Your venue questions
Your Cattle Barn Questions, Answered: Capacity, Cost, Catering & More
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During our years of operating The Cattle Barn in Cle Elum, Washington, we have answered hundreds of questions about our venue and the weddings held here. These are some of the most common questions and answers. If you need clarification, contact Nancy at (509) 304-9050.
Pricing & Booking
How much does The Cattle Barn cost for a 2027 wedding?
Friday/Saturday is $6,950; Sunday/Monday is $3,950; Midweek Two-Day Rental is $3,950; Midweek One-Day Rental is $2,950. Washington sales tax is additional. These are venue rental prices; catering and other independently booked vendors are separate.
What is the Friday/Saturday rental window?
Your Friday/Saturday rental runs from Friday noon until Sunday at 8 a.m. Enjoy Friday for setup and rehearsal, then celebrate your wedding on Saturday. We’ll work through rehearsal arrangements with you.
What is the Sunday/Monday rental window?
Your Sunday/Monday rental runs from Sunday at 10 a.m. until Monday at 10 a.m. Celebrate on Sunday and depart on Monday. Venue rental is $3,950 plus Washington sales tax.
How does Midweek Two-Day Rental work?
Move in at 4 p.m. on the setup day, hold the wedding the following day, and move out at 8 a.m. the morning after the wedding. For example: Tuesday setup, Wednesday wedding, Thursday departure. Rental is $3,950 plus Washington sales tax.
How does Midweek One-Day Rental work?
Enjoy a midweek celebration with next-morning departure. Move in at 4 p.m. on the first day and move out at 8 a.m. the following morning. Venue rental is $2,950 plus Washington sales tax. Ask us about available midweek dates.
How do we arrange a tour?
Call or text Nancy at (509) 304-9050, or email nancy@nancyharcus.com. Tell us your date ideas and guest count, and we’ll arrange your tour and check availability.
Is there a free wedding planning guide?
Yes. Our free Cle Elum Wedding Planning Guide helps you plan budgets, timelines and local vendors, whether or not you book with us. Choose a 12-month, 9-month, 6-month or 3-month planning checklist to suit your schedule. Use the Rates page to separate venue rental from catering and other independently booked services.
How much is the deposit and when are payments due?
Your date is secured only after The Cattle Barn receives your signed contract and a date-hold deposit of 50% of the rental rate plus sales tax, and The Cattle Barn countersigns the contract. The deposit is refundable through January 1 of the event year, less a $500 booking fee; it becomes nonrefundable on January 2. The balance is nonrefundable and is due 120 days before your event, together with the refundable $500 damage deposit and sales tax.
Do we need event insurance?
Yes. Public liability and personal property damage insurance are required at the renter’s expense, with proof due 30 days before the event.
Do you host elopements or small weddings?
Yes. We can accommodate elopements and small weddings. Contact Nancy directly to discuss your plans and pricing.
How do we arrange additional services?
Services beyond the facility rental must be described in a written agreement signed by both parties and attached to the rental contract.
How can we pay, and where should we mail payments?
Payments may be made by cash or check. Send payments and correspondence to The Cattle Barn, 1890 Nelson Siding Road, Cle Elum, WA 98922. The venue’s arrival address is 980 Burke Road, Cle Elum, WA 98922.
Who owns and operates The Cattle Barn?
St. Eligius, LLC owns the ranch property and buildings. The Cattle Barn, LLC is a separate entity that operates the event facility. Nancy owns and manages The Cattle Barn, LLC operations.
What should we know about ranch risks and contract responsibilities?
The Cattle Barn is a working cattle and horse ranch with associated risks. Your rental contract addresses responsibility for guests, liability, indemnification, damage, collection costs and contract enforcement, including attorney fees and costs. Please read the complete agreement before signing.
Guests & Spaces
How many guests can the venue accommodate?
Up to 199 guests inside the barn and up to 400 outdoors. For weddings with more than 199 guests, we recommend a tent as part of your weather plan, especially for shade on hot days.
