Frequently Asked Questions
Your rental price includes tables and chairs. For a wedding, the rental price is for 5 hours. You may add hours on to your celebration for $450 per hour. The rental price also includes 2 bartenders as well as an on-site coordinator the day of to keep track of your timeline and your vendors. Our team will be with you from the moment you tour, through your complimentary sit-down a few months before your celebration, until the lights go up after your last dance.
No, you are not required to use any of our preferred vendors. We highly suggest you use one of our preferred caterers because of thir familiarity with our catering kitchen. However, we do welcome caterers of your choice for a $500 fee. When it comes to your DJ, photographer, dessert maker and so on, we have plenty of recommendations but you may choose anyone you are comfortable with. Please note, all desserts are welcome as long as they are coming from licensed kitchen.
Events are our specialty, and we have witnessed many. If you would like help in choosing a vendor, we are more than happy to assist.
When you book your celebration at The Waters, we hold the day specifically for you. You have the option of beginning your event whenever you want. Most weddings with ceremonies begin between 3:30 and 4:30. Weddings that have off site ceremonies typically open between 4:30 and 5:00.These times are only suggestions, and can be different based on your desires. Please note, per neighborhood ordinance, all loud music including bands and DJs must be finished at 11:00 pm. The building can stay open until midnight.
Weddings have 2 hours prior to the event when vendors can set up and you can come in to get ready and take pictures. This is not included within your base 5 hours. Typically, 2 hours is more than plenty of time. If you believe you will need more time, please discuss with your coordinator at your sit down.
If you are planning and event that is not a wedding, you will have one hour of set up time before the event. If you need more time, let us know. We always do our absolute best to accomodate.
We can’t plan the weather, but we can have a plan B. We can move a ceremony indoors the day of your event.
The bar minimum for your event will be discussed with you before you receive your contract. The amount that is stated on the contract is the amount you are required to spend at the bar. This is any drink you provide complimentary to your guests and any drink your guests purchase on their own. Many times, you will go over the bar minimum. If you don’t, you simply pay the difference at the end of the night. Please note, a credit card will need to be filed before your event begins and a 20 percent gratuity is added to all bar tabs.
Non-profit organizations are more than welcome to have their event at The Waters. During the winter months, January to March, we offer a no charge building rental Mondays through Thursdays. The only cost you are responsible for is a $500 bar minimum.
The Oshkosh Yacht Club has called this building home since 1903, and still does today. Anyone can be a member of the Oshkosh Yacht Club to enjoy perks such as week night dinners from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check out the Oshkosh Yacht Club page to learn more.
If you don’t live in close proximity to Lake Winnebago, you likely have only heard tales of the lake flies, but perhaps have not witnessed them. Typically, the shores of the lake swarm with pesky (non-harmful) bugs in mid- May. They stay for about a week, turn our white building green, and then go away until the next year. If you are set on an outdoor ceremony or event, we would suggest planning early or late May. The building is deep cleaned and power washed after the lake fly hatching every year.
Yes, we are up to date on all ADA code. For more information, visit the facilities page.
No, we do not at this time. If you are looking for a caterer for your event, our preferred caterers are listed here:
LaSure’s Banquets and Catering
(920)651-0796
(920)230-6289
(920)231-1980
(920)380-4745
(920)720-5045
(920)479-1927