Question 1

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Accepted Answer

We are located 9 miles outside the popular historic town of Murphys, CA. Murphys is located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, in Calaveras County, California. We are centrally located from 2 International airports. We are little under 3 hours from San Francisco, CA and a little over 2 hours from Sacramento, CA. Rich in gold rush history, Murphys today is a vibrant, thriving community, alive with art galleries and live theater, eclectic shops, fine restaurants, charming hotels and B&B’s, and a multitude of outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities all just a short drive away. You can learn more about Murphys here: 
https://visitmurphys.com

Question 2

CAN I SCHEDULE A TIME TO COME VIEW THE PROPERTY?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We would be happy to give you a scheduled tour and to answer any questions you may have. Once your date is booked, our Event Team will be available for additional walk-throughs for you and your vendors. You may book your tour by phone or by emailing our Venue Manager here. We generally schedule our tours Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm or weekends by availability.

Question 3

DO YOU HOST WEDDINGS & EVENTS ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! However, Sundays preceding a holiday will be at the weekend rate.

Question 4

DO YOU HAVE ANY BLACKOUT DATES?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. Since Murphys is such a small town, we have found that hosting weddings on weekends when there are large community events happening is not conducive for an enjoyable event (Irish Days, Grape Stomp etc.) due to parking issues, overcrowded restaurants etc. These dates will vary year to year depending on the community schedule, please check with the Event Manager for specific dates.

Question 5

DO YOU HOLD OR RESERVE DATES?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. We receive lots of inquiries over multiple platforms so the venue is booked on a first come, first served basis.

Question 6

WHAT IS THE VENUE CAPACITY?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate up to 150 guests comfortably, over 150 guests with management approval. We also have overnight accommodations for up to 12 guests.

Question 7

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

Accepted Answer

We always encourage booking sooner rather than later. Weekend dates book very quickly!

Question 8

HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve decided that the Dunbar House Inn is the perfect place for your event, a $1,500.00 non-refundable retainer, and signed rental agreement is required to secure your date. Once the retainer is received, you will be given a payment schedule for the balance due. The final balance is due 30 days prior to your event date.

Question 9

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, personal check, cashier’s check, and all major credit cards.

Question 10

WILL OTHER EVENTS BE SCHEDULED ON MY EVENT DATE?

Accepted Answer

No, we will never book two events on the same day. Your wedding day is priority and we want to focus all our efforts to make sure your special day is a complete success.

Question 11

DO YOU ADVISE USING AN EVENT PLANNER?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most certainly! In fact we require you to hire (at a minimum) a Month Of Coordinator to ensure all your details are in order. Event planners are fabulous at helping to alleviate the stress of all the weekend’s important decisions, and helping your event to run seamlessly. We have a list of recommended planners, or you are welcome to find your own.

Question 12

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EVENT MANAGER VS. THE EVENT PLANNER?

Accepted Answer

Venue Managers are responsible for all things venue related (unlocking venue, controlling fans/heaters, lighting, restrooms etc.) as well as managing all of our staff. They will be the one who collects/processes payments and makes sure all paperwork is in order at your 30 day out meeting.

Your event planner will work with you directly to make sure all the small planning details are in order. Everything from being a liaison to your vendors, to making sure everyone is on time and in place. They will be in charge of creating your timeline, layout, and be responsible for your bridal party, processional/recessional during ceremony, and all decor set up/tear down (as contracted).

Question 13

DO YOU HAVE A SPACE FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY TO GET READY?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! The bridal party has access to our beautiful 2 room Poplar Suite. The party can get ready in luxury with a private bedroom, open area lounge and full kitchen.

Question 14

WHAT TYPE OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS DO YOU HAVE?

Accepted Answer

The Dunbar House has 6 charming rooms (occupancy for 12) included in our package, and our sister hotel and vacation rentals can house up to 85 more of your closest friends and family. Each of the Dunbar House rooms have been carefully curated to keep the inn's history alive. Please see our GUEST ROOMS page for pictures and more information.

Question 15

DO YOU REQUIRE A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

Accepted Answer

We do require an additional $1,500.00 security deposit in the case of unforeseen accident or damages (due at final payment). This deposit is in addition to the contracted amount and will be returned back to you within 2 weeks following the event if no damage is present.

Question 16

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Accepted Answer

We do understand that things happen. If you need to change your date and we have the proposed date available, we will be happy to move your date (subject to current seasonal rates, fees may apply). All deposits are non refundable. Please see our event agreement for more detailed information.

Question 17

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do! We have a carefully curated list of vendors that we trust and have worked with time and time again. We are happy to help make recommendations from this list, or you are welcome to select your own vendors. If we haven’t worked with your vendors previously, they will need to be approved by our venue manager and all necessary paperwork (insurance, licensing, worker’s comp etc.) submitted prior to approval.

Question 18

CAN I USE MY OWN CATERER?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can! We do have a fabulous list of approved and well vetted caterers, however if you do decide to contract a caterer not on our list, our Venue Manager will need to approve the proposed vendor and all paperwork (vendor insurance, licensing etc.) will need to be submitted 30 days prior to your event.

Question 19

CAN WE HIRE A FOOD TRUCK?

Accepted Answer

We love out of the ordinary cuisine! Food Trucks are a cool way to do something a little different. All Trucks must submit the necessary health department licensing and insurance information. A full service wait staff is still required for the entirety of your event. We have found serving a truck's food "buffet style" is the most efficient way of making sure your guests receive their food hot and in a timely manner.

Question 20

CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN ALCOHOL?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Alcohol may only be brought in by the host of the event and must be served by licensed and bonded bartenders. We also require a one-time event insurance policy complete with liquor liability.

