FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions are creative acts of intelligence.

Francis Kingdon Ward

What is the rental fee for The Millhaven and what does it include?

Saturday receptions at Millhaven’s pickle factory for 8 hours begin at $4500 and includes round or long tables and chairs with set up and tear down, pergola for the head table, property manager on site, parking attendant, complimentary hour for engagement photos, along with water, soft drinks & snacks for the wedding party. Let us customize your experience by hosting your ceremony, providing a day of coordinator, cocktail hour in the greenhouse, adding a decor design package, and more! For detailed pricing, please visit the Investment page found HERE.

What is the building capacity?

We can accommodate up to 250 guests in our 5,000 square foot Pickle Factory and up to 50 guests for intimate weddings or elopements for a seated dinner or up to 75 guests for a cocktail celebration in The Greenhouse.

What dates are available?

Please contact our Millhaven team for the most up to date availability.

How do I reserve a date?

We require completion of the event rental contract with a $2500 non-refundable retainer to confirm the date.

When are payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

The final installment less the initial $2500 non-refundable retainer, will be due 180 days before your event date while your Bar Package will be due 2 weeks beforehand.

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

To provide you with an exceptional level of service, we invite you to reach out to our team to schedule a tour in advance. Find a day and time that works best for you by scheduling your tour online.

What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Millhaven?

We understand and acknowledge that all couples want a memorable experience in which they can celebrate one of life’s most precious gifts — to love and be loved deeply by another. Whether you dream of an intimate experience with your closest friends and family or a grand affair to gather your support network from near and far, The Millhaven has multiple options to accommodate a wide range of budgets. Having been in the event industry for over 20 years, our expertise can help guide you to avenues where you can stretch your budget and also discern where those funds are wisely directed. We know that the ultimate litmus test on a successful event is one where you were able to remain fully present and experience true joy in the culmination of the journey thus far. The Knot has developed a helpful calculator to estimate average costs and considerations which can be found HERE. Keep in mind, these are industry averages and there is a wide variance on what each client sees as the highest priority.

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

We are thrilled to offer different event spaces to accommodate groups of varying sizes. Rental of The Greenhouse space is ideally suited for groups of 75 guests or less for a roaming-style or cocktail celebration and up to 50 guests for a seated dinner. The Pickle Factory is reserved for groups over 50 guests. There is a $2000 Beverage minimum for the for any group size over 100.

Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?

We work exclusively with Millennium Restaurant Group out of Kalamazoo as our caterer. We have a long standing relationship with them at our sister property, Greencrest, as they consistently offer unparalleled quality, service, and locally-sourced ingredients in a delicious and expansive menu. From appetizers, buffets, or plated service, you and your guests will not be disappointed. All bar service and alcohol on our premises must be provided by The Millhaven due to our status with our Class C Liquor License.

Will there be another wedding the same day?

Our Pickle Factory is designed to host to one event per day. For our intimate celebrations in The Greenhouse where rental includes 3 hours of dedicated time, The Millhaven may book additional events on the same day.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

Yes! There are many convenient options located in Marshall, Michigan. From historic Bed & Breakfast victorian homes, to no-fuss hotels, to luxurious suites with a full spa at the casino, you and your guests will have a myriad of options. Conveniently located between Chicago, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids, your guests would be able to drive in the day of your event, enjoy a cozy overnight stay, then explore the small town of Marshall with all its shops and restaurants the following day. Please visit our Accommodations page for more information as well as our page highlighting some of our favorite destinations in Marshall, Michigan.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

We have 50 car parking lot directly adjacent to The Millhaven, located on South Grand Street available for guest parking. In addition to this we have a vendor parking lot for staff.

Do you offer straight tables instead of round?

Yes! At The Millhaven, you have choices! Round, straight, or a combination of both are included in your rental fee.

