Frequently Asked Questions

When is Pierce Castle Available?
Pierce Castle is available by appointment only.

What is included in the facility rental fee?
Final pricing is based on a number of factors.  Fees typically include use of designated space for the contracted time, use of table and chairs (those owned by Pierce Castle). Use of additional equipment will be assessed at the time of your rental inquiry and included in the pricing estimate.  
After your event the facility must be left in the same or better condition than was found.  Nothing can be attached to the walls, floors, or structure of the facility.
 
When are fees and deposits due?
A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT amount, specified by each package, is required to confirm a booking, with the remaining balance due no later than 60 business days prior to your event.  The security/damage deposit fee is due no later than 30 days prior to your event.

Can I purchase extra time for my event?

Each package option specifies the allotted amount of time on property.  Event hosts looking for additional time on property should contact Pierce Castle prior to booking or select a package that offers additional allotted time.

Can any caterer be used for my event?
Outside caterer's are welcome but must provide Pierce Castle with a certificate of liability insurance and health department permit.

What about wedding or specialty cakes?
Yes, specialty cakes such as wedding, birthday or anniversary cakes may be brought into Pierce Castle at no additional charge, but delivery must occur on the day of your event during your allotted time.

Is alcohol permitted at Pierce Castle?
Pierce Castle employees cannot serve, sell, or provide alcohol.  If you choose to bring alcohol onto the premises, you must have a responsible adult to serve it.

Are bands and DJ's allowed at Pierce Castle?
Yes.  Pierce Castle provides the power, but the bands/DJ must provide their own tables, linens, sound, lighting equipment and any extension cords they may need. Pierce Castle is located in Newton County, so noise ordinances must be taken into account.  All events must conclude by 11pm.

What can be thrown at my wedding?
The age-old custom of pelting the newly married couple with rice to ensure fertility is charming; but unfortunately hazardous to wildlife.  Bird seed, biodegradable rose petals, and bubbles are some acceptable alternatives.  No confetti or other manmade materials including silk rose pets shall be thrown or used as decorations outdoors.  We do not allow the throwing of anything, or the use of bubbles inside the castle or ballroom.
 
What about a rehearsal if I am holding my wedding at Pierce Castle?
For Saturday full-facility rental package weddings, a one and a half hour rehearsal is included on Friday as the property is reserved for your wedding and your wedding alone for the entire weekend.  For all other packages you are permitted time on property only during the timeframe as specified in your package rental.  

May I bring in my own flowers/decorations for my event?
Outside decorators are not allowed. Couples will coordinate with our in-house decorator to bring their wedding dreams to life. Outside florist are welcome as there is currently no florist on staff for new bookings.

When can I visit Pierce Castle to view the space?
An appointment must be made to ensure that your visit does not coincide with another scheduled event and all appointments must work around booked events.  To book an appointment, please email us at piercecastle.ms@gmail.com. You may also call or text Glenda at 60-745-0994.

Is Pierce Castle ADA accessible?
Yes.  Please note that the facility rentals that include bridal dressing quarters inside the Castle itself are located on the second floor of the Castle and are accessible only by stairs.

Does the rental fee include tables and chairs?
Yes.  Pierce Castle has tables and chairs available for your use.  Should they not meet all your requirements, you may rent or bring in additional tables and chairs from the vendor of you choice.  Additional fees may apply if rental equipment is delivered or picked up outside the time of your rental agreement.

Are linens included?
No linens/decor are included in the facility rental fee. 

When can I set up, and how much time do I have for tear down?
Pierce Castle rental period is specified by the package selected when you book your event.  Additional time can be purchased upon request.

Are candles allowed?
Only battery operated candles are allowed.  Please note that all pyrotechnic items must be approved, in writing, by Pierce Castle more than 30 days before your event.

Does Pierce Castle have any photography requirements?
You are welcome to take pictures at Pierce Castle during your allotted event time.  If another time is requested, we will try to accommodate you but cannot guarantee it.  Full-facility rental Saturday wedding packages include use of the property prior to your wedding for engagement photos free of charge, but you must schedule an appointment to ensure availability.

Does Pierce Castle charge to take photos on their property?
For events booked at Pierce Castle, you can take photos during your allotted time frame.  For all others interested in taking photos on property, our photography fees are by the hour and include access to our ballroom restrooms to freshen up/change clothes.  The fee is payable by you or your photographer via exact Cash or Check and rates are as follows: 
                        2 Hours  $200.  Additional time can be purchased at $100. per hour.
No photographer is provided by Pierce Castle.
Please feel free to share your photos with us after your event.  Our hashtag is #PierceCastle on both Facebook and Instagram.

May I hold a date while I make a decision?
We understand that important decisions take time, but the only way to hold a date is to book it.  Your non-refundable deposit, signed contract reserves the date for you, is applied to your total facility rental cost, and can be transferred to another date.

Do you offer any discounts?
Our prices are non-negotiable, but we do offer discounted rates for qualified charitable organizations on our event space.  If you represent a charitable organization and to see if you qualify, please submit information regarding your event and your organization to Pierce Castle via the Contact Us form or via email.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by cash, check, credit cards, PayPal, or Venmo.

What are your policies for cancellation or changing a date?
To cancel or change an event, the event host must notify Pierce Castle in writing no less than 60 days prior to reserve date to receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.  
Cancellations/changes less than 60 days out will receive NO refund of any fee/deposit payments.

What are your policies for reserving the cabin?
The Cabin requires a two-night reservation, and a date is reserved with a $50 deposit, paid by cash or check.  The remaining balance is due upon check in.  A two-night reservation is $400. total, with a 3rd night optional for a reduced rate of $150.  Please note this rate is for no more than 4 adult guests.  Events hosted at the Cabin are assigned a different rate and are available on our Events page.