Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Castle’s maximum event capacity?
Our maximum capacity for a seated banquet is 140 guests, which we can accommodate in different ways both indoors and outdoors. We are happy to discuss the details of your wedding with you.

What is included in the Venue Fee?
Access to all of our event spaces for up to 12 hours depending on the package you select. Castle Ladyhawke includes many of your necessary venue rental items such as a variety of chairs, tables, staff for setup and breakdown as well as your standard place settings with in house caterer. Please view our Venue Packages & Amenities (above) for a complete listing.

How do I find out if my preferred date is even available? How far in advance should I book my event?
Please contact us and we will be happy to discuss availability for your event. Since Castle Ladyhawke hosts one wedding per day, dates do book up quickly. Saturdays during peak months can book up more than a year and a half in advance!

When do you offer tours of Castle Ladyhawke and do you require an appointment?
We offer complimentary tours of the venue 7 days a week in person or virtually. We just ask that you make an appointment to ensure a member of our team is available to answer all of your questions.
Planning a destination wedding and traveling to visit us? Visit our tour page (LINK) and ask our team about our discounted overnight stay at Bear Lake Reserve for potential castle couples.

What does the Castellan Fee cover?
A Castellan is a Medieval English title for someone who runs a castle and its territory, who takes responsibility for the grounds and operations, and for whom the castle is like home. The Castellan Fee is included in all venue rentals, and covers our Castellan being on-site through the duration of your event to help ensure things run smoothly.

What is the Castle’s relationship with Bear Lake Reserve?
Castle Ladyhawke at Bear Lake Reserve maintains a cooperative and collaborative partnership with Bear Lake Reserve, with the ability to run both integrated and independent events. Owners at Bear Lake Reserve may enjoy special pricing on Castle Ladyhawke events, for example, and Castle patrons enjoy discounts on Endorsed Accommodations at Bear Lake, as well as full access to all of the resort amenities for guests who book their stay there. While we enthusiastically recommend Bear Lake Reserve accommodations for the exceptional service and experience you and your guests will receive, we do not require it to host your event at Castle Ladyhawke.

Where can I look for guest accommodations?
Bear Lake Reserve is less than 2 miles from the front gate of Castle Ladyhawke, and has over 40 plus rental homes ranging in size that your guests can choose from. Your guests may receive 10% off their nightly rate, blackout dates apply. Additionally, you receive a Booking Specialist for your wedding that will assist you with your guests’ bookings.

Does the venue have a preferred vendors list?
Yes! After securing your wedding coordinator and caterer from our required vendor list, you are welcome to choose all other vendors to customize your day. The vendors under the Creative Partner’s list have worked many events at Castle Ladyhawke and have received incredible feedback from our couples and staff! If a vendor has not worked at the castle before, we do ask that they provide proof of insurance.
For more inPlease visit our preferred vendors page

Is there a food minimum?
Yes. Your food and beverage minimum is based upon the day of the week, guest count and the package that you select. The food and beverage minimum spend can range from $2,500 for Micro Weddings to $10,000 for a full day wedding package in a peak month.

May I use my own caterer, and not use Castle Ladyhawke’s in house preferred caterer who is Michelin star trained?
If you would prefer to use an outside caterer, there is a $1,500 (plus tax) Chef Consultation fee that will be applied. This fee will go towards your food and beverage minimum that must still be met.

Do you have bar packages?
Yes, a member of our team will work with you during the planning process to customize your bar selections. Package pricing ranges from $35 per person to $72 per person depending on if you would like to serve beer and wine only or a full bar with liquor. Non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, juices and mixers are included with any Bar Package. For those weddings where alcohol will not be served, please inquire about our Mocktail package.

Are there accommodations for the wedding party the night before the wedding?
The Castle can provide accommodations the night before and/or the night of the wedding for the Wedding Couple only. Bear Lake Reserve, however, offers luxurious accommodations and is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Castle Ladyhawke. They can accommodate not only the wedding party, but also all or most of your wedding guests as well (subject to availability).

Are there dressing rooms for the wedding party to get ready in the day of the wedding?
Yes! There are 3 well-appointed private suites with en suites available to your wedding party to get ready. They are made available starting at 11:00 AM the day of your event.

What is the earliest time the vendors have access to the venue space?
11:00 AM is the earliest available time the vendors may gain access to the venue.

If I am ready to book my date, how much is the initial deposit?
To reserve your date, we just require a signed contract along with a $2,500 non-refundable deposit. This will be applied to your wedding total.

What are the gratuity and tax amounts on food and beverage?
The gratuity is 15% on Food and Beverage. The State Tax rate in North Carolina is 7%.

Am I, as the client, required to purchase my own event insurance?
Yes, we require you to provide proof of a Day of Event Liability insurance policy no later than 30 days prior to the event. You may purchase this from your own personal insurance company or a professional Event Insurance company.

What is your Covid-19 cancellation policy?
Weddings that are canceled or postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions may be eligible for full or partial refunds under these terms, whose details may be subject to change without notice:
1. If the wedding needs to be rescheduled to a later date due to governmental regulations that limit the number of attendees who can gather, then the deposits paid will be applied to the rebooked date in the amount equal to:

(a) total payments received,
(b) less actual expenses paid by Castle Ladyhawke specifically for your event that cannot be deferred to the rebooked date.

2.If the wedding needs to be canceled due to governmental regulations that limit the number of attendees who can gather, then the deposits paid will be refunded in the amount equal to:
(a) total payments received,
(b) less actual expenses paid by Castle Ladyhawke specifically for your event that cannot be recouped, (c) less a $1,000 cancelation fee.

What are your Covid-19 safety policies?
Castle Ladyhawke is run in total compliance with all county, state, and federal safety regulations, and we require all event hosts and wedding planners to run their events in accordance with the same, including notifying all guests about current face mask and social distancing requirements, etc. Castle Ladyhawke will not be held responsible for guests or patrons who may contract Covid-19 as a result of their attendance at an event at Castle Ladyhawke. Please contact us or visit www.nc.gov/covid19 for the most up-to-date policies and procedures.