Rules & Policies
To preserve our historic structures and comply with federal regulations, Little Mader Farm is a cannabis-free property. The possession or use of cannabis (including edibles and vapes), or other federally controlled substances, is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises.
For traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes, we strictly prohibit smoking inside the historic barn, bridal suites, restrooms, ceremony sites, and covered structures. However, we want your guests to be comfortable! We have a single, clearly marked designated outdoor smoking zone available. We kindly ask that all waste be placed in the provided fire-safe receptacles to protect our fields and gardens.
Can guests smoke or vape on the property?
Rules & Policies
To preserve our historic structures and comply with federal regulations, Little Mader Farm is a cannabis-free property. The possession or use of cannabis (including edibles and vapes), or other federally controlled substances, is strictly prohibited anywhere on the premises.
For traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes, we strictly prohibit smoking inside the historic barn, bridal suites, restrooms, ceremony sites, and covered structures. However, we want your guests to be comfortable! We have a single, clearly marked designated outdoor smoking zone available. We kindly ask that all waste be placed in the provided fire-safe receptacles to protect our fields and gardens.
We love seeing how you personalize the space, but to keep our farm safe and pristine, a few items are restricted. We do not allow firearms, fireworks, pyrotechnics, open-flame candles (LED alternatives look gorgeous and are required!), loose glitter, plastic/foil confetti, or rice.
When decorating, please leave the nails, screws, staples, and heavy adhesives (like duct or packing tape) at home to protect our historic woodwork. Low-tack painter’s tape is fully approved and works beautifully! Our coordinators are here to help and know what works!
What items are restricted or not allowed for decor?
Rules & Policies
We love seeing how you personalize the space, but to keep our farm safe and pristine, a few items are restricted. We do not allow firearms, fireworks, pyrotechnics, open-flame candles (LED alternatives look gorgeous and are required!), loose glitter, plastic/foil confetti, or rice.
When decorating, please leave the nails, screws, staples, and heavy adhesives (like duct or packing tape) at home to protect our historic woodwork. Low-tack painter’s tape is fully approved and works beautifully! Our coordinators are here to help and know what works!
Absolutely! We love hosting families. Because Little Mader Farm is an active, working agricultural operation, it does feature unique elements like fencing, machinery, and live animals. For their safety, children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times and are not permitted to free-roam, climb on fences/structures, or approach livestock unattended.
Are children welcome at the venue?
Rules & Policies
Absolutely! We love hosting families. Because Little Mader Farm is an active, working agricultural operation, it does feature unique elements like fencing, machinery, and live animals. For their safety, children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times and are not permitted to free-roam, climb on fences/structures, or approach livestock unattended.
Yes! To keep our beautiful event tables looking their absolute best for every couple, we require all guest, catering, and display tables to be covered with full-length protective linens. You are more than welcome to bring your own linens to match your style, or you can check out our convenient, hassle-free in-house linen rental options!
Do you require table linens?
Rules & Policies
Yes! To keep our beautiful event tables looking their absolute best for every couple, we require all guest, catering, and display tables to be covered with full-length protective linens. You are more than welcome to bring your own linens to match your style, or you can check out our convenient, hassle-free in-house linen rental options!
We love a spectacular farewell! Outside use of bubbles and birdseed is warmly welcomed. If you are dreaming of a sparkler exit, please submit a written request 30 days in advance. Sparkler events take place in a specific outdoor zone under the supervision of our staff, and require metal buckets filled with sand or water to be ready at the exit. Please note that exits may be adjusted or canceled if local weather conditions present an elevated fire risk.
What are the options for a grand exit?
Rules & Policies
We love a spectacular farewell! Outside use of bubbles and birdseed is warmly welcomed. If you are dreaming of a sparkler exit, please submit a written request 30 days in advance. Sparkler events take place in a specific outdoor zone under the supervision of our staff, and require metal buckets filled with sand or water to be ready at the exit. Please note that exits may be adjusted or canceled if local weather conditions present an elevated fire risk.
