Frequently Asked Questions

We know planning a wedding (or any big event!) comes with a lot of questions — and we love answering every single one. Below you’ll find answers to the things we hear most often. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just reach out — we’re always happy to chat!

Scheduling a Tour

How do we schedule a venue tour?

We’d love to show you around! First, you need to submit your inquiry at creatorsfarmandgarden.com/booking-inquiries and then we will reach out to you to schedule a tour, or simply reach out to us and we’ll find a time that works. There’s nothing quite like walking through the property in person to know it’s the right fit.

Can we bring our wedding coordinator to the tour?

Please do! We love when coordinators come along. The more familiar they are with the property, the smoother your wedding day will be.

Booking & Reserving Your Date

How do I find out if my date is available?

The best way is to reach out to us directly or submit a booking inquiry with your preferred dates! Saturday dates book up quickly, so if you have your heart set on a specific one, don’t wait too long.

What happens after my tour?

Once you’ve visited and fallen in love with the space (we know you will!), we’ll email you a contract to review and sign. Once your signed contract is returned, we’ll send an invoice for two payments:

- 25% non-refundable deposit — due within 10 days of signing to officially hold your date

- Remaining 75% — due 60 days before your event

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept:

- Credit card (subject to a 3% processing fee)

- Check (no additional fee)

- Zelle (no additional fee)

Pricing & Rental Packages

How does your pricing work?

We offer three customizable rental tiers based on the number of hours, your guest count, and the day of the week. We’d love to send you our full pricing document — just reach out and we’ll get it to you right away!

What are the differences between your rental tiers?

Here’s a quick overview:

Tier One — Basic Venue Rental (Up to 3 hours)

A great option for smaller or shorter events. Tables and chairs are provided, and the client supplies all table and chair coverings.

Tier Two — Enhanced Event Experience (Up to 6 hours)

Everything in Tier One, plus:

- Private, air-conditioned bridal lounge

- Private, air-conditioned groom’s suite

- Linens for tables and chairs

- Complimentary use of our available decorations

- Sound equipment

- Projector

Tier Three — Full Private Exclusive Experience (8 hours or more)

Everything in Tier Two, plus:

- Private, exclusive use of the entire property

- Up to 2 hours of dedicated ceremony rehearsal time, scheduled 1–3 days before your event

This is our most complete and popular wedding experience!

Are there any additional fees I should know about?

Yes — here are a few things to plan for:

- Event insurance is required for all events (typically $120–$180; see Insurance section below)

- Wedding coordinator is required for all weddings (see Coordinator section below)

- Additional charges may apply for property damage, unexpected cleanup, or any extra arrangements beyond your rental package

Venue Capacity & Spaces

How many guests can Creator’s Farm and Garden accommodate?

Our air-conditioned indoor space, The Sanctuary, can seat up to 180 guests at round tables. Our outdoor dining area can also accommodate up to 180 guests at tables. And with five beautifully shaded acres of gardens, there’s room for every part of your celebration to feel special.

What spaces are included in my rental?

All rentals include:

- The covered verandah with two restrooms

- Designated garden spaces

- The air-conditioned, 2,500 sq ft indoor Sanctuary

For rentals of 3+ hours, you also get:

- The private air-conditioned bridal lounge (with its own full bathroom)

- The groom’s suite (Abraham’s Shed)

For rentals of 8+ hours, you receive exclusive, private use of the entire property.

What is the Sanctuary like?

The Sanctuary is our stunning, 2,500 sq ft air-conditioned (or heated!) indoor space. It features a beautifully draped ceiling, 9 large chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling wall draping on approximately 85% of the walls, a bar area, a full-size refrigerator, a hotbox, 60” round tables, 72” rectangular tables, and padded chairs for up to 180 guests. There’s also a white wall perfect for a projector screen.

Tell me about the bridal suite!

We love this question! Our bridal suite has two gorgeous rooms plus a private, air-conditioned full bathroom. The changing room (11’ × 13’) includes seating, hanging space, and mirrors. The makeup and hair lounge (14’ × 29’) comfortably fits up to 10–15 ladies getting ready, with space for hair and makeup for up to 6 at a large round table and vanity desk. There are two large full-length mirrors and two beverage refrigerators to keep everyone refreshed and feeling their best!