What does venue rental include?
Your rental includes the barn and grounds, two patios, a catering area and a dedicated bar area, tables and chairs, four restrooms beside the barn, the Ranch House main floor for getting ready, and on-site parking. See Good to know for furnishing details.
Is the Ranch House included for getting ready?
Yes. The Ranch House main floor is available to the wedding party at 8 a.m. on Saturday and midweek wedding days and at 10 a.m. for Sunday weddings. The upper floors and overnight use are not available.
What is the weather backup?
The barn accommodates up to 199 guests indoors, and the venue accommodates up to 400 outdoors. Plan a weather backup with room for everyone. If you are planning more than 199 guests, review the tent guidance and discuss the arrangements with Nancy.
Can we have a ceremony and reception in the same place?
Yes. You can celebrate at the same venue, with the outdoor ceremony arbor and the barn reception space. Plan for up to 199 guests inside the barn and up to 400 outdoors. Discuss your layout and weather plan with Nancy.
Are there restrooms at The Cattle Barn?
Yes. There are four restrooms beside The Cattle Barn. The Ranch House has two restrooms and one shower.
Can we use salt or snowmelt products during winter events?
No. Salt and snowmelt products are prohibited because they can damage the barn floors, patios and Ranch House floors. The Cattle Barn supplies sand upon request. Renters must plan for winter conditions and their guests’ safety and are responsible for damage caused by prohibited products.
What conduct and smoking rules apply?
The venue is drug-free. Smoking is allowed only in the designated smoking area and is prohibited inside the barn and associated buildings. Renters and guests must behave considerately. Under the contract, management may end the rental and remove guests for disorderly conduct, disparaging remarks or physical violence, without refund of event charges or the damage deposit. Keep guests out of landscaped areas and direct children’s play to grass areas.
Are there security cameras at the venue?
Yes. Recording video cameras protect the facilities. Venue representatives may enter the premises during your event.
Who is responsible for personal belongings and lost items?
Please arrange for all belongings to be collected before departure. The Cattle Barn does not accept responsibility for personal effects or possessions left on the premises during or after an event.
Do tents require approval, and when must they be removed?
Yes. Tents require Cattle Barn management approval and must be removed by 8 a.m. the day after the event. For a Saturday event, removal is due by 8 a.m. Sunday. Any extension requires management approval.
Food & Drink
Can we bring our own caterer?
Yes. You may choose and book your own licensed caterer. Catering and other independently booked vendors are separate from venue rental. The barn has a catering area, and the website provides wedding vendor resources. Caterers and other vendors must supply the documents required by the rental agreement. Confirm your vendor arrangements with Nancy before finalizing them.
Can we bring our own alcohol? Do we need a licensed bartender?
Yes. Couples must supply their own alcohol and use a licensed bartender. The Cattle Barn does not provide alcohol or a bartender.
Music & Timing
Can we hold a celebration rehearsal at The Cattle Barn?
Yes. The Friday/Saturday rental includes Friday for setup and rehearsal, with access beginning at noon. Coordinate the time and spaces you will use with Nancy. Ask Nancy about rehearsal arrangements for other rental options, including any additional charges and attendance or duration limits.
What is the 10 p.m. music rule?
Outdoor music must move indoors at 10 p.m. All music must stop by 2 a.m. After 10 p.m., noise outside the barn must comply with Kittitas County Code Chapter 9.45, Noise Control.
Can we host a rehearsal dinner at The Cattle Barn?
Rehearsal dinners are permitted on Friday evening with the Friday/Saturday rental and on the move-in day with the Midweek Two-Day Rental. The Sunday/Monday and Midweek One-Day rentals do not provide enough time for a rehearsal dinner. Coordinate the arrangements with Nancy within your rental access window.
What months do you host weddings?
We host weddings and events from April 1 through November 1. Tours are available by appointment year-round.
What cleanup is required before we leave?
