
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
To make choosing your venue and planning your event as easy as possible, we update this list regularly based on the questions we receive.
If you don’t see your question answered here, please e-mail us at hello@thependennisweddingsandevents.com
WEDDINGS
How long does it take to switch over from ceremony to reception if both events are in the Ballroom? Who provides that service?
Three Hours. All guests must leave during this time. There is no turnover if there is a ceremony on the balcony followed by a reception in the ballroom.
Our in-house Venue Coordinator is ready to switch over the space from your magical ceremony into your dream reception in 3 hours, we include the time for your caterer and florist to do their work in this timeframe as well. We provide the set up and tear down of our tables, chairs, and decor. This timeline can be shortened depending on the number of guests you have (fewer than 75) and some other details, but not by much.
What hours do we have access to the property?
Most wedding packages include 10:00 AM access time and a 1:00 AM finish time. The Luxury Package includes a 9:00 AM start time and 2:00 AM finish time. Additional hours can be added a la carte.
Can I serve my own alcohol?
If you would like to bring in wine for dinner (we call it Table Wine), we do have a corkage option for that. Please see more details here. Otherwise, we provide all bar services for all events.
Do you set up wine glasses on the tables?
Table Wine is an additional service you can book. It includes up to 140, 20 oz wine glasses per person. If we do not provide the wine, the price is $25/bottle and includes wine glass set up, bussing, chilling the white wine, and setting out the bottles.
What Floors are included in my rental?
The Pendennis Weddings and Events is on floors 3 and 4 of the historic Pendennis Building. The 3rd floor is included in all wedding packages for the reception. The 4th floor balcony and terrace can be rented out individually. Only the Luxury Package includes both floor 3 + 4 and the balcony.
What Amenities are on site?
Bathrooms:
There are Men’s, Women’s, and two barrier-free bathrooms in the basement, accessible via the elevator and stairs.
We have one bathroom on the 3rd floor.
We have three new bathrooms on the 4th floor for use during the fourth floor rental period.
Plating Area:
There is a plating area available with a large fridge, two stainless steel tables, garbage and recycling cans, cleaning supplies, and a hand washing sink. No cooking is allowed on site without permission from Elizabeth.
Getting Ready Suite
We have a beautiful Getting Ready Suite on the 3rd floor. It’s very private. There are multiple desks/vanities for hair and makeup, plug-ins, and a beautiful sitting area with a floral wall for gorgeous bridal portraits. It’s stocked with a Nespresso machine, drinking water, and, in the luxury package, mimosas!
The Bar
We offer an amazing in-house bar selection, especially our House, Premium, and Luxury wine options. Our bartenders are excellent and the service quick so your bar line doesn’t get in the way of the party.
What is the cancellation policy?
More details are in the contract, otherwise, any notice of cancellation received by us less than 90 days prior to the Event shall result in forfeiture of the entire total rental fee. Please e-mail us to see if your cancellation merits an exception.
Do you have a per table cost for décor or does it have to rented as a whole?
For the Platinum and Luxury Packages, we have a décor package with all included items, and a rental package with additional items that may be added a la carte.
Do you provide a sound system?
We do not for weddings. We strongly recommend a DJ for this type of special event.
What is a Walk Through?
A Walk Through is a chance to meet with your coordinator up to three months before your wedding day. It allows you to meet, discuss wedding details, go over your wedding day timeline, and look at the venue again before your wedding day. This is when you go over your decor and rentals, and timeline. Your appointment with your coordinator is one hour, however you may stay to look around for an additional thirty minutes and meet other vendors during that time. The Walk Through is for working with your Coordinator only.
Do we get a rehearsal?
We’re happy to offer our couples a free one hour rehearsal with their Platinum or Luxury package. Please note that rehearsal bookings are subject to availability and are often booked two days before the wedding date. If we do not have availability, we are really sorry. Rehearsals can be booked up to thirty days before a wedding, but only after all required documentation has been provided and payments have been made.