What about the groom’s suite?

The groom and his crew get to enjoy Abraham’s Shed — a thoughtfully decorated, air-conditioned space with a sophisticated, masculine vibe. It’s approximately 10’ × 15’ and fits up to 12 people, with plenty of hooks, mirrors, seating, tables, a beverage refrigerator, and a television. They’ll be very comfortable!

The Ceremony

What is the ceremony area like?

Our ceremony area is truly magical — a 2,000 sq ft paved space nestled beneath the iconic Tree of Life, beautifully shaded and lit with outdoor lighting. It includes wooden bench seating (plus outdoor chairs with arms if needed), a 12’ × 16’ raised deck where the vows take place, dedicated electrical outlets, and space for a DJ, officiant, and live musicians. Behind the ceremony area is a screened pergola — a lovely private gathering spot for the bridal party before they walk down the aisle.

How long is the bridal walkway?

The straight walkway from the back of the ceremony area to the deck is 36 feet long — plenty of room for a beautiful, memorable entrance.

How shaded is the ceremony area?

The deck where vows are exchanged is completely shaded. The guest seating area is approximately 60–70% shaded, depending on the time of day. The Florida sun is no match for our gorgeous oak canopy!

Do you provide a ceremony arch?

Yes! We have a beautiful wood ceremony arch available at no additional cost — it’s approximately 7.5 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall. It’s the perfect frame for your vows.

Is there a podium for our officiant?

Yes! We have a podium available for your officiant. No need to bring one.

Can our pet participate in the ceremony?

Absolutely — we love furry family members! Pets are welcome to participate in your celebration. We just ask that they remain leashed or contained at all times, are carefully monitored (especially outdoors around plants), and are never left unattended. We also recommend that pets are taken home within an hour or two after the ceremony for their own comfort and safety.

Can flower girls toss petals or confetti?

We love a flower girl moment! To protect our beautiful garden pavers, only approved real leaves that won’t stain the pavers may be tossed. Unfortunately, seeds, rice, and artificial products are not permitted.

Can we do a sparkler exit?

We wish! Unfortunately, no live flames are permitted anywhere on the property — our gardens are precious and Florida’s dry season means fire safety is a top priority. But don’t worry — bubbles, flower petals, and other non-flame ideas make for incredibly beautiful (and photo-worthy!) exits!

Catering | Food | Alcohol

Can we choose our own caterer?

Yes! We believe your wedding should feel like YOU, so we offer flexible vendor options. You’re welcome to bring in your own caterer. If you use a caterer, we’ll ask that Creator’s Farm & Garden be added to their insurance policy. If you don’t use a caterer, food coverage needs to be added to your event insurance policy — the good news is this typically doesn’t increase the price.

Can we bring our own food?

Yes, bringing your own food is allowed! It just needs to be covered under your event insurance. Check with your insurance provider, and feel free to ask us for guidance.

Are servers required?

Servers are required for all food service. Here’s a helpful guide for staffing:

- Up to 50 guests: minimum of 3 servers

- Up to 100 guests: minimum of 4 servers

- Up to 180 guests: minimum of 5 servers

Server pricing typically ranges from $35–$60 per person, per hour. Some bartender vendors also have serving staff available.

Are food trucks allowed?

Yes, food trucks are permitted! However, they do require a specific agreement and thoughtful planning to make sure guests are served in a timely manner. (For reference, one food truck at a previous event took about 1.5 hours to serve 50 guests.) We’re happy to talk through the best setup for your situation!

What is your alcohol policy?

Alcohol is absolutely welcome at Creator’s Farm and Garden! Per Florida law, it must be served by a licensed and insured bartender. All alcohol is provided by you (the client) to the bartender. We also require alcohol to be added to your event insurance policy, which typically adds about $50 to the cost. A general rule of thumb: plan for one bartender per 50 guests. Bartender pricing typically runs $100–$150 per person, per hour.

Sound | Music | Entertainment

Do you provide a sound system?

