Yes! Emerson Fields offers convenient onsite lodging through Emerson Suites, our modern guest home that sleeps up to 14 guests. It’s perfect for your wedding party or close family members to stay together and enjoy a relaxed, spacious setting right on the property. Availability is limited, so be sure to inquire early. See more info HERE.

Comfort Inn & Suites: For offsite options, Comfort Inn & Suites in Macon is just 7 miles from the venue and offers clean, comfortable rooms, plus amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Be sure to ask for a special rate when blocking rooms for your wedding guests and mention Emerson Fields!
📞 660-395-8000

There’s also a Comfort Inn in Moberly, Mo, which is only 17 miles from Emerson Fields to the south.

There are several other hotels, boutique lodgings, and Airbnb homes nearby.

For the wedding reception, all food must be prepared and served by a licensed and insured caterer or restaurant. Emerson Fields is equipped with a spacious, full-service kitchen that your caterer can use to finish prep and keep everything hot and ready to serve. The kitchen includes a commercial refrigerator, stove, microwave, warming/proofing oven, ice machine, and more. We also provide basics like dish soap, trash bags, and towels—but caterers will need to bring their own utensils, cookware, and serving supplies.

For the rehearsal dinner (if held onsite), you're welcome to DIY that smaller, private meal or have it catered—your choice!

Alcohol is allowed at Emerson Fields, but must be served by licensed and insured bartenders—we highly recommend choosing one from our Preferred Vendor Directory. Bartenders must be 21+ and arrive one hour before the ceremony to prep and be ready for cocktail hour.

What’s allowed:

Beer, wine, seltzers, and mixed drinks (no shots or straight liquor).
Alcohol service must begin after the ceremony.
Drinks must be served from the indoor bar or an approved outdoor bar area—not from coolers or tables.
You may bring your own alcohol, but it must be served by a professional bartender.
Our bar setup includes a behind-the-bar can cooler, access to a commercial fridge, and an ice machine. (Extra bags of ice are stored in the deep freeze—but no additional ice is provided by Emerson Fields.)

What’s required:

At least two professional bartenders who are insured are required anytime alcohol is served.
Bartenders must be insured, and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be submitted to Emerson Fields prior to the event.
They are responsible for removing bar trash during the event and taking it to the dumpster at the end of the night.

Rehearsal Dinner Alcohol:

If serving alcohol at your rehearsal dinner onsite, it must be served via table service by a licensed caterer or bartender—DIY alcohol service is not permitted.

A few reminders:

Guests cannot bring their own alcohol.
We don’t allow kegs.
Coolers are only allowed in the kitchen and bar areas.
It’s the client’s responsibility to ensure all alcohol laws are followed and that guests consume responsibly. Emerson Fields is not liable for any incidents related to alcohol service.

Not sure how many drinks to purchase? Check out this free Drink Calculator!

Absolutely! Open bars are a popular choice at Emerson Fields. In this setup, you provide the alcohol, and a licensed, insured bartender is hired to serve it.

Please note:

Bartenders cannot accept payment for individual drinks—but they may display a tip jar and keep any gratuities.
Most open bar bartenders charge by the hour or a flat rate for the event.
As with all bar service, your bartender must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) in advance and comply with all policies outlined above.

This allows you to personalize your bar menu while ensuring a smooth, professional service for your guests.

Yes, a cash bar is allowed—but it comes with a few additional steps. In this setup, guests pay the bartender directly for their drinks, and the bartender retains those profits.

Here’s what’s required:

The bartender must obtain a Missouri liquor license for your event.
You’ll need written approval from Emerson Fields management before moving forward.
The bartender must be the exclusive provider of all alcohol on the property for the duration of the event—no BYO or additional alcohol sources allowed.
Some bartenders may charge a setup fee or have a minimum sales requirement.
As always, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be submitted to Emerson Fields in advance.

We love seeing how each couple personalizes the spaces at Emerson Fields—our gallery and Instagram are full of inspiration from past weddings! You’re welcome to decorate any of our ceremony and reception areas, but we do have a few guidelines to protect the venue and keep things running smoothly.

