Bit of Hope Ranch
Wedding Application and Rental Contract
Bit of Hope Ranch is a peaceful 45 acre property located in South Gastonia. . We are a unique and beautiful
venue for indoor/outdoor wedding ceremonies, receptions, fundraisers, trade shows, corporate retreats, company
picnics and more. The ranch is a full working farm and your experience will be that of kickin’ up your heels, sittin’
by the bonfire and hearing the whinny of a horse, or two or three. The facility includes 3 riding areas (2 are
covered arenas), a 12 stall main barn, a 4 stall rescue barn with a porch for grilling, and a stocked pond with a
rustic gazebo. In the main barn is the Covered Wagon, a multi-purpose room which is heated and air conditioned.
We hope you enjoy your event at the Ranch and we really want you to feel relaxed, happy and pleased with your
day.
Bit of Hope is a non-profit organization whose mission is to Reach, Rescue & Restore broken children, families &
horses through programs that build mind, body & spirit. Your event, along with other sponsors, allows us to offer
our programs to kids and families that need counseling services. Thank you for considering us for your special
event.
Check us out on the web for beautiful photos of our ranch - www.bitofhoperanch.org
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Wedding Packages
Location choices: Large Covered Arena, Small Covered Arena, Pond/Rustic Gazebo, Open Grass Arena,
Main Barn aisle.
The renter is responsible for: chairs/tables, linens, caterer, photographer, AV equipment, music, DJ, tent,
decorating and clean up.
Included in all packages are 2 consultations with the ranch host. Any additional visit(s) are $50.00 per
hour. Only scheduled visits are allowed due to our steady program of assisting children.
Package A
Wedding Rehearsal, Ceremony & Reception - $1800
Package includes 1 area for ceremony, 1 area for reception, use of the Covered Wagon (multipurpose
room) for bridal party, on site Porta Jons, climate controlled restroom area for the bridal party, a Ranch
Host and a parking attendant.
Length of Rental: 10 hours (includes 1 hour for rehearsal, 9 hours for setup, ceremony, reception and
cleanup time)
Additional hours: $100/hour
Max number of guests: 300 (Call for a quote for larger number of guests)
Package B
Wedding Rehearsal and Ceremony - $1000
Package includes 1 area for ceremony, use of the Covered Wagon (multipurpose room) for bridal party,
on site Porta Jons, a climate controlled restroom for the bridal party, a Ranch Host and a parking
attendant.
Length of Rental: 6 hours (includes 1 hour for rehearsal; 5 hours for setup, ceremony and cleanup time).
Additional hours: $100/hr.
Max number of guests: 300 (Call for quote for larger number of guests)
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Package C
Wedding Reception only - $1000
Package includes 1 area for reception, use of the Covered Wagon (multipurpose room) for food prep, on
site Porta Jons, climate controlled bathroom for the bridal party, a Ranch Host and a parking attendant.
Length of Rental: 6 hours (includes setup, reception and cleanup time)
Additional hours: $100/hour
Max number of guests: 300 (Call for quote for larger number of guests)
Package D
Intimate Family/Friends Wedding Ceremony - $500
Package includes 1 area for ceremony, use of the Covered Wagon (multipurpose room) for bridal party,
on site Porta Jons, climate controlled restroom for the bridal party and Ranch Host.
Length of Rental: 3 hours (includes setup, ceremony and cleanup time)
Additional hours: $100/hour
Max number of guests: 40 (call for a quote for smaller or larger number of guests)
Policies:
Deposit: A $250 security deposit (to be returned upon completion of the event) is required in order to
place the event on the calendar. The site must be left clean and free of trash. Any trash remaining will be
cleaned up by the host and billed at a rate of $50 per hour and deducted from the deposit.
Payment: Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. The payment schedule is as follows
(when time allows) – 50% of rental fee due 3 months prior to event, remaining balance due 2 weeks prior
to the event. Adjustments will be made for dates booked closer than 3 months.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of the event will receive a 50%
refund. Cancellations made after 30 days prior cannot be refunded.
There is no refund based on inclement weather. If needed, a location can be changed to a covered area. Side
tent walls and heaters can be rented for the arenas. We can provide you with contact numbers for the
companies that rent these items.
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Alcohol Policy: Due to our mission of reaching, rescuing and restoring broken children, families and
horses, and out of respect to the families that are victims of alcohol abuse, there is NO ALCOHOL allowed
on the premises.
Smoking Policy: The Ranch is a tobacco free facility and no smoking is allowed.
Facilities:
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Due to septic limitations, the Bridal party is allowed to use the Ranch restroom, but all other
guests must use the rented Port a-Jons.
There are limited electrical outlets on site. Please be aware of the distance between the outlets and
the location of your event. Bit of Hope Ranch is not able to provide extension cords.
Decorations may be hung on existing nails or structures. Nothing permanent may be added.
The Ranch is not responsible for industrial or organic odors that are a result of neighboring
industries or farms.
NO FLAMES allowed in barn.
No child under 18 is allowed near the pond without adult supervision.
The livestock will not be moved from their evening pasture. Be advised that the animals may make
noise during your event.
Please do not enter the pasture or animal containment areas; the fences are electric.
Please refrain from feeding the animals, large or small.
The Ranch Host is responsible for opening the gates, having the area cleared and cleaned for the
event, and helping with general questions about the Ranch. The host has the option to tell the
coordinator of the event to remove a guest(s) if they are disruptive to the property or the animals.
The host will be on site during the duration of the event and while setting up and tearing down.
A Parking Attendant will be available before and after the event.
Additional services offered:
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Bridal Portraits with your photographer on location at the Ranch - $50.00/hr.
Stage options: flatbed trailer stage available for $100.
Rehearsal dinner: Billed at the rate of $125 per hour (includes host and parking attendant). All
chairs, tables, food and entertainment will be at the renter's expense.
Ordering of extra Porta Jons, handled by the Ranch, is required for more than 300 guests. Rental
of these facilities will be at the renter’s expense.
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Wedding Rental Application
Name of Bride and Groom:
Today's Date:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email address:
Phone number(s):
(H)
(C)
Rental Details
Dates and times of Rental:
Rehearsal start time:
Setup time:
Ceremony time:
Tear down complete by:
Package Choice: A B C D
Package Details:
Total Hours Requested:
Location(s) of Event:
Number of Guests:
Additional Services Needed:
Amount Due
Security Deposit
Date Paid
$250
Package Price
Further Details:
Additional Services
Additional Hours
RATHLEAD LIABILITY RELEASE
As a PARTICPANT at Bit of Hope Ranch, Inc., I acknowledge the risks and potential for risks of an equine related program. However, I
feel that the possible benefits to me and the children and horses I work with are greater than the risk assumed. I hereby, intending
to be legally bound, for myself, my heirs and assigns, executors or administrators, waive and release forever all claims for damages
against Rathlead Farms, LLC and Bit of Hope Ranch, Inc. and their members, Board of Directors, volunteers and/or employees for any
and all injuries and/or losses I may sustain while participating in activities at Bit of Hope Ranch, Inc.
By signing this form, I understand the policies put forth by Bit of Hope Ranch and agree to comply with said policies. Violation of
policies may result in loss of monies paid and nullification of contract.
Please complete and sign this form and return it to Bit of Hope Ranch
5001 CR Wood Road, Gastonia, NC 28056
Signature of Renter___________________________________: Date:_______________________
Bit of Hope Staff Signature_____________________________: Date: ______________________
Checklist turned in by date: ________________
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