Q: Where is the event space located at The Pavilion at the Dunes?
A: The private event space within the Dunes Pavilion building is located on the 2nd floor. The other floors are open to the public.
Q: Is the event space handicap accessible?
A: Yes, although the event space is located on the 2nd floor there are elevators available to transport any guest upstairs.
Q: Can I have my ceremony at the Pavilion at the Dunes?
A: We offer outdoor ceremonies on our ceremony patio located on the East side of the building. Please reach out to DunesPavilion@dnr.IN.gov to request information about obtaining a permit to host your ceremony on the sand!
Q: How many guests can the event space hold?
A: The space comfortably seats 150 guests with a dance floor included in the room set-up. The absolute maximum capacity of the event space is 175 guests. If your event has a smaller guest count, we can use a dividing wall in the center of the room to create two smaller spaces, each with a maximum capacity of 75 guests.
Q: What does the planning process look like with The Pavilion at the Dunes Events Team?
A: Our team of venue coordinators will reach out to begin scheduling your planning meetings, beginning 6-8 months out from your event. All event details will be discussed at these meetings. Final selections regarding your event must be finalized 3 weeks prior.
Q: Can I hold my rehearsal dinner at the Pavilion at the Dunes?
A: Yes, we can accommodate a rehearsal dinner on the 2nd floor – inquire for pricing!
Q: Where will my guests park?
A: Event guests will be able to park in the main parking lot at the Dunes Pavilion building, which is also the primary beach access point. Parking spots are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved for private events.
Q: Will my guests have to pay to enter the Indiana Dunes State Park?
A: There is a 2% State Park Fee that will be added onto your total, which allows event attendees to enter the park without having to pay the gate fee. The Department of Natural Resources can deny this waiver at any time.
Q: What is the start time of events at the Pavilion?
A: Outside of peak season, events can begin at any time! Due to Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations, during peak season, events cannot start until 6:00 p.m. in an effort to prevent disruption to the National Park visitors’ experience. Peak season is considered Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Monday of Labor Day weekend.
Q: How long is my rental of the event space?
A: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am. You can add on hours as early as 10:00 am. Inquire with our Sales Representative for pricing!
Q: Is there an in-house caterer?
A: Yes! Our in-house caterer creates all our amazing appetizers, dinner options, late-night snacks, and plated mini sweets for dessert. Because of this, we do not permit outside caterers to be utilized at the Pavilion at the Dunes.
Q: Can I bring in my own wedding cake and desserts?
A: Our in-house chef provides a limited dessert menu that you are free to choose from. You can bring in your own wedding cake or outside desserts from a licensed bakery! Late-night snacks must come from a licensed vendor.
Q: What is included in my event rental?
A: Included in your rental is an on-site venue coordinator who will assist you throughout the planning process and on your event or wedding day, set-up and teardown of tables and chairs, table linens, choice of colored napkins, and dinnerware & glassware.
Q: What am I responsible for cleaning up post-event?
A: When your event ends, you are responsible for the cleanup and removal of any décor and personal items you may have brought in with you (centerpieces, card box, floral arrangements, etc.). All items must be removed from the Dunes Pavilion building by the time your rental ends at 12:00 a.m. Nothing can be left overnight for pick up at a different time.
Q: Can guests’ cars remain in the parking lot overnight?
A: Yes, guests’ vehicles are welcome to stay overnight in the main parking lot. The Pavilion at the Dunes is not responsible for any damage to vehicles that remain overnight.
Q: Are there any décor restrictions?
A: Yes. No real flames are allowed; only LED candles are permitted. Only freestanding decorations are permitted. No tape or adhesive, nails, etc., are to be used on floors or walls. Helium-filled balloons, streamer cannons/shooters, confetti, glitter, silly string, bubble/smoke machines, bubble gum, sparklers, or paper lanterns are prohibited on the property.
Q: Can I bring in outside alcohol?
A: Due to liquor licensing policies set forth by the State of Indiana, no outside alcohol can be brought into the event space.
