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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT MAKES YOUR WEDDING VENUE UNIQUE?
Our venue is located at the historic Happy Apple Orchard and offers beautiful apple trees, rolling fields, wooded areas, and a relaxing area just minutes from the Des Moines metro. We have the flexibility for outdoor and indoor ceremonies, as well as a beautiful banquet room for receptions and dancing the night away. The venue includes bride and groom suites, an on-site bar, as well as experienced on-site staff to ensure your event runs smoothly.

DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE A TOUR, OR CAN I JUST STOP BY?

Yes, we require an appointment to tour. You can book it online here.

HOW DO I RESERVE A DATE?

You can reserve a date by placing a deposit of $1000 and signing a contract.  You can place a “soft hold” on any available date without a deposit, you would then get first right to book the space if someone else is interested in that date.  It is possible that the date you want is on hold right now.  If someone already has a hold on a date, then you would be in the second hold position.  If you were to want that date the person in the first hold position would have 1 business day to produce the deposit check or it would fall to the person in the second hold position.  You would then be required to place the deposit amount and that would book the date.  A soft hold is good for 5 business days and then it expires.

WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE?

A $1000 deposit is required along with the signed contract, and the date of your weekend event is not guaranteed until this time. Forty percent of the remaining balance is due 270 days before your event date, and another 40% of the remaining balance is due 180 days before your event date. The final payment of the remaining 20% of the rental fee is due 90 days before the date of your event.

IF WE PLAN TO HAVE OUR CEREMONY ELSEWHERE, IS THE VENUE PRICE DISCOUNTED?

Our pricing structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite. We only hold one wedding per day, so you are getting our entire venue for the day.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER FEES BEYOND THE RENTAL FEES?

Outside of the rental fee and taxes, we do require a $500 refundable deposit for damages and outside alcohol. Other fees that may be added would be based on guest count, those fees would be for additional bartenders and security. Clients have the option to pay for Happy Apple Celebrations staff to pick up chairs after the outdoor ceremony or plan for others in attendance to help return chairs to the racks after the ceremony.

WILL THERE BE ANOTHER WEDDING THE SAME DAY?

At Happy Apple Celebrations, we offer our couples exclusive access to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.

WHEN DO I HAVE ACCESS TO THE VENUE?
For single-day rentals, you will have access to the venue from 9 am to 11:59 pm (midnight). For our weekend rental package, you will have access on Friday to the facility from 9 am to 11:59 pm (midnight), and most couples choose to hold a rehearsal and dinner that evening.  On the day of your event, the facility opens from 9 am (unless other arrangements are made with management) to 11:59 pm (midnight). The day after your event, we will open from 9 am to Noon for you to pick up your belongings.

 

CAN WE HAVE OUR REHEARSAL DINNER AT HAPPY APPLE?

Yes! This is included if you book our two-and-a-half-day weekend package or the Friday & Saturday Package.  Many couples choose to do this the evening before the wedding, have rehearsal dinner, and even enjoy our beautiful bar on-site.  For our single-day bookings ask about our a-la-carte pricing if you are interested in the evening before.

ARE THERE BRIDAL SUITES AVAILABLE?

Yes! We have large, beautiful, and functional bride and groom suites for you and your wedding party to get ready and relax in the morning of the wedding day.

DO YOU HAVE SEPARATE SPACES FOR CEREMONIES AND RECEPTIONS?

Yes, we have an outdoor apple orchard ceremony site. Our indoor area has plenty of space to choose from as an indoor ceremony as well or is perfect for the backup plan in case of inclement weather.

DO YOU HAVE AN ON-SITE BAR OR ALLOW ALCOHOL?

We are a fully licensed bar and serve kegs, beer, wine, liquor, and “simple mixers”. Your rental includes two bar staff for up to 250 guests. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the bar. NO outside alcohol is allowed on the premises. If you prefer to have a dry wedding, we charge $400 per 100 guests per hour.

WILL THERE BE ON-SITE STAFF DURING THE EVENT?

Yes, we have experienced on-site staff to ensure your event runs smoothly, including coordination, bar services, and any assistance you may need throughout the day.

HOW MANY CARS FIT INTO THE PARKING LOT?

Approximately 250 cars.

DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF PREFERRED VENDORS AND CATERERS WE HAVE TO WORK WITH?

We have an open vendor policy here at Happy Apple Celebrations. You can work with any vendor or caterer you would like. We want your day to run smoothly and be exactly what you envisioned. Caterers do need to be licensed and insured and provide proof prior to your event.

DO YOU REQUIRE EVENT INSURANCE?

No. While we do not require event insurance, we do highly recommend purchasing a policy through your own insurance company.

IS SECURITY REQUIRED?

Yes and no. Security is required for events with more than 300 guests.  Happy Apple Celebrations will obtain the security on your behalf.  The cost for security is $75 per hour.  This will be discussed based on your guest count and booked and billed based on your guest count. Payment will be due 30 days before your event date.

IS YOUR FACILITY HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?

We have a handicap-accessible entrance and restrooms, however, our outdoor ceremony site is not paved and is a grass field within our apple orchard.

 

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