Any questions?

For your convenience, we have taken questions directly from the Here Comes The Guide web site and added our responses in red. There are a few additional questions and answers at the end that we felt would be equally helpful. If you have any questions that are not answered in this section, please feel free to ask. Thank you for taking the time to review this information and we hope you find it helpful.

1. How many people can this location accommodate?

Kenyon Estate can comfortably accommodate 150 guests in the courtyard for ceremony and cocktails, up to 150 in the Great Room for dinner and dancing.

2. What is the rental fee and what is included in that price?

Full service catering packages start at $62.00 per person including Site, Buffet Dinner, No Host Bar, Tables, Chairs and Linens.

3. Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or on Sunday through Friday?

Yes.

4. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? What’s the payment plan for the entire bill?

The retainer of 50% is required to reserve your date at Kenyon Estate and is non-refundable. The next 25% is due 90 days before your date and the final 25% is due 30 days before your date. Each payment is a non-refundable retainer. If you cancel before the payment due date, the payment will NOT be due.

5. Can I hold my ceremony here, too? Is there an additional charge? Is the ceremony site close to the reception site? Is there a bride’s changing area? How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?

Yes and it is included in the site fee. The Courtyard Lawn at Kenyon Estate is a perfect space to hold your ceremony featuring amazing panoramic views of the Napa River, San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and Mt. Diablo. Courtyard Lawn is just outside the Great Room with easy access through 4 sets of glass doors. There is a Bride’s Ready Room on property. The rehearsal typically takes about 1 hour and can be scheduled at your convenience as long as it does not conflict with another event.

6. What’s your weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?

Unlike many private estates, we have the unique ability to hold events indoors or outdoors. There is also more than enough space to setup tents on our Sunset Terrace.

7. How long will I have use of the event space(s) I reserve? Is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? Is there a minimum or maximum rental time?

The normal event time for Kenyon Estate is 5 hours, 6 hours to accommodate a wedding ceremony and reception. Vendors have access 3 hours before guest arrival. Overtime only applies once your event passes the time listed on your contract.

8. Can I move things around and decorate to suit my purposes, or do I have to leave everything as is? Are there decoration guidelines or restrictions? Can I use real candles? TIP: Keep the existing décor in mind when planning your own decorations so that they won’t clash.

The guideline for Kenyon Estate is based on a common sense approach. We are very flexible and accommodating. You may use real candles.

9. How much time will I have for décor setup? Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated car, hotel room, etc. after the event has concluded?

Vendors are able to begin setup 3 hours before guest arrival at Kenyon Estate. Staffing is provided by your caterer based on your needs and in most cases will be able to assist in clean up at the conclusion of your event.

10. Do you provide a coat check service? (especially important for winter weddings.) If not, is there an area that can be used and staffed for that purpose?

Coat check is not typically necessary at Kenyon Estate, however, arrangements may be made if necessary.

11. Is there an outdoor space where my guests can mingle, and can it be heated and/or protected from the elements if necessary? Is there a separate indoor “socializing” space?

Yes, there are areas available regardless of weather where guests can “socialize” away from the dance floor.

12. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of “preferred” caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?

Kenyon Estate has a “Preferred” catering list. There are about 20 caterers in all different price ranges that are ‘pre-qualified’ to work at the Estate. In some cases special arrangements may be made to allow a caterer not already ‘pre-qualified.’ Kenyon Estate does offer catering inclusive packages starting at $62.00 per person.

13. Are tables, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer?

We do have an inventory of basic tables and chairs available for your use. Plates, silverware and glassware are provided by the caterer. Any additional rentals we will coordinate for you.

14. What is the food and beverage cost on a per person basis? What is the service charge?

You will love this! Kenyon Estate allows you to bring in your own beer and wine with NO corkage fee! Catering prices per person can start as low as $20 per person and range over $300 per person depending on the caterer and menu you select. It’s up to you. Cost for site, food and beverage at Kenyon Estate can start under $100 per person.

15. Can we do a food tasting prior to finalizing our menu selection? If so, is there an additional charge?

All of our caterers will offer a tasting for your event.

16. Can I bring in a cake from an outside cake maker or must I use a cake made on the premises? Is there a cake-cutting fee? If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived?

You can choose any cake company you like and Kenyon Estate does not charge a cake cutting fee.

17. Can I bring my own wine, beer or champagne, and is there a corkage fee if I do? Can I bring in other alcohol?

Yes, you may bring your own wine, beer and champagne and there is NO corkage fee. Liquor may only be provided by a licensed beverage company or caterer with a liquor license and liquor liability insurance.

18. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service? If so, is alcohol priced per person? By consumption? Are there additional charges for bar staff? Is there a bar minimum that must be met before the conclusion of the event? What is the average bar tab for the number of people attending my event? NOTE: Some facilities (private estates and wineries in particular) aren’t licensed to serve hard alcohol. You may need to get permission from the location to bring in an outside beverage catering company.

