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IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS … WE HAVE ANSWERS
THE MANSION
WHAT IS THE MANSION RENTAL FEE AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
You may find complete venue pricing and inclusions on our website here.
WILL THERE BE ANOTHER WEDDING THE SAME DAY?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! The entire mansion is completely reserved and private for you and your guests.
CAN I GET MARRIED AT THE CHATOL? CAN I HAVE MY REHEARSAL DINNER AT THE CHATOL?
YES! You have complete freedom to use any part of the main house and grounds during your rental to create your special day. Many brides may find our Two Day Venue Rental Package a great way to take in all that The Chatol has to offer, including rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, while relaxing and celebrating at the mansion for the entire day prior to the big day.
WHAT IS THE MANSION CAPACITY?
We are currently limiting the guest count to 180 guests, including the wedding party and hosts.
ARE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE AT THE CHATOL?
Yes! The Chatol boasts four (4) beautifully designed Art Deco style guest rooms to accommodate up to 8 overnight guests the evening of your rental.
RESERVING YOUR DATE & PAYMENTS
WHAT DATES ARE AVAILABLE?
Current available date information can be found on our website here.
IF MY PREFERRED DATE IS NOT AVAILABLE, DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION WAITING LIST?
We do not maintain a cancellation waiting list. As soon as dates become available for any reason they are updated on our website here.
HOW DO I RESERVE A DATE? WHEN IS A PAYMENT REQUIRED TO SAVE MY DATE?
All dates are reserved on a first come first serve basis. A signed contract and $1,000 payment are required to reserve and hold any future dates.
WHEN ARE ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS DUE? DO YOU OFFER A PAYMENT PLAN?
The $1,000 payment submitted with your signed contract is applied as an initial installment to the venue rental fee. Nine (9) months prior to the event 50% of the remaining balance is due with the final balance due 90 days prior to the event. If you would like to place a credit card on file with The Chatol, we are happy to create a monthly payment schedule for you. Full payment is required as outlined by the dates above.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES THE CHATOL ACCEPT?
We accept payment via cash, check or credit card.
WE PLAN TO HAVE OUR WEDDING CEREMONY OFFSITE. DOES THIS REDUCE OUR VENUE RENTAL FEE?
The Main House Venue Rental Rates are for the rental of the venue and are not adjusted according to use.
DO YOU INCLUDE A WEDDING DAY COORDINATOR IN YOUR RENTAL FEES?
- We will have a dedicated Chatol staff member who will be available to you all day to assist as needed, but they are not a Wedding Day Coordinator. The staff member will help however they can, whether it be decorating, greeting vendors, answering questions or taking pictures, etc. They are there to support you and help ensure that your day is as smooth and free of stress as possible.
- In the event you would also like to have a Wedding Day Coordinator on site for your wedding, we can recommend several professional wedding planners, that would certainly be able to assist you with your plans.
VENUE TOURS & OPEN HOUSES
DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CAN I JUST STOP BY?
The Chatol House and Gardens is a private historic home, so we kindly ask that all tours are by appointment only. You may request a tour here.
WHEN IS THE NEXT OPEN HOUSE?
- Twice per year The Chatol will host a “Meet & Greet” Open House. There events are designed for prospective couples to tour the mansion and meet some of our favorite wedding partners in one easy visit. Reservations are required.
- Our “Chatol Couples” Open Houses are designed for couples who have already had a private tour of The Chatol. If you have already toured and would like to visit again, you are welcome to attend any of our exclusive couples open houses. Reservations are required.
- Upcoming “Meet & Greet” and “Chatol Couples” Open House dates and the RSVP form can be found here.
- If you have not visited The Chatol for a private tour, you may request a tour here.
MAY WE TAKE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS AND FAMILY PHOTOS AT THE CHATOL PRIOR TO THE WEDDING? WHAT ABOUT THE DAY OF THE WEDDING?
YES! You are welcome to visit The Chatol with your photographer and any other guests for engagement and family photos during any of our exclusive “Chatol Couples Only” monthly open houses. Photos the day of the wedding may be taken in The Chatol or on the grounds during the hours provided and as specified in your rental contract. Be sure to ask us recommendations for some of our favorite photo spots!
