Weddings at the Library

Love books and libraries almost as much as that person you're about to marry? Then a ceremony at the library might be the perfect thing!

Currently available only at our Coldwater Branch, wedding ceremonies may be booked for time slots outside of our normal hours of operation.

Terms are listed below.

Purpose

Rental of the facilities for the purposes of a wedding/commitment ceremony (“Event”). Renter may not hold any other type of event than a wedding/commitment ceremony. No receptions or banquets may be held.

Specified Areas

The Event may take place only in specified areas. Staff work areas are strictly off limits. The specified areas for the Event are limited to:

1. The second-floor reading area.
2. The fourth-floor meeting room.
3. Restrooms on the first and fourth floors.
4. Other public areas indoors may be used only for photography.
5. The exterior and grounds may be used only for photography. 

Date/Time of Event

Event must be held after BDL’s normal hours of operation. Ceremonies may last no more than one hour. Total time in the Venue for setup, ceremony, and cleanup is limited to four hours.

Maximum Attendees and Parking

The maximum number of attendees allowed is 50, including the wedding party and support. Parking is available at the Venue, the County Courthouse, and other municipal parking lots, but cannot be guaranteed by BDL.

Setup

Upon arrival, BDL staff will walk through the Venue with the Renter and note the condition of the areas to be used on the “Rental Inspection Checklist.” It is helpful if the persons responsible for cleanup are also present at this time if those persons are not the Renter.

BDL staff will clear the areas to be used of existing tables and chairs as requested by the Renter. Restrooms will be cleaned prior to the Event by BDL staff. The Renter is responsible for any setup beyond this. 

Any outside tables, chairs, or other fixtures used, must be brought into the Venue during the rental time window. BDL will not accept delivery of items during hours of normal operation or store items before the Event.

Use caution so floors and walls are not damaged. Do not drag tables and/or chairs across the floors. 

Decorations

Any decorations brought by the Renter may not be attached to any Venue fixtures by means of permanent adhesives, nails, tacks, staples, duct tape, or any other damaging means. Command strips, gaffer’s tape, or blue painter’s tape may be used to affix lightweight decorations. 

Candles, flames of any kind, fireworks, incense, fog/smoke machines, etc., are prohibited.

Helium balloons are allowed if attached to a weighted object. If the alarm system activates due to a helium balloon, Renter will be billed for any false alarm charges incurred, including, but not limited to, the loss of the Deposit.

Usage of confetti, rice, and birdseed are not allowed inside or outside the Venue. A cleaning fee will be charged to the Renter if any confetti, rice, or birdseed is used.

Cleanup

BDL will supply a vacuum cleaner and trash bags.  The Renter will supply all other cleaning supplies. The Renter is responsible for cleaning the restrooms after the Event. The Renter will remove any waste to the dumpster at the southeast corner of the Courthouse parking lot.

The Event must be concluded and the Venue returned to its original condition and arrangement, and all items brought into the Venue by the Renter must be removed, by the time to be vacated.

Other Restrictions

1. No food or beverages of any type are allowed. Food or beverage brought into the Venue will result in a cleaning fee.
2. No kitchen facilities, microwaves, etc., are available.
3. Chewing tobacco and smoking/vaping of any kind is prohibited inside the Venue. Marijuana of any kind is strictly prohibited. No illegal drugs of any kind are allowed inside the Venue or on the premises. Failure to abide by this policy will result in immediate removal of all guests from the Venue and forfeiture of the Deposit. Smoking/vaping of any kind within the Venue will result in a cleaning fee.
4. BDL will not provide equipment, speakers, power cords, extension cords, microphones, technology, etc. Any technology required for the Event is the responsibility of the Renter.

Library Staff

At least two BDL staff members must be on premises during the Event. BDL staff will not assist in any part of the Event, other than to grant access to authorized areas of the Venue.

Fee Schedule

1. Rental Fee: The Rental Fee for the Venue is $250. The Rental Fee must be paid by cashier’s check or money order at least two weeks in advance of the Event date. No other forms of payment are accepted.
2. Deposit: The Renter shall pay a Deposit in the amount of $500. The Deposit must be paid by cashier’s check or money order at least two weeks in advance of the Event date. No other forms of payment are accepted. The Deposit must be paid separately from the Rental Fee, and will be returned to the Renter within 10 days following the Event, unless there is damage to the Venue or if unexpected expenses are incurred as a result of the ceremony, including but not limited to cleaning service fees or additional staff time required for the Event running late, or for cleanup or repairs as a result of the Event.
3. Insurance: The Renter must obtain liability coverage for the Event, listing BDL as an additional insured, separate from any fees paid with BDL as the insured party. Liability coverage shall be in an amount acceptable to BDL and their insurance carrier. The Renter shall furnish a copy of the liability coverage policy to BDL at least 7 days prior to the Event. Coverage may be verified, and obtained, at https://venueliability.com/BranchDistrictLibrary

Application