Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can your event venue host at one time?
The typical indoor setup request for an event or wedding would be a DJ, Head Table, Buffet Table and Cake Table. With this setup, we can accommodate 150 guests with round tables and up to 175 with long tables. Indoors, we can host up to 184 with round tables and over 200 with long tables. Outdoors, we can host up to 125 with round tables and up to 175 with a mix of long and round tables. A garden ceremony can host up to 200 guests. The tent (available during peak season) can accommodate up to 64 guests (8 per table) with round tables.
Are we allowed to bring our own food/catering?
The Hidden Gem offers full in-house banquet services. Outside catering is permitted only when requested menu selections cannot be provided by our venue. Outside food must be provided by Licensed and Insured Caterers and cooked at the Caterer's place of business. Food must arrive on-site hot and ready to serve buffet style. We do not permit use of the kitchen. Please contact us to create a customized menu to meet your needs OR click on the "Full Catering Menu" button on the Services Page for our pre-set menu options. We offer both onsite and offsite catering!
Can we bring our own alcohol?
We are a liquor licensed event venue and cannot permit outside alcohol on our property at any time -including the parking lot. Failure for clients or their guests to comply will result in the immediate loss of the client's damage deposit. No exceptions.
How much does it cost to host an event at your venue?
Please visit our services page for more information regarding our pricing and services. Once you have an idea of which services you might be interested in, we can provide an estimate for you in writing! Please email info@thehiddengemvenue.com for more information.
Do you have regular office hours?
We love meeting with guests, but due to scheduled events, tours and meetings, we are often unable to accommodate walk-ins. We ask that guests contact us to schedule a time to come in. This ensures that we have staff available to serve you. We are open by appointment only and can be reached by emailing info@thehiddengemvenue.com or by calling us at (517) 699-5595 at any time. Please note that emails do receive a faster response time.
Can we smoke at all or use marijuana in any form?
Both the indoor and outdoor areas of our venue are licensed eating areas. Neither smoking nor vaping are permitted. We permit limited cigarette use outdoors in a far corner of our property where a cigarette disposal is present. We do NOT permit use of any recreational drugs in any form on our property. Failure to comply will result in the immediate loss of the client's damage deposit and/or fines.
What is the booking process?
A non-refundable retainer and signed contract are required to book a date. This retainer is non-refundable because it holds the date of interest, making it impossible for anyone else to book the date. We do NOT hold dates without a contract and retainer. The amount of the retainer is determined by the date requested. We accept most forms of payment including a virtual option. However, checks are most preferred. Credit Card payments require a 3% additional fee.
Can we bring in our own DJ, Florist, or Decorations?
Yes. We do request to speak with all vendors before they arrive to ensure that our policies are followed and we also have to ensure that enough time has been purchased for vendors to set up and clean up. As for decorations, we do not allow holes for hanging nor do we allow anything to be attached to our walls, floors or ceilings, etc. at any time by using any method. We do not allow open flames or confetti of any kind (including confetti balloons) or flower petals. Any damage to the building or excessive dirt/mess left after an event will result in the immediate loss of the client's damage deposit.