Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your most pressing questions and learn more about planning your perfect event at Riverest.
Our venue fee includes the following:
Our venue provides an exceptional setting for your wedding, offering thoughtfully curated amenities to enhance your special day.
- Elegant Furnishings: Round and rectangular tables, benches or chairs for the ceremony, Chiavari dining chairs for dining, and cocktail seating, all complemented by classic white linens.
- Scenic Lounge Spaces: A cozy seating area with couches and a propane fire pit—perfect for stargazing. Adirondack chairs let guests take in breathtaking views of the river, mountains, and sunset.
- Bridal Prep & Accommodations: Enjoy a historic regency-style house for the couple and six guests, with check-in at 9 AM for preparations and departure at 11 AM the following day.
- Early Access for Rehearsal & Decor: The evening prior to your wedding is reserved for decorating and rehearsal, complete with a celebratory bottle of Secco to toast the future Mr. & Mrs.
- Waterfront Cocktail Hour: A stunning space with seating, bar-height tables, and a picturesque backdrop.
- Seamless Setup & Cleanup: Our team takes care of all setup and dismantling, so you can focus on celebrating.
- Outdoor Fireplace & S’mores Station: Gather around a charming wood-burning fireplace for a warm and inviting experience.
- Ample Parking & Overnight Options: Guests can bring RVs, tents, and trailers for post-celebration stays. Two mini cottages are also available for rental.
- Expert Planning & Support: A professional event coordinator guides you through the planning process, while dedicated kitchen staff, servers, and bartenders ensure a flawless experience.
- Accessibility & Flexibility: A wheelchair-accessible bathroom is available, and there are no bar or guest minimum requirements.
We’re committed to creating an unforgettable wedding experience. Let us handle the details while you enjoy every moment!
- Riverest offers a beautifully versatile setting for all types of gatherings, from weddings and corporate events to private celebrations and meaningful occasions. With a thoughtfully designed space, professional service, and breathtaking surroundings, we provide the perfect backdrop for any event. Whether you’re planning an elegant reception, a business function, or a heartfelt tribute, our venue adapts to your needs to create a seamless and memorable experience.
- Yes, we offer on-site catering, providing a carefully curated menu crafted by our professional chef. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, or private gathering, our culinary team delivers exceptional dining experiences tailored to your preferences. Let us handle the details so you and your guests can enjoy a seamless and delicious event!
Yes, we offer a full range of amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.
In the Marston House, you’ll find all necessary bedding, bathroom essentials, and towels. The kitchen is fully equipped with an induction stove, refrigerator, and coffee maker for your convenience.
For event setups, we provide tables and chairs, tablecloths, cloth napkins, utensils, plates, cups, and glasses. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers are available throughout the property, along with professional bartending services to elevate your gathering.
Our property features multiple restrooms, including an adapted restroom for accessibility, as well as ample parking for guests.
We are committed to ensuring every detail is taken care of, making your stay or event smooth and enjoyable!
- We can comfortably accommodate events of up to 200 guests, providing a seamless experience in our beautiful venue. For groups exceeding 150 attendees, additional fees may apply to cover the rental of extra tents, tables, and chairs to ensure your gathering is perfectly set up. Let us know your needs, and we’ll work with you to create an unforgettable event!
- Your wedding day begins with exclusive access to the venue from 9 AM, giving you ample time to prepare and embrace every special moment. The ceremony can start as early as 3 PM, though we’re happy to accommodate a later start time to suit your vision. After exchanging vows, guests will enjoy a charming cocktail hour, followed by an elegant dinner around 6 PM. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure a seamless and unforgettable celebration!
- Riverest is exclusively reserved for you throughout the entire day, ensuring a private and uninterrupted experience for your event.
Absolutely! We’d be happy to explore our late-night and bar packages to ensure the perfect experience for your larger guest count. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor a package that fits your event seamlessly.
You’re welcome to bring your creative vision to life and decorate the venue as you wish! To help preserve the beauty of the space, we kindly ask that you avoid using nails, glue, or anything that could cause damage to the property or buildings.
For a charming touch, fresh or dried flowers are perfect for tossing, but we ask that paper or rice confetti be avoided. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the venue pristine while making your event truly special!
There are multiple stunning locations on the property where you can exchange your vows, each offering a unique and picturesque backdrop for your special moment. Whether you prefer a scenic river view, a charming garden setting, or a beautiful area framed by large trees, the best way to choose the perfect spot is by experiencing them in person. Every location has its own distinct charm, ensuring you’ll find one that aligns perfectly with your vision for the day.
- Riverest will provide all food and beverages for your wedding day, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. Our talented culinary team will craft delicious menu selections tailored to your tastes, while our expert mixologists take care of every drink detail.
