Frequently Asked Questions

No, you are welcome to use any insured caterer, certified bartender or other vendors of your choice. We have several caterers and bar services listed on our vendor list that have proven to provide exceptional service and value and are familiar with the staff and facilities at The Olde Stone Porch. Please ask us any questions you have about our vendors.

The Olde Stone Porch (OSP) barn will comfortably seat 200 guests including the bridal party. Up to 12 vendor guests (caterers, bartenders, coordinator, etc) are allowed and do not count towards your 200-guest limit.

Please contact us by text, email or phone to inquire about your preferred date.

To reserve a date, please contact us via phone call, text or email to confirm your preferred date is still available. Once we have confirmed your date is available, we will prepare the contract and collect your booking fee to reserve your date. Note: We will NOT hold a date past 24 hours without a signed contract and booking fee payment. An in-person tour is not required prior to booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by phone, text or email first for a specific date will be first in line.

To reserve a date one year or more in advance, we require a 25% booking fee at the time of signing your contract. Twelve months prior to your event, an additional 25% is due. The final 50% rental payment will be required 45 days prior to the event. To reserve a date one year or less in advance, a 50% booking fee is required at the time of signing your contract, with the balance due 45 days prior to the event. You are welcome to send partial payments on the remaining balance prior to the specified due date on your contract, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule. Please include the last names of the couple and the wedding date in the memo line if you are mailing a check. Full payment is still required by the specified due date(s).

No. OSP staff will set-up your tables and chairs to meet your agreed upon layout. At the end of the event, OSP staff will clean tables, mop floors, and provide final cleaning. You and your guests do not need to handle tables or chairs nor sweep and mop the floors.

No. At The Olde Stone Porch, we understand that that each couple's event is special and deserves our full attention. We only host one wedding per day.

There are several motels located nearby within 15-30 minutes. Please see our vendor list. Also check Airbnb.com and VRBO for a list of local options. Coming in Summer 2023 will be an Airbnb operated by the owners of The Olde Stone Porch, and located 3.5 miles south of the venue. This will be available to booked guests first, and will sleep 8 guests. Please keep in touch with us about our opening date and pricing. Another exciting new option right here in Ionia is Tree Vistas – Michigan’s first luxury treehouse resort. www.treevistas.com. Early booking is strongly encouraged for all overnight accommodations.

No. The Olde Stone Porch provides an awesome venue, tables, premium seating, and other decor for your use. Linens can be rented through us but are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring your own linens. For details regarding our linen package please contact us for pricing and color options. For details on table service, check with your caterer.

In the event of rain on your wedding day, our beautiful barn makes an amazing indoor wedding ceremony site. Guests sit at their assigned tables and the OSP team moves a few (usually 3 or 4) tables inside the entrance of the barn to create a beautiful aisle. The wedding party stages in the lounge area, or outdoors under a tent (we provide and set up) and enter down the center aisle. This is performed on short notice and there is generally little disruption to your guests.

Yes! A beautiful ceremony option is to set up the barn for the wedding ceremony in advance (No tables. Chairs in rows.) Once the ceremony is over, OSP staff will re-set the barn for the reception while the guests enjoy beverages and snacks. This requires additional coordinating and staffing, and therefore there is a modest additional charge for this option. Ask for details and pricing

No. This is a rustic, 135+ year old barn. There is no practical way to provide heating or cooling. In the summer, we open the windows and turn on large fans to provide a wonderful breeze throughout the barn. For cool evenings we offer patio heaters outdoors and a fire pit to warm up a bit (upon request).

No. Deposits, rental payments and booking fees are non-refundable for any reason. The Olde Stone Porch will allow a guest to reschedule their event one time, and within a 12-month period from cancellation.

Let us take this off your list of things to do. We offer a linen rental package for a very reasonable cost. We order the linens, place them on the tables, including basic napkin fold (fancy napkins folds are up to you), remove them from the tables, inventory and return them for laundering.

The ‘renter’ and/or vendor(s) are responsible to collect and place all trash items in provided trash receptacles located throughout the barn. Full trash bags must then be placed near the side catering entrance doors. OSP staff will remove the bags to the appropriate disposal location. Trash bags for re-lining the trash receptacles will be available in the storage room or from OSP staff.

Yes, at least one staff member will remain on the property to assist with your day. Our staff will provide general assistance at any time before, during and after your event. OSP staff is NOT a wedding planner or day of coordinator. We strongly encourage the use of a professional wedding planner or coordinator to ensure your special day goes smoothly and stay on time.

Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.

Yes. Dogs are allowed with pre-approval by OSP staff at the ceremony and for pictures. Animals, other than certified service animals, are NOT allowed under roof or near food. After the ceremony, they must remain away from the ceremony grounds and grassy areas. Dogs must be on a leash, and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. All animal droppings must be picked up and disposed of immediately. Other animals/pets require pre-approval and no guarantee that they will be approved.

We accept payment via Venmo, Cash or Check

We have a limited but growing amount of décor available. Ask to see what we have during one of your visits

No open flame candles are allowed. Only battery-operated candles can be used within the barn.

No. Decorations or decor may only be attached to any structure or tree on the property by floral wire or string. OSP Farms, LLC staff will assist you with options for ceremony arrangements and décor.

Friday weddings will generally, but not always, have access for a limited time on Thursday evening. Saturday weddings will need to decorate on the day of your event during the times listed on your contract. Full weekend packages will have ample time to decorate on Friday. Access times will be confirmed 45 days prior to your event. Please plan to have plenty of help available, if needed.