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

Linens will be included in your Pickle Factory rental, we will provide enough linens to cover tables shown on your custom floor plan. China, flatware and any glassware for the tables can be rented through your caterer. Glassware for the bar is available with an additional charge. Additionally, we have centerpiece decor options available for rental in either The Greenhouse or the Pickle Factory.

What happens in the case of rain?

For those utilizing our Gardens for their ceremony, you and your guests would be seated inside the reception space instead.

We plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at The Millhaven. Does your fee change?

Because we will plan on focusing on you and your guests for your reserved date, our rental fee does not change based on how our property will or will not be utilized. To view the details, including length of time reserved in each of our venues, please visit the Investment section.

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

Yes! We love our four-legged babies! However, we do ask that they only be present on property for photos and/or the ceremony. Care of your pet, including clean-up, during the entire time that they are present is required.

What form of payment does The Millhaven accept?

We accept cash, check, ACH bank transfer, or credit card with a 3% fee added.

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

Yes, we would be happy to take your name down in the event of a cancellation or reschedule.

What time will I have access to The Millhaven to decorate?

You will have access to The Millhaven at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly!

Do you include a wedding day coordinator?

A venue manager will be present throughout the entire duration of your event, ensuring all aspects related to The Millhaven run smoothly. However, we strongly recommend hiring a dedicated wedding day coordinator or planner who will focus solely on executing your timeline and design vision. Our team of event experts can assist with Day Of Coordination for an additional $1500. Please discuss this option with our events staff if you're interested in this service.

What are our catering options at The Millhaven?

Millennium Catering & Events has an expansive menu from passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet to a multi-course dining experience. If you are interested in using a non-preferred vendor or food truck, this can be discussed with our events staff.

How much should we expect to spend on catering and bar?

Depending on selections made through your caterer, our average client spends around $90 per guest. This will vary based on customizations made to food and beverage selections.

Does The Millhaven handle the catering order with Millennium Catering or do I work directly with them?

Millennium Catering will work directly with you to assist in creating your curated menu. The Millhaven would be happy to assist with menu selection upon request.

What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?

We’re so glad you asked! Please see our sample timeline for our recommendations.

How will the tables & chairs be arranged for my sized event?

We would be happy to make suggestions on a layout that would work great for your specific guest count.

Will we be able to access The Millhaven early to rehearse our ceremony?

If scheduling allows, we would be happy to allow you access for your rehearsal. The Millhaven reserves the right to schedule full day events before your reserved date that could limit access to your ceremony location.

Can vehicles be left overnight?

Yes, vehicles may be left overnight at your own risk. Any vehicles left for two consecutive nights will be considered abandoned and removed.

What time does the music need to end?

Music and bar service must end at 11pm and final clean up should begin. All guests and vendors must be off property by 11:30pm.

We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?

Your rental period begins and ends at the times listed on your rental agreement. Please plan accordingly!

What options are available for ceremony locations at The Millhaven?

Ceremonies may take place in our Garden, The Greenhouse, or the Pickle Factory.

Are candles allowed?

We sure do love our candles at The Millhaven! All candles must be contained in a glass sleeve or cylinder, the height of the candle cannot be taller than the height of the glass. For weddings, our venue coordinator reserves the right to make adjustments, if needed. Please exercise caution around open flames at all times.

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

Final headcount is required 21 days before your reserved event date.

What is the event clean-up process?

Event clean-up and all vendors must be off property by 11:30pm. Your wedding planner or designer will help you to create a timeline that will allow for sufficient clean up time after your festivities.

Can we take photos around The Millhaven on our wedding day?

Yes, you may be able to take photos within the times guaranteed on your rental agreement. We love our little corner and hope you and your creative team make full use of the nooks and magical lighting on the property.

Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?

We have taken great care to preserve the former glory of the various venues on our property as well as continue their future state for many more Millhaven families to follow. We ask that nothing be added to the interior or exterior walls of Millhaven’s buildings. If your event designer has a grand vision for your event, we’d be happy to consider their ideas on a case by case basis. We love memorable and grand events just as much as you do!