+ Does Whispering Springs provide food and food service?

Whispering Springs does not provide catering, food or table service. Please see our list of Preferred Vendors to learn about some excellent caterers in the area (please note: if you decide to use a caterer who is not listed on our Preferred Vendors list a landmark fee will apply).

+ What is included in the venue fee at Whispering Springs?

The venue fee for weddings at Whispering Springs includes:

• Exclusive Access to Whispering Springs
• Complimentary safari tent for the bride & groom on their wedding night
• 20 ft by 40 ft Covered Pavilion Dance Floor
• 30 ft by 60 ft Covered Reception Pavilion
• 12 Harvest Style Tables & Benches (seating for 120)
• Forest Chapel
• Onsite Kitchen Facilities for Preferred Caterers only
• Licensed Bar & Grounds
• Bar Staff
• Washrooms & Outdoor Shower
• Ample Onsite Parking
• Hydration Station (infused water & cups)
• Golf Cart Shuttle to Forest Chapel (for bridal party and elderly guests)
• List of Preferred Vendors in the Area
• Wine barrel satellite bar
• Photographic Opportunities
• Outdoor Heaters & Gas Fire Pits
• Saltwater Pool & Outdoor Hot Tub
• Lawn Games, Badminton & Beach Volleyball
• Onsite Hydro and Electricity
• Tended Communal Campfires
• Complimentary use of the grounds for Engagement photos

+ How many people can you accommodate for a seated dinner?

We can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated dinner in our reception pavilion.

+ Does Whispering Springs provide cutlery, glassware and flatware?

We do not provide cutlery, table glassware or flatware. We suggest speaking with your caterer to see if they provide these items. We do provide glassware for the bar.

+ Can I bring my own alcohol?

Whispering Springs has both a liquor license and a catering endorsement that encompasses the common areas and the grounds. According to AGCO regulations all alcohol for your wedding/event must be purchased through Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. If we find unauthorized alcohol being consumed beyond the tent sites we will confiscate the alcohol and ask your guest to leave the premises.

+ What beverage package options are available?

We have all-inclusive and consumption based bar packages and can also accommodate a cash bar.

+ Can I bring my own non-alcoholic beverages?

All beverages including non-alcoholic options must be purchased from Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. We will provide a complimentary hydration station with flavoured water but soft drinks and juice must be purchased from Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat.

+ Does Whispering Springs provide decorations?

Our Forest Chapel is decorated with hanging plants and antique accents, however additional decorations are your responsibility. We do not provide table decorations.

+ Are children allowed at weddings at Whispering Springs?

Yes, as you will be renting out the entire venue children are more than welcome to attend your wedding.

+ Does Whispering Springs provide wedding planning/event coordination?

Whispering Springs does not provide event coordination or wedding planning services. Upon booking your wedding at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat you will receive a package to help make planning your wedding at Whispering Springs as easy as possible, but please be aware that we do not provide an event coordinator for the day of your wedding. On the day of your wedding there will be a venue supervisor onsite who will ensure that our aspects of the event are running smoothly (venue preparation, bar service and golf cart shuttling) however please be aware that they are not coordinating all aspects of your wedding and we do recommend hiring a wedding planning to provide day-of event coordination and assistance (see our Preferred Vendors).

+ Are there washrooms?

Yes, each log-framed safari tent has a private washroom. There are also washrooms located near The Watering Hole Guest Lounge & Bar and an outdoor shower at Saltwater Springs.

+ Can my guests bring their own tent to camp on the property?

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is zoned and operated as a resort, not a campground, therefore according to the bylaws of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand we are not allowed to have guests pitch and stay in their own tents on the property.

+ Where is the closest hotel?

The town of Cobourg (which is 20 minutes east of Whispering Springs) has a number of hotels to choose from, including a Best Western and Comfort Inn.

+ How many guests can be seated in the Forest Chapel?

Our Forest Chapel can seat approximately 120 individuals.

+ What do I do if it is raining on my wedding day?

While we certainly hope that you are blessed with sunny days during your Wilderness Wedding at Whispering Springs, choosing to have your wedding at an outdoor venue means that you are subject to the whims of Mother Nature. In the case of inclement weather we can prepare to have your ceremony in our covered Guest Pavilion, however we advise you to encourage your guests to dress appropriately based on the outdoor temperature and weather forecast.

+ Are furry friends allowed?

If your dog is leashed it is welcome to attend (or star) in your ceremony and socialize during cocktail hour, however, unfortunately at this point in time we are unable to accommodate your pet for an overnight stay at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. However, just minutes down the road is a charming country escape for your furry friend at Tucked Inn Kennels. From private hikes and spa treatments to a bedtime story and cuddle, your pup will be in good hands at Tucked Inn Kennels. They also provide shuttle service for your pooch to and from Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. Website: http://www.tuckedinn.ca

+ How far is Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat from Toronto?

Whispering Springs is located just 1.5 hours east of Toronto and 4.5 hours from Montreal and 3 hours from Ottawa – give or take – depending on traffic and where you are coming from.

+ Do I need to rent all the accommodations on the night of the wedding?

Yes, all accommodations must be rented by your wedding party/guests on the night of your wedding, however we are able to invoice your guests directly if they are paying for their own accommodations.

+ Is there cellular reception or wifi?

Cellular reception isn’t the strongest in this little corner of the countryside. Depending on your service provider you may not be well connected with the outside world during your stay at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat (we like to think of it as a digital detox) and we do not offer WIFI at this time.