FAQ

What is the rental fee and what does it include?

• Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items.  

What is the building capacity?

• Our venue holds 300 guests including the wedding party.

What dates are available?

• Please check out available dates information here.

Is there a deposit?  When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

• Yes. When the contract is signed there is a reservation fee of $500 to hold the date. This $500 is not refundable but is deducted from the total cost. We can set up a payment plan if desired. The last payment must be made a month prior to the event.  We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.

How do I reserve a date?

• You will need to sign the contract and pay the $500 reservation fee.  We hope you will come and visit with us when you want to make a reservation, but we can do it via email.  Dates are reserved on a first come policy.

Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?

• We request that all tours are by appointment only.  You can schedule a tour by clicking here or calling 641-891-4563.

Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?

• We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don't have a food and beverage or guest count minimum. 

Do we have to utilize your bar service?

• Yes, if you want alcohol at your event.  If you do not want alcohol then the bar will be closed and no alcohol will be permitted on the grounds.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

• Our parking lot will hold up to 200 cars.

How will the tables and chairs be arranged for my event?

• Suggested layouts for tables and chairs will be provided to couples who have their wedding date booked at Countryside.  We work with the couples to help decide and figure out the best formation for their event.

Do you offer straight tables instead of round? 

• We have a limited number of straight tables onsite that can be used for your gift table, head table, etc.  Usually we have a few extras that can be mixed in with reception seating, but the majority of your guests will be seated at round tables.

What form of payment does Countryside accept?

• We accept cash, check and debit/credit cards.  We charge an additional 5% for using a card.

What catering does Countryside allow?

• Renters are allowed to bring in the caterer of their choice as long as the caterer is licensed and insured or renters can provide their own food.

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We are using a rental company.  Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period? 

• Rental companies will need to drop off and pick items up during the hours that the event is scheduled for.

Are candles allowed?

• Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder.  Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.

Are outside snacks and trays permitted?

• Food trays and snacks are allowed prior to the ceremony.  Please no drinks in glass bottles.

What is the event clean-up process?

• Countryside team will provide standard clean up, as well as trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception. Everything that you and/or your guests brought with you to our venue must leave the premises at the end of your rental agreement.. This includes decor, gifts, leftover food, etc.   

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Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?

• We ask that no nails are used to hang things within the venue.   The beams are very tall and unreachable by a ladder.

Do we need to hire an off duty cop for security?

• We do not require the renter to provide security.  

Do we need to have liability insurance?

• Yes. We require that you take out a minimum $1 million dollar insurance policy for your event and name Countryside Properties of Iowa LLC as an additional insured on it. Don’t worry - it is easy! We have companies that we can recommend that can handle this for you. The cost of a policy usually runs around $100-$175 for an event.  Proof of this insurance needs to be provided to us 30 days prior to your event date. 

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Is Countryside available for Special Events other than weddings?

• Absolutely! Our primary focus is weddings on Fridays and Saturdays. However, we are available for other Special Events Sunday through Thursday. This includes evenings and/or weekdays.  We welcome business meetings and company events

           family get-togethers, Holiday celebrations, graduation parties, bridal showers, etc.

Can we have fireworks on the property?

• Fireworks are not allowed at Countryside, not even sparklers.

Can vehicles be left overnight?

• Please try not to leave your vehicle overnight on the property.  We can not guarantee it’s safety.  We understand that the safety of the person comes first and we do not want anyone to drink and drive.  If for some reason someone’s vehicle does remain overnight, we ask that be removed by 10:00 am the next morning. 

Where would be a good place for pictures?

• There is a covered bridge just southwest of Attica that makes for some beautiful pictures.  Marion County Park also offers some good backdrops.