Our capacity limits are set to ensure a safe, comfortable, and beautiful experience for everyone on the property. Your final headcount should align with your layout plan. If you find that your guest count is jumping significantly (10% or more above your estimated count at signing), please chat with us at least 30 days prior to your event so we can review the logistics and ensure we can safely accommodate your crowd.
What is the maximum capacity, and can I update my guest count?
Rules & Policies
Our capacity limits are set to ensure a safe, comfortable, and beautiful experience for everyone on the property. Your final headcount should align with your layout plan. If you find that your guest count is jumping significantly (10% or more above your estimated count at signing), please chat with us at least 30 days prior to your event so we can review the logistics and ensure we can safely accommodate your crowd.
Booking & Logistics
What is the standard rental period for an event?
Booking & Logistics
We want you to have plenty of time to bring your vision to life! Our standard rental window gives you ample time for vendor setup, your beautiful celebration, and clean-up. Typically, music wraps up and bar service concludes one hour prior to the end of your rental block to ensure your guests and vendors have a smooth, stress-free departure from the property. (Note: Specific access times will be tailored right into your rental agreement! Typical rental periods are 3 & 6 Hours or All Day)
What does the payment schedule look like?
Booking & Logistics
To secure your preferred date on our calendar, we require an initial reservation deposit along with a signed contract. The remaining balance is broken down into manageable installments, with the final payment due 30 days before your big day. We accept cash, checks, and popular payment apps.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Booking & Logistics
We understand that life can bring unexpected changes. Because we reserve the venue exclusively for you and turn away other couples for your date, all initial deposits are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, please reach out to us as early as possible—we will always do our absolute best to work with you and find an available alternative date.
Is event liability insurance required?
Booking & Logistics
Yes, to ensure peace of mind for everyone involved, we require all weddings to secure a standard, single-day special event liability policy (typically for $1,000,000) naming Little Mader Farm as an additional insured. These are very affordable (usually around $125–$200), easy to purchase online through platforms like EventSured or The Event Helper, and must be submitted to us 30 days prior to your event.
When do we need to finalize our floor plan and timeline?
Booking & Logistics
We will collaborate with you to map out your perfect setup! Your final guest count, seating floor plan, vendor list, and day-of timeline should be finalized with us 30 days before your event or at your final planning meeting. This gives our team plenty of time to ensure every table and chair is perfectly in place before you arrive.
Amenities & Inclusions
Can we have an open bar or self-serve alcohol?
Amenities & Inclusions
To ensure full compliance with Ohio liquor laws and keep everyone safe, all alcoholic beverages must be managed and poured exclusively behind a physical bar barrier by certified, insured bartending personnel. Self-service, unattended bottles on guest tables, and open coolers are not permitted. Our professional in-house bar services are designed to keep the drinks flowing smoothly and safely all night!
What furniture is included with our venue rental?
Amenities & Inclusions
We’ve got your foundational setup covered! Your rental includes full use of our beautiful inventory of guest tables, display tables, and chairs for both your ceremony and reception. When we sit down to map out your 30-day floor plan, our team will handle the heavy lifting by setting up all venue-provided tables and chairs according to your layout before you arrive.
Are there dedicated getting-ready spaces for the wedding party?
Amenities & Inclusions
Yes! We feature a private suite on the property designed for you and your bridal party to get ready for the day ahead. These spaces are available to you during your rental block, giving you a comfortable space before the festivities start.
The Groom and his entourage will have use of the facilities in the barn to get ready for the day.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Amenities & Inclusions
We always keep a beautiful "Plan B" in our back pocket! Because Ohio weather can be unpredictable, we have fantastic rain plans. In the event of inclement weather, your ceremony can easily be transitioned into our stunning, historic indoor barn space. Our team will work closely with your coordinator to make the transition seamless, ensuring your backup plan feels just as magical as your original one.
What are the restroom facilities like at the farm?
Amenities & Inclusions
No rustic outhouses here! While we are a historic farm, we want your guests to experience modern comfort. The venue features updated, permanent, indoor restrooms that are handicap accessible and fully stocked for your entire event.
Are there sound system restrictions for our DJ or band?
