FAQ
“Our wedding was better than we ever could have planned for thanks to Caswell Farm! When Katy and I visited the farm for the first time, we knew within minutes of being there and meeting Catherine that it was the venue for us. It’s a gorgeous setting with a beautiful farm house and barn and big open fields. Catherine was the perfect host. She helped us with the details along the way and made suggestions based on what had been successful on the farm in the past. Catherine is so warm and welcoming and laid back, and her approach to everything put us at ease. She and her crew were indispensable throughout the process. It’s been a few weeks since our big day and we are still getting calls from friends and family telling us it was the best wedding they’d ever been to. The magic of Caswell Farm deserves the credit.”
How many guests can the barn seat?
The barn is best suited for seated groups of up to 50 people as well as the bar and reception portion of the evening. The outdoor areas of the farm can accommodate up to 250 people. You will need to rent a tent for the sit down and dining portion of the evening.
Are tables and chairs included with the rental fee of the barn?
Caswell Farm proudly offers 15 ten foot custom barn board tables, 150 coordinated brown padded wooden dining chairs and 150 white padded wooden chairs frequently used for the Ceremony portion of events. Additionally, we have several rental companies we can recommend and work closely with. They are ready to help you pull together all your rental needs from plateware to linens, seating and decorations.
Do you have bathrooms?
Yes! We have a beautiful outdoor restroom facility with four flushing stalls and a foot pedal sink. The facilities are covered and enclosed, complete with vintage lighting. All paper and soap are provided.
Are we required to use your preferred vendors?
We very much encourage our clients to consider our in house caterer, Barn & Table, or to choose from our preferred vendor list for their catering and rental services. They have all worked at Caswell Farm + Wedding Barn and are excellent at what they do, and are ready to provide a stress free event for you and your guests. If you are interested in using a catering company or rental service not on our preferred vendor list you will need prior approval from Catherine Caswell. While at Caswell Farm + Wedding Barn, we exclusively use The Bar Association for your special event's bar service. They are a professional bar service with the insurances and training required at Caswell Farm. A Planner or Day Of Coordinator will be required for all events beginning in 2023. All other rentals and services are left to the discretion of our couples.
How long do we have access to the property?
The property is yours from 8am the day before your wedding until noon the day after for the Joy and Love Packages. The “Day-of” Bliss Package includes access to the property from 10am until midnight on the day of your event. The Whimsy Package is a one day, “day-of” package only.
How late can our event go?
We ask that the bar close and the music end at 11 pm the night of your event with the expectation any guests not staying the night have left the property by 12am. For our Whimsy and midweek packages, our noise ordinance is at 10pm. We do allow one night of camping for your guests with the Love Package and in that instance, we ask you have brought the campfire to an end and guests retire at 12am. The Farm house is open at your discretion.
Are there overnight accommodations on the property for our guests and bridal party?
We do offer overnight accommodations here at Caswell Farm + Wedding Barn. Please refer to our packages. In any of our three packages we offer access to the farm house for getting ready for the ceremony and throughout the evening. Although, we are just 20 minutes from downtown Portland and Freeport offering a variety of accommodations, dining and shopping. Please email us for an accommodation list for suggestions for your bridal party, family and guests.
Do we need a tent?
A tent is usually necessary for the sit down and dining portions of your event. While you are able to host your rehearsal dinner inside our redesigned barn, you will need a tent for your reception dinner services larger than 50 guests. A tent can offer an alternative plan in case of rain for an outdoor ceremony as well as protection from the heat of summer to offer additional shade for an outdoor cocktail hour.
Do we need to work with a planner?
We do require all events contract with a Day of Coordinator or Event Planning Service. This vital liaison will help keep your vendors, guests and staff organized and on schedule throughout the day. We like to consider this “The greatest gift you can give yourself” for your big day.
Is there on-site parking?
Plenty! We have a large parking area which can easily fit 100 cars. The guest parking area is away from the barn and tented dining area but the main drive is for your bridal party and any drop off for guests that might benefit from a door to door service Caswell Farm also offers a separate entrance for deliveries and for caters or Musicians. They have their own parking as well.
Is there a space on the property for the bridal party to get ready?
Caswell Farm offers the ground floor of the beautiful, rustic mid-1800's farm house. The Farm House offers a Couple’s Suite, Dressing Room, Den, large kitchen, living room, two guest bedrooms outfitted with ironing boards plenty of dress hooks and full length mirrors. The farmhouse offers a private bathroom for use by the bridal party during the entire day while you are getting ready and through out the evening. The farmhouse is a wonderful place for the bridal party to enjoy together and help the bride through any pre wedding jitters. Often hair and makeup are done on site and this space accommodates this wonderfully.
Are we allowed to have the Rehearsal Dinner in the barn?
Yes! The Joy and Love packages allow for use of the Barn and Tent areas for a Rehearsal and Dinner the night prior to your event. Please remember the catering must be licensed and insured and bartending must go through The Bar Association. Please keep in mind that cleanup is required after the rehearsal dinner in order to be ready for your wedding day and is your responsibility. We would be happy to discuss packages offered by Barn & Table or local restaurants we have worked with, as well as other catering options for your rehearsal dinner.
Can we supply our own beer, wine and alcohol?
Yes! We just ask you use The Bar Association in this regard.
Are we required to clean up after the event?
The tables, chairs, lawn games and benches will be set per your ceremony and reception specifications upon arrival. The use of any tables, chairs or spaces for rehearsal dinners or welcome events will require you to return those items to their specified locations prior to the reception day. The breakdown and stacking of all tables, chairs, lawn games and benches following your reception is included in your rental price. We require that all props and items borrowed or removed from the barn for decorations be returned to the barn prior to your departure. All personal items must be removed from the property no later than the Termination of Contract time. Your bar and food service rentals must be cleaned, stacked and arranged for pick up by the rental company unless otherwise arranged with your planner, caterer, etc. It is always a good idea to check with your caterer as to whether or not they will provide this service for you.
Do we need to hire a planner?
At minimum, a Day of Coordination service is required for all groups beginning in 2023. Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn is happy to assist in offering our in house Day of Coordination service to assist in arranging your day, managing the flow of events and timeline throughout the event and assisting in setup and breakdown of your event including collecting and compiling table dressings and personal effects at the end of the event.
What is the rental fee and payment process for Caswell Farm?
A 50% non-refundable deposit will hold the date for you with the balance due 60 days prior to the event. Please refer to our Wedding Packages Page for complete package pricing and amenities.