Booking Guide

Welcome to our booking guide where our team will work with you to create your dream wedding. We want to assure you that we are committed to creating a stress-free wedding planning process and will be with you every step of the way up to your big day, from our Wedding Planning Team to our Venue Team.

In this guide, you will find what you can expect from us and your role in the planning process. Every detail handled by our experienced team is aimed at ensuring your special day is seamless, stress free, and perfectly aligned with your vision.

How To Secure Your Wedding Date

1.

Book your tour.

Make sure to pick a time convenient for everyone involved in picking your venue.

2.

Experience The Orchards

On your tour you will get a first hand look at breathtaking beauty and peacefulness of a wedding on a private estate.

3.

Pick your date.

Book your date earlier, the wedding season fills up quickly. Don’t miss out on your dream date.

4.

Pay the save-the-date fee.

The non-refundable save the date fee is the first of four equal payments to secure your ceremony at The Orchards.

5.

Sign the Event Lease Agreement.

The final step is to sign the contract. This can be completed in person or electronically.

Contacting Us: What to Expect

Office Hours

Our office hours are mornings Monday through Thursday. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we are on the property conducting weddings. Outside of these times, we respond to inquiries as our schedule permits.

Response Time

We respond to all calls and emails within 24 to 48 business hours. However, please be patient if reaching out during the weekend, as it may take a little longer for us to respond. Our schedule is dynamic with various appointments, so if you reach our voicemail when calling, please follow up with an email so we can store all questions in your personal file.

Preferred Contact Method

Email is the best way to reach us and receive a quick response. While we love and consider you part of the family, we ask that you avoid texting questions or important wedding information. Despite technological advancements, we have not found an effective way to file text messages. We want to ensure all your questions are answered in a timely manner.

Ceremony Locations

We offer four exquisite wedding ceremony locations, each with its own unique charm and ambiance. Choose the romantic Magnolia Fountain for a classic and elegant atmosphere, while the Iron Rotunda, with its sweeping views and architectural beauty, presents a grand stage for your special moment, our Wedding Cross with the elegance of the real ivy wall, or enjoy the serene setting surrounded by nature at our Pergola over looking the lake. Our entire venue offers a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony for a memorable wedding and a beautiful beginning to your life together.

Reception Layout

As you plan your celebration at The Orchards of Molino, envision your dinner set within the elegant confines of the Oak Room, followed by dancing under the stars in our Glass Hall. This approved layout ensures a seamless flow from dining to dancing, creating an enchanting atmosphere for your evening.

Should you wish to customize the arrangement of these spaces, a "flipping fee" will apply to cover the additional staffing required to transform your vision into reality, allowing us to maintain the highest standard of service and elegance for your special day.

Included Decor

Explore the range of decor included with your booking at The Orchards of Molino. Our selection is designed to add a stylish touch to your event without any extra cost. Included options feature artificial vines for a touch of greenery, battery-powered pillar and tapered candles to set a romantic ambiance, and various acrylic items like table numbers and card boxes for functional elegance.

Premium Decor

For those looking to add special touches to their celebration, our premium items offer a fantastic way to personalize your event further. Choose from biodegradable confetti to create a magical, eco-friendly send-off, or light up your evening with 36-inch sparklers that dazzle and delight. Additionally, we provide luxurious white or black table linens to elevate your table settings with a sleek and sophisticated look. These premium options are available for an additional fee, allowing you to customize your day to perfection.

Vendors

Required Vendors

For your special day at The Orchards of Molino, we require all couples to hire a professional bartender and caterer to ensure every aspect of your celebration is expertly managed. We recommend a variety of exceptional vendors who can tailor their services to meet your specific food and beverage needs. If you are interested in using an alternate vendor, please get in touch for approval. Please note that bartenders and caterers have a minimum service requirement at our venue. Failure to meet this may result in additional fees to cover the difference.

Preferred Vendors

At The Orchards of Molino, while it's not mandatory to hire additional vendors like florists or DJs, we encourage you to consider our preferred vendors who are familiar with our venue and can enhance your event. If you choose to use vendors not on our preferred list, please contact us for approval before entering into a contract. This ensures that your prospective vendors have the necessary information and capabilities to serve at our venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about planning your special day at The Orchards of Molino, our Frequently Asked Questions section is here to help. We've compiled a list of common inquiries regarding venue details, vendor policies, and day-of logistics to ensure you have all the information you need. Whether you're curious about ceremony options, guest accommodations, or our vendor policies, you'll find clear and concise answers designed to assist in making your wedding planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have additional questions please contact us.

  • Does the Venue Allow Confetti or Petals to be Used During the Ceremony?

    Petals for ceremony are not permitted, we do allow biodegradable white confetti to be used during the ceremony. This confetti must be purchased through our venue.

  • Do We Need to Schedule a Tour or Can We Just Stop By?

    We ask that all tours be scheduled through our website.

  • Does the venue have parking?

    We have plenty of on-site parking for any size wedding. We do not permit any cars to be left overnight.

  • Is the Venue Child Friendly?

    Absolutely, but we request that children are not present prior to the ceremony and that they are always accompanied by a responsible adult. Children are not permitted to explore or run around the venue.

