General Questions

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

You must schedule a tour, click here to find a date that works for you!

Does CSF host weddings year round?

Every season is beautiful here in New Hampshire. We have been working very hard to be able to share them all with you. We are excited to announce that We now have winter offerings! There is heat available in both the upper and lower floors of the barn, and it stays toasty warm - even on the coldest days! Our expansive glass doors help bring the outside in for a magical winter wedding inside the barn. Please contact us here for more details if you are interested in a winter wedding. There is a lot to consider when planning for the logistics of a winter wedding on the farm - and we want to help you make an informed decision on whether or not this is right for you.

What is the venue rental fee and what does it include?

Click here to view our investment page for pricing details, optional add ons, and a detailed list of what’s included.

Do you require a deposit?

We require an initial $2,500 deposit along with your signed contract to hold the date. The remainder of the venue fee, your refundable $500 security deposit, and any optional add-ons must be paid for in full no later than thirty days before your event date. You have the option to pay in multiple payments if you’d like.

What form of payment does Cold Spring Farm accept?

We prefer checks. We do not process credit cards.

What is the average full wedding budget of a couple getting married at Cold Spring Farm?

This is a great question to consider as you begin your planning process! Typically, we see brides planning for 100 guests with an average total wedding budget of $20,000+ Your total wedding cost can vary greatly depending on what is most important to you, time of year, day of the week, and how many guests you plan to have.

Does Cold Spring Farm include a Wedding day Coordinator?

Wedding day or event management is available as an add on to your venue rental. Find out more about our Event Management services here.

You are also welcome to hire an outside coordinator. We love meeting new planners/coordinators and we are excited to connect with whoever you choose to hire!

If you choose to utilize an outside coordinator, or you choose not to have one at all – we will still have staff on-site for your event. Please note that our event staff are not coordinators, and their job description varies greatly from that of a Coordinator.

Is there lodging at CSF?

There is currently no lodging on-site. We are in the process of building a cabin due to be completed in 2023. Watch for updates on our progress here. Check out nearby lodging options here.

Can we bring our dog(s)?

We LOVE dogs - and we completely understand wanting to include them in your day. You are allowed to bring your pups (couple’s dog(s) only, no other animals allowed to come in with guests.)

• You must let us know ahead of time if you plan to bring your pup.
• They must always remain leashed and outside and may join you for the ceremony only.
• Please designate someone besides yourself to be accountable for your pups that doesn’t mind taking them off-site once the ceremony is over. There are many animals on-site at Cold Spring Farm. As any animal-lover knows - it can be a complicated process introducing new ones to the mix. We limit what we allow because it may take away from our ability to focus on your event and creates an increased liability (which could also reflect in your cost of insurance for the day.)

Will there be another wedding the same day as ours?

No, We only do one wedding per day and typically only one per weekend. You and your guests have exclusive access to the event spaces on the property for the contracted time period. (There will always be staff members on-site.)

We plan to have our wedding offsite and just have our reception at Cold Spring Farm. Does the fee change?

No, it does not change the fee. Our level of preparation for your event and our staffing requirements largely determine our venue fees. Those requirements remain the same regardless of how you choose to utilize the included spaces. The ceremony area will be photo-ready for you, even if you don’t choose to tie the knot in that spot.

Can we ride the horses or have them pull a carriage?

No. Our horses are not formally trained to pull a carriage and our insurance does not allow us to offer any riding. Depending on the time of year - the horses will be in the pasture just beyond the ceremony and often make a lovely addition to the backdrop of your photos. We know that you love them - we do too!! This is why we ask that you love them from outside of their pasture fencing - for your safety and theirs while you enjoy the glory of these great animals.

Can we visit the horses?

If you’d like to visit the horses and get some photos with them, let us know ahead of time - and we will gladly send a team member to help you achieve the shots you’re looking for. We ask that this moment only be the couple & photographer - so that we don’t spook the horses. Please do not feed the horses, or excite them from the fence line. Large crowds can spook them and create a potentially dangerous situation. To keep everyone safe, we ask that you enjoy these great animals from a distance.

