cottage faqs

Q: Will we see any fairies?
A: It's possible! Although shy, they are very curious. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse!

Q: What guest count does the cottage max out at?
A: The cottage maxes out at 25 wedding guests. The couple, lap children and vendors do not count in your guest count. As much as we'd love to accomodate more, that number is firm. Please note: The number '25' is for wedding guests, not overnight guests. The cottage will sleep up to 4.

Q: How does the Two Realms package work with the guest count?
A: With so many of you wanting a combo package, we created the Two Realms! We're all about options over here. The trick with that package is that while up to 50 guests are permitted at the greenhouse, only 25 guests are permitted at the cottage. If your full guest count is over 25, this package may not be best for you. If you're a greenhouse girlie but still want the cottage, you can add on a couple nights and/or a rehearsal dinner to get the best of both realms.

Q: How do I see available dates?
A: We need to see what you're interested in first! Selections with our in-house vendors get weekend priority. Your selections will depend on the calendars we check for date availability. Once we see your brochure, we'll send you open dates for your desired month/year.

Q: Are we able to schedule a tour?
A: The cottage is not available for tours at this time, however after it's completed, we'll do our best to find a spot for booked wedding couples to tour. Availability is extremely limited between the wedding schedule, AirBnb schedule and photoshoot schedule. We will have a virtual tour option once it's completed! 

Q: How do payments work?
A: Your payment schedule is typically broken down into 1/4s, depending the size of your package and how far out your date is. 

Q: How does parking work?
A: We encourage carpooling! We can park up to 12-15 guest vehicles. Vendors may use the driveway by the fence to unload and park. Carpooling/shuttle service or Uber/Lyft is required if you are expecting more vehicles than that. Overflow parking is available if needed.

Q: What about alcohol?
A: A liquor license is required to serve alcohol. You can bring in and self-serve, or we recommend a company called The Go Bar. They are here quite a bit and are a huge hit with guests!

Q: What do we do for music?
A: Because of the unique location of our space, we cannot allow a DJ, bands (string instruments like acoustic guitar, harp, cello, etc. are fine!), microphones or large speakers. Please create a Spotify playlist (you can do this for free!) and share it with us. Based on your music answers in the questionnaire, our coordinators will connect to our sound system and play whatever you want, whenever you want!

Q: How much do couples typically spend for a wedding here?
A: That's the beauty of our venue! It's turn-key, and a ceremony doesn't require any additional decor. With our in-house services, you're able to build your own package to suite your needs and budget. While most of our couples utilize all the services we're able to provide, we also offer the option to bring in your own vendors or for a DIY wedding. Our couples have a wide range of budgets. Everywhere from $2500 for our Storybook weddings, or upwards of $35,000 or more, depending on the in-house options that are selected. Keep in mind, you are not required to use our in-house services!

Q: We'd be coming from out of state. Can you recommend any local vendors for us?
A: Yes! Most of our couples are from out of state! We supply a list of local, recommended vendors once your brochure is submitted. Hotels/airbnbs, officiants, caterers, local restaurants, hair/makeup, etc. All tried and true, all offering expert services. 

Q: Do you allow dogs?
A: Yes! Please bring a leash (if they are runners and explorers) and baggies to pick up after them. There is a $250 pet fee, per pet, for up to 2 small dogs at the cottage. 

Q: Is the cottage wheelchair accessible?
A: Unfortunately, it is not. There are too many stairs! 

Q: How do the florals and styling services work?
A: We want to see your Pinterest board with all your inspiration photos! Be sure to pin colors, arrangements, setups, etc. that you've seen and love. We will recreate it for you, completely unique and custom to you. We supply the decor, set it all up and tear it all down. It will be completed and done when you arrive on the wedding day.

If you do not select our Decor & Styling services, you are welcome to send someone in up to 2 hours prior to the ceremony start time to setup. You will also need to designate someone to stay after to pack up all your belongings. 

Q: What do we do for food?
A: We provide a recommended vendor list for you! You're welcome to chose from our listed vendors who have been here before and do an excellent job, or do your own research and bring someone in. If you bring in a caterer not on our list, please have them contact us - they will have questions! It's also popular to cater in your favorite restaurant (Ex: Chipotle, Olive Garden, etc.). Or if you're local, a big pot luck is always a huge hit! Vaughan House staff is not permitted to handle food, so please make sure you have all cutlery needed and food servers!

Q: Are there restrooms?
A: Yes! Your guests will use the restroom in the Den on the bottom level.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The ceremony and reception will be moved inside on the Main Level. Your wedding guests will have access to the Den & Main Level, however we will block off the Main Bedchamber for your privacy.

