Question 1

Can I bring my own food/caterer?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Cinderwood is happy to work with any licensed caterer. If you don't have a caterer, we have some great ones to recommend. If you have booked an event with us, we will need to be in touch with your caterer to ensure they understand our policies.

Question 2

What is your alcohol policy?

Accepted Answer

Cinderwood operates under a Banquet Hall Liquor License, which helps ensure your event is safe, professional, and fully compliant. Because of this license, there are a few important guidelines for all events held at the venue.

1) Outside alcohol is not permitted in the venue. All alcohol served on the premises must be purchased and provided through Cinderwood using our licensed distributors.
2) All alcohol service must be handled by our trained and licensed bartending staff, so guests or volunteers are not permitted to serve alcohol behind the bar.
3) Our liquor license allows us to host private events only, which means your event must have a defined guest list rather than being open to the general public.

The good news is that we offer flexible bar packages designed to fit a variety of event styles and budgets. If you are hosting a non-profit event with beverage sponsors, we can often work with those partners to help create an incredible experience for your guests. Be sure to visit our Bar page to learn more about how we provide top-tier beverage service for every event at Cinderwood.

Question 3

Do you have a place to get ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a private bridal suite equipped with mirrors and all the essentials you need to prepare for your big day. It’s a comfortable and convenient space designed to make getting ready easy and stress-free.

Question 4

What is your capacity for events?

Accepted Answer

The nature of your event greatly impacts our overall capacity, and while we can adjust layouts slightly to fit your needs, these numbers provide a helpful starting point. For weddings that include both a ceremony and reception, the space comfortably accommodates around 150 guests. Reception-only weddings with a dance floor can host approximately 200 guests, banquet-style events can accommodate about 300 guests, and cocktail-style gatherings can welcome up to 400 guests.

Question 5

Do you have parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have ample parking adjacent to the building for you and your guest.

Question 6

Do we need event insurance for our event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All weddings at Cinderwood require event insurance to help protect you, your guests, and your vendors. This type of policy provides liability coverage in case something unexpected happens during your event and can also offer additional protection if a vendor has an issue. The good news is that event insurance is very affordable—typically less than $150—and only takes a few minutes to secure. We recommend EventSured, where you can get a quote in just seconds and quickly add peace of mind for your big day.

Question 7

What is included in my rental?

Accepted Answer

Furniture
 • 250 white padded chairs
 • 25 sixty-inch round tables (seating for 6–8 guests each)
 • 10 six-foot banquet tables
 • 1 six-foot by nine-foot stage
Audio / Visual
 • Basic sound system
 • 2 wireless microphones
 • Background music capability
 • 2 seventy-five inch mobile televisions
Event Support
 • A Canva file to help you customize your floor plan
 • All furniture set up and ready before your arrival
 • An event manager on-site for the duration of your event
 • One bartender for every seventy-five guests
The Vibe
 • A dynamic lighting system that can be customized to match your event theme or brand
 • A one-of-a-kind view of Monument Circle
 • The welcoming scent of fresh pine from the moment you walk in

Question 8

Are there extra fees that I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Transparency Is Key

We strive to be as transparent as possible throughout the planning process. As you build your event budget, please keep the following items in mind. Some costs may vary depending on your event details, so be sure to provide as much information as possible and ask questions if anything needs clarification.

Add-Ons
 • A one-time bar setup fee applies when providing a staffed bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
 • A/V technician support is available if technical assistance is needed during your event.
Taxes & Gratuity
 • Indiana State Sales Tax: 7% applies to most items associated with your event.
 • County Food & Beverage Tax: 2% applies to all beverage packages.
 • Gratuity: A 20% gratuity is added to all beverage-related items.

Question 9

Who handles setup and cleanup?

Accepted Answer

If You Bring It, You Manage It

Our general policy is simple: whoever brings an item is responsible for it from start to finish. Cinderwood will set up the tables and chairs included with your rental according to the floor plan we help you create. If a caterer provides food service, they are responsible for managing their setup and removing any trash generated. If you bring decorations or personal items, you will be responsible for both setup and cleanup.

If additional furniture is brought into the venue, you may choose to set it up yourself or have the rental company or Cinderwood handle the setup for an additional fee.

Question 10

How do I secure my date?

Accepted Answer

Securing Your Date

A 50% initial payment of the space rental fee is required to secure your date. You don’t need to have guest counts, bar packages, or other details finalized at the time of booking—we’re happy to help you work through those details and finalize payment as your event approaches.

Payment Methods
 • Cinderwood accepts checks, cash, and ACH payments with no additional fees.
 • We also accept all major credit cards, which include a 3.5% processing fee.

The Wedding You’ve Always Imagined

Why Cinderwood Stands Out

Frequently asked questions