FAQ’S & POLICIES
We’ve compiled a list of FAQ’s and Policies we are frequently asked about! Please be sure to consult your contract for the fine details regarding venue policies.
When are payments due?
We require a 50% non-refundable fee to secure your venue date. The remaining 50% is due 6 months before your wedding date.
What is the security deposit for?
A $500 security deposit is required two (2) weeks before your wedding date. This is to cover potential damage by your guests, and will be refunded within 30 business days following the wedding. If any damages have occurred, you will be notified and we will bill you for any repairs over and above the deposit.
What insurance is required to rent the space?
For a wedding where alcohol will be served, renters are required to obtain $5 million in party & alcohol liability insurance in their name and with 'The Knox Wedding & Event Venue Inc' added as an additional insured. The approximate cost is $150. We have partnered with Duuo Insurance to make this process seamless for our clients and provide all details upon booking your date.
If you are working with a bartending company, this insurance is required regardless of any insurance they have in place under their business.
Is the venue accessible?
There is one large step up to access the hall from the street and we do have a portable wheelchair ramp that can be provided, if desired. Once inside the building all areas are located on the same floor. There is a small step to access the back rooms from the main hall and we also have a small ramp that can be provided for this step, if desired. Our guest bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible at this time.
What parking is available?
There is ample free street parking near The Knox and throughout the village, all within a short walk of the venue.
Can we bring in outside catering and other vendors?
We encourage our couples to customize their wedding day so it is unique to them! There are many incredibly talented vendors in the Ottawa area. Please feel free to work with any vendor of your choice.
Can you recommend any vendors?
Absolutely! See the 'Recommended Vendors' section of the Brochure for more information.
What happens if we want to reschedule to another date?
Rescheduling to another date would require you to cancel your current contract and commit to a new contract for the new date.
In the event of a cancellation:
If more than six (6) months from the wedding date, the entire deposit (50% of the total booking fee) will be retained.
If less than six (6) months from the wedding date, the entire deposit will be retained and the balance of the total booking fee is payable.
Why does our reception need to end at 9PM (week day) / 11PM (weekend)?
Our reception end times comply with the noise by-law for the Village of Merrickville. We are also located next to residential properties and want to be respectful of our neighbours.
How late can I play music?
Amplified music can be played indoors between 11AM-10:45PM and must not exceed 65 dBA when heard outside of the building. Amplified music can be played outdoors between 11AM-8PM and must not exceed 65 dBA.
Is there accommodation nearby?
Yes! Check out the 'Recommended Vendors' section of the Brochure which includes a list of local accommodation (many within walking distance of the venue) in the area!
Can my dog attend our wedding/ceremony?
You are welcome to have your furry family member join you! They must be on a leash at all times and taken care of by someone in your party. They cannot be tied up anywhere on the property.
(Beginning in 2026) All Wedding clients (not Just The Ceremony clients) are required to have a Wedding Coordinator on-site for their wedding day. Why?
We require that clients have a Wedding Coordinator present on their wedding day to oversee all wedding day logistics and be a main point of contact for our staff and other vendors. This can be a paid professional wedding coordinator or an unpaid individual. The Wedding Coordinator must be a third party individual who is not attending the wedding as a guest in any capacity. In our experience, having a Wedding Coordinator involved in your wedding day ensures that the day runs smooth for you, yours guests and all vendors involved. As a result, this is required beginning in 2026 and beyond.
Do you have decoration restrictions?
No confetti/glitter/rice
No wish lanterns
Candles must be in a candleholder and enclosed in hurricane-type glass containers that are a minimum 1” taller than the highest level of the flame
No nails, screws, staples, or penetrating items shall be used on walls, wood, or other fine surfaces
All tape and gummed backing materials shall be properly removed by the Renter and any damage to walls, wood, or other fine surfaces shall be repaired by The Knox, the cost of which shall be deducted from the Security Deposit ****We suggest clients use 3M brand command hooks/strips for hanging items
Do you provide wedding coordination?
