Frequently Asked Questions

Common FAQs


What is the building capacity?

Our barn can hold up to 130 guests. For weddings, this does include the bridal party.

Between the main house & RV, we can sleep up to 16 guests.

Our gravel parking lot holds up to 80 vehicles


What dates are available?

Please contact us for available dates here Contact Us.


Is there a deposit?  

When is the final payment due?

Do you offer a payment plan?

Once we’ve signed a contract to host your perfect event, to continue holding the date, we require a $1,000 deposit.

We collect 50% four weeks after signing. 

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 do request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.


How do I reserve a date?

To reserve a date email us at hdranchvenue@gmail.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 venue. 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. Whoever 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. Schedule a tour today.


What is the average budget of a couple getting married at The Melissa Barn?

That is a great question! In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at The Melissa Barn is between $15,000-$25,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.). We have had some creative couples with smaller guest lists host beautiful weddings in the $12,000 - $16,000 range, and we have had several lovely events here spending significantly more than the average.


Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?

No.  Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food and drinks. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, and therefore we don't have a food and beverage or guest count minimum. 


Do we have to utilize your caterers and bar service?

You can choose your own catering company. We have an exclusive agreement with HD Liquid. 


Will there be another wedding the same day?

At The Melissa Barn we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.


Are there overnight accommodations nearby?

Yes.  The Hampton Inn is less than 5 miles away and offers bulk room rates of around $130 per night. We also offer onsite lodging with our weekend getaway package for up to 16 people. 


How many cars will your parking lot accommodate?

80


Do you offer straight tables instead of round? 

  • 4 rectangular tables that are 8 feet by 3 feet

  • 23 round tables that are 60in diameter 

  • 3 Kingwood head tables

  • 4 cocktail tables

  • 6ft cake table that sits on two whiskey barrels


Do you provide table linens, cups, silverware, etc? 

No. The Melissa Barn provides an awesome venue, tables, upgraded wedding chairs, and lots of decor for the allotted amount of time.  Linens can be rented through us, but are NOT included in the rental fee. You are also welcome to bring your own linens.


What happens in case of rain?

The Melissa Barn has chosen to limit our total guest capacity to provide a dedicated space as a backup in case of rain. This means that in the case of inclement weather the venue can be easily "flipped" from your ceremony to the reception. Dedicated reception tables are all available to be set up prior to the ceremony and can be easily moved in case of rain. This ensures a smooth transition into the reception and makes the decision to bring a ceremony inside (or not) much less stressful. 


We plan to have our ceremony offsite or only plan to have our reception at The Melisa Barn.  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 on-site to play a part in our wedding day?

We are dog-friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Darrell) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed under the roof or near food. Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.


What form of payment does The Melissa Barn accept?

Venmo:  @Dgtinglov

Zelle: hdranchvenue@gmail.com

Check:  Made payable to The Melissa Barn

Credit Card; Note: There is a 4% courtesy fee for credit card processing


Are underaged children allowed on property?

Yes! We love for kids to be apart of the wedding but require underaged kids to have a designated guardin to supervise them. Kids are not allowed to run freely around the property as there are many hazards that could cause injury.


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.


Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"

The Melissa Barn does not include a day of coordinator with your package. We require you to hire a day of coordinator if your guest count is over 100. However, we do have a team leader on the property throughout the ceremony and reception of your big day. This member of The Melissa Barn team is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands decorating, drive you around the venue on our golf cart to take wedding pictures, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, etc.) Their goal is to do everything possible to help your day go smoothly and ensure your day is as stress-free as possible! (But we still don't consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.)

Planning Questions


How will the tables, chairs, etc. be arranged for my sized event? 

We will schedule a planning meeting a month prior to your wedding to finalize the details.


If we choose the one-day option, will we be able to access the location early to rehearse our ceremony? 

If you select the one day rental, our venue will likely be reserved by another couple the night before. For that reason, one day rentals should plan for an offsite rehearsal. You are also welcome to bring anyone who would feel more comfortable understanding the venue (such as your DJ or minister, or any little ones in the wedding party) to one of our monthly open houses.


Can we have fireworks on the property?

Fireworks are not permitted. We don’t want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the fire department happy!


Can vehicles be left overnight?

Vehicles can be left overnight but must be picked up by 8am the following day.  Please advise your guests of this policy.   


What time does the music need to end? 

Music on Fridays/Saturdays must conclude by 11:00 p.m. to ensure that you, all of your items, and all of your vendors are off-property by midnight. Music on Sundays must conclude by 10:00 p.m. to be off-property by 11:00 pm. 


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

Usually, drop-off can be done at any time.  If you having a same-day wedding all decorations and rental items must be picked up prior to midnight. 


Are candles allowed?

Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder.  Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.   


How many guests can we seat at each table?

  • 10 guests per head table

  • 10 guests per rectangle table

  • 8 guests per 60” table


How far in advance do you need our final headcount?

1 Month


How do I obtain a marriage liscense?

Collin County Clerk's Office - Plano
900 E. Park, Suite 140-C
Plano, Texas 75074

972-881-3025 (Plano)
972-424-1460 ext. 3025 (Metro)

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Effective Monday, November 2, 2020 marriage licenses will be issued without an appointment. Residency in Collin County is no longer required. Please complete the application for a marriage license online prior to your arrival.

Services at the Plano location include issuing birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, informal marriage licenses and recording assumed names.

ctyclerks@collincountytx.gov

Setup and Day-of Event Questions


Are outside snacks and trays permitted?

Outside food and drink is permitted prior to the ceremony. It is not allowed after the start of the event. Please no drinks in glass bottles.


What is the event clean-up process?

Our expectation for the venue is to leave it how it was given to you. Trash bags will be provided and will be removed to our dumpster by The Melissa Barn team member on site.


Can we take photos around the Ranch on our wedding day?

Sure!  Just ask us and we would be happy to make recommendations.


Can we nail decorations to the walls or hang things like streamers or lanterns from the beams?

Get with Darrell about using nails. Our Barn wood is over 100 years old reclaimed wood!

Start your forever,today