Booking, Payments + Financials

HOW DO WE BOOK A DATE FOR OUR EVENT AT SOLARIUM?

To secure your date, we require a signed rental agreement and a non-refundable deposit equal to 25% of your Wedding Venue Package (excluding the bar package).

WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE AFTER BOOKING?

• Beverage Consultation: A deposit is required to schedule your consultation (this applies directly to your final balance).

• 6 Months Out: 50% of your remaining venue and beverage balance is due.

• 60 Days Out: Final drink menu selections are due.

• 45 Days Out: Final guest count is due.

• 30 Days Out: Final balance is due in full.

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT?

Payments can be made by Check, Cash, or Credit Card (a 3% processing fee is added for credit card payments).

IS MY BOOKING DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?

No. The 25% deposit to reserve your date is non-refundable and is applied directly toward your package.

WILL YOU HOLD MY DATE WHILE I LOOK AT OTHER VENUES?

We are happy to offer a courtesy hold for roughly one week to give you and your partner time to review your options and decide. However, please note that this hold is not a guarantee of the date. To officially lock in your date, we require a signed rental agreement and your initial 25% package deposit.

WHY DO YOU NEED A COPY OF MY CREDIT CARD ON FILE?

A card must be kept on file at the time of booking to cover any incidental property damage that might occur during your event.

Timeline + Venue Access

WHAT TIME CAN WE ACCESS THE VENUE?

Your rental extends from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Vendors can arrive for setup starting at 11:00 am unless otherwise arranged with 1928 Coordination. Guests and personal belongings must be out of the space by 11:00 pm. Remaining vendors (DJ, coordinator, caterer) must complete cleanup and exit by 12:00 am.

CAN WE DECORATE THE DAY BEFORE OUR EVENT?

Because we host events consecutively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, we are unable to offer setup time the day before. Setup begins at 11:00 am on the day of your event unless expressly authorized by Solarium Management.

CAN WE DROP OFF DECOR OR ALCOHOL EARLIER THAN 11:00 AM ON THE WEDDING DAY?

Due to scheduling and strict cleaning requirements, early drop-offs are not permitted unless expressly authorized by Solarium Management. All items must arrive when your rental window opens at 11:00 am.

WHEN DO WE HAVE OUR COMPLIMENTARY REHEARSAL?

A one-hour complimentary rehearsal can be scheduled before your event. Please contact 1928 Planning Co. to coordinate a time or to discuss any specific timeline questions.

Food, Bar + Vendor Services

HOW LONG IS THE BAR SERVICE?

Bar service is included for five hours (which can be consecutive or split with a break). Last call occurs 15 minutes before your scheduled bar conclusion. Please note that regardless of your custom timeline, absolutely no drinks will be served past 10:45 pm unless additional time is purchased, or express approval is granted by the Solarium Management Team for New Year's Eve weddings. This ensures guests have ample time to finish their drinks and our team has time to safely close up before the event rental concludes at 11:00 pm. Bar service hours cannot begin any earlier than 4:00 pm unless a bar upgrade is selected.

CAN WE BUY OR SUPPLY OUR OWN ALCOHOL?

No. All beverages must be provided by Watermark/Solarium, and all bartenders are Watermark/Solarium employees. No outside alcohol is permitted on the premises at any time.

DO WE HAVE TO PURCHASE A DRINK PACKAGE?

Yes, beverage packages are required for all events. We will work closely with you during your consultation to find the perfect package for your needs. Any special accommodations must be approved by our Beverage Manager.

WHAT IF NOT ALL GUESTS PLAN ON DRINKING ALCOHOL?

All guests aged 21 and older are included in the standard beverage package pricing. To accommodate everyone, our packages feature unlimited non-alcoholic options - including premium sodas, mixers, juices, and mocktails - ensuring every guest has a great drink in hand to celebrate. Because this pricing covers fixed overhead like professional bartending staff, liability insurance, glassware, and venue operations, we cannot offer exceptions or discounts for non-drinkers over 21. A reduced per-person rate is available exclusively for minors (under 21). If you would like to expand your non-alcoholic menu further, premium zero-proof beers can easily be added to your package as an upgrade.

