Rustic Wedding Venue by The Lake – Cedar Bay Retreat
Cedar Bay Retreat is an Outdoor Riverfront Garden Estate.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, my name is Jose Bosque and I am the Director here at Cedar Bay Retreat. Cedar Bay Retreat is an Outdoor Riverfront Garden Estate. It is owned and managed by a Church that has been around since 1987. In Spring of 2015 due to many requests, because of the beautiful grounds and views, we opened Cedar Bay Retreat.
We are proud to be the most reasonable waterfront wedding venue in the area and one of the few that post our rates online.
What are the most common questions that couples ask you at the first introductory appointment?
Well, for sure total costs are the number one concern. Many of our couples are interested in the 20 things that are included for free in the one price of $1950.00 . We are proud to be the most reasonable waterfront wedding venue in the area and one of the few that post our rates online. Our couples are also very glad to hear that they can use their own caterers.
If you could ask one thing of the grooms and brides that would make your job at their wedding easier, what would it be?
I always request that they name a representative from their wedding party as their official communicator with our staff. We never interrupt a couple on their special day. Things come up and our staff needs to know who to contact during the event.
Can you provide some tips and tricks to help couples find a unique wedding venue?
- Start your search early. Good dates and great venues get booked fast.
- Get a wedding planner or get help from your venue. I have seen much waste of things that were never used. This money could have been saved for the honeymoon.
- Your greatest attention after you choose your venue should go to your food caterer. Taste the food, don’t trust reviews and awards they can be bought for the right price.
What are the things that in your opinion a wedding venue MUST have?
Great people service and excellent communication.
How long does it take, on average, for couples to find their wedding venue?
Sad to say most brides pick quickly and really don’t spend enough time comparing apples to apples.
I would recommend visiting no less than 5 venues in a months’ time before deciding on your final choice.
What are the typical services/packages offered?
We are a one-price all-inclusive venue and only have two upgrades. Both are optional, one is All day set up for 500 dollars and 500 dollars for groups over 100 guests.
The going rate for wedding venues in our area is 3,500 to 12,000 dollars for just the use of the venue. Many venues lowball their prices but then require you to use their caterers at a ridiculous price. I recommend you get the real final price.
How much of a deposit is required? What is your policy on cancellation or refund?
Our deposit is 500 dollars of which half is a refundable security deposit and the other is a Save the Date nonrefundable management fee.
What was the most memorable wedding you had at the venue?
Two years ago, we had the privilege of having a young lady get married here who had been an orphan since birth. She didn’t have all her money and we gave her 3 months to come up with the deposit. Then she got 3 jobs and paid her whole wedding in full. It was such a joy when her day finally came around and her wedding was beautiful. I still remember the smile on her face and her wonderful review is on our cost page on our website.
Every wedding requires improvisation. Something always comes up and we have just about everything wedding decorators and caterers forget.
Was there ever a time you had to improvise?
Every wedding requires improvisation. Something always comes up and we have just about everything wedding decorators and caterers forget. The wedding party never knows all we do to make their day great. That's the way it should be.