This question is answered by the previous question.

19. Are there restrictions on what kind of music I can play, or a time by which the music must end? Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? TIP: Check where the outlets are located in your event space, because that will help you figure out where the band can set up, and where other vendors can hook up their equipment. You don’t want the head table to block the only outlet in the room.

There are no restrictions on the type of music. A Dj or Band can play as long as you have the site booked for your event. Events may go as late as 11pm, music concludes at 10pm.

20. Is there parking on site? If so, is it complimentary? Do you offer valet parking, and what is the charge? If there is no parking on site, where will my guests park? Are cabs easily accessible from the venue? TIP: You should have the venue keep track of the number of cars parked for your event and add the total valet gratuity to your final bill so that your guests won’t have to tip.

There is plenty of on-site parking available and two parking attendants are provided for direction. We do encourage Valet Parking and are able to offer it at a reduced rate. Cabs are easily accessible at Kenyon Estate and shuttles from nearby hotels may easily be arranged.

21. How many restrooms are there?

There are currently 2 restrooms available with plans to build a third.

22. Do you offer on-site coordination? If so, what services are included and is there an additional charge for them? Will the coordinator supervise day-of? How much assistance can I get with the setup/décor?

Yes, a ‘Day-of’ Coordinator is included at Kenyon Estate. You may bring your own coordinator if you prefer.

23. What security services do you offer? Do I need to hire my own security guards, or does the site hire them or have them on staff? TIP: In general, you should have 2 security guards for the first 100 guests and 1 more for every additional 100 guests.

Kenyon Estate is secured by a main gate at the entrance to our property. There is a gate attendant to ensure that only your guests are permitted to enter the Estate grounds.

24. Does the venue have liability insurance? NOTE: If someone gets injured during the party, you don’t want to be held responsible—if the site doesn’t have insurance, you’ll need to get your own.

Kenyon Estate requires that you provide a one day event insurance policy in addition to our insurance. One day event insurance is generally available from your Home Owners Insurance company at no additional charge to you. If you need a referral to an Event Insurance broker let us know.

25. Can I hire my own vendors (caterer, coordinator, DJ, etc.), or must I select from a preferred vendor list? If I can bring my own, do you have a list of recommended vendors?

Yes, you can hire your own vendors. Caterers need to be approved by Kenyon Estate if they are not already pre-qualified to work at our Estate.

26. What overnight accommodations do you provide? Do you offer a discount for booking multiple rooms? Do you provide a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? What are the nearest hotels to the venue? TIP: Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you book a block of rooms.

None, Kenyon Estate does not have overnight accommodations available on property. Shuttles or cabs may be arranged with any of our nearby hotels: Courtyard by Marriott, Spa Gaia, the Meritage Resort and Spa and Springhill Suites to name a few.

27. Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?

Signage is not necessary, once your guests arrive, they will be greeted at our main gate. The only event at that time will be yours.

28. Do you have a recycling policy?

Our caterers have recycling policies and can provide you the details upon request.

Here are a few additional questions you may find helpful:

1. Is Kenyon Estate in my price range?

Yes, you would be amazed at how much money you can save by having your wedding or event at Kenyon Estate. Kenyon Estate offers freedom and flexibilty on your catering, no corkage on your beer and wine, discounts from our preferred vendors.

2. Can the facility comfortably accommodate the size wedding and number of guests you are planning?

Our Great Room will hold over 150 guests for a seated dinner. We limit the number of seats to 150 to ensure adequate space for servers to move around and for guests to be comfortable.

3. Does the venue have air conditioning?

Not only do we have air conditioning, but they are oversized for the venue, meaning that we have no trouble keeping it cool no matter how hot it gets outside.

4. Is it private?

Yes, no need to worry about other guests milling about during your event. Your event will be the only event at that time.

5. Does the venue you have a view?

Yes, we are very fortunate, we have a view unlike any other reception or ceremony site. Kenyon Estate is situated in the hills above American Canyon and enjoys stunning sunsets, views of the Napa River, San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, and Mt. Saint Helena.

6. Can you have weddings? What kinds of events can we have there?

Yes, no doubt you have heard that Napa County limits the ability to hold a wedding at most properties. Although we are in the hills above American Canyon, we are located only 500 feet south of the Napa County Line in Solano County. Solano County does not have the strict limits on weddings. Kenyon Estate is a perfect venue for Weddings, Corporate events or meetings, nonprofit fundraisers, or any other event where you want to impress your guests.

7. Is it well lit?

Yes, in fact, at night the entire Estate is so well lit it glows beautifully like a beacon high in the hills. We just recently added warm, white LED lighting in the trees lining the drive from the main gate.

8. How do I arrange a site visit?

Kenyon Estate is a private gated estate and site visits are available by appointment only. Appointments are flexible and can be scheduled during the week or in some cases weekends, day or evening. Please keep in mind weekends may be difficult to schedule due to events. Call Bay Area Entertainment at 707-745-3812 to schedule an appointment.