FAQs
What is the rental fee and what does it include?
Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items.
What is the building capacity?
250 guests including bridal party.
What dates are available?
Please see the available dates information here.
Is there a deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. When the contract is signed, we want to hold the date for you so we require a $1,000 deposit. Nine months prior to the event 50% of the remaining fee will be due. The final installment will be required 30 days prior to the event. Full payment is due by the specified due date, however you are welcome to send in smaller, partial payments to create your own personal payment plan. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.
Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?
We would like you to choose from our preferred list because we know that they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day; however please talk to us about additional caterers and/or bar services that may meet the same criteria.
Will there be another wedding the same day?
At Willowbrook we only host one wedding a day to ensure that each couple receives the utmost attention that they deserve.
How do I reserve a date?
To reserve a date email us at willowbrookofdelaware@gmail.com. Tell us you are ready to book XYZ date and we will check to see if it is still available. We suggest including a back up date in the event your preferred date is no longer available. Prior to booking, we hope you are able to come out in person to visit us. You can request a tour (or a Facetime tour if you live out of the area) on our tour request page. Dates are reserved once a contract is in place.
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
We kindly request that you schedule an appointment for a tour. You can request a tour here.
What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Willowbrook?
Great Question! We believe the average budget for a couple getting married at Willowbrook is between $15,000-$25,000 (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.) But we certainly have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists that host beautiful weddings for less than $15,000. We also have had several events here where they have significantly spent more than the average.
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Yes. The Hampton and Comfort Suites are in Seaford 10 minutes away.
Tru by Hilton, Quality Inn and Microtel Inn & Suites in Georgetown are 15 minutes away.
All of these hotels are utilized by sports teams when they have tournaments close to town, so we encourage you to reserve a hotel room block soon.
How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?
150 cars.
Do you offer rectangle tables instead of round?
The majority of your guests will be seated at round tables but we do offer some farm tables that can be mixed throughout.
What happens in case of rain?
Because Willowbrook is an indoor/outdoor venue the ceremony can take place under roof inside the venue or under our pavilion as well to alleviate all stress. Check out all of our ceremony locations here.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (must have pre-approval) at the ceremony and pictures. No animals, other than service animals are allowed under roof or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone other than the bride or groom must be responsible for them.
Do you provide table linens, cups, silverware, etc?
No. Willowbrook provides an awesome venue, tables, and upgraded wedding chairs. Please contact Barton’s Grand Rental for any extra rental needs including linens.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at Willowbrook. Does fee change?
No. Because we choose to only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same.
What form of payment does Willowbrook accept?
We accept all forms of payment at Willowbrook.
My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?
We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. A soon as a date does become available we post it here.
Do you include a “wedding day coordinator?”
Tricky Question! We think its possible for the job duties of a “day-of wedding coordinator” to mean something different to you than it does to us, and the last thing we want is miscommunication. However, we do have a team leader who stays with you throughout your big day. This member of the Willowbrook team can be an extra set of hands and can assist with any questions from your vendors, etc. and do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and to be as stress free as possible. But we still do not consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
You will have access to the venue at the time listed on the contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly.
Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
No. Some Venues may have minimums because they make a 10-15% commission from a caterer. We choose NOT to do this because we want your food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows.
Planning Questions
When is the next open house?
If we have already had the chance to meet we welcome you to come to one of our open house events. Open house dates and the RSVP form can be found here.
How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event?
We have many options for your table layout. This can be determined in your online planner after booking.
Can we have fireworks on the property?
Fireworks are not permitted. This includes sparklers. We want to keep the fire department happy and we of course don’t want to scare our neighbors.
What time do you suggest we start the ceremony?
We suggest starting Friday weddings at 4:00 p.m., Saturday weddings between 3:00 and 4:00p.m., and Sunday weddings at 3:00p.m.
If we choose the one day option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony?
If you elect the one day rental, our venue will likely be reserved by another couple the night before. If the venue is not rented, we can accommodate a rehearsal with pre-approval. The pre-approval will not be given until 30 days prior. A one hour rehearsal is included in your price. If it is rented, please plan accordingly for an offsite rehearsal or we can choose an earlier day in the week for your rehearsal. You are also welcome to bring anyone who may feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as DJ, officiant, or little ones in the wedding party) to one of our monthly open houses.
Can vehicles be left overnight?
No vehicles can be left overnight. We do however know that situations may arise when this can’t be helped. We ask that you find a team member so we can show you where to park the car. Please advise your guests of this policy so they can plan ahead. We appreciate your understanding.
Can we get married somewhere else on the property other than the under roof venue or outdoor patio?
One of the great things about Willowbrook is that we have different options available. Along with our under roof venue and outdoor pavilion, we offer our courtyard, our rock quarry waterfall for smaller gatherings, a beautiful setting down by the pond, or our magical woods setting. Please visit us at one of our monthly open houses to see the options in person. Open house dates and RSVP forms here
What time does the music need to end?
Music on Friday’s/Saturday’s needs to end at 10:00p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are cleaned up and leaving by 10:30 p.m. Music on Sunday’s must conclude by 9:00 p.m. and all persons leaving by 9:30 p.m.
Are candles allowed?
Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a glass votive or glass container. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop off items or pick them up outside of the rental period?
All deliveries must happen during the standard rental period. Please advise your vendors of this policy.
Is it possible to seat 9 at a table?
We do not recommend this due to your guest’s comfort but in a pinch, we can certainly accommodate.
How do I obtain a marriage license?
Between 8-4p.m. Sussex County Courthouse. You must make an appointment (302) 853-1717.
How far in advance do you need our final headcount?
Two weeks.
Set up and Day-of Event Questions
Can we take pictures around the property?
Absolutely! Just ask us and we can certainly give you recommendations and also provide a golf cart ride to one of our pinterest worthy spots.
Are outside snacks and trays permitted?
Outside food and drink is permitted prior to the ceremony. It is not allowed after the start of event. Please no drinks in glass bottles.
Do you offer a bridal suite?
Yes! We offer a lovely bridal suite within the venue so the bride never has to be seen until she is ready. It comes equipped with a private bath, hair and makeup stations with state of the art lighting to create your perfect look, and a sitting area to relax to prepare for your big day. See Bridal suite here.
What is the event clean-up process?
Willowbrook staff will handle all standard clean up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception. (you must remove anything you want to keep by contracted leave time.)
Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?
We request that no holes are placed in walls. Our beams are unreachable by ladders and were designed to be beautiful on their own. We hope you find that they will compliment any style with no extra work.
Do we offer a room for the groom and his groomsmen?
Of course! We couldn’t leave them out. The Groom and his groomsmen can enjoy their own “grooms cave” on the property. It comes equipped with a TV, pool table and “hang out area.” See groom’s room here.
Catering Questions
What are my catering options?
We have given you some options that may work for you on our vendor page. Please see preferred list here.
How much should I expect to spend?
Our vendors offer budget friendly to a “no expense spared” options.
Does Willowbrook handle the catering orders directly or do I work with caterer?
Its most efficient for you to work directly with the caterer. Please see contact info for caterers here.
Photo by Mark Babin