.) We had issues with caterers showing up hours late and unprepared. We had caterers run out of food. We had caterers who routinely sent three 16 years olds to be the event staff. Although we had many great experiences with caterers who were new to us, when it was a bad experience, it was really bad, for us, the couple, and their guests.
- We selected the caterers on our list after having many come through our doors those first few years because we thought they had good food, good service, because they had very affordable options along with a variety of upgrades, and honestly because we thought they were nice people. Don't discount the fact that all of the vendors that you choose you'll work with a lot leading up to the big day. It's important to actually like your vendors! Additionally, we have purposely selected small business owners, because although no one is perfect, and none of our caterers claim to be, when you work with a small business owner they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day.
- At Castleshire we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.
- Go to Plan Your TRIP under Places to stay for recommendations. Places to Stay - CASTLESHIRE
- 100 cars.
- We have a limited number of round tables onsite. Usually, we have a few extras that can be mixed in with reception seating, but the majority of your guests will be seated at rectangle tables to create more of the castle feeling.
- Yes. Castleshire provides white linen and an awesome venue, tables, upgraded wedding chairs, and lots of decor for the allotted amount of time. Cups, Silverware etc are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring your own linens.
- In the case of rain we have a beautiful indoors Great Hall at Chateau Charmant. Guests sit at their tables and the Castleshire team moves what is needed. Our couples have loved this option because it’s a stunning ceremony location and requires a quick room flip without disruption to your event. So, you have the option to be in or outdoors!
- Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.
- We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Bonnie) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed under roof or near food. Dogs must be on a leash or in a kennel and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.
- Cash or check
- We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. As soon as a date does become available we post it here. (being updated)
- We have it all photographed and numbered on our inventory page. (being updated) But you will see many options the day of your tour. Let us know which you prefer!
- You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly!
- Chateau is French for Castle and is said SHAA TOW, Charmant means Charming in French and is said SHAR MANt (with a soft t.
- This is such a great question! If you're trying to compare venues "apples to apples" we feel like this is a tricky question. Our answer is no. We think it’s possible for the job duties of a "day-of wedding coordinator" to mean something different to you than it does to us, and the last thing we want is the opportunity for miscommunication. However, we do have a team leader here before you arrive onsite who stays with you throughout the duration of your big day. This member of the Castleshire team is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands decorating, snap extra wedding pictures, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (But we still don't consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.)
What are our catering options at Castleshire?
- After several years of a variety of caterers onsite at our venue, we have selected our favorite five to work with exclusively. These caterers include Chef Roland Parny LLC, Simply Delicious, . Please see the catering page for more information including menus and pricing.
How much should we expect to spend on catering and bar?
- It is possible to have an open bar and delicious meal for 150 - 175 people for under $5,000 with several of our caterers when you make careful food and beverage decisions. (Disclaimer: we are sure you could spend more than this, but if your looking for awesome budget friendly options, they definitely exist with these great caterers.) Please see the question above for links to each caterers pricing. The average bar bill through for 150 guests is approximately $1,500 -- $2,000 including two bartenders, delivery, setup, insurance, and alcohol.
Does Casltehsire handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
- In our experience, it's most efficient and most cost effective for couples to work directly with the caterer. Simply book your big day with Castleshire and reach out to the caterers of your choosing to schedule a tasting and get the ball rolling!
When is the next open house?
- Our open house events are designed for couples who have already had a private tour of Castleshire. If we have already had the chance to meet we welcome you out to one of our open house events. Open house dates and the RSVP form can be found here.
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
- We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, and Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Should your wedding be taking place after the time change, If you do NOT plan to do a first look or plan to get married when the sun sets earlier in the evening, please contact us to discuss schedule.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
- Click here to download the suggested Castleshire table layout PDF. We will reach out to you to determine your preferred layout prior to the big day!
If we choose the one day option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony?
- If you elect the one day rental, our venue will likely be reserved by another couple the night before. For that reason, one day rentals should plan for an offsite rehearsal. You are also welcome to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as your DJ or minister, or any little ones in the wedding party) to one of our upcoming open houses.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
- Fireworks are permitted if you have a licensed bonded fire technician. Sparklers are acceptable if you have a water canister to extinguish all the sparklers in. We don’t want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the water department happy!
Can vehicles be left overnight?
- No vehicles can be left overnight. Please advise your guests of this policy. The gates will be locked at midnight and as we are also a working farm, the gates remain locked at other times to keep the cows in! We appreciate your understanding.
What time does the music need to end?
- Music on Friday's/Saturday's must conclude by 10:30 p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off-property by midnight.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
- We are a working farm with locked gates to keep the cows in! For that reason, all deliveries must happen during the standard rental period. Please advise your vendors of this policy.
Can we get married somewhere else on the castle grounds other than the patio or under roof in the Great Hall?
- One of the great things about Castleshire is the view from atop a large hill. Unfortunately, because we are atop a hill there isn't another flat area that is suitable for a ceremony. All ceremonies do need to take place on the chessboard courtyard, in the Great Hall, Under the Great Tree, or in front of the castle towards the woods or the castle or at another venue/church of your choosing offsite.
Are candles allowed?
- Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
- Three weeks
How do I obtain a marriage license?
- Between 8 am and 4:00 pm go to the Christian County Government Center downtown Ozark, MO. Both the bride and groom must go and you'll need your driver's licenses and your social security numbers. Recorder’s Office | Christian County Missouri (christiancountymo.gov)
Setup and Day-of Event Questions
Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
- Outside food and drink is permitted prior to the ceremony. It is not allowed after the start of the event. Please no drinks in glass bottles.
What is the event clean-up process?
- Castleshire staff will handle standard clean up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception.
Can we take photos around the farm on our wedding day?
- Sure! Just ask us and we would be happy to make recommendations.
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
- No. As our family logged the trees off our farm and cut the boards one by one, we request that holes are not placed in the walls. We will have areas where hooks are already placed that you are welcome to use for any additional decorations. The beams at Chateau Charmant are very tall and not reachable by a ladder. For this reason, we do not allow for anything to be hung from the beams. We hope that you will find them beautiful without any extra work!