Wedding FAQs

When renting the space, does it include the entire building?
It does not include the second floor office space. The second floor is where the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps headquarter offices are located. We ask that you respect the privacy of our full-time employees.

Are there peak times and off-peak times?
No. However, holidays and holiday weekends may have additional charges.

Can I pay by credit card?
Payments made by credit card will have an additional charge of 2-4% based on what VYCC is actually charged by the credit card company. Payment by cashiers check will avoid all additional charges.

What exactly is covered in the cost of the event space rental?
The agreement for a large event (generally) begins at 10 a.m. on the day of the event and runs through 10 a.m. the following day. This will allow ample time for set-up and clean up of the event space. The rental agreement covers the use of the 3rd floor large reception area (barn), deck, kitchen (which does not include any appliances), and associated bathrooms (two separate, single stall bathrooms), hall space on the third floor as well as the elevator, stairs, main lobby, and first floor bathrooms (two separate bathrooms, each consisting of two toilets and three sinks). Additional cleaning, as needed, will be the renter's responsibility.

The agreement for a small event begins and ends at the appropriate times previously decided upon. Small event room rentals are charged by every two hours, unless otherwise agreed upon. Guests will be advised to use bathroom facilities located on the 1st floor (two separate bathrooms, each consisting of two toilets and three sinks).

Is there an elevator?
There is a working elevator for use by wedding/event party, family, handicapped guests, and others who may need special accommodations. However, the VYCC is a conservation organization and strives to save energy and strongly encourages taking the stairs whenever possible. When using the elevator is not necessary, use should be directed to main Barn door on northern side of the facility where there are steps, a deck, and a loading dock.

How do I secure a date for my event?
Oftentimes, you can tentatively hold a date by contacting our Facility and Events Coordinator, Kristen Kozik at 802.434.3969 x113 or kkozik@vycc.org. Once you are ready to set a date, you will be required to sign a contract.

Since the VYCC is a nonprofit organization, how will the proceeds of my costs be used?
Proceeds from the rental of the barn support the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) in training young people to expand their job and leadership skills, and to develop personal values, ethics, and a greater awareness of social, political, and environmental issues. By holding your event at our facility, more young adults will have the opportunity to enroll in our programs statewide. Please visit www.vycc.org for more information about the VYCC.

What kinds of permits/licensing are required?
The renter will agree to ensure that the caterer and bar service have the appropriate insurance/licenses. He/She will need to submit copies of these documents when a contract to rent the facility is signed. The caterer and bar service will need to list the West Monitor Barn/ VYCC as an additional insured on their policies. The West Monitor Barn has a list of preferred providers for caterering and bar service. These providers are familiar with the facility and we strongly encourage guests to use their services to streamline the permitting and licensing processes. For a list of preferred providers, contact Kristen Kozik at kkozik@vycc.org.

What is the parking situation (how many cars)? What options do I have for parking (valet, shuttle service)?
Our parking lot can hold 40 cars. When we anticipate more than 150 guests, a plan for overflow parking must be created. There are several potential options to choose from. Between our neighbor's barn and the VYCC there is a large grassy field. When it is dry, we can park up to 100 cars in this field. Unfortunately, this option is not available when it is wet and therefore, an alternate plan must be created ahead of time. There are a few companies offering valet or shuttle van service. There are many local parking lots from which access can be gained for these purposes. The Richmond Park-n-Ride, the Camel's Hump Elementary School, and the public parking lot by the Richmond Post Office are convenient options. Encouraging your guests to carpool is strongly encouraged regardless of the size of the event.

Will I be responsible for removing trash and recycling after the event?
Yes. The West Monitor Barn has a dumpster on site which will be available for your use. Recycling is required; the West Monitor Barn will provide receptacles for this practice. It is your responsibility to be sure your caterer is willing to do this.

Is there any type of outside space that may be used?
Yes. We have two grassy areas located out from the northern, back entrance of the Barn. Both spaces are quite pleasant, but need to be properly mowed before an event takes place. If interested in using these, this intention must be included in the contract.
Tents may be set up on the grassy areas if desired. In addition to the grassy areas, there is an 80 ft. private deck at the northern, back entrance of the Barn.
A smoking area will also be set up outside on the eastern side of the Barn for the enjoyment of guests. The smoking area will be equipped with receptacles for cigarette trash. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside of the Barn.

Can the deck be used for entertaining/extra space?
Yes and No. Certainly the deck can be used as an "enjoy the lovely evening" linger space. However, our interest in being 'good neighbors' means we will not permit bands to set up on the deck. Live music must be inside the Barn.

Does the VYCC have tables and chairs?
Yes. We have 25 five foot round tables and 200 chairs available for your event. You will be responsible for the set-up and break down of tables and chairs. Many catering companies will be happy to do this for you for an additional fee. These tables and chairs are available to you at no additional charge.

Can I rent linens, dishware, and glassware from the VYCC?
No. The VYCC does not have linens, dishes, or glassware for rent. If interested please contact the Vermont Tent Company (or 1-800-696-8368). Vermont Tent Company is the exclusive rental provider for the West Monitor Barn.

How many power outlets exist in the barn? What is the voltage/capacity?
The voltage is standard 110amps. There are double standard outlets at the base of every other pillar in the Barn (10 pillars total - 5 have outlets), and seven additional outlets on perimeter walls.

We strongly encourage larger bands to come and test out the facility before the event. This is to ensure that no power outages will occur. It is a quick fix if a breaker is triggered, but eliminating the problem before it begins, alleviates added and unnecessary stress. Please schedule an appointment by contacting Kristen Kozik at 802.434.3969 x113 or kkozik@vycc.org.

Are there exterior power outlets on the deck?
Yes, there is a standard 110amp plug outside on the deck.

I'd like to decorate for my event. What guidelines must be followed?
Due to the historical nature of the facility, decorations may only be affixed using tape, craft wire, or some other "non-invasive" material that will leave no trace? No nails or staples into the wood are allowed.

Cleaning information: The VYCC will have a cleaning service do basic cleaning of facility after the event. You will be responsible for covering all costs due to any cleaning above and beyond sweeping and mopping of floors (basic cleaning). Please remember to pick up ALL outside decorations as well.

Can I visit the barn for planning purposes before the event?
You can certainly schedule site visit(s) with bandleaders, caterers, bar service, florists, and others, during normal working hours before the event. Drop-ins are welcome, but please do try to let us know whenever possible if you plan to visit the facility as there are a variety of other events, trainings, and programming going on throughout the year. You are welcome to visit during our regular office hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please plan to arrive no later than 4 p.m. unless previously arranged. Visits at other times will be kept to a minimum and will need to be specially arranged.

What else should I be aware of when considering the Monitor Barn for my event?