Who is on the CSF team to help us?

You can find out all about our team members and what we do here.

Click here to check out how and why we started Cold Spring Farm.

Can we take photos around the farm on our wedding day?

Absolutely! – Check out the included spaces here. If you or your photographer have another idea - let us know! We love to see your creative perspectives! We appreciate you being respectful of the private residence(s) on the property, and keeping your event to the designated event areas.

Can we have fireworks?

No. The town of Alton prohibits fireworks. You are more than welcome to use sparklers (outside.)

Can we be married elsewhere on the farm other than the designated ceremony area?

Yes. We are open to this. Let’s discuss what you are thinking. Click here to contact us with your ideas!

Are real candles allowed?

No. However, we are happy to provide you with several options of battery-operated candles to choose from. You may also feel free to provide your own if we do not have the style you prefer.

Are outside snacks allowed?

Yes. We don’t provide any food. We do require that you plan for all food to be cleaned up. This is usually handled by your caterer, but in the case of non-traditional choices like food trucks - you will need to make a plan for clean-up.

Is smoking allowed?

Yes. We do allow smoking outside in designated areas. Cigarette butt receptacles are placed outside, and we ask kindly that you help us enforce their use. We are very passionate about preserving the beauty and health of the land at CSF. We have many gardens and animals that can be negatively affected by litter on the ground - particularly cigarette butts. Additional fees may be charged if cigarette butts are found around the property following your event. Please ensure that your guests know to utilize the provided receptacles and where they are located. We also allow smoking at the firepit.

Vendor Questions

What is the max capacity of the venue?

We can accomodate up to 100 in the barn. Contact us if your guest count is slightly over 100. Going above our max capacity will require a tent and bathroom rental. Click here to find local rental companies we have worked with.

Do we need to use your caterers?

Nope! Check out our list of vendors we have loved working with if you are looking for some guidance. Our only major requirements are that any vendors hired by you are fully insured and their contact information must be shared with us.

• We do not currently offer in-house catering. We do require you to account for clean-up of your food services. A full-service caterer will take care of cleaning tables during their service times. If you choose a less-traditional route for catering (ie. food trucks,) please note that you are still required to account for food clean-up.

Is there a food and beverage or guest count minimum?

There is NO minimum spend requirements from us! We strive to provide you with the best value we possibly can. Part of that is offering you the freedom to decide on vendors that best fit your budget, style, and vision. We do not make a commission on your choice of vendors. If you are on the hunt for great local vendors, check out a list of vendors we have loved working with.

Can we serve alcohol? What are your requirements?

Yes. Per the state’s requirements - we require a fully insured bartender to serve all alcohol. (This includes rehearsals and farewell brunches.)

Cold Spring farm now has an in-house bartending service! Our awesome in-house bartender can help you with everything from creating signature drinks to curating a custom shopping list. You are not required to use our service, but if you’re interested you can find out more information here.

Cold spring Farm does not have a liquor license. If you wish to have a cash bar - you will need to hire a bar service with a liquor license.

Can we bring beer and alcoholic drinks to place in coolers?

No. Per state requirements and for liability reasons (ours and yours) - All alcoholic beverages must be served by an insured bartender. You are welcome to hire your own or check out our in-house bartending service details here.

Do you provide transportation?

No. We don’t provide transportation. Click here to check out some awesome local companies that do!

Can we have a food truck?

Yes! We have some ideas and suggestions to consider if you would like to go this route. Click here to find a list of food trucks we have loved working with.

Planning Questions

What dates are available to book?

Check out available dates here.

How do I reserve a date for my wedding?

Once you are certain you’d like to reserve a specific date, contact us immediately. Dates are not reserved until we receive your signed contract and deposit. Please note that booking a tour does not reserve the date you are interested in. You can view all available dates here.

What about decorations?

Use of our decor is included in the Event Management fee. Cold Spring Farm strives to provide you with decor options you will love. You can shop our ever-expanding collection online here. Whatever you check out with in your cart is what our staff will pull out and have ready for you to use on your decorating day. We provide mostly neutral options, allowing you to add pops of color throughout with your choice of florals, napkins, etc.

