The Gallery/Outdoor Venue Additional Information

The Gallery FAQ's

What is the capacity of The Gallery?

The capacity of the Gallery is based on the seating arrangement that you design. There are tables and chairs inside the gallery for a total of 165 guests with additional options for seating on the porch outside. Four picnic tables add an additional 32 seats. Inside and out, the gallery can seat up to 200 guests. You are welcome to bring additional tables and/or chairs into the gallery to expand seating.

Is the kitchen facility included in the price?

The prep kitchen is included in the price upon request and includes: stove, refrigerator, 12’ prep table, dishwasher, 2 microwaves, and a 3-sink system.

Do you decorate The Gallery?

No, you are allowed to decorate the gallery to fit your wedding theme. You are responsible for set up, cleaning, and disposal of all trash. We are a facility that recycles and recycling is a requirement for the facility. No glitter or small confetti is allowed, and tape and push pins are not allowed to be used on the hall walls. You may use push pins on the wood beams only.

Is alcohol permitted?

Alcohol is permitted inside the Gallery; renter must assume all liability and responsibility and maintain the alcohol in a private setting, not exposed to the general public. If you are selling alcohol to your guests, the person selling will need a liquor license in accordance to Indiana state law. Indiana state laws relating to the distribution and consumption of alcohol must be strictly followed. eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat Inc. is not authorized by the State of Indiana to handle alcoholic beverages.

What is included in the cost of The Gallery?

The gallery has many amenities for your group. In addition to provided tables and chairs, there is a bar area and an upstairs loft overlooking the main Hall. The upstairs also includes our Grooms Room: a gaming area with darts, checkers, and foosball and our Bridal Suite: an area that can be used for the bridal party to get ready (both areas are included in the Gold & Platinum packages). There is also a prep kitchen and internet access. Many extras can be rented for additional nominal fee(s).

What additional items can we rent? i.e. Sound system, Tablecloths, etc.....?

There are many extras that you can rent in the hall, we can provide a list upon request. Some items of note are table linens, ice, coolers, beer taps, etc. We can also provide a list of local vendors to help supply anything that we cannot.

Do you provide catering?

Yes! We are partnered with the Nashville House/Ferguson House. We will provide their catering menu soon. You are allowed to use another caterer or cater your own event at no extra fee!

Is there a deposit for The Gallery?

Yes, there is a non-refundable rental fee to be paid in full upon booking. Bookings are NOT guaranteed unless they are paid in full at the time of the reservation.

How far in advance do I need to rent The Gallery for my event?

The gallery is booked on a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier the better. We suggest that you reserve at least 6 months prior to your event, it is possible to reserve the gallery within 3 months of your event if we have availability. During September and October weekends, we suggest trying to reserve at least a year in advance.

Do you have the electrical capacity for a DJ, lights, and dance floor?

Yes, we have plug-ins in the gallery for lighting at the stage area, and an area for a DJ to meet their needs.

Are there dressing areas for the bride and groom?

Yes, we have separate rooms that would be available for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids as well as the groom and his groomsmen to get ready for her big day. Our cabins are also available to rent for preparation purposes.

Are there restrooms inside The Gallery?

Yes, there are restrooms inside the gallery.

Are there discounts for paintball, zipping, etc. for the wedding party?

Yes, there are group discounts for groups of 10 or more for most activities. There is a guaranteed discount with the Platinum Package.

Is there internet access in The Gallery?

Yes, there is internet available in the gallery, and outside on the front porch area. There is also internet available on the front porches of most of the cabins.

Where is the parking area for The Gallery events?

Parking is available around the hall in addition to 2 large fields that can be utilized for parking.

Outdoor Venue FAQ's

What is the capacity for the Outdoor Stage/Lakeside area?

Outdoor Stage: 30 guests

Stage Viewing Area: 500 guests

Lakeside Dock: 75 guests

Do you decorate the outdoor venues?

No, however you are allowed to decorate any venue to fit your wedding/event's theme. You are responsible for set up, cleaning, and disposal of all trash. We are a facility that recycles and recycling is a requirement for the facility. No glitter or small confetti is allowed. Also, no rice is allowed to be thrown. You can use bird seed however.

