Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does your venue accommodate?
Our venue can serve up to 300 people. This is a combination of both levels, with the upper level holding up to 200 seated at tables maximum, and the lower level up to 100. Indoor seating is provided for up to 250, plus there is seating for 50+ on the outdoor patios and gazebo. Ceremonies or receptions can be held on either level, or outside. Ceremonies upstairs can have up to 250 seated. We ask that you keep the food catering on the lower level.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, all packages require a security deposit and signed contract to reserve your date. The security deposit will be returned to the client after the event, provided there has been no damage or other issues to the venue. Full package payment is due no later than 1 month before the event date.
What hours is your venue open for events?
You will have access to the facility from 10 am every day that your package has included, and until midnight each night. This will provide you with plenty of time to decorate and set up the venue the way you want. (Sunday events start at 10 am.)
Do you offer on-site lodging?
We do offer on-site lodging that is a home equipped with a fully fenced in backyard, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms that can comfortably sleep 12 people, but has room for air mattresses to accommodate more.
Is smoking allowed?
No smoking or vaping is allowed in any of the buildings, but is allowed outside and on the designated outdoor concrete patio areas.
Do you work with vendors?
Windmill Hill does not provide any catering or vendors, and it is the responsibility of the client to provide any and all catering and vendors. Referrals for local recommended vendors can be provided upon request.
Is alcohol allowed?
Windmill Hill will provide full bar service at the request of the client. Clients and guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol or beverages onto the premises if Windmill Hill is not requested to provide full bar service. Iowa and Federal Law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of twenty-one (21). therefore, guests are required to show proper identification and proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages at Windmill Hill. Management reserves the right to refuse service to guests who appear intoxicated. We encourage guests to drink responsibly and not to drive after drinking.
What if my event cancels/date changes?
In the event that you need to cancel this your event, all deposits are non-refundable, unless the canceled date is re-rented, equally priced or above, to another party. If re-rented, 50% of the deposit will be returned to the you. If a date change is requested, every effort shall be made by Windmill Hill to transfer reservations to that date, if it is available. You are not permitted to sub-lease or reassign any terms of the contract to any other party. It is the responsibility of the client to contact all vendors to arrange date changes. Pandemic or government mandates are treated differently, as spelled out in the contract.
Do you allow candles in the venue?
Windmill Hill is an old and historic barn, and we want to take no chances of a fire destroying it. No open flames are allowed anywhere in the venue except for the specified outside fire-pit area, other than vendor warming pots. There are many LED candles that very much look like the real thing, we have plenty in stock for you to use in our decor room.
Is your venue handicap accessible?
A stair lift is installed to help access the upper level for those with disabilities, plus we have a wheelchair if needed. All other areas are accessible and all efforts will be made to help accommodate anyone that needs it.
Is your venue pet-friendly?
Windmill Hill is a pet-friendly establishment and many weddings both in the past and in the future have included their pets in their ceremony. On-site lodging does have a fully fenced in back yard that would be perfect for pets when not included in the festivities.
Do you require event insurance?
Yes, as do most venues, we do require that you acquire event insurance. This covers alcohol liability, plus much more! It usually covers theft, problems with vendors requiring you to get a different one, photo re-shoots, property damage, or other unforeseen events. Event insurance may be purchased from your local agent, or several on-line sites, and is quite reasonable, typically $100 to $150 for the event duration. Windmill Hill needs to be listed as a co-insured on the policy, and it must provide liquor liability, with a million dollar liability policy. Homeowners insurance extensions do not typically provide this, so we cannot accept them. We can provide this insurance coverage if you don’t want to purchase it it, we charge $150 to purchase it. Contact with questions on this.