Yes! We have a small, professional portable sound system with a microphone stand and Bluetooth capability. It’s included with rentals of more than 3 hours.

Do you have a projector?

We do! We have a 4K projector with WiFi and Bluetooth (compatible with phones, TV sticks, PCs, and PS5) that can display up to 300”. It can be used indoors or outdoors and is included with rentals of more than 3 hours. Perfect for slideshows, monograms, or a movie under the stars!

Can we have a DJ?

Absolutely! The Sanctuary has a dedicated 50-amp power service at the bar area, plus numerous additional electrical outlets throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Your DJ will have everything they need.

Can we have live musicians?

We love live music here! We’ve hosted violinists, cellists, and more in our ceremony area — and the sound in the gardens is truly breathtaking. The ceremony area also has dedicated electrical outlets specifically designed to accommodate live musicians and DJs. DJ lighting is also permitted and looks absolutely beautiful in our garden setting!

What time does music need to end?

Per Sarasota County requirements, all outdoor music must end by 10:00 PM. Indoor music can continue within your rental period.

Tables | Chairs | Linens

What tables are included?

Indoor furniture includes:

- 60” round tables (perfect for wedding receptions)

- 72” × 30” rectangular tables (great for food service, sweetheart tables, and buffets)

- 5 high-top cocktail tables (24” wide × 39” tall)

Outdoor furniture includes:

- 45 square tables (36” × 36”), which can be arranged in any configuration you love

- 180 padded outdoor chairs

Are tablecloths and chair covers included?

For rentals of more than 3 hours, yes! White tablecloths and snug chair covers are provided for all indoor tables and chairs. White tablecloths are also included for outdoor tables. Outdoor chair cushions are available in tan or teal.

Can we rearrange the tables however we like?

Yes! We’re happy to work with you on a floor plan and arrangement that fits your vision perfectly. We handle all of the setup.

Décor & Venue Policies

What décor items are available to borrow?

We have a lovely selection of décor available at no additional cost, including bud vases, candle and flower vases, battery-operated candles, table runners, table numbers, and greeting signs. All borrowed items are signed out and must be returned at the end of your event. Charges apply only for anything broken or damaged.

Can we decorate the gardens?

The gardens are already absolutely gorgeous with lights, flowers, garden tunnels, and photo-worthy spots around every corner — but there’s still plenty of room to add your personal touch! You can personalize the ends of ceremony rows, the iconic Tree of Life area, tables, the outdoor bar area, the long garden tunnel, and the wood walls throughout the gardens. All outdoor decorating plans should be discussed with us in advance.

One thing to note: no additional lighting may be attached to the trees, but DJ lighting is totally welcome and looks stunning in the gardens!

Can we hang things from the Sanctuary ceiling?

The Sanctuary ceiling is already beautifully decorated with white draping and 9 gorgeous chandeliers. Because the ceiling is more than 16 feet high, any modifications to ceiling décor require a licensed and professional decorating company and must be approved by us in advance.

Restrooms & Facilities

Are there restrooms on-site?

Yes! We have two large, wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the covered verandah, available to all guests throughout your event. One includes a diaper-changing station. The verandah restrooms aren’t air-conditioned, but they stay comfortably cool thanks to the covered verandah and their proximity to the air-conditioned indoor space.

For rentals of 3+ hours, there’s also a third, private, fully air-conditioned restroom inside the bridal lounge — exclusively for the bridal party.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The grounds are fairly level. Garden paths are covered with commercial weed fabric that creates a relatively smooth walking surface (though there can occasionally be bumpy roots in some areas where wheelchairs may need a little assistance). The Sanctuary has ramps for entry, and restrooms and the bridal area are wheelchair accessible. If needed, our staff golf cart is also available to help.

How much parking is available?

We have approximately 100 marked parking spaces, including designated vendor parking and accessible handicap parking. Plenty of room for everyone!

Setup | Cleanup | Access

When can we start setting up?

Vendors and the wedding party can begin setup any time during your rented period. All setup and cleanup must take place within your rented hours unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Can we access the venue the day before our event?

