FAQS
General Questions
What is the rental fee for Civil War Ranch and what does it include?
Please see our complete pricing and included items on our Pricing Investment page.
What is the capacity?
The capacity of the Barn is 150 using upstairs and down. During summer months when we have outdoor receptions, we can seat 200 using multiple styles of seating.
What facilities will I have access to?
Both our full day packages include the 2-story wedding barn, lending barn, pole barn, courtyard, dock and pond areas.
Are the venue and ceremony sites accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, you are welcome to drop off anyone who needs extra assistance by the front door and the path to the pond is concrete. There is not wheelchair access to the 2nd floor, however.
Do you have more than one ceremony site?
One of the great things about Civil War Ranch is that there are multiple sites for you ceremony. You can choose the dock by the pond, the courtyard (under the tree or in front of the barn), the pole barn, the grove, or spring creek site. (The grove and spring creek sites are not accessible for wheelchairs)
What dates are available?
You can check our Available Dates page to see open dates at Civil War Ranch.
When are the payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
We require a deposit at contract signing to save your date. That deposit its applied to the rental fee. At 9 months 50% of the balance is due. The final payment is due 60 days prior to the event. All money when due is non-refundable. You are welcome to send smaller payments of any amount as long as due dates are met. So, in that sense you can create your own payment plan.
How do you accept payment?
We do everything in our power to keep our cost reasonable for our couples so for that reason we accept cash, check, ACH (echeck), or money order with no processing fee. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages. You may arrange to pay with a credit card by calling our office, a 3% convenience fee will be added to your bill.
How do I book a tour or reserve a date?
Our tours are by appointment only. To book a tour, use our Request a Tour form. We would love you to schedule a tour and see the ranch in person before booking, but it is not necessary. To reserve a date, fill out the contact form with the date you prefer, and we will get back with you to confirm the reservation.
Can we use our own vendors?
Yes, you may use any vendors you would like, or you and your family can do it yourselves. If you are using vendors here are some questions to ask. Click a heading to expand.
- What is Included? Paper Products? Drinks? Serving? Delivery? Clean-up and packaging of leftovers to take home?
- Can I sample your offerings?
- When is the final guest count due?
- How much time is in the package?
- Do you go to more than one location?
- How many photographers do you use to shoot the wedding and reception?
- How many images do I get?
- Are any prints included?
- Do I get authorization to use photos however I want?
- How long will it take to get my pictures?
- Do I pay for unused liquor and keep or do you credit it and take it back?
- How many hours do you serve?
- Do you have a travel fee?
- Do you send the venue the appropriate permits and insurance or do I?
- Do you do the ceremony also? Is there an additional fee for that?
- How many hours total are included?
- Can guests request songs?
- Can I request clean versions of songs?
- Do you act as the “emcee” and make all the announcements?
- How involved will we be in selecting music for our event?
- Can we submit a “do not play list”?
- Do you have wireless microphones?
Are there restrictions on decorating?
- We do not allow anything attached to the wood in the barns with nails, screws, tacks, staples etc. There is twine in the lending barn to hang things anywhere that can be reached with a step stool.
- Because silk flower petals never go away and can never be gathered up completely, any flower petals used outside on tables or down the ceremony isle must be real.
We appreciate your cooperation with these 2 restrictions to help us maintain the beauty and integrity of our vintage barn and surrounding grounds.
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Lodging is just 5 to 10 minutes away in Carthage, including Days Inn, Carthage Inn, Super 8, Precious Moments Quality Inn and others. There are also multiple hotels with all levels of amenities in Joplin which is about a 25 min drive. All of these offer bulk room rates.
We have electric hook-ups for RVs if relatives are traveling in their RVs from out of town for $20 /night or full-service campgrounds are 10 minutes away.
What happens in case of rain?
Our pole barn is a covered ceremony site that can hold all your guests and the reception can be set up in the barn, immediately ready for your guests.
Do you include a Day of Event Coordinator?
Yes, this is included in our Deluxe Rustic Wedding package. Our definition of a day of event coordinator is someone who will set up and decorate your ceremony site, tables, cocktail area and barn entrance with your decorations or our decorations that you choose. (Set up and take down of rented items are not included in the service. Additional charges would apply.) We will answer questions from your vendors and direct them as needed. We will also clean up, and help coordinate your grand entrance. Our goal is to do everything possible to help make your day go smoothly.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
We have a fireworks vendor that offers an amazing package that you can choose. Our vendor works with the fire department and is licensed and insured. No other fireworks are allowed. You may do a sparkler send-off in the courtyard. Playing with sparklers is not allowed.
Can vehicles be left overnight?
Yes, we would prefer people not drink and drive. We do not take responsibility for vehicles left.
We are renting additional items. Can they drop off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
All deliveries must be made during the contract period.
How far in advance do you need our headcount and set up plans?
Two weeks. If rain is in the forecast you can submit 2 plans and let us know the night before which plan to use.
What is the event clean-up process?
For those choosing our Deluxe Country wedding package, our staff will take care of all clean-up!
For those choosing a different wedding package, you are responsible for removing all personal items, decorations that you provided and wish to keep, and any leftover food you are taking home. We take care of the rest!
Are there restrictions on taking photos around the ranch?
No, you are welcome to take them anywhere you would like.
How do I obtain a marriage license?
You can obtain a marriage license at the Jasper county recorders Recorder of Deeds office. It is located at Annex II 116 W Second St, Carthage, MO 64836 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Mon – Friday, phone: 417-358-0431. The couple will have to be there together and provide a government issued photo ID for proof of legal age and identity, a SS# or sign that they do not have one and be 18 years of age. There is a fee, please call for current cost. If under 18 please call for additional requirements. The annex is the Sheriff’s building not the County building. Enter on the north side and take the elevator to the second floor. Your marriage license is good for 30 days.
A marriage license issued in any County in the state of Missouri is valid in Jasper County.