Thanksgiving Ranch Wedding FAQ
What are the policies around food and beverage?
All food and beverage services are subject to gratuity of 18% and GST of 5%. A Food and Beverage minimum of $50 (pre-tax and excluding alcoholic beverage service) will be adhered to.
We are happy to work with you prior to the event (at least 60 days prior to the event date) to accommodate any special requests for a function menu. Additional fees may apply for a tailored menu.
All food, beverage, and liquor must be provided by Thanksgiving Ranch; outside food or beverage is not permitted during set up, clean up, or during the function itself, with the exception of wedding cakes, candy, cake pops, or cupcakes.
We respectfully decline any corkage events.
In order to comply with public health regulations, removal of remaining food by guests is prohibited and cannot be packaged to take away at the end of the evening
Thanksgiving Ranch reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, anytime for any reason.
What are the key dates to consider?
Save-the-Date Fee of $2,500 to secure the venue. Fifty percent of the remaining amount is due60 days prior to the event date. The final amount due is required 30 days in advance of the event. Portions of these payments are non-refundable.
Thanksgiving Ranch requires food choices to be made at least 60 days prior to the wedding, along with submission of an approximate number of expected guests.
Final guest numbers are required, in writing, 14 days prior to your event.
What deposit is required?
A minimum deposit amount of at least $2,500 is required at the time of booking to guarantee venue and meal reservations. We have no obligation to accommodate change after this date or additional charges may apply.
Menu prices can vary due to market value fluctuations. Food pricing is guaranteed 60 days prior to your event.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your initial deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation of your event, regardless of when it is made, will result in the forfeiture of your initial deposit.
Cancellation inside of 60 days will result in a partial forfeiture of deposits, and increase as the event date approaches.
How are beverage costs managed?
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are charged based upon consumption per drink plus 18% gratuity and GST. Custom bar offerings can be tailored with our Event Manager.
A beverage station with coffee, tea, and water can be added to for an additional fee. Buffet catering is free for children under 5, children between the ages of 6 and 12 are charged 50% of the buffet price.
Notify the Events Manager of the number and age of children in attendance so we can apply the pricing difference.
Can I bring my own wine?
Thanksgiving Ranch does not extend the bring your own wine privilege to semi-private or private events.
When does the bar close?
For evening functions, the bar closes at 12:01 AM.
How are menus created for my function?
All menus for private events are pre-set. The menus are based on current a la carte menu offerings and are subject to change throughout the season.
How are payments and deposits arranged?
Your contract will outline your individual payment schedule. A valid credit card must be provided for any open bar purchases, bar tabs, toonie bars, or any other beverages which you have not pre-paid for. Payment can be made via cash, Visa or MasterCard.
Are vendor meals available?
Yes, we recommend a choice of entrée on your menu.
Can I plan designated seating?
Yes, we highly recommend assigning seating. Please supply your own place cards and seating plan based on the floor plan agreed upon with the Events Manager.
Can we throw rice?
Absolutely no popcorn, rice, or confetti please.
Out of respect for our pristine alpine environment, fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted.
What else do I need to be aware of?
Thanksgiving Ranch performs routine cleaning during and after a function, any excessive cleaning after the event will be charged to the client at a minimum of $500. Any damage to Thanksgiving Ranch property will be included in the cost of the final invoice.
The choice of the wedding ceremony being outdoors must be made the day prior.
What about rented items?
All rental equipment / linens must be pre booked at least 14 days before your event.
What about music?
For a local musician, we recommend Shelly/Tynan Groves – Crowsnest Pass – (403) 563-2003.
Please arrange for your own entertainment (such as a DJ or live band) and/or all necessary equipment. During the event, no amplified music may be played on the outdoor spaces and patios. Acoustic music ONLY is permitted outside but must conclude at 10:00PM. Entertainment should end no later than midnight.
The amount of space for a band may be limited depending on your guest count.
Can a space be cleared for a dance floor?
Yes, although the amount of space available for a dance floor depends on the number of guests and the floor plan for your event.
What if I’ve chosen to be outdoors part of the time?