Return the venue to the same clean condition in which you received it, and return tables and chairs to their original or designated locations, one hour before the scheduled rental end time. Setup, deliveries, cleanup, loading and removal of your belongings and equipment must fit within your agreed rental window. Rental equipment must be removed immediately following your event.
What happens if we leave late or additional cleaning is needed?
For Friday/Saturday rentals, the venue must be vacated, cleaned and restored by 8 a.m. Sunday. The contract provides a minimum $1,000 charge plus $250 per hour for late checkout and staff cleaning. Sunday/Monday rentals end at 10 a.m. Monday, with a $100-per-hour late-departure charge. Charges are deducted from the damage deposit first; the renter is responsible for any amount exceeding the deposit.
Vendors & Decor
Are tables and chairs included?
Yes. Tables and chairs are included, limited to the inventory available at the time of your wedding. Review the available items with Nancy when planning your layout.
Are fireworks or sparklers allowed?
No. All fireworks, sparklers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited everywhere on the property.
Can we use candles or a fire pit?
Flameless LED candles are allowed. Candles with flames, sparklers, open flames and fire pits are not permitted.
Who is responsible for trash and vendor waste?
Place event and restroom trash in tied, non-overfilled garbage bags in the designated dump trailer. Flatten boxes and remove all litter from the grounds, including biodegradable materials. Caterers and vendors must remove their own trash, food and kitchen waste rather than use the venue’s garbage facilities.
What restrictions apply to decorations?
Do not attach decorations using nails, screws, staples, other penetrating items, tape or glue on buildings, structures or the arbor. Glitter, plastic or fabric petals, foil, confetti, rice and similar scattered materials are prohibited. Obtain management approval before rearranging furnishings in The Ranch House.
Does the rental include event staff or a wedding coordinator?
The rental provides use of the facility. Event staffing, assistance and event management are included only when expressly agreed to in a written attachment to your contract. The renter is responsible for coordinating the event, guests, vendors, deliveries and collections. Venue staff may not be on site throughout the event.
Staying Overnight
Is camping or RV parking available?
RV and trailer sites with electrical hookups (electric only - no water or sewer) are $30 per night per site. Dry tent and dry RV/trailer camping is $10 per night per site. Camping is separate from your venue rental. Ten sites have electrical hookups.
The renter is responsible for all camping fees. Campers may pay their own fees using the collection box on the red storage building behind the RV camping area. Any unpaid camping fees remain the renter’s responsibility.
Where can our guests stay nearby?
There are a number of short-term rental properties in the area. The rentals are independently operated; confirm location, current pricing, availability and booking terms directly with the host. Lodging reservations are separate from your venue booking. The Ranch House is a getting-ready space, not overnight lodging.
Getting Here
Is on-site parking included?
Yes. On-site parking is included. On your tour, we can look at guest drop-off, overflow parking and routes around the venue. Tell us about accessibility needs so you can plan transport around the spaces you’ll use.
Where is The Cattle Barn?
You’ll find us at 980 Burke Road, Cle Elum, WA 98922, in the Swauk Creek Valley. Open the directions link on our Visit page to plan your route. Tours are by appointment. Coordinates: 47° 11′ 36.35″ N, 120° 42′ 42.88″ W.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Accessible parking and drop-off are in the designated drop-off area. The barn’s patios and paths are hard surfaced. The barn’s main floor is wheelchair accessible, and a ramp serves the front patio. One restroom is wheelchair accessible. The Ranch House is not wheelchair accessible.
How long is the drive to The Cattle Barn?
Approximate drive times are about 90 minutes from Central Puget Sound, 60 minutes from the Bellevue area, 45 minutes from the Wenatchee area, 20 minutes from the Ellensburg area and 60 minutes from the Grant County area.
These estimates cover broad starting areas. Your travel time varies with your exact starting point, traffic and weather. Check current road and pass conditions before leaving.
Can vehicles drive onto the patios?
No. The patios are reserved for pedestrian traffic, dancing and catering operations.
Pets & Animals
Can our pet be part of the wedding?