For our Tier Three rental (8+ hours), a complimentary 2-hour ceremony rehearsal is included, scheduled 1–3 days before your event depending on venue availability. If the rehearsal falls the day before, some setup may also be arranged at the same time. For other rental tiers, day-before access isn’t typically available, but we’re happy to discuss options!

Who handles cleanup?

Creator’s Farm & Garden provides the venue — all cleanup is the client’s responsibility. Garbage disposal is easily accessible on the property. Everything should be left as you found it. Additional cleanup arrangements may be available for an extra fee.

Gardens & Outdoor Experience

Are there mosquitoes at evening events?

This is one of the most common concerns for outdoor Florida events, and we’re happy to report it’s rarely a problem here! Because there’s no standing water or ponds on the property, mosquitoes are generally not very noticeable. We also spray around table and chair legs before every event and have floor fans and tabletop food fans available. Nature does its part too — our diverse plants and resident dragonflies help with natural pest control!

Are electrical outlets available throughout the gardens?

Yes! Electrical outlets are available throughout all of the garden areas, so your vendors will have access to power wherever they need it.

Coordinator & Vendor Requirements

Is a wedding coordinator required?

Yes! All weddings at Creator’s Farm and Garden require a licensed and insured wedding or event coordinator to be present on your big day. A coordinator allows you, your families, and your guests to fully enjoy the day while someone experienced handles all the logistics — vendors, timelines, setup details, and everything in between. Trust us, you’ll be so glad to have one!

Can you recommend a coordinator?

We’d love to! We have wonderful in-house coordinators who know our property inside and out.

You’re also welcome to bring your own qualified coordinator — just know they’ll need to meet our requirements, and we’ll want to connect with them in advance to go over all the details.

Do you have a vendor list?

Yes! We have a curated vendor list available — just ask and we’ll send it right over.

Do vendors need to be licensed and insured?

Yes — all vendors (coordinator, caterer, bartender, etc.) must be licensed and insured. This protects everyone and ensures your day goes smoothly.

Insurance Requirements

Is event insurance required?

Yes — all events require day-of event liability insurance. Here’s what the policy needs to include:

- $1,000,000 minimum coverage per occurrence

- $2,000,000 general aggregate

- Creator’s Farm & Garden named as an additional insured

- A “Waiver of subrogation and Primary/non-contributory” clause

Proof of insurance must be provided no later than 30 days before your event.

How much does event insurance cost?

Event insurance typically costs $120–$180. Adding alcohol coverage runs about $50 more. It’s truly a small price for peace of mind! We recommend eventsured.com as one option, and there are many reputable providers to choose from.

Weather & Cancellations

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

We’re in Florida, so we know a thing or two about unexpected showers! If it rains, all activities simply move into our beautiful 2,500 sq ft Sanctuary — it’s included with every rental and makes for a gorgeous backup space. If you’d like to add a covered tent, that’s available for an additional fee.

What if a hurricane affects our event date?

If a hurricane impacts your event date, your date can be changed at no additional charge to a new date that works for both of us. We’ve got you covered.

What if severe weather makes the property unusable?

If severe weather prevents guests from safely arriving or damages the property, an alternate date will be provided. Your celebration matters to us — we’ll always work something out.

Nearby Hotels & Attractions

What hotels are closest to the venue?

We’re conveniently located between Exits 191 and 193 on I-75. At Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd.), there are four hotels just about 6 minutes from our venue:

- TownePlace Suites

- Fairfield Inn

- Holiday Inn Express

- Best Western

There are also dozens of vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and additional hotels within 15–20 minutes in Venice, Englewood, Nokomis, and surrounding areas.

What is there to do nearby for our guests?

So much! Creator’s Farm and Garden is about 15 minutes from beautiful Venice Island, with its charming walkable downtown, beaches, and restaurants. Nearby highlights include:

- Venice Beach and Venice Pier

- Historic Downtown Venice

- Sharky’s and Fin’s waterfront restaurants

- Wellen Park (a vibrant new downtown area)

- Myakka River State Park

- Warm Mineral Springs

- Sarasota, Siesta Key, and the Ringling Museum

- Boca Grande’s beaches and restaurants

- Tampa and Fort Myers (approximately 1 hour north and south)

Your guests will never be bored!