FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE IS BELL MARE LOCATED?
Bell Mare is located in Southwest Michigan near Three Oaks and New Buffalo. It is less than 90 miles from Chicago and approximately 30 minutes from South Bend/Mishawaka.
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN THIS VENUE ACCOMMODATE?
Bell Mare can accommodate up to 150 guests.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL FEE?
The rental fee includes use of the venue from 11am-11pm Eastern Time the day of your wedding, day-of coordinating services, ceremony set up and break down, tables and chairs, decor (phone booth/audio guest book, champagne wall, wine barrels, white drapery, string lights, and so much more! Be sure to check out the "What's Included?" section for more details.
WHERE CAN I HAVE MY CEREMONY AND RECEPTION?
Bell Mare is a 2-story venue that holds approximately 150 guests. Ceremonies and receptions are typically held upstairs and cocktail hour is held on the main level. After the ceremony, guests will return downstairs for cocktail hour. During cocktail hour, Bell Mare Staff will prepare the reception space. After cocktail hour, guests will return back upstairs for dinner and the reception. However, we allow our couples to use our space however they see fit!
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN BARTENDERS AND CATERERS?
If you would like to have alcohol at your event, you are required to use a company called Beverage Specialists for bar catering. They provide alcohol, bartenders, ice, cups, garnishes, etc.
For catering, Bell Mare requires lessees to select a caterer off their preferred vendor list, which is available upon request.
WHAT TIMES DO I HAVE ACCESS TO THE VENUE ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
You will have access to the venue beginning at 11:00 AM Eastern Time the day of your wedding. All guests must vacate the premises by 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Vendors and those assisting in final pick-up must vacate no later than midnight.
WHEN CAN WE REHEARSE?
We offer 1-hour complimentary rehearsals the Thursday prior to your wedding by appointment only.
IS A DRESSING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR THE BRIDE?
A dressing room is available for the bride and attendants. This room may be used for dressing and storing personal belongings. Hair styling and makeup application is not permitted on the premises.
DO YOU REQUIRE EVENT INSURANCE?
Yes, we do require our couples to obtain Wedding Liability Insurance for the day of their event.
A certificate of insurance for bodily injury and property damage liability protection (in a combined single limit amount of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence) from https://www.wedsafe.com is required with each rental. All insurance certificates must be presented to Bell Mare at least 30 days prior to the Event Date and must name the Company as an additional insured party.
DOES THIS VENUE HAVE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING?
Yes, Bell Mare has central heating and air conditioning which will keep guests comfortable regardless of the season!
DO YOU HAVE AN ELEVATOR?
Yes, Bell Mare has an elevator and is fully ADA compliant.
HOW DO WE RESERVE OUR EVENT DATE?
Please email us at info@bellmareevents.com to confirm availability.