FAQ

Reception + Ceremony Space

Q: What is your capacity?
A: The Cheney Place can host wedding receptions for up to 300 guests and wedding ceremonies for up 225 guests. Our cocktail hour space on the second floor can comfortably fit all of your guests.
Q: How long do I get the space?
A: Your wedding venue rental includes access to the space at 10:00 am. We do provide early access when needed for $250/hour. Your event ends no later than 11:30pm and we ask that all guests and vendors are gone by 12:30am. Remember, with our included day-of-coordination, we’ll do all your tear down so you have plenty of time to say your goodbyes and gather your personal items.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: We have free on-site parking which covers most events. For larger events, we are surrounded with wide empty roads with free street parking available. Our parking attendants will help direct your guests as needed. Handicapped parking is available by the front door in our loading dock lot.
Q: Are you able to have a wedding ceremony at the space?
A: Most of our weddings do! We can host ceremonies for up to 225. But talk to us if you need a little larger because we have tricks up our sleeve and can actually seat 250.
Q: When can I set up?
A: Our doors open at 10:00 for setup. That’s when you and your vendors have access to the space. But keep in mind, with our full coordination, we can take care of all of that for you! If there is no wedding the day before yours, we can usually arrange to begin your setup the day before your event. Talk with our staff a month prior to your event to confirm the earliest we can start your setup.
Q: Do you provide tables and chairs?
A: Absolutely! And so much more. We have enough tables that you can go all rounds, all longs, or use a hybrid layout. We also have two chair seating options available for your ceremony and reception, not to mention our pews and a warehouse full of furniture you can choose from to decorate your reception space at no additional cost.
Q: When can I host a rehearsal for my event?
A: We can confirm your rehearsal day and time 90 days prior to your events. Unless other events are scheduled, we usually schedule one-hour ceremony rehearsals the Thursday prior to your event. If there is no event the evening prior to yours, we would be happy to schedule your rehearsal at that time.

Wedding Vendors

Q: Can I bring in my own caterer?
A: We ask you to choose from our list of eight caterers for your dinner or main meal. The only other thing your caterer may need to take care of is any perishable “real food” for your cocktail hour. We work with a list of caterers who know our building well and are familiar with how events run in our space. This is so important for making sure food service goes great! You are welcome to bring in your own food for getting ready, non-perishable cocktail hour snacks, desserts and late night snacks. We simply ask that this food was originally prepared in a licensed kitchen which would include anything you purchase from a grocery store, restaurant or bakery.
Q: What is the policy on alcohol/beverage services
A: All alcohol must be purchased through and served by PUNCH, our in-house bar caterer, in accordance with Michigan Liquor Laws. Our packages are competitively priced and we provide full service to keep the beverages flowing smoothly all night.

Other FAQs

Q: Do you have limits on decorations?
A: Glitter and confetti is a hard no as it takes weeks to get it all cleaned up. Candles are permitted as long as the flame is fully protected by a hurricane or other glass container that protects contact with the flame. We have a warehouse full of furniture and decor to help you decorate your wedding, but you’re also welcome to bring in your own stuff and we’ll still help set it up and tear it down!
Q: Do you host corporate events?
A: Absolutely! Contact us for event specific pricing. .
Q: Can guest leave their vehicles parked in the lot overnight?
A: If your guests plan on drinking during your event, we ask that they plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home which could include Uber/Lyft or a designated driver. That said, if things didn’t go as planned, we do not want them driving at which point we understand if they need to leave their cars overnight. As we often have weddings the next day, we require all vehicles to be picked up no later than 10:00am. We may have cars towed f they are not picked up by this time to make sure guests have parking available the next day.
Q: Can we play music ourselves with devices such as our phone or iPod?
A: We don’t have many rules regarding vendors. We are your bar service and we ask that you use a caterer from our list. After that, you’re welcome to do what you want which includes who you want to play your music. With that said, we highly highly highly recommend having a DJ or sound professional to help your event run smooth as there’s so much more to it than just having a playlist.
Q: Can you refrigerate our cake or flowers?
A: We do have refrigerators to help with this! We ask that food or flowers are brought in the morning of your event, and any food or floral you want to keep must go home with you following your event. But we’ve got you with the fridges during your event.
Q: Do you clean up for us?
A: Yes. And so much more!! We set up. We run your event. And we take care of your full tear-down! It’s truly one of the best things we do!! While we work hard to protect all of your stuff, we are not responsible for any damaged or missing decor you choose to leave overnight.
Q: Can we come back the next day to collect decorations?
A: Yes!! Most people do! Your event manager will schedule a day and time with you for your pickup as we need to make sure someone is in the building when you arrive. We are not responsible for missing or damaged decor you choose to leave overnight, but we do our best to take good care of it!