If another party inquires for that date, then the couple will have a chance to select a different date at that time. If the couple would like to book the originally selected date instead, then they will need to rent the venue for 75% of the value of the inquiry. (Ex. If someone wants to rent the venue for a half day and the value of that date is $5,000 then the couple would have need to pay $3,570). The value of choosing to book would include being able to access the venue for the proposed time period, and the couple would be able to drop things off and possibly even set up!
Can I book my rehearsal day to be the day before my wedding so it’s “back-to-back?”
Typically, no. Due to availability we book rehearsals two days before the wedding to try to ensure we don’t have to move the date. However, we have been regularly booked four to five days in a week, and mostly evenings, so we cannot always accommodate a rehearsal at all. We do our best to try!
Do you have a winter package/discount?
We do! From January through April we offer a $2,000 discount on the Platinum Package and a $4,000 discount on the Luxury Package, plus extras like space heaters and a fire pit and a $500 credit towards rentals!
Are cocktail tables included?
Yes! We love our cocktail tables as they can elevate any event. They are easy to move and can be placed where needed! They most often are on the 4th floor and in the 3rd floor cocktail bar.
Can you book for just a ceremony or reception?
No, and yes! Our wedding packages are all full-day packages so no discount is provided for a reception-only wedding. Often the florist and other vendors still need full day access for set up and deliveries. We do not accept ceremony-only bookings. If a wedding is booked at the venue, no other booking would be accepted that day.
How much is the Retainer?
The retainer, otherwise called a refundable deposit, is 50% of the booking cost (excluding GST) and must be paid to confirm your booking along with the contract and chosen package filled out and signed/initialed.
Can we bring our own ceremony arch?
Yes! Let us know the dimensions so we can make sure it fits in the elevator and through doorways.
Can our guests stay during turnover?
They cannot. The team needs access to the elevators to move in reception tables, and are often working with the caterer, florist, and DJ to get ready. It is uncomfortable for guests to be in the building during this changeover.
How many people fit for the ceremony and reception?
Balcony Ceremony: 140
Ballroom Ceremony: 150
Ballroom Reception: 130 (or 140 with a very specific layout)
How much should we budget for the bar?
This does often depend on how many guests you have and how many of them are bigger drinkers, however, our average bar bill is around $4,000 for 120 guests including table wine and water service.
Is there a refund/discount policy if there is bad weather?
I’m sorry but we are unable to offer refunds or discounts in case of bad weather. Our team is here to ensure that, in case of bad weather, we have a back up plan ready for you and your guests. Choose from our three Poor Weather Backup Plans our team is ready to provide.
What rules do we have to follow?
All our rules for the venue are kept under our Rules and Regulations page.
Do you have air-conditioning?
We do!
While it’s a historic building with interesting quirks, we do have updated amenities like air conditioning throughout.
What hours are you open?
We are open by appointment only.
For events, we are flexible! Most packages have a start time of 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM but we can start earlier. For event end time, the latest we have is venue closed by 2:00 AM requires a 1:15 AM bar close. The DJ typically requires 45 minutes to tear down.
Do you provide water?
We do. We have Reverse Osmosis water bottles available for purchase, a water station set up at the bar and for ceremonies, table water service included with all seated dinners.
Do you provide on-site coordination?
Yes, we do. It’s included in all our wedding packages and for most events. We can also offer planning services to accommodate your event’s specific needs. Venue coordinating (working with the vendors, ensuring our space is ready for the guests, setting up our chairs and tables) is not the same as Event Planning. We typically do not set up or tear down any of the items clients bring in. This can be added to your package for an additional cost.
Is wifi included?
We have wifi available for vendors and those who need it! It’s currently not available for the public or guests.
Where can we take photos in the venue?
The floor you book is guaranteed with your package and both the 3rd and 4th floor have many picturesque spots to choose from. Looking for something outdoors? We are located close to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, and many beautiful spots on Jasper Ave. Hoping to take photos on another floor? There is the option to rent them, if they are available, however we cannot confirm until the week before the event.
Are pets allowed?
They are not, except in the case of an Service Animal.
Do I need to get insurance for the event?
Yes. A two-million-dollar ($2,000,000.00) Event Liability Insurance Policy is required. We are required to be the first payee, or co-insured. Our legal business name:
The Pendennis Weddings and Events Inc. Address: 9660 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V5
How much is the Retainer?