Question 21

ARE TABLES AND CHAIRS PROVIDED?

Accepted Answer

The following tables and chairs are included in our pricing:
Chairs: 150 white folding chairs
Tables:
19- 60-inch round tables (seats up to 8 comfortably)
5- 30-inch cocktail tables
2- 8ft rectangular
23- 6ft rectangular

Question 22

WHO PROVIDES LINENS, GLASSWARE, ETC?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to refer you to one of our rental vendors to help you select just the right pieces to help bring your vision into focus.

Question 23

WHO DOES THE SETUP AND BREAKDOWN OF MY TABLES AND CHAIRS?

Accepted Answer

Tables and chairs are included in our pricing. We will handle all set up and break down of tables and chairs. If chairs are to be moved from ceremony to reception area, an additional fee will be required. We are happy to assist with any necessary rentals.

Question 24

WHEN CAN WE START SETTING UP FOR OUR EVENT?

Accepted Answer

Your setup time starts at the time of your contracted check in time, 3:00pm (unless authorized otherwise).

Question 25

WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE EVERYTHING OUT OF THE SPACE?

Accepted Answer

We require everything out of the venue space at the end of your contracted rental time, checkout is at 11:00am. Late checkout is available to extend your exit time to 1:00pm with an additional fee of $20/room.

Question 26

CAN I DROP OFF ITEMS THE DAY BEFORE?

Accepted Answer

You can discuss this with the Venue Manager at your 30 day out meeting. In the event that we have storage available, or there is not an event booked that day, we will likely be able to accommodate you.

Question 27

CAN I HAVE MY WEDDING REHEARSAL & REHEARSAL DINNER ONSITE? IS THERE A FEE?

Accepted Answer

Of course! When you sign a contract to rent the venue for an event, it includes a 3 day rental span (Fri.-Sun. or 3 days during the week). Check in is 3:00pm the first day of the contracted time. You are welcome to utilize all the grounds and the inn (excluding the kitchen) for the entirety of your rental time with no extra charge. We can also provide catering for your rehearsal dinner if desired, or you are welcome to bring in catering of your choice. Please note that any and all trash, cleanup etc. from the previous evening is the responsibility of the guests. We can provide tables and chairs for the rehearsal dinner also for no extra charge.

Question 28

ARE PETS ALLOWED TO BE PART OF THE CEREMONY?

Accepted Answer

We love pets! Most pets are allowed to be part of the ceremony but must be leashed and cleaned up after. We do require proof of rabies vaccination before coming onto property, and during the event, pets cannot be left unattended at any time (especially in the rooms). We do have a couple pet-friendly rooms available in our network of lodgings. A release of liability form must be signed before pets are allowed onsite. If you have a rare or unusual pet you’d like to include in your ceremony, please check with the Venue Manager for approval.

Question 29

WHAT IS THE LIGHTING LIKE?

Accepted Answer

We have beautiful market lighting stretched over both the front patio by the dance floor/bar area, and also covering our back patio to create an intimate ambiance.

Question 30

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is allowed outside the inn in designated areas, please be sensitive to other guests and smoke away from crowded areas.

Question 31

WHAT IS YOUR RESTROOM SITUATION?

Accepted Answer

We have both a Men’s and Women’s facilities right off the bar area. Both restrooms have 2 stalls each. For groups larger than 150 people, we do require a restroom trailer to be rented in order to service all your guests in a timely manner.

Question 32

WHERE DO MY GUESTS PARK?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique residential location of our venue, onsite parking is limited to 6 cars. These spaces are reserved for guests staying at the Inn. Alternative parking is available on Church Street at the Masonic building's parking lot, along with street parking on various side streets. Our Venue Manager will provide a plot map noting available parking areas for you to include for your guests.

Question 33

DO I HAVE TO RENT A DANCE FLOOR?

Accepted Answer

You sure can, but it is not necessary. Both our bar side patio and back patio are concrete and work well for dancing.

Question 34

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR CLEANUP?

Accepted Answer

All rentals, personal items, and anything else brought in for your event must be removed from the space by the contracted end time of your event (unless arranged otherwise). All trash must be disposed of in the onsite trashcan before departure.

Question 35

ARE CANDLES ALLOWED?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however all candles must be contained in votives and the flame must be at least 1.5” below the top of the container. Open flames are only allowed in the fire pit.

Question 36

DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE DAY OF INSURANCE FOR MY EVENT?

Accepted Answer

A one-time event insurance policy must be purchased prior to your event. This can be done easily though www.wedsafe.com (weddings) or www.privateeventinsurance.com (for all other events). This policy must be issued in the User’s name and must name Dunbar House Inn as the additional insured. This policy provides coverage for both the client and the Venue in the case of any alcohol related lawsuits or accidents. This policy MUST be returned to the venue manager within (30) days of your event. Please contact our Venue Manager with questions, or for more info.

Question 37

DO YOU ALLOW PHOTO SHOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, photo shoots are allowed Tuesday-Thursday (schedule permitting). Please contact our Event Team for availability. A complimentary 2 hour onsite booking is included with our wedding packages. This can be used for an engagement shoot or Save the Date photos etc. If you need a referral to one of our fabulous photographers or videographers, please contact our Event Manager.

Question 38

DO YOU ALLOW SPARKLERS?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. We do require you to provide a metal bucket or receptacle (not plastic) filled with sand or water to extinguish the flames. Sparklers must be used in the space behind the Inn. We ask that they be left to extinguish for at least an hour before throwing them in the trash. Other fireworks are not permitted per city ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions