What is the rental fee and what does it include?

• Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items.

What dates are available?

• Please see the available dates information here.

Is there a security deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

• Yes. When the contract is signed, to continue holding the date, we require a $1,000 deposit. Nine months prior to the event 50% of the remaining fee will be due. The final installment will be required 60 days prior to the event. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specific due date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule. Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also reserve the right to require a $600 refundable deposit in the case of any damages to the facility or grounds. This will be refunded in full within 7 days of your event if no damages are found.

How do I reserve a date?

• To reserve a date email us at info@whisperingridgeweddings.com saying you are ready to book (xyz date) if it is still available. We highly suggest that you email your preferred date along with a back up 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 farm. You can request a tour on our tour request page, but an in person 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.

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

• We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Whispering Ridge?

• Great Question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at Whispering Ridge Farms is between $16,000 - 30,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, Photographer, etc.).We do feel some couples with smaller guests lists can host beautiful weddings in the $14,000 - 18,000 range. There could also be some couples that could spend significantly more than the average.

Is there a food & beverage, or guest count minimum?

• No. Many venues have minimums because they make 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 the food and beverage options to be as affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we do not require a minimum.

What form of payment does Whispering Ridge accept?

• We currently are only taking payments via check or cash.

My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?

• We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. As soon as a cancelled date becomes available we will post it here.

Where can I find pictures of the decor available?

• We will provide access to our inventory page upon booking with us.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

• You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract. Please plan accordingly.

What are our catering options at Whispering Ridge?

• We have several caterers on our (growing) preferred vendor list. You are allowed to choose your caterer as long as they are approved by Management and are licensed. The caterer cannot be immediate family or anyone in the wedding party.

• It is most efficient and effective for couples to work directly with the caterer. Simply book your big day with Whispering Ridge Farms and reach out to the caterers of your choosing to schedule a tasting and get the ball rolling! Contact info for each caterer on our preferred list is provided upon booking with us.

Can we have fireworks on the property?

• Fireworks are not permitted.

Can vehicles be left overnight?

• NO vehicles can be left overnight. Please advise your guests of this policy. The reason is because guests and vendors will be arriving the following morning for their event. Any vehicles left on site after business hours are at risk of being towed.

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

• Three weeks

Are candles allowed?

• All candles must be battery-operated due to the risk of property damage unless prior approval is given by Whispering Ridge Farms.

Do we have to utilize your preferred caterers and bar service?

• No, but we highly recommend you to consider those on our list, as we have placed them there because of their high recommendations from other events in the area. We realize the food and quality experience is important to our couples and their guests. Your wedding is very important to us and we do our very best to list only those who have previously provided excellent experiences. This list may be small but will be growing as time passes.

Will there be another wedding the same day?

• At Whispering Ridge we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple’s event is special and receives our full attention.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

• Yes. The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is 11 miles away. The Hampton Inn Jonesville/Elkin is 13 miles away. The Best Western Plus Yadkin Valley Inn is 13 miles away and the Hampton Inn and Suites Dobson is 15 miles away. There are also many Air B&B and VRBO rentals available in the Elkin/Jonesville/ Yadkin Valley area. Reserve your accommodations soon as the hotels book early depending on surrounding events and tourist attractions.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

• 50 cars in main parking lot

• Overflow parking is available if needed

Do you offer straight tables instead of round?

• Yes, we have rectangle and round tables to choose from. This will be dependent on your desired pre-approved floor plan.

Do you provide table linens, cups, silverware, etc?

• Our couples have the opportunity to use our in-house glassware & china, and can choose from a variety of table linens when purchasing the Linens & Serving Ware Venue Rental Package. You may also bring your own linens or use a linen service.

What happens in case of rain?

• The interior of The Barn can be easily arranged for an indoor wedding followed by an indoor reception. The call will be made no later than 9am the morning of your wedding.

Does the fee change if we plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at Whispering Ridge Farms?

• Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception or both onsite.

Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?

• We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Management) at the outdoor ceremony and during wedding photos, but not allowed indoors or during the reception. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.

Do you include a “wedding day coordinator?”

• We think its 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 Whispering Ridge team is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands decorating, answer vendor questions and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly. (This person is not considered a Day-Of Coordinator.)

• We do provide a preferred vendor list with our recommended wedding coordinators.

• We do require a Day of Coordinator. This person cannot be a family member or anyone in the wedding party.

What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?

• We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm (coming in 2024), Saturday Weddings between 4:00-5:00 pm, and Sunday Weddings at 3:00-4:00 pm.

How will the tables, and chairs, etc. be arranged for my event?

• Table layout options will be provided upon booking with us. We will reach out to you to determine your preferred layout prior to the big day!

When is the next open house?

• Our open house events are designed for couples who have already had a private tour of Whispering Ridge Farms. 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 will be provided upon booking with us.

If we choose the One-Day Event option, will we be able to access the venue early to rehearse our ceremony?

• If you choose 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 may need a better understanding of the layout of the venue to one of our open houses. (DJ, Minister or little ones in the wedding party).

What time does the music need to end?

• Music must end by 10:00 pm.

What time does everyone need to be off the property?

• At 10:00 pm, the wedding ends and the clean up begins. Clean up usually takes one hour and we request all decor, catering, etc. be removed by 11:00 pm to avoid additional fees.

How do I obtain a marriage license?

• Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30pm, go to the Wilkes County Register of Deeds office located at:

  500 Court House Drive, Suite 1000

  Wilkesboro, NC 28697

  (336) 651-7351

• The fee for the license is $60 cash or local personal checks are accepted.

• The license is good immediately upon issuance and is valid for 60 days; thus applicants should not apply for a license more than sixty days before the planned marriage ceremony.

• Drivers license and social security cards are required.