Frequently Asked Questions

Nipmoose

What does Nipmoose mean?
It is not known what “Nipmoose” means, but it is presumed to be derived from the Indian word “Wanepimoseck” which was once the name of the Valley in which the Nipmoose Farm is situated. The Nipmoose Farm was named after the Nipmoose Creek which runs along its border. For more information about the history of the Nipmoose Farm, please visit our History page.

Rental

What is included in the rental fee?
All three barns, a workshop barn for caterers, the expansive grounds surrounding the barns and a number of amenities are all included in the rental. For more detailed information about what is included in the rental, please visit our Rental page.

How much is the deposit, when is it due, is it refundable and what is the payment plan for the entire bill?
Fifty percent of the entire rental fee is due upon signing of the Lease Agreement. It is non-refundable. Final payment of the remaining 50% (plus a $500 Damage Deposit fee) is due two months prior to the Event. We recommend that renters procure event cancellation insurance, which is available at companies such as wedsure.com and wedsafe.com

Is the rental of Nipmoose seasonal?
The barns are available for rental of weddings from mid May to mid October. Tours, photo shoots and other events may be scheduled throughout the year. Only one wedding per weekend is booked. Please inquire about available dates by sending a note or calling 518-944-4414. We look forward to hearing from you.

Is there a minimum rental time?
There is a minimum rental period of 5 hours for weddings, and all events must end by 11 p.m.

The Barns

What is the capacity of each barn?
The barns differ in size, and capacity. For detailed information about each barn, please visit Venue page.

What are the uses of the buildings?
Renters have numerous options in the use of the barns. Please contact us for recommendations on their uses, which will depend largely on the renters’ vision as well as the size and type of event.

The Grounds

How much land surrounds the barn?
The entire farm includes 120 acres, most of which is cultivated by a farm family. Generally the fields are planted into hay and harvested two or three times a summer. Several acres of land surrounding the barns are maintained with lawn mowers. There are no farm animals on site.

Ceremony

Can I hold my ceremony at Nipmoose in addition to my wedding?
Yes. The majority of weddings held at Nipmoose include the ceremony. There is no extra charge, as the time for the ceremony will be included in the rental period. If couples wish to schedule a ceremony rehearsal the day prior to the wedding, there would be a $500 fee.

Is there a designated ceremony site?
Couples can choose where they want to hold their ceremony. The tree grove adjacent to the Corn Crib is most frequently chosen. In case of rain, one of the two larger barns can be used for the ceremony.

Amenities

There is a very large, private dressing room area in the lower level of the German Barn.

There are three guest bathrooms, one of which is handicap accessible.

A large non-historic barn is available for caterers.

A very large parking area is situated at a distance from the barns (so as not to be a visual blight). Buses can easily turn around there.

Is there housing at Nipmoose?
There are no accommodations on the Nipmoose farm. The farmhouse, located near the barns, has not been renovated, so serves only as a photo op. There are some lodgings nearby, but not enough for housing a full wedding party. Guests for a majority of our wedding events are housed in neighboring towns – Bennington, VT, Saratoga Springs and Troy, NY, and Williamstown, MA. Visit Lodgings for a list of area hotels and inns.

Is the site handicap accessible?
All buildings except the little Corn Crib are handicap accessible, and one of the bathrooms is as well.

The Persistence Foundation

Who owns the farm?
The Persistence Foundation, a not-for profit foundation dedicated to land conservation and agricultural heritage, owns the barns and was responsible for their restoration. Income from events held at Nipmoose helps support these goals. To learn more about The Persistence Foundation, please see Foundation page.

Vendors

Can I hire my own vendors (caterer, planner, florist, photographer), or must I select from a preferred vendor list?
We welcome new vendors chosen by our Renters. But we also provide upon request a preferred vendor list.

Do you have an in-house caterer?
No. Caterers must be hired for both food and bar services.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Alcoholic beverages may only be served by a caterer with a valid New York State Liquor License and/or Caterer Permit. So, renters would need to make arrangements with your caterer about the selection, purchase and service of wine, beer and alcohol.

Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided?
No. They will have to be rented. Most frequently these items are ordered by Renters through their caterers.

Are there restrictions on what kind of music I can play, or a time by which the music must end?
There are no restrictions on the type of music. DJ, bands, singers are all welcome. All Events, including music, must end by 11 p.m.

Are their restrictions for the photographer?
No. Many couples have their photographs taken just prior to the wedding (during the 5 hour Set-up time).

Decorations

Are there decoration guidelines/restrictions?
We encourage our renters to decorate, and will help them with their vision. Please contact us with specific questions. Visit our Pinterest boards for inspiration from past Nipmoose weddings

Staff

Does the premises have a facility director that will be present on the day of my wedding?
Yes. We have staff that oversees the use of the premises. Our staff will be present during the entire event, including the Set-Up and Break-down period. The number of staff present will depend on the number of guests attending the Event.

Insurance

Does the venue have liability insurance?
Yes. But we also require Renters to secure liability insurance for the day of the Event.