Walnut Grove Farm FAQs

FAQs

WHAT IS YOUR NORMAL SCHEDULING SEASON?

Walnut Grove Farm is a National Register farmstead. It’s a real barn that is cooled with open doors and fresh air and heated with propane tower heaters.   We consider our farm a warm-weather facility.  We typically book weddings and receptions from May thru October.  If mid-week dates work better for your schedule, we have done that too!  We do weekend and daily rentals.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’VE PLANNED AN OUTDOOR CEREMONY AND IT RAINS?

In case of inclement weather, your ceremony can be held in the BARN. If you’re also holding your reception in the BARN, we will work with you to create a plan that will work for both your ceremony and reception. Couples with large guest lists have chosen to have an event tent “on hold” in case of inclement weather.

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN WE HAVE FOR OUR CEREMONY / RECEPTION?

The farm facility maximum is 300 guests.  280 chairs can be set up in the barn for a ceremony.  Receptions can seat 180 comfortably in the barn. A larger guest list requires a separate event tent. 

CAN WE CHOOSE OUR OWN VENDORS?

Of course, you can! That is one of the many benefits of having your special day at Historic Walnut Grove Farm.  Couples who are DIYers thrive in our space, if you need help, just ask! We have a list of people who can provide services for your wedding.  We are the retail florist of choice and will work with you if you or your family want to do a portion of your flowers. 

CAN WE BRING IN SOME OF OUR OWN FOOD FOR OUR RECEPTION?

Yes, you may bring in your own food or select your own caterer. If choosing to take care of your own food, you must have a certified food handler in charge of the reception and work with the Knox County Health Department to fulfill their requirements for a temporary food permit.  We can suggest caterers if you are needing assistance in search of a caterer.   We are more than happy to work with you to meet your catering needs.

CAN WE SERVE ALCOHOL AT OUR WEDDING?

You may serve alcohol.  You must secure guest host liquor liability insurance for the time that you are at Walnut Grove Farm. We will need a certificate of insurance one month in advance. A weekend rental needs a weekend Guest Host Liquor Liability Policy. For Guest Host Liquor Liability Guidelines, see the last page of your wedding packet. Click here for more information.

ARE THERE RESTROOMS AT THE FARM?

We have installed a commercial septic system and restrooms. We are very pleased with how our team installed the restrooms in our historic barn. In the old granary space, they are inconspicuous but very convenient. Take the restoration tour.

THERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL THINGS WE WOULD LIKE AS ELEMENTS IN OUR CEREMONY AND/OR RECEPTION, CAN WE DO THIS? 

We work with you so you can customize your special day, but if you don’t see something listed that you would like to include in your wedding day, just let us know and we will help you as much as we can.   For further use guidelines, click here.

WHY ARE THERE SOME DATES THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR OUR WEDDING ON THE FARM?

Walnut Grove Farm hosts annual events in early October, Mid-November, and throughout the year, that people across the region eagerly anticipate. This includes The Knox County Scenic Drive Barn Fest, which occurs the first two weekends of October, Christmas at Walnut Grove Farm which occurs the weekend of Thanksgiving, classes, music concerts, and other private events.

We choose not to hold multiple events on the same day so that we can focus on each event and give the attention it needs. We are currently accepting reservations Mid-May – -Early-November. The property will be unavailable for weddings from the months of December through April. 

WHAT IF GUESTS WANT TO STAY LONGER THAN THE RENTAL HOURS?

We understand that celebrations can go a little longer than planned. You and your guests are welcome to stay for an additional venue rental fee.   The guests leave when the bride and groom are gone.  Weekend rental hours are: 9 am to 9 pm on Friday.  9 am to midnight Saturday, 9 till noon on Sunday.

WILL SOMEONE BE ON PROPERTY TO HELP ME WITH MY SPECIAL DAY?

Yes, our staff will be on-site on the day of your wedding till after you say good night to your guests.  If you need help, we will be there.