Frequently Asked Questions

What is the building capacity? (Does not include vendors)

Our max occupancy is 270 guests – so go ahead and invite those 300 guests, as typically you’ll receive a 70% "yes" RSVP rate.

What dates are available?

Is there a booking-fee? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?

We require at $2,000 Booking Fee within 72 hours of venue booking. This is applied to your total cost.
Additional payments are due as follows:
- Booking Fee
- 15 months from wedding day
- 10 Months from wedding way
- 4 Months from wedding day
A $1,000 refundable security deposit is included in your last payment (4 months prior) due to the venue being a historical building.
If you are inside any of these benchmarks, your payments will be accelerated into 30 day blocks till balance is caught up to payment terms. You can pay by cash, check, wire transfer ($25 fee) or credit card (2.85% fee).

How do I reserve a date?

To reserve a date, email us at sales@thecollins.co and admin@thecollins.co letting us know you are ready to book XYZ date, if it is still available. We suggest including a backup date, in case your preferred date is unavailable. We would love to welcome you into our space before booking; you can request a tour (or a virtual tour) on our tour request page. An in-person tour is not required prior to booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first come first serve basis. Whomever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.

Do I need to schedule a tour to see the venue or can I just stop by?

We require a scheduled appointment to enjoy a personal tour of our space. In the meantime, window shopping is encouraged. Check out our tour page here!

Do we have to use you for our bar service providers?

Yes, we currently offer in-house bartenders. We need to maintain certain collaborations in order to protect all parties legally. You bring in your own alcohol or purchase from our local party store (with free delivery), thus keeping your bar budget low.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby for guests?

Yes. The Comfort Inn (currently remodeling to a Hampton Inn) is 1.7 miles away, and includes breakfast, an indoor pool, and spa. We also love our friendly neighbors at the Chelsea Inn, an adorable bed and breakfast practically across the road!

We plan to have our ceremony offsite, or only plan to have our ceremony at The Collins off Main. Does your fee change?

Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.

Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?

We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval from our team) at the ceremony and pictures. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and be accompanied by a designated handler that is not the couple, bridal party or immediate family. They must be removed from the campus after photos.

What form of payment does The Collins off Main accept?

My preferred dates are unavailable. Do you have a cancellation waiting list?

We do not keep a cancellation waiting list because cancellations are unpredictable.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract, not earlier. Please plan accordingly! If you need to purchase additional time, please let us know and we can discuss options.

When is the next open house?

We offer two styles of open houses. Our public open houses are open to those that can't get a private tour due to scheduling conflicts, and allow our customers to see the venue in a laid back environment and get their questions answered. Our private open houses are designed for couples who have already had a private tour and have booked. Allowing extra time in the venue with family, friends and vendors. Please inquire on those dates.

What time do we start the ceremony?

We start ceremonies at 5:30 pm. All ceremonies must be completed and vacated from the ceremony space by 6:45pm.

Can we have fireworks on the property?

Can vehicles be left overnight?

Vehicles can be left in approved public parking overnight. We encourage responsible driving. If you have been drinking, we recommend rideshare opportunities to get home safely.

We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period?

Because we have limited space for rental drop offs, we are only able to accommodate deliveries and drop offs on the day of your event. If your rental company is doing a late evening pick up, The Collins At The Clocktower assumes no responsibility for any loss, theft or responsibility of any kind. Most of our clients use our sister company, Blue Sky Event Rentals for this reason.

Are candles allowed?

Yes, we love candles and we know that many guests would like to host with open flame. We allow this, but you will be assessed any damages to our tables for dripped wax.

How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

Are outside snacks and trays permitted?

Outside food and drink is permitted prior to the ceremony in your bridal suite. We encourage you to keep full tummies and hydrate well!

Are Gratuities Included?

Yes and No. We know that tipping can be confusing. Traditionally our clients tip $500 which is then distributed to your planners, chapel coordinator, design set up team, events crew, and cleaning staff. Instead of mandating a tip on our contract we do this a bit differently, we want our clients to be wow-ed by our hospitality driven crew.
You can elect to do a traditional tipping model and place in an envelope on the event day, or you can do our security deposit refund model (most clients choose this). You can elect to have $500 (some clients elect more) be held back - pending any damages on their security deposit return. You will get this form 30 days out from your wedding to choose your election.

Get In Touch!

310 N. Main St

Chelsea, MI 48118

734-531-7722