Yes! We offer In-house Wedding Coordination Services at an additional fee. See ‘Wedding Coordination Services’ section of the Brochure for more information.
*Please note that clients are welcome to work with external Wedding Planners/Designers/Coordinators. We want you to build the wedding team that is the best fit for you! We recommend some excellent Planners under the ‘Recommended Vendors’ section of the Brochure.
It says a Venue Coordinator will be there for our wedding day. What does the venue coordinator do?
A Venue Coordinator will be present for your entire wedding day. They are there to ensure you and your vendors have what you need to operate in the venue successfully. They're also a helping hand on the big day! They will jump in and lend a hand as needed throughout the day. Please note that the Venue Coordinator is not a Wedding Coordinator and not responsible for the setup and coordination of your wedding. If you are interested in hiring a Wedding Coordinator, we offer In-house Wedding Coordination Services for our Weekend & Weekday Weddings at an additional fee. See ‘Wedding Coordination Services’ section of the Brochure for more information.
Do you offer furniture and decor rentals?
We offer in-house linen rentals which can be found on our website but we don’t offer any other rental items. Check out the 'Recommended Vendors' section of the Brochure which includes a list of rental and decor companies in the area!
Do you have a liquor license?
We are not liquor licensed.
If you would like to serve alcohol at your wedding, we require that you (the renter) purchase a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) ($45) in your name through the AGCO. Upon booking, we provide you with all of the information you require to apply. The application process takes approx. 15 minutes to complete.
This is a requirement regardless of what permits/licenses are held by bartending companies you are working with.
All alcohol must be purchased under the permit. You must also ensure that bartenders are hired to serve alcohol at your wedding and that they are Smart Serve certified. The Knox requires that a copy of their Smart Serve certification be provided in advance of the wedding day.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
Yes! Under a Special Occasion Permit (SOP), you are able to purchase alcohol under the permit from the LCBO and bring it into the venue to be served to your guests by a Smart Serve Bartender.
Upon booking, we provide you with all of the information you require to apply. The application process takes approx. 15 minutes to complete.
Are there any restrictions around where and when alcohol can be served/consumed at venue?
Once you have purchased your Special Occasion Permit, alcohol may be served and consumed in the Main Hall & Office/Wedding Suite and within the Lawn Area designated on the The Knox Floor Plan, found under 'The Venue' section of the Brochure.
Indoor bar service can operate between the hours of 11AM-11PM.
Outdoor bar service can operate for a maximum of two consecutive hours between 11AM-8PM.
Who can use the kitchen?
The kitchen functions as a prep kitchen only. Therefore all cookings & cleaning must be completed off-site. The kitchen can be used to heat and prepare meals for serving and can be utilized by renters or caterers for this purpose. There must be someone with a Food Handler Certification onsite if food is being handled.
What tableware/kitchen supplies are provided?
Our kitchen is equipped with a small number of basic tableware and kitchen supplies. We do not provide cutlery, glassware or tableware for weddings and clients must rent those items from a rental or catering company. Check out the 'Recommended Vendors' section of the Brochure for a list of rental and catering companies we recommend.
Can food trucks/mobile bars operate on the property?
A hand drawn cart or pedal powered vehicle that serves food or beverages can be parked on the lawn or inside the venue.
No vehicles may drive on the lawn unless it has been pre-approved by us or we have specified that an exception has been made. This can cause damage to our lawn.
Food trucks and mobile kitchens may be parked on the street outside the venue and may be used to prepare food but food must be served to guests inside the Main Hall or on the Lawn. Food cannot be served directly to guests from the truck on the street (due to town by-laws).
Mobile bars cannot be parked on the street, alcohol service is not permitted on the street/public property.
Can we use sparklers as part of our exit?
Sparklers are allowed outside but must remain on the property and must be disposed of in a container of sand or water after use.
When can we set-up for our wedding/ceremony?
Setup must be completed within the rental period specified for your package.
When can we clean-up after our wedding?
Clean-up time is included in the rental period specified for your package.