Frequently Asked Questions

Event Booking

If I reserve a date, how much money is due upfront? Do we make monthly installments, or is payment due all at once?

At the time the contract is signed there is a minimum of $3,500 due. The remaining balance is split into even monthly payments up until one month prior to the event date. The total cost of the event rental must be paid one month before the event or the contract may be voided. Payments can be made by paying cash, checks, or credit (with an additional 3% convenience fee). There is a $25 fee for any returned checks. Payments made by check can be mailed to:

The Cupola Barn
N88W35490 Mapleton Rd.
Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

Once my date is reserved, what happens if I need to cancel?

All cancellations or reservation changes must be made in writing. The guest is responsible for verifying that the Cupola Barn, David and Stacey have received their cancellation letter/email. Due to the nature of wedding planning, all payments made to date are non refundable and all outstanding payments will be due immediately. We understand that sometimes it is necessary to change or cancel a reservation, however, should you choose to cancel, we cannot refund any advance payment for a canceled reservation unless Cupola Barn has re-rented the contracted date with another wedding or similar event and the entire payment has cleared. Refunds may take 3-6 months. We will make every effort to re-book the barn, however, if it is not re-booked, you forfeit all monies paid. If a cancellation is successfully re-booked with another wedding or similar event, all funds with the exception of a $1,000 administration fee will be returned to the renter. Transferring your booked event to a different date on the calendar is allowed and will be subject to $250.00 administrative fee. 

What is included in my package?

  • A one hour rehearsal on Thursday during the week of your event
  • Use of the main barn
  • 6 open houses each season to revisit the barn & assist in your planning needs
  • A beautiful secluded outdoor ceremony site overlooking fields & farmland
  • The “hideaway” for the groom & groomsmen to get ready
  • Beautiful bridal “she shed” for the bride & bridal party to get ready
  • Elegant portable rustic restrooms + an ADA handicap accessible stall
  • 5 acres of stunning landscape for photo opportunities
  • A firepit area for s’mores, cigars & more
  • Outdoor fireplace for guests to enjoy
  • White and gray benches & 2 rows of chairs pre-set for the ceremony
  • A mix of 72″ round tables and 8′ rectangular dining tables for up to 200 guests
  • Table & chair setup and take down
  • Beautiful mahogany wood chairs for dining
  • 6 cocktail tables
  • Several wooden tables & buffets for desserts, gifts, etc.
  • Use of our projector screen
  • Use of several refrigerators, a chest freezer and our beverage troughs
  • Use of our custom built bar
  • Onsite parking
  • Onsite staff to maintain cleanliness

Discounts

Active duty Military discounts are available upon request. Only one discount may be used towards your booking total.

Are we able to have a rehearsal at The Cupola Barn?

Rehearsals are included, but not required. We have designated Thursday evenings for rehearsal times. Guests will be allowed a one hour rehearsal time slot upon request. Friday weddings are allowed one extra hour before or after their rehearsal time-slot for set up.

Set Up

On the event day, when do we have access to the facilities? What time can we start setting up?

On Friday’s and Saturdays your package includes the venue from 10AM until 11PM plus an additional hour included for vendor and bridal party cleanup. Any guests not included in the clean up process must leave the premises at 11PM. On Sundays, your package includes the venue from 11AM until 10PM plus an additional hour included for vendor and bridal party cleanup. Any guests not included in the clean up process must leave the premises at 10PM. A fresh cleaning is done by our staff prior to each event.

Will you be coordinating the day or do we need to have someone there to make sure the day stays on schedule?

Our staff will make sure the chairs and tables are set up both inside and outside prior to your event. We will also help adjust the layout if a dance floor is needed. We will be available for questions and to help direct guests to the appropriate areas. We are not responsible for keeping the timeline of your event. For an additional cost, we do offer wedding coordinating services.

We always encourage you to consider a professional coordinator to handle the tiny details. Even the most organized family member or friend does not compare to an experienced professional. Not only does a coordinator help keep your wedding day on schedule, but they also step in to handle any last minute emergencies. Just like food and beverage vendors, we recommend partnering with a coordinator who is familiar with the space. That’s why we have partnered with Forever & Ever Events to provide you with all your wedding management needs. Allyson and her team have coordinated over 70 weddings at Cupola Barn. Let them worry about the minor details so you can focus on what matters most.