The retainer, otherwise called a refundable deposit, is 50% of the booking cost (excluding GST) and must be paid to confirm your booking along with the contract and chosen package filled out and signed/initialed.
Can we bring our own décor?
Absolutely!
Please note, we do not offer set up or tear down of any decor we do not provide.
Can we use our own chairs/tables?
We require the use/rental of our chairs and tables unless you want a different aesthetic (meaning you can’t bring in identical tables that are cheaper than what we offer. Please share with us any pricing of the same items and we will price match). We do want to have weddings with different styles and so we’re happy to work with you to bring that to life!
Can we use our own vendors?
Absolutely! Please pass along our website and information in case they need to get ahold of us. We have a list of vendors we love and can share with you as well!
Does your bar service include bussing?
It does! We provide the glassware, water glasses, and bussing services. This means we have a bartender cleaning the tables of empty glasses (aside from water and wine), and empty cans.
Do you charge gratuity?
We charge 18% gratuity on the final bar/service bill and that tip money goes directly to our amazing bartenders and serving staff.
Is there a patio heating source?
We have mobile patio heaters available to rent, and a delightful propane fire pit as well.
Are there other business is the building?
Currently, no. However the building owners are looking for tenants. If you’re interested, reach them here.
Do I need a liquor license?
No you do not. We have our own liquor license which allows us to serve alcohol between the hours of 9:00 am - 2:00 am
Can I use sparklers?
E-mail us to confirm where you would like them and they answer may be yes! For indoor sparklers they must be heat-free and oil free. For outdoor sparklers, you have to supply a bucket and ensure they are all thrown into water immediately after use.
What is included in the rental rate?
Easy answer: it depends. We customize almost every booking to meet our clients’ needs. The only packages we currently have are for weddings as we are deeply familiar with the wedding industry and know what is needed and what we can offer. For all other clients, it can be quite a range! Please e-mail us what you are looking for and we can send you an estimate. If you’d like to get a sense of it, you can Build A Quote on our website!
How long have you been in business?
We launched May 2023! In that time we’ve run 140+ events and counting! While we may have opened recently, our CEO and founder, Elizabeth Mywaart, has been in the wedding and events industry for thirteen years and has been running a venue since 2021. Weddings and Events are her, and the team’s, passion.
Is everything a la carte?
Aside from weddings, yes. We are working on some packages for networking events, private parties, and Christmas parties, but we aren’t ready to launch them quite yet.
Where do my guests park?
There is street parking in the front of the building as well as a huge parking lot to the east, and another at the back of the building. All is paid parking. There is also the Quarters LRT station located a block away. Uber is a quick and easy choice as well.
Is the venue Accessible?
We are! The Pendennis Weddings and Events is located on the 3rd and 4th floor but we have a spacious elevator that takes you to every floor, including 3R, the cocktail bar, the balcony, and the basement washrooms. We also have a total of 5 Accessible washrooms in the basement.
Do you have dinnerware?
We do! Plates and cutlery are now available to rent from us directly. Other services you can add are table set up, and bussing.
Are the doors always locked?
Yes they are. The safety of our guests is a priority and so we don’t leave the doors unlocked without being manned by one of our team or a security guard. When we know your event timeline and expectations for guest arrival, we book one of our team or a security guard to man the door during specific times to ensure the safety and privacy of all guests.
Where do the smokers smoke?
If you rent our 4th floor, our east-side terrace (what we call the “smoking terrace”) is available for smokers, and has ashtrays on the terrace for their use. Otherwise, the street is available for smokers as per Alberta bylaw.
Can you rent early access?
Yes, you do have the option to rent the space additional hours in the morning for elaborate set-ups, or tight timelines. Early Access is subject to availability and staff if it’s requested after the original booking.
Can we bring our own caterer?
Absolutely! We provide a Preferred Vendors list, however you may choose whichever vendors you’d prefer. We do have a Prohibited Vendors list. Once a vendor has done damage to our property or shown that they cannot respect the venue, we do put them on this list and they are no longer allowed to work at our venue. We only show this list to clients who have booked with us.
