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General Questions
Please see wedding pricing and included items below.
Keeper’s Galley can accommodate up to 200 guests. However, 200 seated guests will fill the entire ballroom and require tables to be broken down at dance time. We feel our “sweet spot” is 125-150 guests. The courtyard also offers additional space for overflow, assuming good weather.
The Barn will accommodate 96 seated guests.
Please see the available dates on our Venues Overview page.
To confirm your booking, we require a 25% deposit at the time of signing the contract. The remaining balance is spread in three equal payments of 25% over the length of time until your event. For example, if your event is 300 days out at the time of contract signing, you will make your initial deposit of 25% to confirm the booking. Your 2nd payment is due in 100 days, 3rd payment 100 days after that, and final payment 100 days after that. We will provide a detailed payment schedule in your guest portal for easy access and payment. You are always welcome to make installment payments along the way.
Full payment is due by the specified due date and the entire balance must be paid prior to the event. We also request that a credit card be provided in the guest portal to cover any damages to the facility or grounds.
Payment can made by credit card or check. If paying via credit card, a 3% convenience fee will be assessed. The convenience fee will be waived if paying via check. You must notify us of the payment method during contract preparation. If paying via credit card, you may access the guest portal to make your payment. If paying via check, checks are made payable and mailed to:
Gandt Development, LLC, PO Box 97, Nags Head, NC 27959
When you are ready to book, you can reach us in several ways:
- By phone – 252-455-0155
- By email – info@havenonthebanks.com
- By website – complete the lead form
Please indicate the day and date that you would like to book and provide an alternate date in case your 1st choice is not available. Prior to booking a date, we encourage you take a tour of the facility as well.
We don’t always have staff on premise, so we prefer that tours are arranged ahead of time. However, if you happen to drive by and we’re there, we’ll be happy to chat with you.
You can request a tour (or a Facetime tour if you live out of the area) on our tour request page, but an in person tour is not required prior to booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.
We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour below.
That is a great question! There are many variables that can drive the cost of a wedding up or down, such as the guest count, catering styles, alcohol, décor, florals, entertainment, photography, bartender, linens, cake, etc. The addition or elimination of any of these items can affect the bottom line.
At Keeper’s Galley, we have had some creative couples with smaller guests lists host beautiful weddings in the $12,000 – $15,000 range. This includes everything from the dress, décor, catering, etc. However, we believe the average budget for a couples hosting a wedding with 125 guests at Keeper’s Galley will range anywhere from $20,000 upwards to $35,000, depending on style and taste.
The Barn is typically used for small gatherings such as rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, etc. However, we do have couples that love The Barn for their wedding vibe as well. The average budget for couple getting married at The Barn is between $7,000 – 10,000.
Just keep in mind that there are many variables that can drive the costs up or down, such as the guest list size, catering styles, alcohol, décor, etc. Your event planner/day of coordinator can help get the best value.
We have so many amazing vendors in the Outer Banks which we have worked very closely with. Our preference is that you utilize our Preferred Vendors List (click here to view). We know the vendors and how they operate, and it makes for a more successful and stress-free event. However, we open to considering other vendors not on the list. If you are interested in bringing in an outside vendor, please let our venue director know so that we can ensure expectations are set.
Yes, an event planner/day of coordinator is required for the event. While it is strongly recommended to hire a local event planner from our Preferred Vendors List, you may choose an event planner from outside the area. If hiring an event planner not on our Preferred Vendors list, the event planner must be approved by Keeper’s Galley and The Barn. The name of the event planner/day of coordinator needs should be supplied to the Venue Director soon after booking the venue so that we can begin dialogue and ensure the event planner/day of coordinator understands our venue expectations. The event planner/day of coordinator is expected to stay the duration of the event.
The venue director for Keeper’s Galley and The Barn will also be onsite when you arrive and she will stay with you throughout the duration of your big day. She is there to help you however she can. Her goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (But, we don’t consider her a day-of wedding coordinator.)
No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 – 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food and drinks. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don’t have a food and beverage or guest count minimum. Some caterers may have a reasonable minimum for specific dates.
As stated above, we have so many amazing vendors in the Outer Banks which we have worked very closely with. Our preference is that you utilize our Preferred Vendors List (click here to view). We know the vendors and how they operate, and it makes for a more successful and stress-free event. However, we open to considering other vendors not on the list. If you are interested in bringing in an outside vendor, please let our venue director know so that we can ensure expectations are set.
