faq

 

Q: What’s included with the rental and use of Crooked Steeple Hall?
A: Exclusive use of the entire property - the Main Hall, Speakeasy, and private suite,  for the duration of your rental from 4 PM Thursday afternoon to 2 PM Sunday. Additional days may be available upon request. The suite at Crooked Steeple will be stocked with local teas and coffee, along with cooking supplies. Crooked Steeple is a blank We recommend a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator to make your special day run smoothly. Our venue staff will be on-site to ensure the property is ready for your arrival and to answer any questions you may have.

Q: How many people can Crooked Steeple Hall accommodate?
A: We can accommodate a maximum of 250 guests, depending on the seating and your wedding layout. We can comfortably host weddings of 50-200 people with room for a dance floor on the main level. 

Q: What are the details on the private suite at Crooked Steeple?
A: The private suite is the perfect pre-wedding suite for getting ready. The suite has two bedrooms, one featuring a queen bed and the other a full. We recommend no more than 4 people sleep on-site. 

Q: How many people does 1812 Pierce House accommodate?
A: Up to 18 guests may sleep at the 1812 Pierce House. This historic property also has a large first floor that is perfect for a smaller bridal brunch the morning after the wedding.

Q: Where would I have my ceremony and/or cocktail hour?
A: You can hold your ceremony at Crooked Steeple Hall or on the lawn at 1812 Pierce House. We can also recommend some sites based on what you like. The outdoor space at Crooked Steeple or the Speakeasy, located in the lower level of Crooked Steeple, are both excellent spaces for cocktail hour, as well. 
 
Q: Can I have my rehearsal dinner Crooked Steeple Hall?
A: Yes, you are welcome to host additional events in CSH during the duration of your rental. You are responsible for cleaning of the Hall prior to your ceremony. Crooked Steeple has a cleaning service available,  additional cleaning fees may apply. Please inquire if you wish to have cleaning between your rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.  

Q: What will the Venue Manager do for me?
A: The Venue Manager will be your point of contact during your rental.  They will work closely with your caterer(s) and other vendors to ensure the spaces at CSH are safe, all necessary supplies are provided, and the venue is ready for your reception. Your Venue Manager does not coordinate your wedding, however, they will be onsite during the wedding day celebration. We highly recommend a wedding planner or day-of wedding coordinator to ensure your special day goes as planned. Let your planner focus on the details while you enjoy the day. Check out our Preferred Vendors list to find the perfect planner or day-of coordinator for you.

Q: Who will manage the food service and flow of events?
A: You are welcome to hire a wedding coordinator, planner or have your caterer be responsible for maintaining the schedule of the event. Crooked Steeple will have the staff to make sure the building, grounds, and amenities are ready and to answer general vendor questions about the property, but does not provide day-of-coordination. We highly recommend a wedding planner or day-of-coordinator for your special day so you can focus on you each other and your guests, leaving the stress of coordination to a professional.
 
Q: What are the bar service hours of operation?
A: Your caterer is responsible for bar service. Any alcohol served must be through a licensed caterer, to ensure the necessary permits are in place. There is a limit of continuous bar service at 5 hours with the bar and liquor services beginning after the ceremony. Alcohol service must end one-half hour prior to the end of the event. There is no “last call” warning announced. Non-alcoholic beverages will remain available until the conclusion of your event, to be arranged with your caterer. All persons requesting alcoholic beverages must present positive proof of age when asked by a bartender, service person, manager.  A valid driver’s license or picture ID with proof of age must be presented. No exceptions.

Q: Can I buy and bring in my own alcoholic beverages?
A: Crooked Steeple Hall requires you to handle alcoholic beverages through a licensed vendor for any event of over 40 people.

Q: How long can the band or DJ play?
A: The band / DJ can play until the scheduled end time of the event. The band /DJ cannot continue to play after the end time unless overtime has been requested in advance by the user to the Venue Manager. Please note Crooked Steeple Hall is not responsible for extended use of your contracted vendors. Maine state law requires a 10 PM quiet time. The Speakeasy space in the lower level of Crooked Steeple is the perfect location to continue a louder celebration after 10 PM. 

Q: Who will make announcements?
A: The band, D.J., or another person you designate, is responsible for making all the necessary announcements such as bridal party announcements, bridal dances, cake cutting, last dance, etc.
 
Q: Can I host my event past 10 pm
A: Loud music in the Main Hall must end by 10 pm per Maine State law, however, you are welcome to move to the lower level for an afterparty. 

Q: Can I use candles?
A: Candles are permitted if the flame is enclosed in glass and does not exceed the top rim of the glass holder. Please check have your wedding planner check with us on proposed candle decorations.

Q: Do you have a designated parking lot?
A: There is street parking in the area as well as a municipal parking lot located two blocks from Crooked Steeple. There are many valet services available if you wish to provide this convenience for your guests. If your package includes the 1812 Pierce House, there is some parking available there as well. 

Q: Are you handicap accessible?
A: The Main Hall has 2 steps to enter and the Lower Level has 3 steps. We do have portable ramps to facilitate wheelchair access. One bathroom in the upper hall is handicap accessible.

Q: Do you require event insurance?
A: Yes, we require you to obtain a short-term event policy and recommend The Event Helper 

Q: Do you allow planning visits?
A: Absolutely, as long as no other events are going on. Please contact us in advance and we would be happy to set up time with you. As a bonus for our first-year couples, we are offering all 2019 - 2020 bookings a free two-night stay in the Crooked Steeple suite to give you ample time to plan your wedding and enjoy Maine.

Q: Do you offer childcare? 
A: Due to the age of the buildings, we recommend that little ones (under 6) be left with a trusted caregiver or carefully attended to during your ceremony and reception. We can recommend Maine caregivers who specialize in weddings!

Q: How can we get around town?
A: Uber, Lyft, and other local taxi companies operate in our area. We can also recommend a wonderful farm that can do horse-drawn carriage rides to transport your guests within the town. Another unique idea is using antique autos to bring guests between their lodging, 1812 Pierce House, Crooked Steeple Hall, and parking locations.