What is the Signature Decor?
Our Signature Décor is what we offer in our Platinum and Luxury Packages. It includes wood grain, crossback, resin chairs, rectangular wood farmhouse tables, Everlasting candles with gold “candlesticks” and clear vases with enough oil to burn for seven hours. We also now have Decor Packages available
Can we bring in our own wine?
We allow the option to bring your own wedding wine for dinner and charge a $25/bottle corkage fee. This includes our glassware, table set up, and bussing.
What does security do?
We have hired an amazing security company to offer services to keep your guests safe. They help open doors, walk guests to their cars when it gets late, patrol the premises, and ensure everyone is safe.
Do you provide a sound system?
We have two EV50 speakers you can be rented. They connect via traditional means and via Bluetooth. We can provide limited AV services that include set up of our wired or wireless mic, playing music, and setting up the speakers for your use. We only set up our rented equipment. If you have a DJ, they must rent the speakers from us directly and sign a rental agreement.
Is there a hold policy?
Due to the number of e-mails and inquiries we do not offer a hold policy. We also reserve the right not to accept a booking if we feel we won’t be a good fit.
How do you accept payment?
We accept most payments via e-transfer to elizabeth@thependennisweddingsandevents.com. If you’re looking for a payment plan, please e-mail us. If you’d like to pay via credit card, there’s an additional 3.5% fee and we can accept those payments online, or via PayPal. We also accept EFT and cheques.
Am I allowed to have an open flame?
We allow real flame but a glass chimney/vase has to be around the candle 2” above the flame. There also needs to be a base to catch wax drippings so it doesn’t ruin the table/linen. We do not allow large open flames in the building as it could set off fire alarms. Inquire with us to see if we can have it on the balcony!
When do I pay the final bill?
The final bill is due 30 days before the event. If you’ve booked bar services, an estimate is provided on the bill and, after the event when the drinks are totalled, an updated bill will be sent. For any additional costs incurred after an event, payment is owed within 30 days.
What is the damage deposit?
The damage deposit is $2,000 (cash/e-transfer/cheque) or your credit card on file. We do not accept bookings without a damage deposit. We only use the damage deposit for damages, it does not apply to the final bill unless there are no damages. If there are damages, those get applied to the damage deposit, and the remainder can be applied towards the final bill. It is refunded in full if it is not used. The credit card on file can be used for the final bill (subject to a 3.5% fee) and for damages. We will always supply an invoice before charging the credit card and only charge the credit card for the remaining balance under two conditions: 1. You approve. 2. We send the final bill and don’t hear back from the you. We wait three weeks, reach out again, then charge the credit card.
The space looks confusing, how does it work?
It is confusing! Prepare to get lost in a historic building. In all seriousness though, its a very unique building and so it’s important to come for a tour and chat with your venue coordinator at the Walk Through to ensure you have a clear sense of how your party will work. Having run over 100 events in the space including weddings, fashion shows, networking parties, immersive art shows, Christmas parties, and more, we feel we understand how people will use the space and what you will need to create the memorable event you’re planning.
Do you host any public events?
Not often, but when we do, we share it on Instagram so make sure to follow us!
Is there a refund/discount policy if there is bad weather?
I’m sorry but we are unable to offer refunds or discounts in case of bad weather. Our team is here to ensure that, in case of bad weather, we have a back up plan ready for you and your guests.
Vendors you need to look for:
What We Always Provide:
(Applies to Wedding Packages)
The Getting Ready Suite
The Plating Area
The Ballroom
Shared Access:
The Elevator
Bathrooms available in the basement
What We May Provide:
Décor
The Cocktail Bar
Crossback Chairs
White Folding Chairs
Wood Rectangle Tables
Plastic Rectangle table
Different Wedding Arches
A Day Of Coordinator
Set up (of our own décor)
Tear Down
Clean up
Patio Heaters
A Dance Floor
Photography Services
What We Do Not Provide:
Florals
DJ Services
Food
Music Licensing
Wedding Officiant Services
Insurance
Shuttle Services
Makeup & Hair Services