1888 Wedding Barn and Banquet Hall in Sunday River

ecessary stress before, during, and after our wedding. For the more than $12,000 we paid, we expected basic communication, professionalism, respect, and follow-through. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. Our issues started after paying our non-refundable $3,000 deposit. For our initial tour, my husband and I drove more than two hours. The owner, who had been our main contact, did not meet us. Instead, a friend showed us around while the owner participated by phone. We also were not warned that the driveway and sidewalks would not be cleared of snow, making access difficult. Communication throughout planning was often difficult, with delayed responses and a contract that was repeatedly updated until it became 17 pages and difficult to follow. About six days before our wedding, we had a final conference call to “dot the I's and cross the T's.” Unfortunately, several things we were specifically told would happen did not. We were told our wedding cake would be moved to the middle of the dance floor during the cake cutting so guests could see it. It was never moved and remained in the corner all night. We were also told staff would turn on the lights in our centerpieces. They did not. We also had an issue with non-alcoholic sparkling cider. The contract prohibited outside alcohol but did not prohibit non-alcoholic beverages. I contacted the owner to ask if we could have cider for our toast. He read the message but did not respond. We brought the cider to the rehearsal dinner, intending only to place it on the tables for guests. When I asked the owner in person if we could use it, he yelled at me and walked away. This happened in front of my father-in-law and brother-in-law. We removed the cider and took it home. We were also concerned by what appeared to us to be alcohol consumption by the owner that evening. We noticed a strong smell of alcohol and heard him request a glass of wine while helping prepare pizzas. During the wedding, we were told water goblets would be regularly filled and refreshed. They were not, and the water became warm. The outdoor steps were also steep and had no lighting, which we felt created a safety concern. Our contract stated that staff would pack our belongings at the end of the night. They did not. We had to pack everything ourselves, and our outdoor decorations were left outside overnight. Thankfully, it did not rain. 5 days after the wedding, my husband began contacting the owner about our $1,000 damage deposit. Messages were read but not answered, and phone calls were not returned. After paying more than $12,000, we should not have had to repeatedly chase someone for an answer. I also find it concerning when the owner responds to negative reviews with personal comments about couples, including statements that our marriage will bring “bad luck” or “very little hope of happiness.” In my opinion, that is inappropriate and unprofessional. To be fair, the barn is beautiful and the food was good. Those are the positives I can confidently give. Our wedding was ultimately special because we married each other surrounded by the people we love, and those memories can never be taken away from us! However, knowing what we know now, we would make a very different venue choice.