Amenities & Inclusions
We love great music and dancing! Because we are a rural venue with close-knit neighbors, amplified sound and music must take place inside the barn structure and be kept to a reasonable decibel level. To ensure a smooth evening, all music and loud entertainment must conclude exactly one hour before your rental block ends or 10:30PM.
Do you provide climate control inside the historic barn?
Amenities & Inclusions
Our historic barn offers a beautiful, authentic rustic experience. It features excellent natural cross-ventilation, large open doors, and industrial fans to keep the breeze moving beautifully during warmer months. Because it is an authentic, historic structure, we recommend that couples planning early spring or late autumn celebrations chat with us about local heater rental options to keep things cozy.
Vendors & Catering
Do you have an exclusive or preferred vendor list?
Vendors & Catering
We want your wedding day to completely reflect your unique style, so you are welcome to work with your favorite licensed and insured vendors! We do maintain a list of exceptional, trusted local vendors who have previously worked with Little Mader Farm. While you aren't required to choose from our list, any vendor you select must provide proof of standard business liability insurance at least 30 days prior to your event.
What are the kitchen facilities like for our caterer?
Vendors & Catering
Little Mader Farm is a beautiful, authentic rustic venue and does not feature any indoor kitchen facilities or a dedicated vendor water supply. We do provide a limited prep area for their use. Caterers must operate 100% self-sufficiently by bringing their own staging equipment, warming cabinets, mobile refrigeration, independent water, and ice. We have plenty of spacious outdoor areas and accessible electrical hookups for your catering team to set up a completely self-contained, successful food service operations!
Can we bring our own alcohol, or do you provide in-house bar services?
Vendors & Catering
We offer fantastic flexibility here! You are warmly welcome to supply your own alcohol, beer, and wine, which can save you a significant amount on your overall budget. However, to keep everyone safe and fully comply with state regulations, all alcohol must be handled, managed, and served by certified, insured bartending personnel. Under no circumstances is guest self-service or open coolers permitted.
What time can our vendors arrive to begin setting up?
Vendors & Catering
Your coordination team can provide access the property to begin setup at the exact start time of your contracted rental block or in many cases earlier for weddings. If your decorators, florists, or rental companies require extra time for intricate setups, please let us know in advance so we can help you coordinate or look into adding additional setup hours to your rental window.
Are food trucks allowed at the venue?
Vendors & Catering
Yes, we love food trucks! They bring a fun, casual energy to farm weddings. We have dedicated, flat parking spaces near the reception area with easy access for your guests. Just let us know during our 30-day timeline meeting so we can ensure they are mapped perfectly into your layout.
Information for Guests
Is there public Wi-Fi available at the farm?
Information for Guests
To help you and your guests fully unplug and immerse yourselves in the countryside, Little Mader Farm does not provide public Wi-Fi or internet access. Because we are a rural venue, we highly recommend that couples, guests, and vendors (like DJs, coordinators, and caterers) plan ahead by securing independent cellular signals, hot-spots, or offline media capabilities for music and digital payment processing.
What is the parking situation like?
Information for Guests
We offer natural grass field parking that comfortably accommodates up to approximately 70 vehicles. Because vehicles park at their own risk on natural terrain, heavy rain or soft mud may require us to adjust parking for safety—in which case, off-site shuttle arrangements would need to be coordinated. If you anticipate your guest count will require more than 70 vehicles, just let us know 30 days in advance so we can help you coordinate smoothly!
Is the venue handicap accessible (ADA compliant)?
Information for Guests
We welcome all guests to the farm! Our updated, permanent indoor restrooms are fully handicap accessible. Because we are an authentic, historic farm, the property features natural terrain including grass fields, gravel pathways, and some uneven ground. If you or a loved one require special mobility assistance or parking arrangements close to the ceremony site, please just let us know ahead of time—our team is more than happy to assist!
Can guests leave their vehicles overnight?
Information for Guests
To ensure everyone celebrates safely, we absolutely support guests utilizing rideshares or carpooling if they've enjoyed our bar service. For our full day weddings, vehicles are welcome to remain in our natural grass parking field overnight at their own risk, but they must be retrieved by 10:00 AM the following morning so we can prepare the property for our next scheduled event.
