Booking & Reservation Policy
Deposit, payment, cancellation, house rules, and event timing for events at The Little Cottage.
Securing your date
A signed contract and a 50% deposit are required to secure your event date. We hold dates only with signed agreements and deposits in hand — no soft holds. The deposit confirms the date and locks in your rental rate.
Security deposit
A $500 refundable security deposit is collected with your final payment, due 30 days before your event. The full amount is returned within five business days after your event, provided all venue policies are followed and the event stays within the contracted timeframe.
Payment methods
The Little Cottage accepts:
- Check — personal, business, or cashier's
- ACH or bank transfer — instructions provided on request
- Credit card — all major cards accepted, subject to a 3.5% processing fee
House rules
To keep the venue beautiful and safe for every event, we ask all clients and vendors to follow these standards:
- "As found" policy. The facility must be left in the same condition as it was found. All personal items, decor, and leftover food or beverages must be removed within the one-hour breakdown period.
- Full-service catering required. Catering teams must be full-service and provide staff to handle cleanup as the event progresses, including moving trash to the on-site dumpster.
- Decor restrictions. Indoor restrictions: no confetti, glitter, dried flowers that shed, loose rose petals, smoke machines, or exposed flames. All candles must be enclosed in glass. Tape on walls or woodwork is not permitted.
- Fog and bubble machines. Permitted in outdoor patio areas only.
- Sparklers. Permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
- Smoking. Indoor smoking is prohibited.
Event timing
All events must conclude by 12:00 AM. Total rental time includes event duration, setup, and breakdown — we recommend planning the timeline so there's adequate time for cleanup before the midnight wrap-up.
Photography and videography
Photographers and videographers are welcome to capture all areas accessible to guests. We recommend coordinating with your team in advance to plan around natural light and to schedule outdoor portrait time before sunset.
Cancellation and rescheduling
(Cancellation and rescheduling terms are confirmed in each signed contract. Please contact us for current policy details — these may change between contracts.)
Insurance
(Event insurance requirements are confirmed in each signed contract. Please contact us for current coverage requirements.)
Related questions
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes. Clients may provide their own alcohol. To ensure a safe, professional experience, all beverage service must be managed by licensed and insured staff. The hired caterer may handle bar service if they meet these requirements, or you can use a dedicated third-party bar service — we recommend Raising the Bar.
What is your booking and deposit policy?
A 50% deposit is required upon signing the contract to secure the date. A $500 refundable security deposit is collected with the final payment and returned within five business days after the event, provided all venue policies are followed and the event stays within the contracted timeframe.
What time must our event end?
All events must conclude by 12:00 AM. Total rental time includes event duration, setup, and breakdown — we recommend planning the timeline so there's adequate time for cleanup before the midnight wrap-up.
What payment methods do you accept?
The Little Cottage accepts:
- Check — personal, business, or cashier's
- ACH / bank transfer — instructions provided upon request
- Credit card — all major cards accepted, subject to a 3.5% processing fee
What are the venue's house rules for setup and cleanup?
- "As found" policy: The facility must be left in the same condition as it was found. All personal items, decor, and leftover food or beverages must be removed within the one-hour breakdown period.
- Full-service catering required: All catering teams must be full-service and provide staff to handle cleanup as the event progresses, including moving trash to the on-site dumpster.
- Decor guidelines: To protect the space, the following are not permitted: confetti, glitter, dried flowers that shed, loose rose petals, smoke machines, and exposed flames. All candles must be enclosed in glass. Tape on walls or woodwork is not permitted.
- Sparklers: Permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
Are there restrictions on photography or videography?
Photographers and videographers are welcome to capture all areas accessible to guests, including the main event room, back room, Bridal Suite, Groom's Room, and outdoor patios. The venue's large windows, exposed brick, and built-in stage and fireplace provide a range of natural settings for portraits. We recommend coordinating with your photography team in advance to plan around natural light and to schedule outdoor portrait time before sunset.
Are there any areas of the property that are off-limits?
Guests have full access to the main event space and outdoor patios. Private staff areas and storage rooms are off-limits to ensure safety.
Can we use a fog machine or bubble machine?
Fog machines and bubble machines are permitted in outdoor patio areas only, to protect indoor flooring.