• Ages 2 + under: Free

• Minors (ages 3-20): $17 per person

• Ages 21+: Full per-person beverage package price

CAN WE CHOOSE OUR OWN CATERER AND VENDORS?

Yes! You are welcome to choose your own vendors, except for bartenders. You can add on additional coordination services to what we already provide, if desired.  Please refer to our preferred vendor list to see some of our favorite local partners. Vendor list can be provided upon request! 

CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD IN?

Yes. You or your caterer will have full access to our commissary kitchen. Please note that food service cleanup is the responsibility of you or your caterer, not Solarium staff. Food trucks are also welcome! While they make a fantastic addition to any celebration, standard street-style food trucks work best as a late-night snack option rather than the main dinner course for groups over 75 guests due to service times. However, full-service caterers operating out of a mobile kitchen truck are fully equipped to handle large main dinners smoothly!

IS THERE A REFRIGERATOR OR OTHER EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE IN THE COMMISSARY KITCHEN?

Yes, a refrigerator is available for your convenience, along with prep tables and sinks. Please note our commissary kitchen does not feature a commercial oven or stove; it is strictly intended for staging, warming, and caterer prep. The Airbnbs also feature full residential kitchens! 

DOES THE VENUE PROVIDE LINENS, PLATES, OR DINNER GLASSWARE?

No. While we physically set up your floorplan, you or your caterer are responsible for renting all linens, dinnerware, flatware, and specific dinner glassware.
Solarium provides all necessary barware for your beverage package, a self-service water station with high-quality plastic cups, and the plastic glassware required for the dancing portion of the evening to keep the dance floor safe.

DOES THE VENUE HAVE A SOUND SYSTEM, MICROPHONES, OR PROJECTORS WE CAN USE?

Yes. The Solarium features a fully wired-in house sound system, wireless microphones, and media projectors (ideal for corporate presentations or custom video displays).

While our gear is available for your use, for weddings we require hiring a professional DJ or AV technician to manage your event’s primary audio. Wedding audio requires constant monitoring for volume levels and consistency, and having a dedicated pro ensures your ceremony vows and speeches are perfectly clear from start to finish and the dance party is seamless.

WHAT TIME DOES AMPLIFIED MUSIC AND DJ PACKUPS NEED TO CONCLUDE?

Our local music ordinances fully align with our venue rental hours, so you don't have to worry about early city noise cutoffs! However, to protect your timeline and guarantee your team hits the required 11:00 pm building exit window, all amplified music and DJ entertainment must officially conclude by 10:45 pm (running right alongside our final bar cutoff).

 Logistics, Safety + Insurance

 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOLARIUM AND 1928 PLANNING CO.?

Solarium is the physical venue itself, powered by the team at Watermark Brewing Co.. We own and operate the space, provide the facility amenities, and exclusively handle the beverage programming, alcohol, and professional bartending staff.

1928 Planning Co. is our in-house venue management and coordination partner. While they are a distinct planning company, they work directly with us to act as your dedicated venue coordinators. They facilitate all your logistics, layout planning, and coordination leading up to the big day, and they can also handle full-service design, coordination, or additional rentals if desired.

WHY AM I REQUIRED TO PURCHASE EVENT AND HOST LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE?

This is required to protect you, your guests, and the venue in the event of unforeseen injuries, property damage, or alcohol-related accidents.

You can easily purchase this through www.wedsafe.com or any equivalent, approved broker. Please email a copy of your insurance documents to Dave Krock at David@1928planning.com.

DO OUR VENDORS NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE?

While a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is not universally required for every vendor, it is highly recommended for your own peace of mind. Working with insured professionals ensures your investment is fully protected throughout your wedding day.
Please note that all full-service caterers are required to submit a COI to 1928 Planning Co. at least 30 days prior to your event to utilize our commissary kitchen facilities. We strongly encourage you to request a COI from your other key vendors (such as decorators, florists, and DJs) as part of your standard planning process.