Q: What does a wedding day look like?
A: We want things to be as laid back and stressless as possible. We ask guests and your officiant to arrive about 15 minutes early. Our coordinator will greet your guests as they arrive, help them park and get everyone seated. Our coordinators will make sure your ceremony begins on time. After that, it's typically cocktail hour, family pictures, couple portraits and the reception!

Q: Is there a place for dancing?
A: Yes! There is plenty of space on the Upper and Lower patios, as well as the Courtyard.

Q: Are there any additional fees added on?
A: Please note: Due to Virginia Lodging laws, an additional $123 per night will be added to your proposal. Virginia Sales Tax is 5.3% ($53) and per Bedford County, the Virginia Transient Lodging Tax is 7% ($70.) This applies to any package that includes overnight stays as well. This is only applied to your selected amount of overnight stays, not the full proposal amount. 

Q: Do you offer any discounts? Or discounts for weekday vs. weekend dates?
A: So sorry! We're not offering discounts at this time. Pricing is the same year-round.

Q: Are you LGBT friendly?
A: Yes, we are!

“It was so amazing to just be able to put all the planning, decorating and setting everything up onto to someone who wasn’t a treasured guest. I sent Megan a Pinterest board of what I envisioned and she brought it to life even better than I could have imagined. Being able to speak with one person when it came to the venue, flowers, decorations, video, photography, coordination made everything SO MUCH easier because I wasn’t waiting on 8 different people to email me back.”

"I was the person that didn't want a wedding. I didn't want to be the center of attention and go through all the hassle of planning. When I found you, I thought maybe it could be possible. The greenhouse is incredible and I can't wait to stay in the cottage next year too. I never thought I'd be the person actually looking forward to my wedding, but here we are. I can't wait for next year!"

"I cannot even begin to stress how grateful I am to have found this place. I never wanted a wedding, but when I laid eyes on the greenhouse, everything changed. I realized I just never found the right place. Figuring out all the little details stressed me out, and I'M SO GLAD that Vaughan House handled everything! I showed up on my day and the tables were styled past my wildest dreams. It's so completely worth it to just let them handle it all!"

"I WILL NEVER STOP SINGING YOUR PRAISES!!!!! The Vaughan House team truly are a bunch of magical fairies. My family and friends felt so cared for. Your backyard is so perfect and my nieces loved your chickens! It's all such A FREAKING VIBE!!! THANK YOUUUUUU!!"

"We came from California and our friends and family flew in from 4 different states. The vendor list you sent over was a GODSEND! I'm unfamiliar with the area so I had no idea who to use. Anything you guys didn't provide, I booked from your list and I'm so incredibly happy with everything we picked! What would I have done without you?!"


At first, I was upset when I had to cancel my big wedding because of Covid. But when I found the greenhouse and spoke with Megan, I was wondering why I even decided to have a large wedding in the first place. The greenhouse is one of the most magical places I've ever set eyes on. It was truly a blessing to be able to get married there. It's peaceful, tranquil and you can feel the love and intimacy in that space. Megan took care of everything. I literally just showed up and got married. I can't even begin to explain how much weight was lifted off of me! I was able to really enjoy my day, knowing all the little things were covered. THANK YOU SO MUCH MEGAN & MITCH!!!!!

"Magical is the one word I would use to describe the Vaughan House Greenhouse. Megan is amazing at styling the greenhouse in so many different ways for all kinds of wedding styles. Ours was dreamy, fairy, and flowery. Beyond the venue, is the level of photography and cinematography that this venue can produce, truly timeless memories captured perfectly."

"Megan was wonderful to work with! She was very easy to communicate with. The greenhouse itself is so beautiful, especially in person. We had 9 people at our wedding due to the pandemic and change of wedding plans. But the greenhouse was the perfect size for our small wedding. It was very comfortable and enough space for everyone. She worked with us non stop. We had Vaughan House as our photographer too, we loved the photos so much. We don’t regret our decision of our change of wedding dates and venue to this one. 10/10 recommendation!"

"You spoke life and comfort into stressful situations and kept everything calm, cool and collected. I know I can be a crazy mess, but you were such a blessing to have on our special day... I absolutely adore the photos that you took and how they perfectly portray the essence of who we are as a couple."

"How prepared you were, how amazing you were with my family and my groom, managing all different people and personalities while capturing all of the amazing things we wanted to remember forever... it takes someone special to do all of that and do it really well. You are truly a blessing for every bride and groom that you grace your talents with."