What if we rent a tent or something else? Can those be dropped off and picked up outside of the rental period?

If you rented the entire weekend, yes. Per your contract - all rental drop-offs & pick-ups must be approved by and coordinated with our team so that we can properly accommodate your needs. Please note - If you have a one-day rental (or less,) we will likely only be able to accommodate same day deliveries/pick-ups. Contact us with any questions.

Set Up/Day Of Questions

What happens if it rains?

You have options!

• We can move your ceremony inside if the weather turns on us. The back half of the barn can support seating for up to 100 for your ceremony. Our new large-scale glass doors help to bring the outdoors in no matter the weather. The final call must be made no later than 1 hour before your guests begin to arrive in order to give our staff the necessary time to bring chairs in and turn the room over.
• PLEASE NOTE - If you are over our maximum guest count of 100, or if you have hired a band or a DJ with a large set-up - this space will be limited and will not seat as many guests.
• Some couples choose to reserve a tent to put over the outdoor ceremony in order to keep the ceremony outdoors or if they are concerned about their guest count.
• We have a stock of clear umbrellas for your use if you choose to brave the rain! These look great in photos and can make for a fun portrait session.
• Stay tuned on our social media for progress on our front porch - this will serve as a covered outdoor space for ceremonies (and everything else!) in the future!

Where does everyone park?

There is a large grass parking area that is strategically separated from the barn & ceremony space. It is designed this way to keep from having cars in your photographs, and to reduce any noise/safety concerns that could arise from allowing cars to drive through.

• Our parking lot is fully attended for the hour that your guests arrive to ensure that everyone knows where to go.
• There are handicapped spaces available behind the barn.
• We allow drop-offs and anyone loading/unloading items to pull right up to the barn doors.
• We have a golf cart service available for anyone needing transport to/from the barn/parking lot.

When will we get access to the venue to decorate?

This depends upon the package you have chosen and will be outlined in your contract. You will either have the day before your wedding, or it will be the day of your wedding. Please plan accordingly! Your Team Leader or Event Manager will be present to support you through the decorating process.

Do you provide tables and chairs?

Yes. Tables and chairs are included in your venue rental fee. We have the following tables and chairs for your use.

• (7) 8’ handmade wood farm tables
• (1) 5’ handmade wood sweetheart table
• (7) 6’ round tables
• (6) 5’ round tables
• (10) 30” cocktail tables
• (4) metal pub-style tables w/stools
• (2) live-edge/barrel tables (on the patio)
• (130) black resin chairs
• Seating for 100 at ceremony space on hand-made live edge benches
• varying antique tables
• varying folding tables

How many people can be seated per table?

8’ wooden farm tables can seat 8-10. Please note that people will be seated at the heads of the table if you wish to place 10 guests. 6’round tables seat 8-10 5’round tables seat 6-8

Do you provide linens?

Yes! Neutral linens are provided and included in your venue rental fee. Please note - we only have linens for the tables that we provide. If you are renting tables, you will need linens to go with them. Check out our decor collection to see our table linen and runner options.

Can vehicles be left overnight?

Yes. We ask that they be picked up no later than 9:00am the following morning as we may have another event coming in. Alternatively - please check out transportation/shuttle options here.

What time does the music need to end?

Alton Town Ordinance requires us to have all music off by 10pm. We require guests to depart by 10:30pm.

How is clean-up handled?

Our team will assist with break down and cleaning after your event. We will help organize your belongings to be easily picked up in the morning (or taken with you that evening, depending on your rental agreement.) Our team will also be regularly emptying trash receptacles, checking the bathrooms, and generally ensuring that spaces remain as clean as possible throughout your event. We do require that your caterer handles dinner clean-up. (No drop-off catering.) Our venue staff has many responsibilities during an event day. Dinner clean-up can be time consuming (especially if rented items are involved,) and would not allow them to be present for other responsibilities.