FAQs
How do I reserve my date?
To reserve a date, email us at events@thekingriverranch.com saying you are ready to book XYZ date if it is still available. We suggest you email us stating you are ready to book your preferred date and then include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable. Prior to booking a date, we hope you are able to come out in person to visit the ranch. 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.
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.
Is there a deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. When the contract is signed, we require a 50% deposit. The final installment will be required 60 days prior to the event. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule. Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment by check is preferred. We can accommodate a payment by credit card (for an additional fee if necessary). If paying by credit card, payment must be made in full at that time.
What is the guest capacity of King River Ranch?
Our spaces comfortably fit up to 150 guests.
I see there are 150 fruitwood folding chairs are included for ceremony and 150 fruitwood chivari chairs are included in the venue rental. What if my guest count is around 200?
If your anticipated guest count leans higher than 150, you have the option of renting additional chairs at your expense, or we can move chairs for you. For this added service, it is $1.00/chair and $5.00 for each table in each direction.
How much time do I need to plan my wedding? How far out do dates book up?
Many people think it takes a year to plan a wedding, but with the planning guide we provide for our couples, planning a wedding can be done (without stress) in much less time. We recently helped a couple plan their wedding in less than 8 weeks! Our dates usually begin to book up 9 months- 1 year in advance.
How far is King River Ranch from Fredericksburg?
We are a straight-shot, 25 minute drive from Fredericksburg.
How far is King River Ranch from an airport?
King River Ranch is just over an hour drive from ABIA (Austin), and SAN (San Antonio) so your guests can compare rates for flights at both airports.
Is there Uber for our guests after the wedding?
While there are sometimes Ubers in the area, it is a highly unreliable means of transportation where we are located. If guests want to go this route, we would recommend scheduling the ride in advance.
Since everyone is coming from out of town, where should our guests stay?
Please visit our Hill Country Guide to see our many recommendations.
Where should we host our rehearsal dinner?
We’ve provided a few recommendations here, but if you choose to go with our Experience Package, you’re welcome to host your rehearsal dinner at the ranch for an additional $1,000 fee.
When can we begin event/decor set up?
We can only guarantee availability to begin set up during the beginning of your event time unless you have reserved the ranch for the weekend. If we do not have an event the evening before, we are happy to allow early set-up- but there are no guarantees. Please plan accordingly!
When can we do our ceremony rehearsal?
If we have a wedding the evening before, you’re welcome to do it before the other wedding party arrives on-site. Most of our couples opt for a day-of walkthrough for a number of reasons. 1) you’re able to enjoy the day prior and go straight to rehearsal dinner and not worry about people getting into town late and missing the walkthrough. 2) the bride does not need to be a part of the walkthrough, so the bride & groom can still keep from seeing one another day of. 3) it’s fresh on everyone’s memory for when it’s go time!
Can breakdown go past midnight, or do we need to have the premises vacated by midnight?
Breakdown can go one hour past midnight.
Are linens included?
No, we do not include linens in our pricing. However, we can offer a linen package as well as on-site decor rentals. Prices vary depending upon items selcted.
Do we have to hire one of King River Ranch’s exclusive catering teams?
Initially we allowed outside catering, because honestly most venues don't and we didn't understand why! It seems like a great benefit to allow outside catering. But the truth is, after two years of allowing any caterer under the sun to waltz through our door, we realized that’s not a workable business model if quality food and a quality experience is important to our couples and their guests. Some caterers were amazing, but some were clearly in it for the money and not the couple (like when we asked, do you help with XYZ and the caterer responded "they didn't pay for that." Once you get to know us, you'll know that attitude doesn't sit well with us.) We had issues with caterers showing up hours late and unprepared. We had caterers run out of food. We had caterers who routinely sent three 16 years olds to be the event staff. Although we had many great experiences with caterers who were new to us, when it was a bad experience it was really bad, for us, the couple, and their guests.
We have diligently selected the caterers on our list because they have good food, good service, affordable options along with a variety of upgrades, and honestly because we think they are nice people. Don't discount the fact that all of the vendors that you choose you'll work with a lot leading up to the big day. It's important to actually like your vendors! Additionally, we have purposely selected small business owners, because although no one is perfect, and none of our caterers claim to be, when you work with a small business owner they are personally invested in the success of your wedding day.
What about other vendors? Can we hire whoever we want?
Yes, you’re welcome to hire whoever you’d like outside of catering. Our list of Wedding Pro’s are simply our recommendations!
What is the average budget of a couple getting married at King River Ranch?
We believe the average budget of a couple getting married at King River Ranch is between $25,000-$30,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists host beautiful weddings for less, and we have also had several events here spend significantly more than average.
What happens in the event of rain?
In the event of extreme rain, all elements of the evening will be moved to the King Barn. After the ceremony, KRR Staff + Wedding Coordinator + Catering Staff will help flip the space. This usually only takes 30 minutes at most.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
We are pet friendly! You can bring your dog, and even your horse, too.