DO YOU HAVE A SECURE SPACE TO STORE WEDDING GIFTS AND CARDS DURING THE RECEPTION?

Yes! Safety is a top priority for us. To protect your gifts and card box from wandering hands during high-traffic dancing hours, 1928 Planning Co. can securely store your cards and gifts in our locked on-site warehouse until the event concludes. We recommend designating a trusted friend or family member to coordinate this quick transition with your coordinator before the dance floor opens.

HOW MANY RESTROOMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?

The Solarium is fully equipped to handle maximum guest counts comfortably without long lines. Our facilities include:

• Women’s Restroom: 4 private stalls

• Men’s Restroom: 2 private stalls + 2 urinals

DO YOU HAVE HEAT OR A/C?

Yes! Solarium features state-of-the-art central heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort.

IS SOLARIUM WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, our venue, ceremony space, and restrooms are fully ADA-compliant and accessible to all guests.

IS THERE WI-FI AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?

Yes, we provide complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for you, your guests, and your vendors.

Ceremony + On-Site Details

IS THE CEREMONY AND BRIDAL SUITE INCLUDED?

Yes! The ceremony space and bridal suite are included in all of our wedding packages. For custom or non-wedding events, these spaces can be quoted for à la carte use.

WHAT OTHER ON-SITE PRIVATE SUITES TO GET READY IN?  

Yes! We have incredible spaces for your wedding party to prepare and relax.

As mentioned above, our venue features an amazing, fully included Bridal Suite that serves as a beautiful, spacious oasis for getting ready, doing hair and makeup, and enjoying photos before the ceremony. For the other half of the wedding party, we offer our dedicated Golf/Gaming Simulator Suite - giving everyone an awesome, interactive space to hang out, play games, and pass the time before the main events begin.

Inclusive Planning Note: We recognize every couple is unique! For same-sex couples or larger wedding parties who need two matching styling areas, our neighboring Airbnb rentals or our simulator suite can easily be utilized and coordinated to make sure both partners have the perfect getting-ready layout.

WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE CEREMONY AISLE?

The aisle measures 5’3” wide by approximately 100 feet long.

• WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE TABLES PROVIDED BY THE VENUE?

To help you and your design team plan your centerpieces, linens, and seating charts perfectly, here are the dimensions of our venue tables:

• Standard Long Farmhouse Tables: 106" L x 38" W x 30" H

• Sweetheart Table: 72" L x 37" W x 30" H

DO YOU HAVE A BACKUP PLAN FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER FOR THE CEREMONY?

Yes. In the case of inclement weather, your ceremony will take place inside the venue. As indoor space and layout allow, our team will seamlessly create a beautiful indoor aisle lined with ceremony chairs to comfortably seat up to 100 guests—perfect for prioritizing your core family and bridal party. If space is limited due to a maximum guest count (up to 250) or large floor elements like dessert stations and displays, aisle chairs will be adjusted accordingly, and remaining guests will be comfortably seated at their designated dinner tables surrounding the aisle.
(Outdoor Ceremony Weather Policy: If an outdoor ceremony needs to move indoors due to weather, the ceremony fee within the package still applies to cover the labor, layout setup, and fast transition effort.)

CAN WE HAVE A REHEARSAL DINNER AT SOLARIUM?

We offer two distinct ways to host your pre-wedding celebrations with us, depending on the vibe you are looking for:

1. The Welcome Party (Casual Option)

• The Vibe: A casual, celebratory gathering typically hosted on the outdoor covered side patio at Watermark Brewing Co.
• Inclusions & Packages: Access to this side patio space is already complimentary and built directly into 2 of our 3 wedding packages.

2. The Rehearsal Dinner (Full-Service Option)

• The Vibe: A formal, dedicated private dining experience inside the main Solarium venue.
• Pricing: Pricing is based on the day of the week and time of year, utilizing standard full-day rental rates.