PLANNING & LOGISTICS
WHEN DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE A FINAL GUEST COUNT?
Fourteen (14) days prior to your event.
HOW MANY CARS CAN YOUR PARKING LOT ACCOMMODATE? IS STREET PARKING ALLOWED IN FRONT OF THE CHATOL? WHAT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS STAYING OVERNIGHT IN COLUMBIA?
Our venue parking lot has limited parking and is reserved exclusively during wedding ceremonies and receptions for overnight guests and wedding vendor parking. As a courtesy to our neighbors, and due to city regulations, street parking is not allowed on the streets surrounding The Chatol. We offer complimentary valet parking service during the entire event for your guests included with your venue rental. For guests staying overnight in Columbia, one of the local hotels has offered to provide free shuttle service to and from The Chatol for overnight hotel guests. In addition, we have arranged special venue pricing for continuous circulator shuttles to and from The Chatol for pre-determined pick-up/drop-off spots in Columbia and other surrounding communities should you choose to offer that service to your guests.
ARE TENTS ALLOWS ON THE PROPERTY?
YES! We have four (4) level acres surrounding The Chatol where tents may be set up for ceremonies, receptions or other activities. Ask us about our highly recommended tent rental vendor.
ARE YOU PET FRIENDLY? CAN MY DOG BE PART OF OUR WEDDING DAY?
We are pet friendly, with some stipulations. ALL pets must be approved in writing by our owner Tam during the Venue Planning Meeting 45 days prior to the event. Approved pets will only be allowed at The Chatol during the ceremony and for family photos at the times and locations outlined in the written document referenced above. For safety and health reasons, family pets will not be allowed to remain at The Chatol during the reception or other events. The person designated in the written document above will be responsible for ensuring that the pet is removed from The Chatol and receiving proper care.
IF WE CHOOSE THE ONE DAY RENTAL OPTION, WILL WE BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE VENUE EARLY TO REHEARSE OUR CEREMONY?
For ceremony rehearsals the day prior to the wedding, couples should plan for an offsite rehearsal. Of course, you are welcome to bring anyone you choose to any of our Open Houses. This may be a great option for bringing ceremony officiants, musicians, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers or little participants to the see the venue and rehearse prior to the big day.
WHAT TIME DOES THE MUSIC NEED TO END?
As a courtesy to our neighbors and city regulations, all outdoor music and activities must move indoors no later than 9:45pm. Music within the venue may continue until 10:45pm. This will allow time for your vendors to access the home for event pick-up and be off the property by the midnight.
WHAT IS THE VENUE CLEAN-UP PROCESS?
The Chatol staff handle all trash removal and standard clean-up throughout your rental period and following the reception. If you hired a rental company or other outside vendors, they will be responsible for picking up their items during the reception clean-up period stated in your contract.
HOW DO WE OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE?
Information about obtaining a Boone County Missouri Marriage License can be found at https://www.showmeboone.com/recorder/marriage-license.asp
CATERING & BEVERAGE SERVICE
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR CATERING AND BEVERAGE SERVICE AT THE CHATOL?
We have selected some of our favorite caterers at a variety of price points to provide food and beverage service at The Chatol. Many of these caterers have worked with our owner Tam for many years, even catering for her in her personal home. Please visit our catering page (coming soon) to check out our favorite caterers and their sample menus and pricing.
DO I WORK WITH THESE CATERERS THROUGH THE CHATOL, OR MAY I CONTACT THE CATERERS DIRECTLY?
All of our recommended caterers provide high quality food and exceptional service. Because of this, we believe it will be most efficient and cost effective for our couples to work directly with their chosen caterer regarding menu selection. Simply contact your chosen caterer(s) directly, let them know you are a Chatol Bride and schedule a tasting. Visit our catering page (coming soon) for information on each caterer, sample menus and pricing.
DO WE HAVE TO USE ONE OF THE RECOMMENDED CATERERS FOR OUR EVENT?
- At this time we are not requiring couples to use one of our preferred caterers, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Our owner Tam has worked with each preferred caterer to ensure that the food quality, presentation, service and work flow are what everyone hopes for their wedding day. While other caterers may be able to come into The Chatol and provide a great experience, when things do go bad, they go bad for everyone … especially the couple and their guests. We hope you will take this into consideration when considering outside food and beverage service for your once in a lifetime.
