Wedding FAQ

Please review the following questions before arriving for your appointment or your wedding.  You can also email our wedding coordinator for more information.

How far in advance should we book our date?

If you have a specific date that you’d like, it’s always best to book as early as possible.  Keep in mind that many weddings are booked well in advance (12-16 months is the general rule).  We can also handle last minute weddings when dates and timing permit.  Please contact the wedding coordinator directly to see what dates & times are available on short notice.

Directions to venue

See our Directions page for more information.

What is required to book a date?

The signed wedding contract & wedding coordinator contract along with the initial deposit to reserve your date & time.

What is the deposit, when is it due, is it refundable?

• The deposit is $1,800 (non-refundable) & is due at the time of booking.  A personalized payment plan may be arranged if time allows.  This is to complete the total non-refundable deposit of $1,800.00.  This deposit is credited toward your total wedding costs; it is not an extra charge above the total wedding package price.
• Wedding reservations made within 30 days of the wedding date require full payment at the time of booking.
• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

When is the balance due?

30 days prior to your wedding date.  If mailing a check/money order/cashier’s check, make sure you mail it so we will receive it no later than 45 days prior to your wedding date.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please contact the wedding coordinator for more information.

May I move my wedding to another date?

Please contact the wedding coordinator for more information.

What happens if I need to postpone my wedding?

Please contact the wedding coordinator for more information.

May I bring my own minister?

The complete wedding package includes the Minister. Our Minister uses a traditional Christian service, which is available for the couple to review. If the bride and groom prefer, they may bring their own officiate and receive a deduction in the package price. Mountain Top Inn does have a list of available Ministers and a Judge, if the couple prefers.

Can we choose our flowers in the complete wedding package?

Absolutely!  You'll be able to choose from a wide variety of colors and types of flowers, as well as fresh or silk arrangements. 

Can we choose our cake in the complete wedding package?

Yes!  There is a wide selection of cake flavors, styles, colors, etc.  We will definitely take special requests into consideration but they might incur additional charges.

Can I book lodging in addition to the wedding?

Yes, we have many different types of lodging to choose from.  With a full wedding package, you’ll get a discounted rate in in a Log Cabin (discounts cannot be combined, not valid on holidays, must meet minimum night stay).  If you do reserve lodging in addition to your wedding, you will receive a separate lodging confirmation letter.  Keep in mind, when cancelling or changing your wedding, you will also need to notify the reservations desk that you will be cancelling/changing your lodging reservation as well.  Cancellation fees apply so please refer to your lodging confirmation letter.  Keep in mind, we do not allow parties, receptions, etc. in any of our lodging facilities. 

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is only permitted outside.

When do I need to provide a final head count?

At least 1 week prior to the wedding.  If you have any overage, the total cost will be due at this time.  During the reception, a head count will be taken of adults & children.  If there are additional guests above what has been ordered & paid for, the wedding coordinator will inform the bride/groom that the credit card on file will be automatically charged for the additional guests.  There is no reduction in price for fewer guests than what was paid for.

What is the max # of guests we can accommodate?  At the chapel?  At the gazebo?  At the reception center?

• The Wedding Chapel comfortably seats 80 guests, 100 with some standing in the back.
• The Gazebo is standing room only & is typically only used for small weddings & as a photo backdrop.
• The Royal Lodge Reception Center accommodates 100 seated guests in addition to the bride & groom.

Can I check in early for lodging or check-out late?

We unfortunately do not allow early check-ins or late check-outs regardless of what time the wedding starts or ends.  We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but we must have time to prepare the unit ahead of time for you and afterwards for the next guest arriving.  You are more than welcome to call the morning of your arrival to see if you can access your unit any earlier than 3pm, but again, we cannot guarantee earlier check-in.

Do the wedding guests get discounts on lodging?

Absolutely!  Your guests will get a 5% discount (discounts cannot be combined with other specials/discounts).  They’ll need to mention they want the wedding discount and they’ll need to know the last name of the groom.  They can also easily book online by simply choosing the Wedding discount.

Where does the bridal party get ready before the wedding?

There are separate bride & groom dressing rooms in our Wedding Chapel.  There is a shared bathroom in between them.  For additional space, we recommend lodging reservations be made for a minimum two-night length of stay with a check-in date of the night before the wedding and checkout the day after the wedding.  This will eliminate the stress on the day of the wedding of having to check in and out of lodging plus you’ll ensure that you have plenty of space for the wedding party to dress.

Who is in charge of clean up?

As part of Mountain Top Inn’s package, you will not be in charge of cleaning.  However, in order to best protect your personal belongings, you will be in charge of clearing the tables at evening's end of your belongings, taking down all decor and other such items that were provided by your party, and checking the chapel & reception center for items left behind.  Mountain Top Inn is not responsible for any personal property of the guests or any equipment brought into the wedding area.

Are there any extra costs?

8% sales tax is added

Do you provide tables, chairs & linens?

Tables, chairs, and linens are provided.  We provide ivory floor-length tablecloths with white 85”x85” table overlays and white satin chairs covers.

How long is the ceremony & reception?  When can we get into the Chapel & Reception Center?

• The Chapel is available to the wedding party 1 hour prior to the wedding & 30 minutes following the ceremony.  The ceremony is typically 30 minutes.  You may add additional time (additional fees apply).  Additional time must be booked at the time of making your wedding reservation.  Please make sure you do not leave any personal belongings behind.  Mountain Top Inn is not responsible for any personal property of the guests or any equipment brought into the wedding area.
• The Reception Center is available to the wedding party 1 hour prior to the wedding start time.  The reception is a 2 hour event.  You may add additional time (additional fees apply).  Additional time must be booked at the time of making your wedding reservation.  Please make sure you do not leave any personal belongings behind.  Mountain Top Inn is not responsible for any personal property of the guests or any equipment brought into the wedding area. 

Are pets allowed in the wedding facility?

Only if medical reasons dictate, otherwise, no pets are allowed.

Is there a rehearsal and when is it held?

The rehearsal is a no charge situation.  It can either be held 1-½ hours prior to the wedding or the day before.  You may also be rehearsed separately but please indicate your wishes in advance so the wedding coordinator can plan accordingly.  If the rehearsal is the day before, it is with the understanding that if another wedding is booked, the rehearsal will be moved around the wedding time.  You must coordinate rehearsals at the time of booking your wedding as certain times may not be available at later dates.

What decor restrictions exist?

We ask you to please avoid the following when decorating: sand, unprotected candles, glitter, paper confetti, hay, birdseed, cornmeal (for dancing), silly string, and nailing/screwing/stapling.  Also, please use non-marking tape (i.e. duct tape not permitted).  If you need any equipment (like ladders, tape, etc.) to add decor to areas like ceiling fixtures, you will need to bring this with you.  Keep in mind, if you need additional time to decorate, you will need to add this at the time of booking your wedding.

Are outside caterers permitted?

Unfortunately not.  Not to worry though: we work with multiple caterers who provide a wide array of options if you're wanting to customize the wedding package. 

Where do I get a marriage license?

We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way at least a month before your wedding date.  If one of the parties is a Georgia resident, the license can be issued in any county.  If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county in which the marriage ceremony is to be performed: in our case, it's Harris County.  The Harris County Probate Court office is located at 102 North College Street, Hamilton, GA 31811.  Two valid forms of id such as drivers license, birth certificate, U. S. passport, Armed Forces ID card, or Resident Alien ID card. Applicants will also be asked to fill out a brief form.  There is no waiting period and no expiration date.  For more information, you can contact the local probate court directly at 706-628-5038.