44 answers
Straight answers,
in the venue’s own words.
Nothing here is softened for marketing. If something is a no, it says no.
The Booking
Do you have package deals?
Two: a midweek booking of four days and three nights, and a weekend booking of five days and four nights.
What is included in the rental fee?
Everything listed under the wedding package — the whole property, the buildings, the furniture, the sound systems and two hours of Coffee Cabin service.
What additional fees are there?
Hotel tax, special event insurance and cancellation insurance. There are no service fees.
Can the packages be adjusted?
Not during the regular wedding season.
What is your payment schedule?
A $2,000 deposit and half the rental fee on signing. The balance is due 180 days before check-in.
Do you accept credit cards?
No.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancelling less than a year before the event carries a fee of 50% of the rental fee, unless we can re-let the property for the same price. Inside 180 days, the full rental fee applies. A $500 service charge covers processing any change or cancellation.
What is special event insurance?
Most venues require it. It protects you and it protects us, in the event of an accident, an alcohol-related incident, or anything similar.
What if it rains?
There are no refunds or offsets for weather, loss of utilities, or acts of God.
The Event
What is your capacity?
220 guests for the ceremony and reception. For larger groups, ask us.
How many can the log benches seat at the wedding site?
Approximately 140 to 160.
Are there rules about when events must end?
No.
What is your alcohol policy?
Bring your own. All of it.
Can we bring our own decorations?
Yes. Decorations and linens are not provided, so the look of the day is entirely yours.
Do you require a specific caterer?
No. Bring whoever you like — there is a caterer’s kitchen in the bunkhouse. We keep a register of people who know the property.
Do you provide tables and chairs?
Yes, for 200 guests. Chair covers, linens, plates and silverware are not provided.
Is there a PA system?
Two — one for the ceremony site, one for the reception. Clip-on mic, wireless mic, and a Bluetooth or cable input for a laptop or phone.
Is there power at the wedding site?
Yes.
Who deals with the rubbish?
We do.
Staying Here
How many bedrooms are there?
Five in the lodge, two in the saloon.
How many beds?
Lodge: four kings and a set of twins. Saloon: two queens and a set of twins.
What is the on-site sleeping capacity?
Twenty in the buildings, plus up to 30 adults camping.
Has anyone rented luxury tents?
Often. Several outfitters will set the camping meadow with furnished bell tents — their details are in the register.
Is there lodging nearby?
Yes — Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the closest.
Is there wifi?
Yes, in the saloon.
Are you off grid?
Completely. Solar and generator. Someone from The Hideout is on the property at all times to deal with anything that comes up.
Are there dishes, pots, pans and glassware?
Yes, for your stay — not for the wedding.
Is there an ice maker?
No. Bring ice. The nearest is Silver Lake, seven miles away.
Where is the nearest grocery store?
Safeway in Pollock Pines, 35 miles; Payless Market in Pioneer, 30 miles.
The Ground
Is the lake swimmable?
Yes.
Can we fish?
Yes — catch and release, please.
Do you allow campfires?
Yes, in designated spots only, and only when the weather allows. No fires in the camping area.
Do we need to bring firewood?
No.
Can I target shoot?
Yes, in the designated area. Ask a staff member first.
Are there bears?
Yes, but they are wild bears, not trash bears. They do not bother us.
Do you allow dogs?
Only the couple’s dog. No other dogs on the property at any time.
What is the average summer temperature?
75–80°F.
Do the campsites have water, fire pits or power?
No. No fires or cooking in the camping area unless you are in an RV.
Getting Here
How long is the drive in from the highway?
About fifteen minutes.
Do I need four-wheel drive?
No.
Can buses manage Hideout Road and Puckerbutt Hill?
No. Vans only, please.
What are the best airports?
Reno or Sacramento, depending on where you are flying from. Both are roughly three hours away.
Have guests arranged airport transport before?
Yes — ask us for details, or start with the shuttle operators in the register.
How far is Kirkwood Mountain Resort?
Twelve miles up Highway 88.
Still wondering
Ask the family that built it.
Anything not covered here gets answered by the people who own the property, not a call centre.