Hanging & Setup:

Do not use tacks, tape, or Command hooks on painted walls.
If you want to attach anything to the venue structure, check with us first for safe installation options.
Clients are responsible for any damage to walls, surfaces, or fixtures.

Flower Petals & Confetti:

Indoor ceremonies: Use silk petals only.
Outdoor ceremonies: Real petals only.
Confetti and glitter are not allowed anywhere on the property.
Bubbles are allowed outdoors only.
Biodegradable confetti or dried flower petals can be used with PRIOR APPROVAL from Emerson Fields. Contact us for information on what to purchase and how much.

Candles & Lighting:

Flameless, battery-powered candles are strongly encouraged.
Wax candles must be:
- Contained in appropriate holders (votives, hurricanes, etc.)
- Taper candles must sit on a protective tray or surface to catch wax.
- All open-flame candles must be extinguished after dinner and special dances for safety.

Thanks for helping us keep the venue beautiful and safe for everyone!

Parking is easy at Emerson Fields, and we provide parking attendants for all weddings with 175+ guests to help ensure everything runs smoothly. You won’t need to coordinate anything—our team handles it, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day.

A few helpful notes:

No one may park or drive on the grass, the path to the pavilion, or in the fields.
A golf cart is available to assist guests who need extra help getting to the venue.
When you arrive on-site, please park in designated spaces and avoid blocking the main entrance or lane access—your guests will follow your lead!
Cars may be left overnight, but we ask that all vehicles be picked up by noon the following day.

Additional parking details will be covered during your design appointment, but rest assured—our team will take great care of your guests from the moment they arrive.

It’s completely up to you, but having ushers or a guest book attendant can make a big difference—especially for medium to large weddings. These roles are often the first people your guests interact with, helping set the tone for a smooth and welcoming experience.

Ushers can:

Greet guests and help them find their seats
Direct guests to the ceremony area or restrooms
Escort special guests (like grandparents) down the aisle
Be a calm, friendly presence at the front doors

Guest book attendants can:

Encourage guests to sign in and leave a note
Direct guests to the gift table or card box
Answer simple questions from early arrivals

These thoughtful touches go a long way in helping your day feel organized and guest-focused. Want a deeper look at these roles? Check out our blog on what these types of attendants do to help your wedding day run smoothly.

As the renter, you’re responsible for helping keep the venue safe, clean, and secure throughout your wedding rental period. Here’s what that includes:

Locking up the venue at the end of the night—make sure all lights are turned off and doors are locked before leaving. You’ll be given a secure access code to use.
Maintaining the space—you’re responsible for any damage that occurs during your rental period.
Completing the final cleaning checklist before departure, which consists of taking out all of your belongings and any leftover food or beverages.
Carrying special event liability insurance is recommended—this protects both you and your guests. (Reach out if you’d like more details.)

Our team is here to support you, but these responsibilities help ensure a smooth, respectful experience for everyone who uses the space.

Yes, you’re welcome to enjoy snacks or light meals while getting ready—but we do ask that food and drinks are kept off the furniture.

If you plan to have breakfast, lunch, or snacks in the dressing rooms:

Use the folding tables provided (you’ll find them in the groom’s room closet and the storage room next to the bridal suite).
Be extra cautious with anything that could spill or stain, especially on upholstered chairs and couches.

We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed while getting ready—just help us keep the spaces looking beautiful for the next couple!

Yes! If you’ve booked the Friday through Sunday rental, you’re welcome to host your rehearsal dinner at Emerson Fields on Friday evening.

A few things to keep in mind:

Please be sure to clean tables after use.

Tablecloths for rehearsal dinner are not provided—bring your own, and we suggest using a different color than your wedding tables so it’s clear which ones are okay to use Friday night.

The venue will be freshly cleaned when you arrive at noon on Friday, but no additional cleaning is done before the wedding day. Please tidy up after the rehearsal dinner: dispose of trash in the dumpster and put away any leftover food or drinks before you leave for the night.

Hosting your rehearsal dinner onsite is a great way to ease into the weekend—and it saves everyone a drive!

You won’t have to figure this out alone—we’ve got you covered! As your guest count becomes more finalized, we’ll schedule a time to create a custom reception layout with your venue manager. This layout will be designed specifically for your wedding flow and guest experience.