How long can I rent the outdoor venues for? Can I rent it for 24 hours, etc.?

Outdoor Stage: you have access to the stage for 24 hours starting at 9am (note that there may be campers in the sites included with your rental until their checkout at 11am)

Lake: you have access to the dock at the lake for 24 hours starting at 9am (note that there may be campers in the sites included with your rental until their checkout at 11am)

Can we rent cabins and campsites for a discounted price?

Sometimes.. we can add on cabins and campsite rentals to any reservation for an additional cost. Discounts are based on availability, days rented, time of year, number of cabins or campsites, etc.

What is included in the cost of the Outdoor Stage/Lakeside/Paintball Tent?

Outdoor Stage: Sites G-18, P-29, P-34, & GP-36. Fire rings and picnic tables at campsites. Trailer restroom located within walking distance

Lakeside Dock: Sites P-30, P-31, P-32, & P-33. Fire rings and picnic tables at campsites. Trailer restroom located within walking distance

*Not included is firewood (which you must purchase from us) or outside seating

Can you provide a service who provides outdoor seating?

Yes, we have a list of companies that we can provide to you.

Is there a deposit for outdoor venues?

Yes, there is a non-refundable rental fee to be paid in full upon booking. Bookings are NOT guaranteed unless they are paid in full at the time of the reservation.

How far in advance do I need to rent outdoor venues for my event?

All venues are booked on a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier the better. We suggest that you reserve at least 6 months prior to your event. During July, September, and October weekends, we suggest trying to reserve at least a year in advance.

Do you have the electrical capacity for a DJ, lights, etc.?

Yes, all venues have electrical outlets that can be used. Be prepared to bring extension cords.

Are there discounts for paintball, zipping, etc. for guests?

Yes, there are group discounts for groups of 10 or more for most activities.

Is there Wi-Fi access at the outdoor venues?

You should not expect to have access to Wi-Fi at our outdoor venues.

Where is the parking area for events at the outdoor venues?

Parking is available in the campsites included with the stage and lake rentals. There is additional parking in 2 large fields close to the entrance to the facility.

Is there a clean-up fee?

You are responsible for clean-up of the venue which includes recycling all recyclable products and trash removal to the dumpster. If these conditions are not met you will be charged a clean-up fee according to what we deem is necessary.

Rental Policies

Rental Fees

The Gallery is an indoor facility that accommodates up to 165 guests (using the porch increases number to 200) for your wedding, reception, event, or special occasion. There is outdoor space where tents may be set up to accommodate larger parties. The cost of all additional rentals including tents, tables, chairs, etc. including set up and tear down will be incurred by the persons renting the hall.

Our outdoor wedding ceremony locations can accommodate a variety of guests depending on the site. If you are renting the Gallery, there is a reduced charge based on location: $400 outdoor stage, $350 lake front. Both locations include 4 campsites.

The Gallery's daily rental fees -

Silver Package - includes the Outdoor Pagoda and the Tap Room
- $750 | Off Season
- $1000 | Peak Season (September & October)
Gold Package - includes the main banquet area (with tables, chairs, and Patricia Rhoden-Bartel's Art Gallery), antique bar area, upstairs loft, "The Grooms Room", "The Bridal Suite", our prep kitchen, and covered porch
- $1500 | Off Season
- $2000 | Peak Season (September & October)
Platinum Package - includes everything from the previous packages in addition to an overnight stay in the Bridal Suite and Cabin 10. Also includes all day ice, table linens, and a beer tap. We will also provide a 10% discount to all our lodging and activities for you and your guests for the day of, before, and after
- $3000 | Off Season
- $4000 | Peak Season (September & October)

If you are renting The Gallery for a wedding or event and need the hall the night before for a rehearsal dinner or an extension of your event, the cost would be half price of its normal price per day. A non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking with a signed contract to hold the Gallery. Additional rental items are available upon request and payment is due the day of the event. Please review our inventory rental price list for items and costs.

The Gallery rental fee includes:

Heated and air-conditioned hall that seats up to 165 people including space for a band and serving food area
Large, antique wooden bar, suitable location for all beverage service
Use of the prep-kitchen
Trash service, restrooms, personalized signage in the hall entrance, parking areas, tables and chairs...