Decorations

Are there any restrictions when it comes to decorating?

All decorations must be removed without damage. The use of nails, screws, staples and tacks are restricted. Confetti and loose glitter are not allowed as it cannot be cleaned up before the next event. No open flames are allowed, we recommend battery operated candles. The Cupola Barn does not allow sparklers. Local ordinances do not allow fireworks, fire lit floating lanterns or string lights, besides what is already hanging.

What size is the greenery behind the head table?

Outside the green: 41″H x 67″W
Inside the green: 22 1/4″H x 48″W

What is your recommended table layout?

We use a combination of rectangular and round tables. Shoot us an email and we’ll send over the recommended layout for your wedding size.

What size are the tables?

Our round tables are 72″ and seat 10 people. Our rectangular tables are 8’x30″ and seat 10 people. The head table is 20’x28″ and can fit 14 across the back, however, we can wrap 20 around the entire table if need be.

Do you have any additional tables for us to use for gifts, desserts, etc.?

Yes, we have two wooden farm style tables that are approximately 5’x3′, two wooden barrel tables that are approximately 8’x23” and a buffet that is 2’x6′.  Additionally, you have access to two additional barrels, and 6 pub tables. 

Ceremony & Reception

How many guests can you accommodate?

We can accommodate a maximum of 200 guests.

Where can I have my ceremony?

Ceremonies can be held indoors or outdoors, however, we recommend having the ceremony outdoors as we do not have a separate indoor space for the ceremony and reception. If a ceremony is held indoors, guests would be seated at their tables and the walkway becomes your aisle.

What happens if I plan my ceremony outdoors and it rains or is too cold?

Your ceremony can be moved inside, if needed. If a ceremony is held indoors, guests would be seated at their tables and the walkway becomes your aisle. Tents can be brought in or rented from a third party, if needed, however, the town requires a permit for large outdoor tents to be setup. The Cupola Barn is not liable for inclement weather.

Do you have a designated dance floor?

Yes, however, if your guest count is over 130, we typically need at least 20 minutes between dinner and dancing to clear some of the dinner tables for the dance floor.

How late can we play music?

The latest an event’s music can run is 11PM on Friday and Saturday nights and 10PM Sunday through Thursday nights. The owners have the right to have the volume of the music decreased if it is louder than the county allows.

Food & Alcohol

Can I bring in my own alcohol?

Yes, The Cupola Barn does not have a liquor license and will not buy, transport or serve alcoholic liquor, wine or beer. We allow beer, wine and mixed drinks to be brought into the barn and served to guests as long as the serving is managed by a licensed bartender on our approved vendor list, and there is no charge for the guest to consume alcohol. We do not allow alcohol served straight up or in shots. If you choose to bring in kegs, there is a $250.00 tapper rental fee. Renting this tapper  includes: CO2, tappers, clean lines, refrigeration for up to 4 barrels (2 half and 2 small). Our staff will be onsite to help tap barrels as needed and detach barrels at the end of the evening.  Hosted service of liquor, by the client, must conclude at 10:30PM. Should you decide to choose bartenders that are not on the approved list, there will be a one time fee of $250. Outside bartenders must be pre-approved in writing with the venue prior to booking. Some exceptions may be made to couples who booked before September of 2021.

Can I select my own caterer?

While you, as the couple, can pick your own caterer for your special day, it is strongly recommended that you choose a vendor from our preferred list. Catering fees for outside vendors will range from $250-$500 depending on services provided. Any outside caterers who are not on our list must be pre-approved in writing with the venue prior to booking. Some exceptions may be made to couples who booked before September of 2021.

All caterers are required to work out of the catering tent staging area that has been provided on site by Cupola Barn. This area includes, working tables, shelving, hand washing station, garbage, recycle and electricity. If you should choose a caterer who has not been here, we will require a site visit from your caterer at least 1 month prior to your wedding day and are happy to meet with them even if you can’t be here. The Cupola Barn does not have a state inspected kitchen, therefore, no food can be prepared at the barn. Catering dishes should be washed off site, and there is no stove available.

Is there a charge to have a food truck onsite?

That depends. Does the food truck need to hook up to electric? If so, there is a $50 electricity fee. If the food truck is self enclosed with their own generator, there is no fee.