Yes, your dog can be part of your ranch wedding at The Cattle Barn, by arrangement with Nancy. Many couples include their dog in portraits or as ring bearer. Because this is a working ranch with horses, cattle and ranch dogs, the arrangement covers the couple’s own dog only; guests are asked to leave pets at home.
More Wedding Planning Questions
Is The Cattle Barn an all inclusive wedding venue?
The Cattle Barn provides the venue and the inclusions listed with your rental, rather than an all-inclusive wedding service. Catering and other independently booked vendors are separate. Couples supply their own alcohol and use a licensed bartender. Event staffing and event management are not included unless expressly agreed in a signed attachment to the rental contract. Review the inclusions and responsibilities before building your budget.
Is The Cattle Barn a rustic ranch wedding venue in Cle Elum?
Yes. The Cattle Barn is a wedding venue on a working cattle and horse ranch in the Swauk Creek Valley near Cle Elum, Washington. The venue includes a timber barn, an outdoor ceremony arbor and two patios. Explore the venue photographs to see how these spaces fit the setting you want for your wedding.
Can we plan a wedding weekend at The Cattle Barn?
The Friday/Saturday rental includes Friday for setup, rehearsal and a rehearsal dinner, followed by your Saturday celebration and Sunday-morning departure. Check the rental details for the full access window. The Ranch House is a getting-ready space, not overnight lodging. Guests can review separate camping, RV and nearby rental options.
Compare rental windows Camping and RV information Nearby short term rentals
Where can we see the barn floor plan before planning our layout?
The Barn Dimensions and Floor Plan page provides the dimensional drawing and measurements. Use it alongside the interior photographs to discuss tables, chairs, ceremony arrangements and reception space with Nancy. The photographs show the setting; the floor plan is the reference for the measurements.
Can we look around the wedding spaces online before booking a tour?
Yes. You may explore the Barn Interior, Ceremony Arbor and Ranch House photo pages and the Gallery before arranging an appointment with Nancy. The photographs can help you choose what to ask about during your visit. They do not replace checking your guest layout, access needs and event arrangements on a tour.
Barn interior Ceremony arbor Ranch House Photo gallery Arrange a visit
What does the outdoor ceremony arbor look like?
The Ceremony Arbor photo page shows the outdoor ceremony setting at The Cattle Barn. View it with the wider Venue page to understand how the arbor relates to the barn and other spaces. Confirm your ceremony layout and weather plan with Nancy when planning your day.
How can we plan the barn reception and the outdoor spaces together?
Use the Venue page to review the barn, ceremony arbor, Ranch House and two patios, then use the floor plan to discuss your guest count and layout with Nancy. Include a weather backup that has room for everyone. Refer to the existing capacity and tent guidance before deciding how to use the outdoor areas.
Is The Cattle Barn an option for a wedding near Seattle?
The Cattle Barn is at 980 Burke Road near Cle Elum, Washington. The Directions page gives approximate drive times from broad starting areas, including Central Puget Sound and Bellevue. Your actual travel time depends on where you start, traffic and weather. Use the directions and lodging pages when planning travel for your guests.
Where can we learn about Nancy and the ranch before visiting?
Meet Nancy introduces the person who manages The Cattle Barn, and The Ranch page describes the property and its setting. Review those pages, then contact Nancy with your date ideas, guest count and questions when arranging a private tour.
What’s included with your rental
- Barn and surrounding grounds
- Two patio areas
- Catering area for your own caterer
- Dedicated bar area
- Tables and chairs
- Four restrooms beside the barn
- Ranch House main floor for getting ready
- On-site parking
Planning a Cle Elum wedding? Start with the free guide.
Plan your budget, timeline and local vendors with our free Cle Elum Wedding Planning Guide — whether or not you book with us.
Read the planning guide ↗Good to know
- We’ll confirm the available table and chair counts for your layout. Photos may include extra furnishings or specialty rentals.
- The Ranch House is for getting ready, not overnight stays.
- Your written agreement sets out your date and event arrangements.