What should guests wear to a wedding at the farm?
Information for Guests
We love seeing everyone dressed up for a celebration! Because we are a rural farm venue, we highly recommend "gilded rustic" or "semiformal farm" attire. Since ceremonies and parking take place on natural grass and gravel pathways, we strongly suggest swapping out stiletto heels for block heels, wedges, or stylish flats so you can comfortably move around the property. Bringing a light jacket or wrap for chilly evening breezes in the barn is always a great idea, too!
Are pets or animals allowed to be part of the wedding?
Information for Guests
We know pets are family! We love when couples include their dogs in the wedding ceremony and photos. To keep both your pets and our farm animals safe, all guest pets must be pre-approved by the venue, remain on a leash under the strict supervision of a dedicated handler at all times, and return home or to a local lodging facility immediately following the ceremony and photos. (Please note that guest pets are not permitted inside the reception barn or near the livestock pens).
Service Animals: Legally defined service animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are, of course, fully welcome in all public areas of the venue. For safety around our active farm machinery and resident livestock, we kindly ask that service animals remain under the handler's control at all times. Emotional support animals (ESAs) or therapy pets must follow our standard guest pet policy outlined above.
Where should out-of-town guests stay? What are the closest hotels?
Information for Guests
While Little Mader Farm offers a beautifully secluded, rural countryside escape, we are just a short 10–15 minute drive from excellent modern conveniences and lodging. Your guests will find wonderful hotel accommodations, dining, and shopping options right off I-75 in our neighboring communities:
Troy (approx. 10–15 mins away)
Great for guests who want to explore a historic downtown square with local boutiques and dining. Excellent spots include the Home2 Suites by Hilton Troy, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Troy, and Comfort Suites Troy.
Piqua (approx. 10–15 mins away)
Conveniently located just north of the farm, offering easy highway access, local parks, and great dining options like the upcoming Thai 9 expansion. Great hotel choices include the Comfort Inn & Suites Piqua-Dayton-I-75 and the Baymont by Wyndham Piqua.
Tipp City (approx. 15 mins away)
Perfect for a charming, historic small-town feel with wonderful antique shopping and local eateries. Comfortable options include the Comfort Inn & Suites Tipp City and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton North - Tipp City.
For larger groups or families wanting to stay together, there are also fantastic local historic Bed & Breakfasts and private Airbnb/VRBO rentals throughout Miami County.
What are some good local restaurants for our guests to visit?
Information for Guests
Whether your guests are looking for a morning espresso, a casual lunch, or a fantastic rehearsal dinner spot, Miami County has an incredible local food scene! Here are a few highly recommended, local favorites just minutes from the farm:
Right Here in Covington
If your guests want a great bite right down the road from the venue, Boscoe's Place is a local favorite serving up incredible craft pizzas (with a unique thin sourdough-style crust!), sandwiches, and a great patio. For excellent tavern style food, wings, and a casual hometown atmosphere, stop by Buffalo Jack's, or grab fantastic classic Mexican dishes at El Taco Mexican Restaurant. If you just need a great morning pick-me-up or a specialty espresso, Glacier View Coffee right downtown is the perfect stop!
Local Area
Troy
If your guests are hunting for the ultimate brunch, redBERRY serves up incredible creative breakfast classics. For high-energy dining, Agave & Rye offers epic tacos and a great atmosphere, while The Caroline right on the public square is a local staple for classic American dinner favorites.
Piqua
For an incredible Italian dinner and a local favorite that has been family-owned for generations, check out 3 Joe’s Pizzeria & Trattoria. If you are looking for local craft brews and great food right by the river, Crooked Handle Brewing Co. is a fantastic spot to hang out
Tipp City
For a truly world-class, memorable dinner in a beautifully converted historic bank, Coldwater Cafe is an absolute must (reservations recommended!). For fantastic artisan wood-fired pizza and duckpin bowling, check out Tipp City Pizza, or stop by Harrison’s Restaurant for cozy, classic American fare right downtown.