Outdoor ceremonies are subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Some of our guests plan an outdoor ceremony, and most of the time the ceremony goes off without a hitch. However, Alberta’s weather can always surprise. In that case, we will propose a beautiful indoor space that will complement your wedding vision.
What do I need to know about decorations?
All decorations must be pre-approved by the Events Manager.
All décor must be removed, from the facility, on the day immediately following your event, at a time to be agreed upon.
The use of tape, wires, tacks, nails and glue to hang decorations is prohibited. All decorations must be placed and removed without leaving damage. Be kind and leave the property as you found it. The group is responsible to provide, set-up, and remove their own decorations. Parties should coordinate the set-up in advance to ensure there is no a conflict with another booking before or after your event.
Note that confetti, rice, and balloons are not permitted anywhere. No sparklers, open flames, or candles of any kind are permitted without our explicit approval. Placements of tables, tents, live music, catering equipment etc. must be approved no later than ONE week before the event.
We can provide white chair covers at a cost of $3.00 per chair. You are able to bring in your own chair covers or color sashes to add to the in-house covers. If you choose to bring your own chair covers, there will be a set-up fee of $1.50/chair cover. There is no charge if you choose to put them on and take them off yourself.
What about a wedding cake?
Please make your own arrangements for delivery of the wedding cake. We ask that delivery details are provided to our Event Manager one week before the planned date so that we can arrange for appropriate storage.
There will be a mandatory fee of $1.50 per person for cutting, plating and serving.
Thanksgiving Ranch accepts no liability for damage, set-up, care, or repair of the wedding cake.
Can Thanksgiving Ranch make my wedding cake?
Yes, our Pastry Chef makes beautiful wedding cakes. More information can be provided from our Events Manager.
Can we bring in our own cake/cupcakes?
Yes, we charge a $2.00 plating fee per guest ($150 minimum).
What about flowers?
Please arrange delivery of your flowers to Thanksgiving Ranch and ensure they are properly labeled. Cool storage is available, but flowers are stored at your own risk and Thanksgiving Ranch cannot be held responsible for damaged or wilting arrangements.
What if children are attending the wedding?
Children are not permitted to wander the grounds unsupervised by an adult. There are multiple hazards for young children including water sources, livestock and wild animals.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking or use of vapes of any kind is strictly prohibited on any area of the VENUE property, inside and outside.
Can I work with my own wedding planner?
If you are interested in a wedding at Thanksgiving Ranch, we encourage you to find a wedding planner that can help bring all aspects of your destination wedding together in our beautiful setting. Though we provide catering, set-up, on-site coordination, staff, accommodations, activities and more, a wedding planner works with you through all aspects of the process, including liaising with your guests and creating a unique vision. If you do not have a wedding planner in mind, we can recommend trusted vendors.
What additional items are included?
Cloth napkins
All existing tables and chairs, place setting and glassware
Microphone
What other expenses should I consider?
Entertainment
Flowers/center-pieces
Decorations
Guest gifts (many couples choose our Ranch-made sauces found here)
Outside Cake service and plating fee - $2.00 per guest ($150 minimum).
Vendor meal
Travel
Other activities
Does Thanksgiving Ranch provide background music?
Yes, we have a house system which will provide music during your event. We are equipped for iPod connection. There is no sound system on the deck in outdoor areas.
Can Thanksgiving Ranch arrange for florals/entertainment/décor and photography?
Although we do not arrange the above we have a preferred vendors list to help you with your search that we can provide. We can also coordinate delivery.
Who is my contact on the day of the event?
Our Event Manager will be your contact for the duration of the event.
What is the exact address I should use for my invitations?
The address that takes guests to the front gate of Thanksgiving Ranch is Range Road 30-3, Pincher Creek, AB. For driving directions, guests may enter Thanksgiving Ranch into Google maps for assisted route finding.
Parking
Thanksgiving Ranch has a designated parking lot and parking is permitted on roadways.
For more information about availability and pricing, please contact the Events Manager at +1 (403) 627-1961 or please click here to send us a wedding inquiry.