- All exceptions for food or beverage service must receive approval in writing from our owner Tam.
MAY WE HAVE OUR OWN SNACK FOODS AND BEVERAGES AT THE CHATOL?
Yes, outside snack foods and beverages are permitted at The Chatol prior to the ceremony/reception. If you choose to bring your own, we highly recommend using the home’s original Kitchen to store and prepare your food and beverages. The venue commercial Kitchen is restricted to use by food service professionals. Once the event begins all food and beverage service must be prepared and served by one of our licensed and insured catering/beverage partners.
DO YOU PROVIDE CHINA, FLATWARE, GLASSWARE AND NAPKINS IN THE VENUE RENTAL FEE?
Some of our recommended caterers include china, flatware, glassware and napkins as part of their full service catering. If these items are not provided by your chosen caterer, we happily offer those items to you free of charge from our banquet inventory.
VENUE SET-UP & DECOR
WHAT TYPE OF TABLES, CHAIRS AND LINENS ARE INCLUDED WITH MY RENTAL?
A current list of tables, chairs and included linens are available on our website here.
WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE FOR ARRANGING TABLES, CHAIRS, HEAD TABLE, ETC. FOR MY RECEPTION?
During our Venue Planning Meeting 45 days prior to your event we will determine the best layout for your estimated guest count. In the mean time, please view our Chatol Floor Plan here & Suggested Ballroom Table Configurations (coming soon).
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE SEATED AT THE 60 INCH AND 72 INCH ROUND BANQUET TABLES?
The 60 inch round banquet tables comfortably seat 8 guests each, and uncomfortably 9 guests. We highly recommend 8 guests for the 60 inch rounds. The 72 inch round banquet tables seat 10 guests comfortably. In a pinch we have seated 12 people at the 72 inch tables for a business meeting, but because of the social nature of a wedding reception 10 is really best for the 72 inch rounds.
WHEN DO I HAVE TO MAKE FINAL DECISION REGARDING CUSTOM LINENS AND DECORATING INVENTORY SELECTIONS?
We request final decorating decisions 45 days prior to the event. We will review these items during in our Venue Planning Meeting.
WE ARE USING A RENTAL COMPANY AND SEVERAL OUTSIDE VENDORS. CAN THEY DROP OFF OR PICK UP ITEMS OUTSIDE OF THE RENTAL PERIOD?
All deliveries and set-up must happen during the rental period stated in your contract. Please advise your vendors of this policy.
WHERE CAN I FIND PHOTOS OF THE AVAILABLE WEDDING DECOR INVENTORY?
We will have photos of our available wedding decor inventory on the website soon.
ARE CANDLES ALLOWED?
Yes, candles are allowed, but the flame must be completely contained within the candleholder.
MAY WE TAPE, NAIL OR HANG DECORATIONS FROM THE WALLS, BEAMS OR CEILING IN THE CHATOL?
Due to the historic significance of The Chatol House & Gardens we kindly ask that you do not tape, nail or otherwise hang decorations from the walls, beams, light fixtures, ceiling or other areas of the home. When we meet to discuss your final decorating plan 45 days prior to your event we will discuss your decorating options in detail and do what we can to accommodate helping you realize your vision. Any “hanging” decorations that we approve will be updated in your rental contract. We also have several areas with permanent hooks that you are welcome to use for decorating.
WHEN WILL I (OR MY VENDORS) BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE CHATOL TO DECORATE?
Our standard rental venue opening time is 1:00pm the day of the event. Each wedding may be slightly different. You will have access to The Chatol at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. So please plan accordingly.
AND FINALLY…
- HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE ‘CHATOL’ AND WHY IS THE HOME SIGNIFICANT?
- Chatol {Sha-Tall} is significant as the home of F. Gano Chance, former President and Chairman of the Board of the A.B.Chance Company – internationally known and responsible for several important developments in telephone and industrial technology. The beautiful International Moderne style home was built in 1940 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On an architectural plane, the home is remarkable not only for its large size, at over 10,000 square feet, but also because it is one of one very few known examples of International Style architecture in the Midwest. Today, Chatol remains in the Chance family and is owned by Tam & Gilmore Stone.
Are you ready to become a #ChatolBride?
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