Keeper’s Galley and The Barn allow beer, wine, and liquor to be served under two conditions:
- Alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender with liability insurance coverage; either through the Caterer or hired externally; proof of coverage must be provided to the event staff.
- You must obtain a special occasion day-of permit to serve alcohol from the State of NC ABC board (this is a one-time permit costing $50.00). This permit should be provided to the event staff prior to start of the event. The permit can be obtained at the link below:
Yes! There are so many accommodations options in the Outer Banks. We have compiled a list of cottages and hotels to help you in your planning.
- Keeper’s Galley has 40 parking spots.
- The Barn can accommodate 25 cars.
If one or the other parking lots are not being used, guests may use the vacant lot for overflow parking.
At Keeper’s Galley, we have a limited number of buffet tables onsite that can be used for your food table, head table, etc. Usually, we have a few extras that can be mixed in with reception seating, but most of your guests will be seated at round tables. If you prefer more rectangular tables, there are several vendors from which to rent.
At The Barn, we offer beautiful farm tables for your guests. We offer two buffet tables and a small round as well.
Click below to view what’s included with each venue.
No. Keeper’s Galley and The Barn provide awesome venues, tables, and upgraded wedding chairs. Linens, dinnerware, and silverware can be rented through local vendors but are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring your own linens.
In the case of rain, we have a beautiful backdrop indoors with the Keeper’s Galley Fireplace. Guests sit at their tables and your event coordinator/day of coordinator and venue director moves the few (usually 3 – 5) tables down the middle of the room to create a beautiful aisle. Our couples have loved this option because it’s a stunning ceremony location and doesn’t require the room flip other venues require, which would be disruptive to your event. You can also get married in the loft area of Keeper’s Galley overlooking your guests below.
We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by the venue director) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed under roof or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom. Once the ceremony is complete, dogs should be taken to the dog-sitter, so the bride, groom, and guests can enjoy the evening.
- Check or credit card
We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable. As soon as a date does become available we post it here.
You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly!
Catering Questions
We have so many amazing vendors in the Outer Banks which we have worked very closely with. Our preference is that you utilize our Preferred Vendors List (click here to view). We know the vendors and how they operate, and it makes for a more successful and stress-free event. However, we open to considering other vendors not on the list. If you are interested in bringing in an outside vendor, please let our venue director know so that we can ensure expectations are set.
Planning Questions
We suggest starting Friday weddings at 5:00 pm, Saturday weddings between 4:00 – 5:00 pm, and Sunday weddings at 4:00 pm. Should your wedding be taking place after the time change, If you do NOT plan to do a first look or plan to get married when the sun sets earlier in the evening, please contact us to discuss schedule.
Click here to view sample seating layouts for Keeper’s Galley and The Barn. Your event planner/day of coordinator will work with you determining your layout and setting up on the day of your event.
Fireworks are not permitted. We don’t want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the fire department happy!
Vehicles can be left over night. But, must be retrieved by 8am the next morning. Please advise your guests of this policy.
Music must conclude by 10:00 p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off property by 11:00 pm.
We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?
You may have items delivered outside of the rental period. However, you must coordinate with the venue director and provide all details on delivery and pickup.
Yes, candles are allowed if the flame is completely contained in a candle holder. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.
In a pinch, yes if one is a child. But we would not recommend it for your guests comfort.
You will work with your event planner/day of coordinator on the final headcount. However, we do expect your event planner/day of coordinator to provide your timeline and floor layout to be provided to our venue director at least two weeks prior to the event, at the latest. This will enable us to plan on your setup needs.
You will obtain your marriage license at the Dare County Office in Manteo. Click below for more information:
https://www.darenc.gov/departments/register-of-deeds/marriage-license
Setup and Day-of Event Questions
Your event planner/day of coordinator takes the lead on the setup of your entire event. We will provide access to the furniture storage area upon arrival and guide her through operation of the technology and lighting. She will also work with your vendors to ensure they are following through with their contracted services. Our venue director will be on-site as well to assist with any questions and even to lend a helping hand.
Yes. We do have a few restrictions and tips/tricks that you should be aware of. Click below to view the do’s and don’ts.
Click below to view the Venue Cleaning Checklist for Keeper’s Galley and The Barn. You should provide this to your event planner/day of coordinator and caterer prior to the event to ensure they understand expectations on how the facility should be left.