If you’re working with a wedding planner, they’ll typically provide a layout to us, and we’ll review it together to make sure everything fits beautifully.

All guest tables will be one—or a mix—of the following:

6 or 8-foot banquet tables

8-foot farmhouse tables (wooden, no tablecloths needed)

6-foot round tables

Each table comfortably seats 8–10 guests. Your table count will vary based on how many people you seat per table and where you place your head table.

For example, a guest list of 185 guests could need:

23 tables (seating 8 per table) or

19 tables (seating 10 per table)

In this case, we’d likely recommend placing 15 tables on the main floor and 8 in the upstairs loft to allow for more space to socialize and dance later in the evening.

The head table can be set on the stage and seat up to 18 people, typically using a combination of banquet or sweetheart tables.

Check out this blog post about different layouts and head table designs that we’ve seen here at Emerson Fields.

You’ll meet with the Emerson Fields staff for your Design Consultation about 2–3 weeks before your wedding. This is when we walk through every detail to ensure your day flows smoothly.

During your Design Consultation, we will:

Finalize your reception layout
Talk through Plan A and Plan B for your ceremony
Walk through the venue together
Answer any last-minute questions
Confirm your final guest count

You’ll receive an email to schedule this meeting once your final rental payment has been made.

We require that both you and your wedding planner or coordinator attend this appointment. It must be scheduled Monday–Thursday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, as weekends are reserved for our booked events. The meeting typically lasts about 90 minutes, so please plan accordingly.

More information about what to expect is outlined in your rental agreement, and we’re here to help you prepare every step of the way.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside any part of the venue.

A designated smoking area is located outside on the north end of the venue, near the provided ashtray/receptacle. Please help us keep the space clean and safe by ensuring all guests use this area and properly dispose of cigarette or cigar waste.

We recommend asking your DJ or emcee to make a quick announcement during the reception to direct guests to the appropriate spot.

Thanks for helping us maintain a clean, welcoming space for everyone!

We have an on-site dumpster available for all trash disposal during your rental period.

If you plan to save any leftover food or cake:

Bring large, airtight containers or bags to safely store and transport it.
Let your caterer know in advance so they can assist with proper packaging.
Do not leave any food or beverages out overnight—this includes the reception area, kitchen, bar, bridal suite, or groom’s room.

All food, drink, and trash must be cleared out by the end of your rental period to keep the venue clean and secure for the next event.

Yes! You will be able to access the GUEST network while you are on site. Emerson Fields staff will give you the password at your final meeting. Please pass this along to your DJ and other vendors.

We strongly recommend purchasing Special Event Liability Insurance to protect both you and Emerson Fields during your wedding weekend. This coverage is outlined in your rental agreement.

You have two options:

Let Emerson Fields provide the policy for you for $200. We’ll add it to your invoice and send you a copy of the declarations page before your wedding day.
Purchase your own policy through your insurance agent or a third-party provider. Just be sure it meets the coverage requirements below.

Coverage requirements:

Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
Minimum $2,000,000 general aggregate
Must list Emerson Fields as an additional insured
Must include coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury

This policy gives you peace of mind and ensures everything runs smoothly—no surprises, just celebration.

Absolutely! We love seeing families with little ones celebrate together, and we want to ensure everyone—especially children—has a safe and enjoyable experience at Emerson Fields.

Please note the following safety guidelines:

Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or responsible adult.
No children are allowed near the lake without supervision.
Climbing or standing on railings (indoors or on the dock) is not allowed.
Swimming or wading in the lake is strictly prohibited for both guests and pets.
No items—including trash, drinks, confetti, or glitter—may be thrown or dumped into the lake.
Throwing rocks into the lake is also not permitted.

A few tips to keep things smooth:

Be clear with your guests ahead of time that they are responsible for their children throughout the event.
We strongly discourage having an unsupervised “kids’ table,” as it often leads to children being left unattended.
Please do not bring markers or crayons, as they can stain furniture and linens.

More detailed policies can be found in your rental agreement, and we’re always happy to answer any specific questions in advance.