Outdoor venue location fee includes:

Trash service, parking, and restrooms.
4 campsites (outdoor stage & lakeside only)
electric outlets

Damage Deposit

Lessee will be responsible for all damages and/or theft that occur during the rental period of the Gallery. It is the responsibility of the lessee to report any damages upon occurrence. We require a credit card number to be on file for any damages that may occur; a hold of $1,000 will be placed on the card for large events. We reserve the right to charge the credit card for the amount of damages found. If outside vendors are brought in for additional renters, they become the responsibility of the lessee and assume all risks for damages and/or theft from the vendors. eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is not responsible for damages or theft of any items before, during, or left after the event. Items left behind can be picked up or shipped at the lessee's expense. Any items remaining after 7 days from date of the event will be considered the property of eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat and subject to removal by the staff.

Cancellations

A non-refundable full payment is required at the time of the booking with a signed contract to secure your date and times. All payments towards the Gallery are non-refundable.

Privacy

eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is open to the public on a year-round basis. We will continue to operate all outdoor activities and programs including but not limited to: Paintball, Arrow Tag, All-Terrain Vehicle Tours, Mountain Biking and Zip Line tours, rental of Campground and Camping Cabins during your event. When you rent The Gallery, it becomes a private area and we will make every attempt to control public access. Campers have access to the road going past the Gallery towards the campgrounds. If you wish complete privacy, the entire camping cabins, camp grounds, and hall facility can be rented for a fee.

Features of the Gallery

Patricia Rhoden Bartel's Art Gallery

Enjoy the impressionistic artwork of Nashville's best selling living artist! While you can find her art across the state of Indiana including Eli Lily, Indiana University, and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (just to name a few), the Gallery hosts the largest collection of her work. Her oil and acrylic landscape paintings really capture the natural beauty of Brown County! But don't take our work for it, pay us a visit by clicking here and take a look for yourself!

Upstairs Loft

Our loft area overlooks the ground floor of the Gallery. In addition to providing a great view of the ground floor the upstairs is also surrounded by the artwork of Patricia Rhoden Bartels!

Antique Bar

If you enjoy a little history you'll love our Antique Bar! The bar itself and the decorations are taken from the Bartel's Cafe, built right after Prohibition in Liberty Center, Ohio. Serve your own drinks or hire a bartender and relish in the old time feel of the bar.

Grooms Room

The Grooms Room is the perfect hangout spot! Included as a flat screen television, poker table, foosball table, and dart board. Whether if it's the fellas enjoying one last hurrah or a group of coworkers who need a small conference room the Grooms Room should have everything you need.

The Suite

Our Suite can be the perfect place for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids to get ready or the perfect spot for a romantic wedding night. The Suite has everything you need including a flat screen television, small living room area with a couch and coffee table, a small kitchen and dining area, make-up mirrors, a bedroom with queen size bed, and it's own bathroom.

Prep Kitchen

The prep kitchen has everything needed for any catering service to provide a great meal for your guests. The kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator, heating cabinet, stove/oven, industrial sink, and plenty of counter space for your preparation needs.

Tap Room

Our Tap Room is just like it sounds; an area that can be used for those who'd like to provide kegs of beer for their wedding/event. Guests will also be able to use a sink and a heating cabinet if they would like to serve food. The Tap Room leads right to the Outdoor Pagoda.

Outdoor Pagoda

Our Outdoor Pagoda is located outside with a gorgeous backdrop of the woods of Brown County. While this makes a perfect setting for summer weddings/events, a campfire ring is included as well for the other seasons or in case it gets a little chilly at night!

WARNING: Under Indiana law, an agritourism provider is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in agritourism activities at this location if the death or injury results from the inherent risks of agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death, or for other participants to act in a manner that may cause you injury or cause your death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity. As added by P.L.3-2011, SEC.1. The property used by Valley Branch Retreat Inc. dba eXplore Brown County dba Paintball Valley is a Classified Forest/Tree Farm and an Indiana Agritourism provider.