Frequently Asked Questions

Location
Is your location easy to find?
  • Yes, our location is right off of Route 54, only three miles off of Route 81 (exit 131A) and four miles from Route 309.
  • The entrance is across the street from the Brown Bag gas station.
  • A sign is clearly visible off Route 54.
Can I schedule a site visit?
  • Yes, we are available seven days a week for site visits.

Caterers/Event Vendors
May I use my own caterer, wedding/event planner, or do a potluck?
  • Yes, you may use any caterer and event planner of your choice or pick one from a local vendor list we compiled (click here to view).
  • We also have an in-house catering option you can choose at very competitive pricing.
  • We do have policies and expectations in place for caterers, bartenders, DJs etc., for which they will want to review with us prior to your event.
  • You may also do a potluck and have your guests bring food as well.
  • Note: An event planner is not mandatory.
Are there any additional fees to bring my own caterer, planner, DJ, band, etc.?
  • No, besides the fee for their service, we do not charge any additional fees for you to choose your own provider.
What all does the kitchen include?
  • Numerous stainless steel counters to assist the caterer to prepare. We also provide access to double door 54" refrigerator, double door 54" freezer, triple sink, hand washing sink, double bowl food prep sink, commercial dishwasher, two microwaves, warming oven, and a 500lb ice machine, including 500lb bin capacity.
May the caterer/photographer/videographer visit the location beforehand?
  • Yes, they can make an appointment with your coordinator and do a walk around of the venue and grounds to see areas for ideal photos.
 
Alcohol
Do you provide alcohol or bartenders?
  • No, we are a BYOB facility, so you provide your own alcohol. If you need bartenders, first check if your caterer would provide; if not, we are partnered with Drink and Be Married and can proactively add them to your contract. You can also check out bartenders on our local vendor list (click here to view).
  • You may bring in kegs, but alcohol from kegs must be served by a bartender. Note kegs cannot be stored in the refrigerator. Client or 3rd party must provide CO2, supply lines, and ice for use of kegs. At the end of the event, once your bartender leaves, the kegs will be un-tapped and unavailable for consumption while on the premises.
  • You will also be required to have event insurance if serving alcohol. This typically is around $95-$150, unless your bartending service has this included. Click here to learn more.
What other alcohol rules/regulations exist?
  • All bartenders serving guests must be RAMP certified.
  • Alcohol service is limited to 5 hours.
  • No guest can self-serve alcohol and pitchers cannot be taken to tables.
  • No shots are permitted unless served as part of a specialty dance.
  • For the safety of you and your guests, drinking while on the dance floor is prohibited.
 
Facility Amenities/Information
Do you provide tables, chairs, and linens?
  • We provide tables and chairs for up to 200 guests with dance floor, or 250 without, positioned in the venue at your preference.
  • We also have a linen program, where at a minimal cost, we can provide tablecloths, napkins, chair spandex. This information can be provided to you at your request and reviewed during your site visit.
Do you provide glassware/bussing services?
  • Yes, for an additional fee, you can rent water goblets, wine glasses, and fluted champagne toast glasses from us.
  • We also have packages related to water service and table bussing available. Ask for a service brochure from your Event Manager.
Do you provide coffee/tea service?
  • Yes, for an additional fee per guest, we can provide coffee/tea/hot chocolate service for your event.
  • This service includes: regular and decaf coffee, hot water, tea bags, hot chocolate, cups, stirrer, cup lids, sugars, creamers, and napkins.
Is the venue climate controlled?
  • Yes, there is air conditioning and heat so the space can get to whatever temperature is comfortable for your guests.
  • The floor is also heated!
Will there be enough room for a dance floor, buffet tables, and bars if I have 200 guests?
  • There is a comfortable amount of space in front of the stage and fireplace for a dance floor.
  • There will be adequate room also to do a buffet, but it will start to get a little congested. If doing over 180 guests we suggest doing plated or family style meals or have the buffet on the dance floor; which we can then break down.
  • We can work with you on floorplan options and ensure comfortable and safe flows of people - you may also see example floor plans below.
Do you provide any serving dishes, flatware, silverware?
  • At this time, we do not have these as part of any package. However, most caterers will provide. If your caterer is not able to provide, we can help you source via a third party for an additional cost.
How big is the stage?
  • Approx. 22’ wide x 10’ deep and 12" elevated off the ground.
What is the lighting like? Does it have a nice ambiance?
  • The lighting can be adjusted to your preferences. All lights are dimmable and some have the ability to change colors to match your preference (such as ceiling accent up/down lighting).
Is there a projector available?
  • Yes, there is a projector, available for an additional fee, that projects on the back of the stage with a 155" diagonal image
  • You may project a slideshow, video, or images. For weddings, we commonly project images during a first dance or during the mother/father dance.
  • Click Here to view requirements for the videos, slideshows, or images.
What are the specifications of the sound system?
  • Note a nominal fee applies for using our sound system and microphones.
  • Our sound system includes JBL PRX412M 1200W speakers on both sides of the stage along with JBL 18" 1500 PRX subwoofer.
  • These are controlled via crown amplifiers, which are controlled via a Behringer X32 Rack.
  • There are four side speakers (two on each side) as well to give a good surround noise in the venue.
  • There are also outdoor speakers that can mimic the indoor sound.
  • There are two XLR (left/right) inputs on the stage for DJs to plug into if they wish.
  • We have four Audio-Technica handheld microphones for indoor use.
  • Bluetooth is also available to play sound throughout the venue, but the Bluetooth device must remain within 10' of the Bluetooth receiver.
What sound is available for the ceremony?
  • You may play music via our sound system for an outdoor ceremony (fee applies).
  • Often times for smaller ceremony, a microphone is not needed.
  • If you require a microphone for outside and/or have complex music requirements, we recommend your DJ setting up a speaker outdoor and managing your sound for the outdoor ceremony.
Is your facility handicap accessible?
  • Yes, with the exception of access to the second floor loft/balcony.
Do you require a security deposit?
  • Yes, a $400 security deposit is required. Assuming the property is left in the condition you found it the deposit will be returned to you within 30 days after your event.
What services are provided by the Events Manager that Catalpa provides?
  • The Manager works with you prior to your event to ensure the venue space is set up to your needs for the day of your event. They also coordinate any questions and the timeline for when your vendors (caterer/DJ/band) will access the building.
  • On the day of your event, they will ensure the facility is properly set up and coordinate any floorplan changes on the day of the event (example if you have the ceremony inside and then need to break down the chairs to prepare for reception). They will help answer questions and resolve any issues regarding the venue (e.g: air/heat, restrooms, lighting, electrical, etc.)
  • Note: The Event Manager is not there to coordinate the schedule of activities for your event and does not take the place of an event planner.
Will there be access to the lake?
  • Yes, you have access to the 10 acre lake as well as the creek feeding the lake (which is next to the venue) and the second creek which is the output of the lake. These locations make great photo opportunities and provide great entertainment for your guests. Your guests may enjoy walking around the lake in between the ceremony and reception along with exploring some of the history of the park that still remains on the property. If you reserve the day prior or after, your guests may also enjoy time to go fishing, paddle boating, or hiking.
 