  • Do You Require a “Save the Date” Payment to Book the Venue?

    Yes, we require a “Save the Date” deposit to book your date. This is non-refundable should you cancel your date with the venue. We accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards. (Credit cards incur a 3% service charge, however.)

  • Are There any Restrictions on Decorations?

    Nothing may be attached to any surface using nails, staples, tape, glue, or any other means. Confetti, glitter, feather boas are not allowed to be used anywhere on the property.

  • What Do Our Vendors Need to Know About Shut Down at the End of the Night?

    You must inform your vendors of the allotted time slot of your event. They are responsible for the clean-up of all trash, bus tables, clean prep area, and dispose of food and trash (taking it with them) and leaving no later than the end of the rental time. We require that the property be restored to same condition that you found it in. If your vendors fail to clean up, you will be subject to a cleaning fee starting at $750.00

  • What happens if You, Your Guest, or Vendors do not Vacated by the end of the rental time?

    We recommend allotting at least 30-minutes for breakdown minimum. If your vendors, guests, or yourself have not vacated by the end of the rental period a $500 fee will be charged to your credit card. As the client it is your responsibility to relay our rules to your guest and vendors.

  • What Amount of Event Insurance is Required?

    We do require our couples to purchase event insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. When you sign a venue agreement, you are assuming liability for yourselves, your guests and for the venue for your rental period. This type of policy can help protect you from financial loss in case you're found responsible for property damage or injuries that occur during the event. If you are serving alcohol, you must include that in your insurance.


    Proof of coverage must be provided to The Orchards prior to the event date.

  • Is Smoking or Vaping Allowed at the Venue?

    Smoking or vaping is not allowed at the venue. We suggest if you must do either you must do this in your car and dispose of the cigarette butts in your automobile.

  • Do You Require a Wedding Planner?

    No, but to ensure your day is smooth and stress free we highly recommend a wedding planner, or you can add our Day of Coordinator to your package.

  • Can You Provide Names of Vendors?

    Yes! We have lots of great vendors in our area. We can provide a list full of great caterers, florists, directors, cake providers, photographers, hotels, etc. You should request the vendor to provide copies of any documentation to us as soon as they are able prior to the event date.

  • Can We Choose Our Own Vendors?

    We do require that they are properly licensed and insured. You must use one of the caterers and bartenders listed above. We ask that you make us aware of anyone you plan to use that is not on our approved list. They will have to be vetted prior to approval for your special day.

  • May I Bring My Own Food?

    We require the use of a professional caterer for your event. This ensures adherence to our cleanup procedures as outlined in our checkout form. Caterers are responsible for bussing tables, cleaning the kitchen, and disposing of food and trash appropriately. You are welcome to bring your own food for breakfast or lunch in the private rooms.

  • May I Bring My Own Alcohol?

    The Venue does not have a liquor license; alcohol is supplied by the couple. All events in which alcohol is present a bartender must be hired. The venue can recommend several bartenders to fulfill this requirement.

    Additionally:

    • You are accountable for your guests’ consumption of alcohol and conduct.

    • All guests are required to be responsible and respectful of the property.

    • The consumption of alcohol by minors is strictly prohibited.

    • Any intoxicated guests are the responsibility of the reserving party and will be asked to leave the premises if necessary.

  • What if our Caterer leaves without completing the checklist?

    Clients are subject to a cleaning fee of $750 and up.

  • Does the Venue allow Sparklers?

    We love a romantic sparkler exit! You must use our extra-long version that we have for sell at the venue. The longer sparklers ensure everyone's sparklers are lit and your photographer can capture the perfect photo when you exit.

  • Are Candles Allowed?

    Battery powered candles are welcome. No live fire is allowed.

  • Is the Venue Pet Friendly?

    We understand that pets are part of the family, and we welcome them here, if they are part of the ceremony. Dogs are allowed to participate in the ceremony and then must leave immediately and any mess caused must be cleaned immediately. We request that couples check with their event insurance and get proper coverage.

  • What is the Max Capacity of the venue?

    The maximum capacity is 150 guests, but check your contract!

  • What Accommodations Are Close?

    You may wish to consider the following hotels for out-of-town guest:

    Courtyard By Marriott on 3200 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Florida

    Hampton Inn and Suites on 8031 LaVelle Way, Pensacola, Florida

    Home 2 Suites by Hilton on 8014 LaVelle Way, Pensacola, Florida

    Wind Creek Casino on 303 Poarch Road, Atmore, Alabama

  • Will someone from The Orchards be present during my event?

    Yes, our venue manager will be present for the duration of each event. They are responsible for handling any venue-related issues, but do not assist with any vendor or personal décor setup.

  • What is the best way to contact team members?

    We respond to all calls and emails within 24-48 business hours, however, please be patient if reaching out during the weekend as it may take a little longer to respond. Please note that our days are constantly changing with appointments. If you call and reach our voicemail, please follow up with an email so we can store all questions in your personal file!

Have a question?

Have questions or need assistance? We're here to help—just fill out the contact form below, and we'll get back to you promptly.