One of the most frustrating things is when you are researching a venue and it’s difficult to find pricing, details, and discover hidden fees in the process. This just adds to the weight that already comes with wedding planning, and if a venue gives you that much stress just in researching them, it is very likely that stress will carry on through your booking and planning. Common questions we hear from couples is, “What is all included when we book with The Pines?” At The Pines, our goal is to make researching, planning, and the day-of easier by being completely transparent and detailed in everything that we do – to strive for this goal we decided to write a blog about what you get when booking with The Pines, as well as the costs that are included and how each piece supports your experience from start to finish.
The Pines can accommodate up to 400 guest in our White venue, while our Black venue can reach up to 345. Both of our venues are designed to comfortably host a wide range of guest counts without the space feeling empty or overcrowded, and the rate you see for the venue does not increase or decrease depending on your guest count. We place a strong focus on layout and flow, meaning guests can move easily from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. When meeting with our Client Relations Manager, she will use her expertise in the topic of layout options for your specific guest count and vision, and we will ensure that the design of each space can support your larger (or smaller) celebrations while still feeling personalized and intentional.
When you book the full-wedding package at The Pines, you receive 15+ hours of exclusive access to the property, including your ceremony space, reception space, getting ready suites, and all venue amenities. This period of access allows couples to start the day at a relaxed pace. You have time for setup, décor placement, vendor arrivals, and photos without feeling rushed. Your day will begin at 9:00 am all the way into the night at 12:00 am, you will then have till 1:00 to remove any decor and personal items.
Although we are not able to add on hours at the end of your night, you do have the option of additional hours in the morning for $200 per hour, in the case of early arrival your venue manager will be scheduled to come and ready the property beforehand, and the day will run be up and running from there.
Your wedding day doesn’t begin at the ceremony, it begins much earlier than that in the morning with getting ready, sharing time with your wedding party, and easing into the day. For Pines White, the get-ready suites take place in the private farmhouse – you have access to this from your morning arrival to 6:00 pm that evening. The hours are the same for the lounge located in Pines Black, which is home to the get-ready suites as well as a golf simulator that is able to utilized up until 4:00 pm. Both of these areas and their features are included in the flat-rate venue price. Food outside of commercially licensed vendors are welcome in the farmhouse and lounge specifically.
These spaces are designed to accommodate hair and makeup teams, allow space for personal items, and provide a clean, photo-friendly environment for getting ready photos. Having a great morning is one of the best ways to have a great day, and we take that very seriously by providing our guests with a comfortable environment.
We understand that North Dakota weather is unpredictable. Depending on the venue, The Pines offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options with grand entrance doors. Pines Black has everything (get-ready suites, ceremony, reception) included under a single roof, making transitioning through the day straight-forward and stress-free. Pines White has a beautiful, outdoor ceremony behind the venue, but never without a backup plan.
If weather changes, your outdoor ceremony can be moved without sacrificing the potential flow of the day. Couples appreciate knowing they have a beautiful, well-thought-out option regardless of conditions. In your planning consultations, our Client Relations Manager will discuss with you this backup plan and how it would, and could, play out. In the case of possible rainy or windy weather the day-of your wedding, it will be up to you to make the call, we ask for only a 30 minute notice in order to ensure our team can adjust to bringing it indoors. To read a little more about what an indoor ceremony might look like, check out our other blog on how a Winter Wedding Day at Pines White Functions & Flows.
Furniture rentals can quickly add stress and cost. At The Pines, custom Grain Designs tables and chairs are included in your booking and set according to your approved layout. This includes guest tables, head or sweetheart tables, and ceremony seating. Our team handles setup so you don’t need to coordinate furniture deliveries, rentals, or teardown, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
Depending on the venue, couples have access to Pines structural décor elements. These pieces are designed to enhance the space and add architectural interest without requiring additional rentals. Both of our venues offer wooden backdrops, artificial trees, and arch options that go well behind our couples during either the ceremony or the reception.
This allows couples to elevate their design while keeping décor decisions simple and intentional. Below are some pictures of the Pines Black and Pines White reception spaces that decided to incorporate our decor into their layout.