Wedding Specific
Is there a suite available that the wedding party can use to get ready?
  • There will be a room available for wedding parties, located within the venue to prepare for a ceremony or if you need a place to briefly relax during the reception.
  • The cabins adjacent to the venue are also available for wedding parties to prepare in as well for an additional cost.
 What happens if I plan an outdoor ceremony and it rains?
  • The week prior, we will start monitoring the weather. If rain is a possibility, we will work with you on a contingency plan, having the wedding ceremony in the venue (likely where the dance floor would be in front of the fireplace or on the balcony). At the end of the ceremony, we will provide staff to break down the chairs prior to the reception. 
May I have early access prior to the event for rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, or decorating?
  • Rehearsal/Decorating/Rehearsal Dinner:
    • You may proactively reserve the day prior for a bundled rate, which would give you access to an 8-hour period to use the venue for any purpose you desire (including access to an Event Manager).
    • Or if the day prior is still available as you get closer to your date, you may be able to reserve at a further discounted rate.
  • Rehearsal:
    • Use of the facility for your ceremony rehearsal is available prior to your event on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  You can schedule a rehearsal as early as four weeks out prior to your wedding. All times must be approved by your Catalpa Grove Event Manager and scheduled so that it does not interfere with any other events occurring. A nominal fee applies.
May I do a cocktail hour prior to the reception?
  • Yes, you can do this either within the venue or on the side/rear porches and walkways of the venue.
Will there be other weddings at the property the same time as mine?
  • No, you will be the exclusive wedding on the property for the day of your event.
Do we support LBGTQ weddings?
  • Yes, we do not at all discriminate and enjoy seeing the diversity of the different couples who come to share their special day at Catalpa Grove.
What are example Floor Plans for the venue?   
Nearby Lodging / Campground
What lodging is available?
  • There are cabins available on the property that can be rented (see below)
  • There are a series of hotels as close as 3 miles away that would offer discounts for multi-room blocks.
  • See our local vendor list (click here) for additional hotel options.
Are there camping or cabin rentals available at the Lakewood Park Campground?
  • Lakewood Park Campground has cabins available and offers priority booking for venue guests. Learn more at www.lakewoodparkcampground.com.
  • The campground also will have some transient RV and tent sites available, which can be booked online through the campground website noted in the prior bullet.
Is the venue secluded from the campground?
  • Although they share the same entrance, the venue is set back off the road adjacent to the creek in a more secluded wooded area.  Campers will be prohibited from accessing the area near the venue and adjacent creek.
What airports are nearby?
  • Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AVP) - 47 miles
  • Lehigh Valley (ABE) - 47 miles
  • Harrisburg (MDT) - 73 miles
  • Philadelphia (PHL) - 102 miles
  • Newark (EWR) - 121 miles
 
Pets
Can we have pets in the venue?
  • Generally, we prefer no pets in the venue, with the exception of if you have pets as part of your wedding party or if it is a service animal.  We just ask that you clean up any messes that result from the pet.  Any neglect with regard to pets will be deducted from the security deposit.

Pricing
What is the pricing structure for renting the venue?
  • We can provide you a pricing brochure at your request, please complete the contact us form.
  • Non-weddings, please contact us for pricing options.
Do you have Peak/Off-Peak pricing?
  • At this time it is a flat price regardless of the month or season. Prices only vary based on day of the week.
  • We also offer 30% venue discount on any event booking in January/February/March.
  • Also ask for any other discounts available if booking within one year.
Pricing Tips: When comparing venues ensure you take the following into consideration:
  • Value added services / features / amenities
  • Property appearance / will it be memorable / things to do between the ceremony and reception
  • Do they continue to invest in the property and introduce new things each year
  • One open room or broken up spaces
  • Air conditioning / heated facility
  • Clean / modern / handicap accessible restrooms
  • Inclusion of accent lighting
  • Contingency plans for rain
  • Distance to lodging / on-site cabins
  • Potential mark-up on alcohol if a facility requires you to purchase alcohol from them versus BYOB
  • Difference in cost of per person fee for food at a facility that provides the food versus choosing any caterer you wish (which often times can be more competitive depending on your preferences).