Bundling + Package Credits

If your wedding package already includes the complimentary outdoor Welcome Party patio, but you prefer to host a full-service Rehearsal Dinner in the Solarium instead, we will simply apply a credit for the non-use of the side patio toward your bundled Solarium rental cost!
All bundles and custom layouts are subject to calendar availability. Reach out to Jess at solarium@watermarkbrewing.com for custom pricing and to see how to maximize your package options.

Decorations + Rules

ARE WE ABLE TO HANG DECORATIONS?

Our interior ceiling features steel rafters that are perfect for hanging decor. However, we strictly ask that nothing be attached to the brick or drywall walls (no nails, tape, or tacks) or any sprinkler systems. 

ARE WE ALLOWED TO HAVE CANDLES OR SPARKLERS?

Open flames, tapered candles, and sparklers are strictly prohibited. Candles are only allowed if they are enclosed in glass votives taller than the flame and pre-approved for placement.

DO YOU ALLOW COLD-SPARK MACHINES OR FOG MACHINES?

No. Due to local safety regulations and our highly sensitive fire alarm systems, fog machines, hazers, and indoor pyrotechnics (including cold-spark machines) are not allowed.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO THROW CONFETTI, RICE, OR FLOWER PETALS FOR A GRAND EXIT?

To protect the property and the environment, confetti, glitter, rice, and synthetic flower petals are strictly prohibited. You are welcome to use real, biodegradable flower petals outdoors, bubbles, or ribbon wands.

CAN WE HAVE A PET IN OUR CEREMONY?

We would love to have your furry friends join your ceremony! Please check with us first for official approval so we can help coordinate the logistics. While pets are welcome for the vows and photos, animals are not permitted during the reception due to the safety risks associated with open food service, glass, high guest counts, and loud music. Additionally, pets are strictly prohibited inside our neighboring Airbnb rentals at any time unless they are a legally documented service animal approved by management prior to arrival. We highly recommend arranging a dedicated handler to safely escort your pet home or back to their boarding accommodations immediately following your ceremony.

CAN WE HAVE LAWN GAMES?

Yes, lawn games are welcome if they do not cause any permanent damage to the lawn or property.

CAN WE SMOKE AT THE VENUE?

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the venue. Guests are welcome to smoke outside in our designated outdoor smoking area, utilizing the provided receptacles.

HOW ARE THE LIVE PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING MANAGED?

We take great pride in the lush, live plants that make our space so unique! To help us preserve the natural beauty of our venue, please ensure that no cigarette butts, trash, or drinks are placed in any of our planters or landscaping.
Additionally, our live plants are carefully placed and must not be moved or rearranged by guests, florists, or photographers. If you need a plant shifted for photos or layout adjustments, please ask a Solarium or 1928 team member, and we will happily assist you if space allows. Per our event contract, any unauthorized moving of plants, damage to our live greenery, or excessive cleanup required will result in a deduction from the security deposit. We deeply appreciate your help in keeping the Solarium beautiful for your celebration!

Travel, Parking + Accommodations

HOW MANY GUESTS CAN I HAVE AT SOLARIUM?

Our maximum capacity is 250 guests.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE ON-SITE?

Ample parking is located right outside our front entrance via open, free village parking.
Because we want your guests to celebrate safely, vehicles are welcome to remain parked overnight. However, we strongly advise making alternative arrangements during the winter snow plow season—while it isn't a strict venue rule, you cannot control the weather, and cars left on the street during a sudden snowstorm risk being ticketed or towed by the village plows.

WHAT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MY GUESTS?

Because rideshare options like Lyft and Uber are limited in our area, we partner with trusted local transportation vendors to keep your travel seamless. We can easily add a custom transport upgrade to your package, just inquire with us for details!

ARE THERE HOTELS OR ACCOMMODATIONS NEARBY FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS?

Our wedding packages include access to our two on-property Airbnb accommodations, with one rental included in the Pothos Package and both included in the Monstera Package.

For additional guest lodging, there are several excellent hotel options in the nearby Stevensville, Saint Joseph, and Benton Harbor areas. Local Airbnb rentals are also highly popular, and we can provide a curated list of recommendations upon request.