Operating Overview
Mount Hope Barn Weddings & Events
Welcome to an incredible venue that combines the beauty of your wedding with Mount Hope’s gorgeous views. You will make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Mount Hope is a family owned and operated business and we truly value the relationship we create with you.
ALL Rentals are 3 DAYS LONG!
10am Friday to 12pm Sunday. (Custom Packages available per Request)
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION
Ceremony facilities (indoor & outdoor capacity 250 guests)
Reception facilities (indoor) (capacity of 350 guests)
Tables and Chairs (seating for 256)
6 rectangle tables- seat 4-6
256 white folding chairs
32 round tables- seat 6-8 people
Church pews for ceremony seating
LODGING
Getaway Guest Cottage for the Newlyweds (located on Mt. Hope venue grounds)
Lodging for 40-42 guests at our White Tales Lodge (2 miles from Mt. Hope Barn)
The Cabin – located between Mount Hope and The Lodge
BAR
We have bar’s available in the Hay Shed and on the lower level of the Barn.
We do NOT sell liquor- we have a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) Policy.
Bar Tenders are considered an extra service and not included in the event cost. We REQUIRE you to arrange or hire Bar Tenders. We offer this service for the day/night of your Event ($150 per Bar Tender). They are experienced at running our facilities and maintain trash and restrooms during the event. -We allow tip jars.
ALCOHOL INSURANCE
We require that our renters buy an alcohol accident insurance plan through Squire’s Insurance company located in Hardin IL in Calhoun County. (618 576 2207)
We require that our renter lists Mt. Hope/Jonah White (Jonah White is the owner) as also insured in the plan.
This plan covers any scenario that has to do with alcohol related accidents. DUE WITH FINAL PAYMENT – Attached is an example of their description.
FOOD
You arrange the caterer.
We also have a kitchen at our White Tales Lodge available (if you rent the lodge) that you can use at no extra charge.
We also have a bonfire pit available at both Mt. Hope (often used for s’mores etc.)
SOUND/MUSIC
You arrange sound and music, DJ or band.
We have a list of preferred and recommended DJs that we can assist you with upon Request.
SET UP
You are responsible for set up and decorating. We will have the tables and chairs (on rolling carts) in the reception hall ready for you to place. We will also set up the church pews for you one time. Let us know how you want them arranged on the Lawn (facing pond or facing barn)
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If you need hired help, we can arrange helpers available for $20 per hour/per person if you need extra assistance.
DUE WITH FINAL PAYMENT.
TEAR DOWN
We have two options for tear down, 1. you can be responsible for cleaning up on Sunday of your rental or 2. you can pay Mt. Hope to tear down for $250. If you should choose us to tear down- We will place all your belongings in a certain area to make it easy for you to come back the next day and pick it up.
DUE WITH FINAL PAYMENT.
TRASH CANS
We will have trash cans set up around our facilities and we will have them packed with a trash bags.
YOU are responsible for trash at the White Tales Lodge. Trash at WTL needs to be put in trash bags and left in a designated area for Mt. Hope Crew to pick up.
PARKING
Parking is located very close to our facilities.
At the Mount Hope venue, we can park 300+ cars.
At our White Tales Lodge venue, we can park 50 cars.
We require the renter designates 1 to 2 people in charge of directing parking at the Mount Hope venue.
TIME LIMITS (MOVE IN- MOVE OUT)
You can arrive at 10am on the first day of your rental (Friday). Property needs to be vacated, at the latest by 12am the night of the reception. The facility rented must be cleaned and vacated by 2pm the Sunday.
DAMAGE WAIVER FEE
An additional fee Mount Hope Charges that can later be refunded is that All venues are under a $500 refundable Damage Waiver Fee. This includes the Mt. Hope venue, the White Tales Lodge venue, the Cabin and the Guest Cottage facility. If nothing is damaged by the end of your stay, the deposit is refunded back to you.
$250 will automatically be deducted from your Damage Deposit if the Mount Hope Guest Cottage is left excessively trashed.
$200 will automatically be deducted from the Damage Waiver fee if there are animals brought in the buildings or if you smoke in the buildings.
This ensures that our property is handled with care.
Refundable Damage Deposit Fee: DUE WITH FINAL PAYMENT.
SMOKING
Pursuant to Illinois Law there is no smoking permitted inside any of the buildings or within 15 feet of any entrance.
$200 will automatically be deducted from the Damage Waiver fee if there is smoking in any of our buildings.
Smoking is only permitted in graveled areas.
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PAYMENT
$2500 event deposit to secure the date. (counts towards full balance)
50% of total amount due Upon Contract Signing. (6 months prior to event)
Final and FULL payment due 30 days prior to your event.
also due: Alc. Insurance, Damage deposit, Bartender & Barback payments
How much for damage deposit?
​ DUE AT FINAL PAYMENT
Event will NOT take place unless final payment is received.
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PAYMENTS
Any questions about mailing checks or Payment Methods refer to finance@billybobproducts.com or call 618 576 8061
Ask for Melody in Finance.
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Payments are to be made to: White Tales Lodge
Payments are to be Mailed To:
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Melody Schenk
Mount Hope/ Billy Bob Products
RR1 Box 389
Hardin IL, 62047
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Let us know if you would like to come out and set up a tour!
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Best Wishes,
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Renee White
Mount Hope Event Coordinator
Email: info@barnweddingsillinois.com
Phone: 618 535 9804
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White Tales Lodge
5565 Hamburg Michael Rd,
Michael IL 62065​
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