Unforgettable Event Experiences at Nature Valley Lodge

FAQ: General Information

  • What makes Nature Valley Lodge a unique event venue?

    Nature Valley Lodge offers exclusive access to private indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a stunning and secluded setting for your event. Our venue is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

  • When Can I Schedule A Tour?

    We’d love to show you around Nature Valley Lodge and help you envision your special day here.

    Please view our calendar to select the best date/time for you.

  • Do You Offer Elopement or Micro-Wedding Packages?

    Yes! For weddings with 75 guests or fewer we offer:

    • $1,000/hour (2-hour minimum)

    • Must be booked within 3 months of event date

    • Custom bar packages available

  • What’s Included with My Venue Rental?

    • Private access to all indoor and outdoor spaces

    • Use of farmhouse (pre-ceremony), catering kitchen, patio, and parking area

    • NVL will create the room layout with you based on your specific event needs and set up the tables & chairs.
    (44) 60” round guest tables,
    (6) 8’ banquet tables,
    (15) 6’ banquet tables,
    (15) 30” cocktail tables,
    (350) Fruitwood ToughWood Willow chairs,
    (350) Black Woodgrain resin folding chairs with black vinyl seat for outdoor ceremony seating,
    (2) 4’ round table,
    (2) 3’ round tables

    • Flatware, dishware, and water glasses are available for your caterer to use

    • Post-event cleaning (excluding décor, vendor trash, or excessive mess)

    • 4-person golf cart for photo/bridal transport (with NVL escort)

    • Optional valet services available for a fee

  • What Are the Access Times?

    • Standard venue access begins at 10:00 AM, farmhouse access depends on the event day.

    • Earlier venue access available at $100/hour, with approval.

    • Guest end time is 11:00 PM.

    • Bar closes 30 minutes before the event ends.

    • All cleanup must be done and everyone off-site by 12:00 AM.

    • Friday & Sunday Farmhouse rental window: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM included in standard package. Overnight Access Based on Availability


  • Is Lodging Included?

    The Farmhouse is included with Saturday rentals (8:00 AM to 9:00 AM next day)

    • Available for Friday/Sunday day rentals if available

    • Priority access to NVL-owned Airbnb homes nearby for guests

    • RVs welcome, but no hook-ups available

  • Can We Rehearse at the Venue?

    Can We Rehearse at the Venue?

    Yes! A 1-hour Thursday rehearsal is included at 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM

    Early Friday indoor setup available

  • Do we have to clean up after our event?

    All events must leave with their decor & personal belongings, and the venue must be left in an orderly state. However, Nature Valley Lodge takes on the responsibility of tearing down tables & chairs, and cleaning the venue. We are not responsible for tearing down tents or anything brought in for the event from the guests.

  • What Am I Responsible For as the Client?

    • Your guests’, vendors’, and subcontractors’ behavior

    • Removal of all décor, vendor gear, personal belongings and rentals post-event

    • Ensuring flowers are prepped off-site

FAQ: Food & Beverage

  • Can we choose our own caterer?

    Yes! You’ll need to use a licensed, full-service caterer. Drop-offs, potlucks, and homemade food aren’t allowed. You can choose from our preferred list or get written approval for outside caterers. All caterers must carry liability insurance.

  • What are the beverage options?

    Package pricing is per person:

    The Lake: $14

    The Garden: $27

    The Barn: $42

    Platinum: $49

    Package price includes 6.5% tax and 15% service fee. Review package details on the Beverage Options Page.

  • Are bartenders included in the bar package?

    Yes, bartenders are included and provided by NVL. We determine the number of bartenders needed based on guest count. (1 per every 75 guests; typically 2-3 bartenders and 1 barback)

  • Is there a service charge on beverages?

    Yes, all beverages are subject to a 15% service charge plus applicable sales taxes.

  • Can guests bring their own alcohol?

    No, all beverages must be provided by NVL. Guests are not permitted to bring or remove alcohol from the venue. NVL will also refuse service to anyone under 21 or anyone our staff deems inappropriate to serve.

  • Do you allow cash bars?

    Yes! Cash bars are available upon request but do not count toward beverage minimums.

FAQ: Additional Costs & Services

  • Is security required?

    Yes, all events with alcohol and over 100 guests require security. NVL will hire a North Lawrence Police Department officer. One guard per 125 guests required. Security fees are subject to local pricing and will be added to the event’s final invoice.

  • Do you allow rentals for special setups?

    Yes! We allow specialty rentals and services for custom setups, and décor. So anything we may not have, can still be included! You are responsible for set up and break down of these items.

    Our facility fee includes tables, chairs, dish ware, silverware and water glasses. NVL will set up and take down the tables and chairs. Your selected caterer will set up the table place settings, clear tables, wash dishes and return to the storage area.

  • Can we set up a tent?

    Yes, but all tenting must be arranged through a pre-approved vendor. The client is responsible for setup, teardown, water barrels, lighting, and all associated costs.

FAQ: Booking, Payment & Cancellation

  • How do I book my event?

    To secure your date, a signed contract and non-refundable facility rental fee payment are required. Contact us to get started!

  • What is the payment schedule?

    • Upon Booking: $2,000 non-refundable booking fee at signing

    9 months before: 100% of venue rental due

    3 months before: 80% of bar package + taxes/service charge due

    14 days before: Final bar balance and guest count due

    Post-Event: Any additional charges due immediately; refunds processed within 10 business days

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept credit card payments (subject to a 2.5% processing fee). We do not accept cash, prepaid credit cards, debit cards, or checks.

  • What if we need to change our event date?

    All cancellations must be in writing

    • Transfer Fees depend on how far out the cancellation occurs

    Date changes:

    • Same year: No fee, price differences apply

    • New year: $5,000 fee (up to $3,000 refundable if original date is rebooked)

  • What happens if we need to cancel our event?

    If you need to cancel your event, the following fees apply:

    More than 365 days before the event: You will forfeit the Facility Rental Fee.

    Between 364 and 180 days before the event: You will forfeit the Facility Rental Fee and 25% of the Food & Beverage Minimum.

    Between 179 and 90 days before the event: You will forfeit the Facility Rental Fee and 75% of the Food & Beverage Minimum.

    Less than 89 days before the event: You will forfeit the Facility Rental Fee and 100% of the Food & Beverage Minimum.

FAQ: Other Important Information

  • What if it rains on the day of our event?

    Outdoor events assume the risk of inclement weather. We do not provide rain dates. We do offer all venues for events, and so the event can be moved indoors. An additional fee will be incurred to move the set up indoors. This will be incurred based on guest numbers.

  • Is Nature Valley Lodge responsible for lost or damaged items?

    No, Nature Valley Lodge is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items belonging to guests, staff, or vendors.

  • What happens if the event cannot take place due to an unforeseen emergency?

    NVL is not responsible for cancellations due to acts of God, national emergencies, or events beyond our control.
    If a natural disaster or similar situation forces cancellation, we’ll offer a full refund or reschedule based on availability. We’re not responsible for lost or damaged personal property.

  • How can I get more information or schedule a tour?

    Contact us at Info@naturevalleylodge.com or use our contact form on the home page to learn more and schedule a visit. We’d love to show you around!