Frequently Asked Questions

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Where are you located?

Three Sisters Barn is located north of Dallas Center, Iowa on land that is part of a working farm that has been in the owner’s family since 1910.

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How big is the venue?

Three Sisters Barn is 6400 square feet on the main floor with two upper rooms used for the bride, to bring the total square footage to approximately 6900. This allows occupancy of 354 guests in the building. If outside grounds are used, there is room for many more!

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Can the ceremony be held outside?

Yes, there is plenty of space to hold the ceremony outside. The reception can also be outside if you wish.

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How is the venue rented?

You have many options for booking Three Sisters Barn. The most popular is to book a three day event for one price with agreed upon starting time and exit time.  You can also book for one or two days.  The price for each package differs if rental is during 'off peak' season (December, January, February, March) versus peak season (all other months).  See our pricing page for details or contact us directly for information. 

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Are there other fees besides the rental price for the venue?

There are no hidden fees for use of the venue. We have a fee for use of chair covers and sash at $1 per set, and cafe string lights at $25 per set.  All other items and equipment are included.  Your contract will outline in detail all costs associated with rental of Three Sisters Barn.

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Do you have tables, chairs, etc?

Yes! We provide round 60" tables that seat 6-8 guests and plastic resin chairs for 350 guests. There are also a few rectangular tables for the wedding party. We have white chair covers with spandex sashes available for rent at $1 per set, which includes setup and laundry. Linens, place settings, decorations, etc. are all up to you, to fit your vision of your special day.  Tables and chairs may be used outside, but you would be responsible for set up and tear down, as well as cleaning them off after, if needed.

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Will there be help to set up and take down decorations?

You will be responsible for setting up and taking down anything that is brought in by you, and your vendors will be responsible for setting up and taking down anything that is brought in by them. If you need help, we can help arrange this.

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Are candles allowed?

As beautiful as candles are, they are a fire hazard and are not allowed. No open flame of any kind, including fireworks, lanterns, or lamps are allowed. There are many ways to ‘fake’ a flame these days, and we recommend use of these other ways to light your celebration.

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Are there decorating restrictions?

Decorations are a very important part of your celebration and Three Sisters Barn will work very hard to accommodate your dreams. However, there must be limits placed on what is permitted to keep the venue in top shape. Sterilized birdseed, natural flower petals, bubbles,  bio-rice are allowed OUTSIDE the venue. NO artificial petals may be used outside.  You may use natural petals inside if you wish. No helium balloons, confetti, or glitter may be used for decoration in the venue. You are not permitted to affix anything to the venue using nails, staples, tape, tacks, etc. Command Strips work well to affix items to the walls, and zip ties to attach lights and garlands to rails are easy and permitted.  

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Do we have to clean up afterwards?

You will be responsible for removal of all decorations and items you brought to the barn.  You do not have to do general cleaning.  The exception to this is for the kitchen and for any outside trash.  Your caterer is responsible for assuring the kitchen is clean, or if you don't use a caterer, then you are responsible for cleaning the kitchen. If the cleaning company must spend extra time to clean the barn, you may be responsible for additional cleaning fee. There are details included in the contract. 

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Do you allow alcohol?

Yes, you are allowed to have alcohol at your event. These details will be in the contract. You are required to have a bartender with liquor license and liability insurance or who is employed by someone who has a liquor license and liability to serve alcohol at your event.  There is no self-serving of alcohol allowed.  You are also required to have an off-duty police officer present during the time alcohol is being served.

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What is the security deposit for? Will I get this back?

The security deposit holds your 'reservation' for the weekend you want.  It is $500, due when you sign the contract.  You will get the full amount back provided there is no damage to the venue or grounds.  The cost of repair will be subtracted from the $500 or if the damage is assessed at greater then $500, you will be asked to pay the additional amount.   In addition, cancellation of your reservation will result in forfeiture of your deposit.