You’ve got questions ...We’ve got answers!
VENUE
Q. How many people can The Pines accommodate?
A. Our main reception space, the Tamarack Room, can seat 230 at round tables. The Birch Room can seat 50, and the building capacity is 300.
Q. Are you an indoor or outdoor venue?
A. Both! We are fortunate to have both beautiful indoor and outdoor space for you to enjoy. Your guests can take advantage of all the amenities of the interior of the building while experiencing our large patio and spacious grounds. We also offer a fire pit area with seating for those who like to warm up by the fire and stare at the stars. With heating and air conditioning, The Pines is an ideal venue for any season.
The Pines has two outdoor ceremony spaces to choose from - one backed by lovely birch trees and the other nestled in the towering pines. both with an arbor and seating for your guests. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you prefer an indoor wedding, the Tamarack Room is ideal for an indoor ceremony. Choose from our many décor items, such as our moongate arch, to decorate the interior for your ceremony.
Q. What other amenities does The Pines offer?
A. The Pines features two suites: the Cedar Suite and the Balsam Suite. The Cedar Suite is a beautifully appointed space dedicated to the bride and her bridesmaids to prepare for the day and relax during the reception. The stylish Balsam Suite is designed for the groom and groomsmen for use throughout the day.
Q. Can we decorate the outdoor arbors?
A. Yes! Feel free to attach flowers, sheers or other décor to any arbor. Both ceremony spaces are located among the trees which provide a great backdrop, but you are welcome to add plants or other items around the ceremony space to make it your own.
Q. Do you have sound equipment for the ceremony, or will we need to provide that?
A. Our outdoor patio has speakers, but the sound does not reach to the outdoor ceremony space. Outdoor electricity is available for your DJ to provide music for your ceremony.
Q. Can we add our own decorations to the venue?
A. Yes! We have a few restrictions that are outlined in the contract (for example, glitter of any kind is not allowed, renters may not put holes in walls, or use nails or tape of any kind on any wall), but you are welcome to bring decorations to personalize your event.
Q. Do we have to set up and clean up?
A. No, we take care of it all for you! Upon your arrival at The Pines, you will find the tables and chairs set to your preference, linens on each table, and everything you requested taken care of. At the end of your event, you have nothing to worry about! We clean up the venue, take care of the trash, and break down all the tables and chairs. Our goal is to make your event as carefree for you as possible!
BEVERAGE SERVICE
Q. Do you have a bar / alcohol / beverage service?
A. Yes! We hold a full liquor license and offer a variety of beverage packages, including full service options and bartenders. Contact The Pines for more information.
Q. Can we bring in our own alcohol to serve guests?
A. Because we have a liquor license, it is against Wisconsin law for renters to bring in any alcohol. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through The Pines Event Center.
Q. Do I have to hire my own Bartender?
A. No. We have an extensive list of experienced bartenders to service your event.
Q. Is there a fee for the bartender?
A. It depends on the beverage package you select. Some packages have bartender costs included, and others do not. We charge an hourly rate per bartender for bartending services.
PACKAGES & PRICING
Q. What do The Pines wedding packages include?
A. Our goal is to make your event as stress-free as possible. Each package includes:
1 hour of rehearsal time the night before your wedding (anytime between 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
14-hour day of access on wedding day (9 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
1 hour the day after your wedding for pick up (anytime between 9 a.m. – 12 Noon)
Dedicated suites for both the bridal party and groomsmen
Kitchen prep space for your caterer
Two ceremony spaces
Round tables that seat 8 and comfortable chairs
Set up and break down of tables and chairs
Table linens
Ample, convenient parking
Onsite Event Coordinator
Outdoor patio and landscaped yard
Fire pit and seating area (not available in the winter)
Speakers in all entertaining areas (inside and out) with use of wireless microphone
Bistro tables – perfect for cocktail hour
Portable bar – locate it where you want
Coat room
Trash removal
Q. How many hours do we get at The Pines for the wedding and reception?
A. Each wedding package includes 1 hour of rehearsal time the night before your wedding (anytime between 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.), 14 hours of access on your wedding day (9 a.m. – 11 p.m.) and 1 hour the day after your wedding to allow you to pick up your personal items. (anytime between 9 a.m. – 12 Noon)
Q. Are plates, silverware, and glassware provided? If so, is this an extra cost?
A. The Pines has glass wine glasses, pilsner glasses, and on the rocks glasses available for rent. We also have plates available for rent. We encourage you to check with your caterer regarding place settings and are happy to work with them, or any rental company you choose, to ensure that your place settings are exactly what you want.
Q. What forms of payment does The Pines accept?
A. Cash, check, Venmo, credit card (service fee added when using card).
Q. How much is the deposit and when is it due?
A. To reserve your event's date, we request a $1000 deposit for weddings or 50% of the cost for all other events. The deposit is due at the time you submit your contract. Event dates will not be reserved until both the contract and deposit are received.
Q. When is the remainder of the balance due once the deposit has been paid?
A. The remaining balance is due thirty (30) days prior to the event date.
Q. Is deposit refundable?
A. Because we have to turn away business for the date that you secured, deposits are not refundable
Q. Is there a damage deposit?
A. Yes, for weddings, we ask that you pay a $500 deposit no later than 30 days before your event. The damage deposit is in addition to the rental fees. The damage deposit will be returned within 30 days after the event or when all accounts are settled (whichever is later) if there has been no violation of the contract or damage to the facility or grounds by renters, guests or your agents or vendors.