If you prefer to bring in your own caterer, a minimum fee of $500.00 will apply, depending on the amenities they require.
We’re dedicated to making your special day effortless and memorable—let us know how we can accommodate your needs!
- Our talented chef takes pride in creating exceptional dishes tailored to every guest’s unique preferences. With a creative approach and a deep understanding of dietary needs, he is happy to explore customized menu options that suit your tastes and requirements. Whether you have specific dietary restrictions or simply want a personalized culinary experience, we’ll ensure every meal is crafted to perfection for you and your guests. Let us know how we can make your dining experience unforgettable!
- Riverest is licensed to serve you refreshments throughout your day, and our skilled bartenders are ready to craft a range of drinks tailored to your preferences. Please note that outside alcohol is not allowed on the premises.
- Yes, we offer a charming mini cottage for rental, subject to availability, providing a cozy retreat for your stay. Additionally, our property features ample parking, allowing guests to bring RVs or trailers for a convenient and comfortable experience. Let us know how we can accommodate your needs!
- Riverest can accommodate a variety of group sizes, with spacious indoor and outdoor areas to suit your needs.
- Yes, the venue is equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities to ensure all guests feel welcome.
- The bar closes at 1:45 am on Fridays Saturdays & long weekend Sundays, and at 11:45pm Monday through Thursday or a regular non long weekend Sunday.
- Open flames are not allowed on the property, but we do offer a variety of flameless pillar candles and professional fireworks for a fee (unless provided with your package).
- We will host your rehearsal on the evening before your wedding or during the week of your wedding day; the specific day is subject to our schedule of events.
- We have complimentary parking for up to 70 vehicles and ample free parking on the street.
- There are several Airbnb’s in the area as well as a Quality Inn in Hawkesbury (9kms from the Riverest) and Stephanie’s Motel (6kms from the Riverest).
- We prioritize comfort with thoughtful amenities to ensure the perfect atmosphere, no matter the season. On warm days, fans and portable air conditioners keep the space cool, while our water heating system provides cozy warmth during cooler times.
For outdoor gatherings, guests can enjoy refreshing breezes from the waterfront, complemented by available fans for particularly hot days. Stand heaters and inviting fireplaces create a warm and welcoming ambiance, allowing you to relax and enjoy your event in any weather.
- We have ambient speakers installed all around the venue, both inside and outside. Your DJ or live musicians can connect to our system, ensuring that your music fills every corner of Riverest.
- In some of our packages, we include a DJ; however, Riverest mandates that you engage a DJ, band, or sound professional to oversee the audio and visual elements of your special day. Additionally, if you intend to utilize the outdoor ceremony site, your DJ will need to supply speakers and a microphone.
- If needed , we offer a projector, perfect for presentations or visual displays to enhance your event.”
- Pets are indeed part of the family! You are more than welcome to include your pet during the ceremony; however, we kindly ask that you keep them on a leash and ensure that you clean up after them.
- Yes, we do.
- To officially secure your date, a deposit of $2,500 CAD is required. This ensures that the venue is reserved exclusively for your event, allowing us to begin preparations for your special day.
Riverest Conditions
- Pricing is subject to HST and service charge and facility fee.
- $2,500 CAD is due in order to secure the date.
- 50 percent of package is due with signed contract 4 months before the event.
- Remainder of balance is due 14 days before the event.
- Payments are nonrefundable and must be paid within the timelines set.
- On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of long weekends (Monday being a holiday), ceremony times can start at 3pm or 4pm. Sundays of a non-long weekend, ceremony times are flexible.
- Riverest will not permit personal fireworks or confetti.
- All personal items must be removed from the premises by 11am the following day.
- You may bring your own candy station, chip station or popcorn station.
- No outside alcohol is permitted on the premises of the Riverest at anytime.
- Rehearsals will be scheduled for the week of your event based on availability.
- If you decide to go with one of the drink packages, you’ll need to buy enough for all adult guests, covering 100% of the total count.
- Vendor meals can be provided for $50.00 plus tax and venue fee (does not include beverages/bar packages in that pricing).
- Meals for children 12 and under are priced at $25.00, plus applicable taxes and service fees.
- Children 5 and under can enjoy their meal free of charge.
- Prices are subject to change based on increases in food, beverage, staffing & venue preparation.
- f you’d like to invite additional guests to join the celebration after dinner, the per guest price will depend on your selected late-night snack option and whether you’ve purchased a bar package.
- You are responsible for set up and tear down of all your personal décor.
- Riverest welcomes RVs and camper trailers, allowing guests to stay overnight in our parking lot on your wedding night for added convenience. If you’d like to extend your stay beyond that, additional nights are available for a fee.
Our Gallery
View captivating images that highlight the elegance and scenic beauty of Riverest, showcasing memorable moments.