Photography is a major part of the wedding experience, and The Pines is designed with that in mind. The property offers many photo locations, giving couples a wide variety of backdrops throughout the day.
This allows photographers to capture ceremony moments, wedding party photos, and golden hour images without leaving the venue, keeping the day running smoothly.
You will have access to all photo locations on the property, regardless of whether the other venue is occupied that day. We communicate how crucial it is to be respectful of the other’s space if they are using it, if this is a big concern for you as a couple, we highly recommend discussing this with your photographer! It is likely that they have either shot here before, or we are more than able to communicate to them our expectations day-of.
Guest experience plays a major role in how a wedding day is remembered, and comfort is a big part of that. The Pines is designed to accommodate large guest counts without feeling crowded or inconvenient. With ample on-site parking, a lot for each venue, guests can arrive and depart easily without concern.
All event spaces are fully climate-controlled, which understandably is important for Midwest weather and seasonal weddings. Guest WiFi access is available on-site for communication, or sharing moments in real time, and ADA-accessible areas ensure that guests of all abilities can move through the venue with ease. These details were considered in the creation of our venues and help create an environment where guests feel considered.
On the wedding day, a dedicated Venue Manager is present on-site to oversee venue operations and support the event behind the scenes from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. This includes preparing spaces for each transition, running the ceremony if preferred, and serving as a point of contact for vendors throughout the day. Having a Venue Manager on-site helps everything run smoothly without the couple or their families needing to step in and shift attention from any special moments. From opening the venue in the morning to overseeing reception flow, this day-of support allows couples to stay present and focused on celebrating rather than being their own wedding planner on their big day.
A feature that has been consistently helpful to our couples at The Pines is the unlimited planning consultations with our Client Relations Manager. Couples have access to schedule times that work best for them to meet, and these consultations provide guidance on timelines, room layouts, vendor coordination, and overall event flow.
Because this team knows the venue inside and out, couples receive realistic, experience-based recommendations rather than generic advice. This level of planning support helps couples feel confident in the decisions that they make, consider details they may not have thought-of, and reduce stress as the wedding day approaches.
The Pines offers fully staffed bar services with no bar minimums, allowing couples the flexibility to choose a bar package that fits their guest count and preferences without pressure. This structure gives couples control over their budget while still offering a professional bar experience.
Day-of, you will have two bartenders experienced in serving large events and understanding the pacing and flow of a wedding at The Pines. This is reassuring for our couples, know that this means efficient service, minimal wait times, and a professionalism.
The Pines partners exclusively with Chef’s Table Catering to create a reliable wedding day dinner experience. This partnership means clear communication and coordination between the catering team and venue staff, resulting in an event flow that is consistent and smooth.
Chef’s Table is familiar with the layout of The Pines venues and the timing of wedding receptions, which helps ensure efficient service and thoughtful presentation. Catering orders also include linen napkins, china, and flatware, eliminating the need for additional rentals and reducing the number of vendors couples need to coordinate.
Booking a full wedding at The Pines will mean you’re choosing a venue that has its priorities straight, and the main priority is you. From your very first tour, to discussing your vision with our Client Relations Manager, to the final moments of your reception, we want every detail to be exactly what you envisioned for yourself.
If you’re considering a wedding at The Pines and want to learn more about which venue fits your vision, our team would love to help you take the next step!
The Pines Weddings & Events | Fargo ND | Fargo Wedding Venue | Fargo, ND Wedding Planner | Luxury Wedding Venue | Rural Wedding Venue | Modern Wedding Venue | Rustic Wedding Venue | Fargo Event Venue | Fargo Events | North Dakota | North Dakota Wedding | North Dakota Venue | Elopement | Small Wedding
Award-winning property near Fargo, ND, offering two luxury year-round venues with modern amenities: Pines Black & Pines White. Specializing in Elopements, Micro Weddings, Small Weddings, and Full-Day Weddings, The Pines combines elegance and functionality to create unforgettable celebrations. Our modern industrial barn-inspired and rustic chic venues are set against picturesque North Dakota landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for every season.