FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is the rental fee what does it include?
What is the Bonne Terre Property and what all does it include?
Bonne Terre is a 23 acre property in Nesbit, MS, 30 minutes from anywhere in Memphis, that includes an event venue, a white chapel, a 10 bedroom inn called Bonne Terre Inn, and 3 bedroom inn called the Fountain House, a one bedroom room called the Cottage Room, and a restaurant called BT Prime. The inns are open 24/7. The inn and restaurant are open to the public but can also be rented out by the wedding party! You could potentially rent out the whole inn for the weekend and have your wedding party and guests all in one place, no need to worry about a party bus! You can also rent out the restaurant for a rehearsal dinner as well, just call 662-781-5100 ex 1 for inn inquiries and ex 2 for the restaurant.
What’s Ashley Hall?
Ashley Hall is the name of our reception hall. Typically people have their wedding ceremony in the chapel and then have their reception (family reunion, birthday party, etc) in Ashley Hall.
What is the building capacity?
The chapel has the capacity for 200 people to sit in the pews. There is space in the back of the chapel to hold 50 more people standing or sitting in chairs from the venue. The reception hall, Ashley Hall, can hold 200 people sitting at 25 tables, 8 people per table. However, with the addition of a dance floor, cake table, DJ table, etc., 21 tables with 168 people is more comfortable. Additionally, you could replace some of the bigger tables for bistro tables for people to stand at and easily get 225 people inside.
You could technically have 300 people sat at traditional round tables, but the bar, dance floor, etc. would have to be outside. We’ve had wedding that rent tents from other vendors and this works great!
What dates are available?
Please see the available dates information (link to dates available)
When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
When the contract is signed, we require a non-refundable half down payment of whatever your total amount is plus a refundable $500 security deposit. That total will vary depending on the day of the week that is booked for and rates can be found here (link to rates). The $500 will be returned to you after the wedding in full if nothing is damaged or missing. (Most weddings have no issues with this). Please note this half down does not include the cost of your alcohol if you choose to have a bar (link to bar rates). 30 days prior to the wedding date we require the second half payment to finalize your reservation.
How do I reserve a date?
First, check out the available dates (link to dates available). You can email [email protected] or call 662-781-5100 ext 3. We will get back with you and start the process! YAY!
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 email [email protected] or call 662-781-5100 ext 3 to request a tour.
Will any employee of the venue be there the day of the wedding?
Yes, We will always have a day of manager on the property. They will let the wedding party and vendors into the building and be able to assist if they have any questions about where things are located like ladders, brooms, etc. They are not employed to decorate, coordinate, etc but there to simple help see things along!
Do we offer an on property coordinator?
No, no one on property is employed to be a coordinator or planner. Bonne Terre is simply the vessel for your big day! However we are more than happy to have our day of manager work with your own coordinator to answer any questions they have about the venue!
How does the bar service work? Do we need to hire someone for the bar?
Everything is handled for the bar by us! We will provide a day of manager as well as a bartender that will both be bartending the event. All you need to do is tell us which bar option you’d like. You can choose to not have a bar, have a cash bar, dollar limit bar, or unlimited open bar that is based on your final headcount. See the details on all the bar plans here (link to the bar plan)
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Of course you have our 13 rooms available with our 2 inns on property, the Big Inn and Little Inn. We also have a honey moon suite you can email us about if you’re interested. You can book your room here (Link to the booking page for the inn). However, if it is booked out we recommend several hotels nearby.
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
125 cars.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at Bonne Terre. Does your fee change?
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?
Service animals of course are allowed, but all other animals are not allowed on property
What form of payment does Bonne Terre accept?
Cash, check, or card, but there is a 2.5% card fee
Where can I find pictures of the decor available?
We have it all photographed and numbered on our inventory page. (link to inventory page)
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
You have the venue from 10am- midnight
CATERING QUESTIONS
What are our catering options at Bonne Terre?
You have a choice of choosing our in house catering (at a separate cost from your booking) or a caterer from our preferred list of caterers here (link to preferred caterer list). It’s a matter of preference! If you choose to not use us, you must choose from our preferred caterer list, not that they make us money, but because we’ve vetted many caterers over the years and have chosen the best in the area that have shown to have great food and great service at every wedding! If you do want to use our catering while using our event space, you can contact Christy at 662-781-5100 ex 3. Pricing will depend on your food choices, head count, etc.
Does Bonne Terre handle the catering orders for these preferred caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
You will contact them directly, we are just simply offering our best options of caterers to choose from.
Is there a minimum price for our catering?
For our catering, there is a $1,500 minimum.
PLANNING QUESTIONS
Can we have fireworks on the property?
No fireworks or sparklers, but cold spark machines are fine and look amazing in pictures!
Can vehicles be left overnight?
Vehicles can be left overnight, but if we have a wedding the next day they must be picked up by 10 AM
What time does the music need to end?
The Music has to end at 10:30 to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of the 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?
All of the rental items must be delivered and picked up during rental period unless given permission by Christy. You’ll be in contact with her for your contracts and info and yall can work that out then.
Can we get married somewhere else on the farm other than the patio or under roof in the addition?
There are a couple of places for outdoor ceremonies. There’s a $200 up charge for set up and tear down of outdoor chairs. We have 150 white resin folding chairs for outside if you request them.
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.
Is it possible to seat 9 to a table?
Yes! Our 120” round tables can hold 9 people
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
If Bonne Terre is also your caterer, Chef Amber will need the headcount 2 weeks before the wedding date. If not, one week before is fine to let us know!
How do I obtain a marriage license?
https://www.desotocountyms.gov/639/Marriage-License Here’s the link with information on marriage licenses.
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.
What is the event clean-up process?
Bonne Terre staff will handle all standard clean up and trash removal following the wedding reception.
Can we take photos anywhere of the property on the wedding day?
Of course! You can take pictures in the lobby of the Inn as well as anywhere outside on the property.
Can we nail decorations to the walls?
No nails, screws, or staples are allowed. If you use command strips, just please make sure they are completely removed. If your coordinator uses tape on the stage floor make sure it is removed also.