Our staff at the The Olde Stone Porch is there to help you however they can (set up tables and chairs, be an extra set of hands decorating, drive you around the farm on our golf cart to take wedding pictures, assist with parking of guests, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible. They will be on site during your entire event.

100 cars in our primary lot, and 30 cars in our overflow lot.

Smoking is not allowed inside or anywhere near our historic barn. Smoking is allowed outside the barn by the large water tank. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in the provided buckets, and not dropped in the grass. Is Marijuana allowed? No. Use of marijuana is prohibited on the property.

No. Use of marijuana is prohibited on the property.

No. Confetti, glitter, fireworks, birdseed, rice, silly string and similar products are not permitted. Sky lanterns and balloon releases may not be used for celebration. A single time Sparkler sendoff is permissible only in a designated area away from the barn.

Due to scheduled events, tours must be scheduled in advance. Generally, from May-October, tours can be accommodated Monday-Thursdays and occasional Sundays. During the offseason we will schedule appointments 7 days per week. You may schedule a tour by clicking HERE , by phone call, or email.

No. A wedding planner or day of coordinator is a very important part of a successful and stress-free wedding day. The responsibilities of a wedding coordinator are vastly more involved, and a very close working relationship is required. We strongly encourage you to interview and hire one (see our list of wedding planners HERE).

You are required to obtain special event liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000.00 to cover any unforeseen accidents. This document must list OSP Farms, LLC as additional insured, and cover all dates listed on your contract. If you are bringing in your own alcohol you are required to obtain Host Liquor Liability Insurance. Click HERE for a link to our insurance provider that can assist you with this coverage, or contact your homeowners insurance agent for more information.

Yes, you can bring in your own drinks and mixers. We have a 2-tap keg cooler for serving beer. These must be served by a Michigan TIPS or TAM certified bartender and a copy of their certification must be provided 30 days in advance. Alcohol may only be served by this bartender. We have local suppliers of beer, wine and alcohol, as well as local certified bartenders. See our Vendor List. A Host Liquor Liability Insurance Policy MUST be in purchased for all days rented with The Olde Stone Porch. OSP Farms, LLC must be named as an additionally insured for alcohol to be served. You may be able to purchase this policy through your homeowner’s insurance agent. A link to purchase this insurance is located on our Vendor List, along with details instructions on how to purchase. You must provide a copy of this policy 30 days prior to your event.

You can use any vendor of your choice, however the caterers and bar services listed on our vendor list have proven to provide exceptional service and value and are familiar with the staff and facilities at The Olde Stone Porch. You should schedule taste testing and meet with the caterers of your choosing.

You or your wedding planner are responsible to work directly with the caterer to order the correct amounts of food, schedule a time for delivery and set up, and pay them directly.

Caterer's MUST have their own liability insurance and be State of Michigan licensed to serve food at The Olde Stone Porch.

No. There is no vehicle traffic up or near the barn. There are 2 loading/unloading areas, and our staff will provide two large flat wagons for easy transfer to the barn. We can also assist with the golf cart, if requested, however we’ve found the wagons work extremely well. OSP staff will work with your caterer to assist with transportation of food into the catering area.

Yes. Your licensed and insured caterer may use our catering prep area. There is water and electricity in the prep area with a refrigerator, a freezer and also a stainless-steel prep table, if needed. This is NOT a commercial kitchen. All cooking will need to be done prior to arriving at the OSP. We will provide up to four-8 ft. rectangle tables for caterer use.

Yes, however this is a 130+ year old rustic barn and we won’t risk a fire. These types of canisters can be used during food set-up and serving, and someone must remain with the food and monitor them at all times while lit. They cannot be left unattended.

The Olde Stone Porch is located at 3363 N. State Rd. Ionia, MI 48846. From the South, take I-96 exit 67 to M-66 and go North into the city of Ionia. At M-21 intersection/traffic light, turn left (West) briefly onto M-21/Lincoln Ave. At the next traffic light, turn right onto North M-66/N. State Rd. Drive 3.3 miles to The Olde Stone Porch on the left. From the North, we are located 2.5 miles south of the intersection of M-44 and M-66 on the right.

There are several motels located nearby within 10-30 minutes. Also check Airbnb.com and VRBO for a list of nearby options. Another exciting new option right here in Ionia is Tree Vistas – Michigan’s first luxury treehouse resort. www.treevistas.com. For RV travelers, there are several campgrounds within a 15-20 minute drive. Please see our vendor list for additional information. Do not wait to book at any of these lodging options.

The Olde Stone Porch is a rustic barn and features outdoor ceremony sites in grassy areas. Comfortable clothing to match the season and flat, comfortable shoes for outdoors are recommended. You can expect uneven terrain, insects, bees, trees, sticks, rain, sun and unpredictable temperatures. Please dress for the day or season with layers for warm afternoons and cool evenings. We’ve had weddings in mid-August with a high of 56 degrees and late October with highs in the upper 70’s. If the day calls for possible rain, an extra jacket and umbrella can make your time here much more comfortable.

Ionia is a quaint little town with frequent weekend activities such as car shows, craft shows and the Ionia Free Fair. Downtown Ionia also features several locally owned shops, antique stores, and more. Lowell is 20 minutes away and also features a great downtown with many shops similar to Ionia. Bertha Brock Park, Ionia Recreation Area and Sessions Lake offer many outdoor activities and swimming.