The practical stuff
Policies & FAQ
The practical stuff, in plain language — so there are no surprises between booking your date and celebrating on it. Your rental agreement is the final word on all of it.
Planning your event
What types of events is the venue best suited for?
Weddings are what we host most, and the property is set up for them end to end. It also suits family reunions, small business retreats, anniversary and milestone celebrations, and group gatherings of most kinds. If you're planning something we haven't listed, ask us — the answer is usually yes.
Can we rent for a single day, or the whole weekend?
Either one. Some events are a single day at the pavilion; others take the full run of the property from Friday through Sunday. Our one-, two-, and three-day packages cover both, so you only pay for the time you need.
How many guests can you hold?
Up to 150 guests without a fire inspection. Most events here are 125 guests or fewer — parking is the practical constraint. Planning something over 150? Inquire and we'll talk through it with you.
Where do our guests stay?
On-site cabins are coming by 4th quarter 2026. Until they open, guests stay nearby and drive in — we keep a short list of partner hotels in the area to make that easy.
Booking & Payment
How do we reserve our date?
A rental deposit of 50% of your total reserves your date, and it's due when you sign your agreement. Your date isn't held and we have no obligations until it's paid in full. The deposit is non-refundable, so book when you're sure.
When is the rest due?
The remaining balance is due in full 60 days before your event. Your total includes a mandatory cleaning fee, which is non-refundable. If the balance isn't paid by the due date, we can revoke the booking and keep the rental deposit.
How can we pay?
Current rates apply to cash or check payments only — card payments carry a 3% surcharge, so paying by cash or check saves you the fee. Idaho state sales tax (6%) applies to the venue rental fee and the cleaning fee.
Do we need event insurance?
Yes — you and every one of your vendors need at least $1,000,000 in general liability coverage, with a waiver of subrogation, covering all days of your rental. The policy has to cover everything happening on site: liquor, food, music, lighting, entertainment, and dance floors. Sawtooth Ridge Ranch, LLC dba Creekside Campground and Events Center and its principals must be listed as additional co-insureds, and your certificate of insurance is due by your balance due date. That's the required liability coverage — cancellation insurance, which protects the money you've spent if your date falls through, is separate and strongly recommended.
Cancellations & Date Changes
What's the cancellation policy?
It depends on timing. Cancel more than 60 days before your event and we refund the rental fee and the cleaning/breakage deposit, less the non-refundable rental deposit. Cancel within 60 days and we keep the rental fee and rental deposit, but the cleaning/breakage deposit comes back to you in full. Cancel within 14 days and we keep everything, including the cleaning/breakage deposit.
Can we move our date?
Ask us. Date changes aren't covered by the rental agreement, so anything we can do is arranged case by case — talk to us as early as you can and we'll see what's possible.
What about wildfire smoke or bad weather?
We're in the Idaho mountains, so our rental agreement plans for it in writing. If your date is hit by something genuinely beyond anyone's control — a government order restricting gatherings, wildfire smoke pushing the air quality index to 151 or higher, an evacuation notice, a closure of Highway 21, or a natural disaster — you receive a credit for 100% of everything you've paid us, good for 24 months, toward any available date. We can choose to issue a cash refund instead, but the credit is the standard remedy. Canceling ahead of a feared event that hasn't officially been declared falls under the normal cancellation timings above. Section 5A of the rental agreement is the controlling text.
Should we buy event cancellation insurance?
We strongly recommend it, and the rental agreement says so too. Our deposits are non-refundable and a credit — not a cash refund — is the standard remedy when weather or an emergency intervenes, and nothing we offer covers what you've paid your caterer, photographer, or other vendors. Event cancellation insurance typically runs $100–$400 for a standard wedding and covers venue closure, vendor no-shows, severe weather, and government-ordered cancellations. Providers such as WedSafe, Markel Event Insurance, Travelers Event Insurance offer it; we make no representation about any third-party insurer's coverage or terms.
Vendors & Catering
Can we bring our own vendors?
Yes — caterers, photographers, florists, DJs, bands, and more are welcome. Every vendor must carry $1,000,000 in general liability coverage and give us a certificate of insurance by your balance due date. Keep in mind the venue is the space itself: we don't plan, coordinate, set up, or tear down your event.
What are the rules for alcohol?
Alcohol must be served by a caterer holding a valid license from the Idaho Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or by someone we've approved in writing. Serving alcohol to minors is strictly forbidden, and the sobriety and conduct of your guests is your responsibility.
Is there a place for caterers to work?
Yes — the Ice House prep facility gives your caterer refrigeration and workspace on site. It's soon to be renovated, with vending machines and a washer & dryer coming too.
On-Site Rules
How late can the music go?
Amplified music must stop at 10:00 PM. We're in a quiet mountain neighborhood, and this keeps us — and your after-party — in everyone's good graces.
Is our event private?
Yes. Your event isn't open to the general public and includes invited guests only.
What about decorations?
Decorate away — just no Mylar confetti or glitter, and nothing stapled or nailed to buildings, fences, trees, or anywhere else. Freestanding structures and non-marking fixings work beautifully.
What are the rules on fire and smoking?
All guests must comply with any fire restrictions imposed by local authorities. If you smoke, cigarette butts go in the receptacles we provide — and please check the whole area for them before you leave.
Are kids and pets welcome?
Both. Please supervise children at all times while they're on the property — we have a real creek and natural terrain. Pets brought by you or your guests are your responsibility and liability.
Anything to plan for parking?
There's a designated, clearly marked parking area. You'll need to provide at least one parking attendant for events up to 80 guests, and two for events over 80. We encourage arranging shuttles or designated drivers for guests who are celebrating.
What happens with trash?
All event trash goes in the dumpster we provide, and the lid has to close fully — anything that doesn't fit, you'll need to take with you. There's a full checkout checklist to work through before you leave; completing it is how you leave the site the way you found it.
Lodging
Coming soon — on-site cabins, a geodome, and a bridal room are on their way, arriving by 4th quarter 2026. None are bookable yet, and none are included in the venue rental fee.
Will our group be able to stay on site?
Soon — cabins and a geodome are coming to the property by 4th quarter 2026. Until they open, your guests stay nearby and drive in; we'll publish details and pricing as soon as they're ready.
Will there be somewhere special for the couple?
A bridal room is coming. It isn't part of the venue rental — we'll share details once it's ready.
Before you book
Acknowledge the venue rules
Every booking starts with confirming you've read the rules above. Soon you'll do that right here, as part of signing your agreement online — no printing, no scanning, nothing to mail back.
In the meantime, you can read and download every document we'll ask you to sign.
This is a preview — ticking the box here isn't recorded and isn't a signature. Your signed rental agreement is what counts today. We'll turn this on when online signing goes live.