FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long has The Orchard at Caney Creek been in business?
We bought the property (former hunting lodge) in 2009 and began hosting weddings in 2010.
What kind of orchard is on the property?
Our Houston outdoor wedding venue is a Pecan orchard! There are trees that range from 55 to 155 years old.
How big is the property?
36 acres total.
What is included in your package?
Use of the property for wedding and reception, use of the groom's rooms and bridal house and all tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, charger plates, glassware, staff and bar supplies, and use of our door frame and platform. To view more, click on the Pricing tab.
What is not included in the package?
Cake, DJ or band, photographer, videographer and floral or decorations. However, we do cut and plate your cake. We also have a Lantern Package that can be added to your package as decor for $200.
Do you allow outside catering?
No.
What if we want culturally specific dishes?
Clients are welcome to bring in a dish or two to supplement the meal we are serving.
Do you provide all staff?
Yes.
Are children included in the guest count?
Children under 2 years old, who will not need a chair or place setting, do not need to be included in the guest count.
Do you have children's meals you can provide?
Yes, however children typically enjoy items from the meal that is being served to all guests.
Does the venue provide babysitting?
No, but clients are welcome to hire and bring sitters and designate a house or area for the sitter to watch kids.
Does the client have to provide any kind of insurance?
No.
Is gratuity and tax included in your pricing?
Cleaning fees and service fees are included in the pricing, but sales tax is not. If a client would like to bring additional tip for the floor staff that takes care of your guests during the reception, it is always appreciated, but not expected.
How many weddings does the venue host in a day?
One.
Can we book accommodations the night before the wedding?
Yes, provided there is not a wedding already booked on the property. To lock out the night before, you may purchase the Wedding Eve Package, which includes all houses and rehearsal dinner for 52 guests. Couples are welcome to rent accommodations only, but must wait until we are within 45 days of the wedding to reserve them.
Do you cater rehearsal dinners or other events?
Yes.
How does the bar work?
It is a host-provided bar. The Orchard at Caney Creek provides the TABC-certified bar staff, all cups, ice and mixers (Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, juices, margarita mix, club soda and tonic water). The client provides any liquor, beer, or wine to be served.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed outside in designated areas. The Orchard at Caney Creek provides ashtrays upon request.
Are pets allowed at weddings?
Pets that specifically belong to the bride and groom are allowed on the property but must be kept on a leash when on the grounds or crated when left alone in the houses. Pets are not allowed on any furniture or beds and must have a completed pet contract and deposits on file.
Is there a nearby hotel for guests?
Yes. The Holiday Inn Express is just off of Hwy 59 in Wharton. There are also several smaller hotels and a TeePee Motel nearby. Further toward Houston, there is a Marriott at Sugar Land Town Square - about 30 minutes away.
Do you provide shuttle service or does the hotel provide it?
Neither the property nor the local hotels provide shuttle service. However, some clients book shuttle buses from Sugar Land and use those to transport guests. Texas Limousine Service in El Campo also has great options.
How early can clients have access to the venue to decorate?
4 hours prior to the ceremony start time. If a client needs earlier access, that is easy to arrange, provided there are not overnight guests still on property from the night before.
How long do clients have the property?
Clients have access to the property 4 hours prior to the ceremony start time and then 4 hours after the reception start time - plus a little time to clean up after.
Is there a specific time of day that clients have to get married?
No. However, most clients get married 2 hours prior to sunset to give their photographers a chance to shoot couple photos during the "golden hour". Sunset time can be found for any specific date through a Google search.
When can clients rehearse?
All clients may have access to the property for one hour at a mutually agreed upon day/time. Typically, most clients rehearse the day before the wedding at the time they are planning to have the ceremony (to see what the lighting looks like). However, in the case of a Saturday wedding needing to rehearse when a Friday wedding is on a property, etc. we would work together to arrange a time that best works for all.
Do receptions have to end at a certain time?
Our preference is that receptions (with any amplified music) are finished by midnight. But the After Party may extend until 2 am.
What is the After Party?
Held in The Lodge, the After Party is an opportunity to extend your party after the reception in the Creekview Room has ended. The Orchard at Caney Creek makes sure there is plenty of firewood left and moves leftover desserts and alcohol to The Lodge for this event. This addition comes with booking The Lodge the night of your wedding for $1,500. To view more about accommodations, click on Accommodations under the Features tab.
Are fireworks allowed?
Yes, provided Wharton County is not under a "burn ban" and the client has a professional pyrotechnic person to oversee the fireworks.
What can be used for the exit?
Bubbles (we have a bubble machine), sparklers, attached streamers, lavender, birdseed, real flowers and/or butterflies.
Are real candles allowed for the wedding and reception decoration?
No. We do not allow any open flames of any sort - including votives. LED candles are welcome.
Can sky lanterns (small hot air balloons) be used?
No.
Do you provide Day of Coordination?
Yes. It is an additional fee, but is very reasonable and a really good idea! Please contact Haley at "haley@theorchardatcaneycreek.com" for more information.
What is your booking and payment process?
We require a 25% nonrefundable deposit to take your date off the calendar. Clients are welcome to contract for any guest count to secure the date for the least amount of down payment. There are 3 additional payments of 25% due over the next several months until the wedding. The final payment is due, in our corporate office, one week prior to the wedding.
Do you provide accommodations?
Yes.
How do we rent the accommodations for family and friends?
The bride and groom simply lets The Orchard at Caney Creek know which houses are being rented and it is added to your overall spreadsheet/invoice. Guests may not call us directly to rent accommodations.
What time is check in and check out for accommodations?
Check in is 3 pm and check out is 10 am.
Do all of the houses have towels, sheets, etc. or do overnight guests have to bring them?
All houses have towels, sheets, soap, shampoo, coffee, coffee pots, microwaves, refrigerators and all basic kitchen equipment.
Is there WiFi at The Orchard at Caney Creek?
Yes. It is satellite WiFi.
Where do guests park?
There is guest parking in the orchard near the Creekview Room for wedding guests. Each of the houses have plenty of parking for anyone staying overnight.
Is fishing allowed in Caney Creek?
No.
Is there anything that CANNOT be used for decoration?
Inside - nothing can be stapled or nailed onto the walls and no confetti (plastic or loose glitter) may be spread on tables or the floor.
Outside - anything that is spread or thrown must be biodegradable and approved ahead of time. So no fake rose petals on the aisle, etc.
Is there anything for overnight guests to do in Wharton?
There are a couple of museums close by, antique shops on the town square, a farmers market on Saturdays and fishing and hunting nearby.
Can a tent be set up on the property for the reception?
Yes. If you are interested in renting a tent for your reception, we can show you a few spots on the property where we have had tents in the past.
Can we have a band?
Yes.