Q. Does The Pines charge taxes, fees, or hidden charges?
A. State and county sales tax will be added to your final invoice for all fees and charges unless the organization is tax exempt and has presented a certificate of exemption with proper ID number prior to the event date. There are some add-ons you can chose, such as cloth napkins, glass barware, decor and chair covers, that have additional fees, but those costs are provided up front.
Q. Is Day-of Liability Insurance required?
A. No, The Pines does not require renters to get additional insurance, however it is recommended.
POLICIES
Q. Does The Pines host more than one wedding on a day?
A. No. We limit one wedding per weekend
Q. Are candles, glitter, confetti, etc. allowed?
A. Candles may be used only if the candles are in containers and the wick of the candle is at least two (2) inches from the top of the container. There is a limit of three (3) candles per table. The use and/or throwing of raw rice, confetti, glitter, birdseed, smoke and bubble machines inside the building or outside anywhere on the ground is not allowed. Table centerpieces and all other decoration may not contain glitter or glitter-coating of any kind. Table confetti, of any kind, is not permitted.
Q. Are pets allowed?
A. Yes, one pet owned by the host(s) is allowed on property. A trained dog is allowed to participate in the ceremony (indoor or outdoor) but cannot stay for the reception or remainder of the event.
LOCATION
Q. How far are you from Rhinelander?
A. The Pines Event Center is approximately 3.5 miles from downtown Rhinelander.
Q. Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
A. Several of the hotels in Rhinelander are a short, two mile drive from The Pines. We have the ideal location – a wooded and scenic property that is close to everything you could want or need in Rhinelander!
VENDORS
Q. Can I hire my own vendors, or do you require specific ones?
A. We have an open door policy at The Pines. That means you can either choose from our list of vendors or source your own vendors for your event. All caterers must be licensed and insured and we encourage you to thoroughly check out all vendors prior to hiring them.
Q. Do you provide the DJ or is that something we have to take care of ourselves?
A. The Pines does not provide a DJ. Check out the vendor page on our website for suggestions.
Q. Can we use our own photographer?
A. Yes! Check out the vendor page on our website for suggestions.
CATERING
Q. Does The Pines provide catering and food service?
A. No, we do not have in-house catering. You are welcome to have any licensed and insured caterer handle your event.
Q. Does The Pines have exclusive caterers?
A. While we do not have exclusive caterers and allow you to use any licensed and insured caterer you would like, we do have recommended caterers, and other related vendors, listed on our website. They are trusted, local experts that we have worked with in the past and who we know will help make your day the best it can be. You can also have prepared food delivered to The Pines by a local restaurant, pizza/sandwich shop, or grocery store, as long as they are licensed and insured. If you choose this option that you will have to assign someone to serve and refresh your food table, take care of leftover food, and bus tables. Any renter choosing not to use a full service caterer will be charged a kitchen fee.
Q. Is there a food and beverage or guest count minimum?
A. No. We welcome events of all sizes.
Q. Can I bring in my own food?
A. All food served at The Pines must be provided by a licensed and insured caterer.
Q. Do we have to choose vendors from your preferred list?
A. No, the vendors listed on our website are recommendations of trusted, local experts that we have worked with in the past. Remember that caterers must licensed and insured.
Q. Can we bring in our own cake or dessert?
A. Cakes, cookies and pastries may be brought in for dessert, with the exception of cheesecake or any other dessert that requires refrigeration. Cookies and pastries should be delivered on display trays unless otherwise agreed upon with the Event Coordinator.
Q. Is there a cake cutting fee?
A. No, we do not charge any fees for cutting the cake.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Q. Does The Pines help with wedding planning?
A. We are happy to help you with your venue needs, but do not offer comprehensive wedding planning services. We recommend you check out the vendor page for information about talented wedding planners who can assist you.
Q. Can we have our engagement photo session at The Pines?
A. Yes. Simply reach out to Julie to arrange a time for your session.
Q. Do you allow photographers to rent the space for pictures?
A. We would be happy to work with photographers who are looking for a beautiful location to take photos.
Q. Do you offer on-site, day of, coordination? Who will be our main contact on the day of our event?
A. While we do not offer day of coordination, owner Julie Stieber is on-site for every event held at The Pines, ready to respond to your needs and ensure that you have an enjoyable day.
Q. Who should we contact as we plan our wedding?
A. Owner Julie Stieber (715.350.8002) will be happy to help you.
Q. Can we hold our wedding rehearsal at The Pines the night before our wedding? Is there a charge for that?
A. Each of our wedding packages includes an hour the night before your wedding for a rehearsal.
MORE INFORMATION
Q. Do we need to schedule a tour or can we just stop by to see The Pines?
A. We would love to show you our beautiful venue, but ask that you contact us to schedule a tour.
Q. How do we secure the date for our event?
A. Simply submit a contract with your deposit and we will reserve the date for your event.
Q. How far in advance can we meet with The Pines to discuss our upcoming event?
A. We are happy to meet with anyone who is planning an event, regardless of the date of your event.