What dates do you have available?
We're currently booking April 2026 through November 2027. Saturdays in October and April are our most requested; those tend to fill 14 to 18 months out. Weekday and off-season dates open up regularly. Palmer can pull live tour times for you in the chat.
What's the all-in budget for a wedding here?
Most of our couples land between $45,000 and $75,000 all in (that's venue, catering, bar, florals, and photography combined). The venue fee itself starts at $6,500 (Intimate Weekday) and tops out at $28,000 (Estate Weekend).
What's the deposit, and how does the payment schedule work?
A 25% deposit secures your date and is refundable up to 60 days out (otherwise it's held against the balance). From there: 25% more at six months out, balance due 30 days before the event. ACH or check; cards add a 2.9% fee.
Does the price change by day of week?
It does. Intimate Weekday runs $5,500 Mon to Tue, $6,500 Wed, $7,500 Thu. Signature Saturday runs $12,500 on Friday, $14,500 on Saturday, $11,500 on Sunday. May and October Saturdays add a $1,500 seasonal premium.
Do you allow outside catering?
Yes. We have four preferred caterers we work with weekly (Michael's on East, Mattison's, Plated Affair, Indigenous), and you're welcome to bring in a caterer of your choice with a $750 outside-catering fee. We have a full prep kitchen on-site with a walk-in cooler and a six-burner range.
What about alcohol and the bar?
All bar service runs through our in-house licensed program; BYOB isn't permitted. We work with you on a custom signature drink list and beer/wine selections during planning.
Can we bring our own photographer, DJ, and florist?
Absolutely. All outside vendors need to carry $1M in liability insurance and check in with our coordinator on arrival. We're happy to share preferred lists for any category if you'd like a head start.
Is a day-of coordinator required?
Yes, every wedding here works with a day-of coordinator. Ours is included in Signature Saturday and Estate Weekend. On Intimate Weekday you can bring your own or hire ours for $1,200.
Do we need event insurance?
Yes. A $1M event liability policy listing Rustic & Palms as additionally insured. WedSafe or eWed Insurance both run about $185 for our day, and it usually takes about ten minutes online.
Can we do a sparkler send-off or cold sparks?
Sparkler send-offs are allowed October through May (dry-season restriction). Cold sparks and any pyro need a licensed operator and a county permit filed at least 30 days in advance.
Are dogs allowed in the ceremony?
Pets are welcome for the ceremony only and need to leave with a handler immediately afterward. Service animals are welcome throughout the property.
Is the estate ADA accessible?
Yes. The main estate, the Hartwell Ballroom, and the Sunset Terrace are accessible throughout. The Oyster Dock has a ramped boardwalk, and the cottages are accessible from the ground floor.
Can our guests stay on-site?
The Estate Weekend package includes our two cottages, which sleep 12 between them. We also block rooms at three nearby hotels (The Ringling, Lido Beach Resort, and Hotel Indigo) at discounted rates for our couples.
What if it rains?
You move into the Hartwell Ballroom, which is plan B for everyone. We make the call together by 10am the day of, and we keep a sailcloth tent on standby May through October for couples who want a covered outdoor option locked in early.
How do we book a tour, and what if we need to reschedule?
Send a note through the form below, or use the chat in the corner. Palmer (our digital concierge) can put you on the calendar in about a minute. If you need to reschedule, use the link in your confirmation email or reply to it; Maya manages the calendar and moves it within a business day.
