Wedding Couples Beware
Important Warning: Do Not Book This Venue Without an Experienced Wedding Planner and Clear, Written Agreements for Every Detail
Our wedding day was beautiful, but the process of working with Lucky Arrow Retreat was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. If you’re considering this venue, please do yourself a favor and avoid it unless you have a wedding planner and everything you want explicitly documented in writing.
The issues started early and persisted throughout our planning. We experienced a constant turnover of staff, poor communication, and overall disorganization. I am genuinely amazed that our wedding day went off without a major hitch, and I attribute that to our exceptional wedding planner rather than the venue.
Our initial visit to the venue in September 2023 was marred by a mistake in our booking. We had arranged to stay two nights, but they only booked us for one, leaving us scrambling to find last-minute accommodations. This should have been our first warning, but we overlooked it, reassured by their help in finding another place to stay.
After deciding to book the venue for our June wedding, we made it clear that our top priority was having a fireworks show. Sophie, our initial contact, assured us that this was possible NUMEROUS TIMES. However, after signing the contract, we discovered that the venue had altered their policy to prohibit fireworks. This led to a prolonged and exhausting series of communications as we tried to find a solution, which ultimately involved hosting the fireworks at a neighboring property. This process dragged on for months, filled with broken promises and constant follow-ups.
Guest accommodations were another headache. Their website was difficult to navigate, leading to numerous booking issues, and some guests had to change rooms during the weekend. It was chaotic and frustrating, adding unnecessary stress to our wedding plans.
The weekend itself, while filled with joy and celebration, was spoiled by several issues: the restaurant was closed and food was not easily accessible for guests without transportation, the pool was very dirty, and the A/C in many rooms, and the event space failed during the hottest time of the year. To top it all off, the property was also riddled with multiple safety hazards, leading to several guests and vendors falling and injuring themselves.
After the wedding, the situation only worsened. We were blindsided by additional fees, including a $250 charge for “clearing brush” for the fireworks, which was never communicated to us beforehand. To add insult to injury, after the event concluded we were told conflicting information about the cost of the property rental for our fireworks show by different staff members and asked to send them a check for more money to cover the difference. This left us feeling misled and frustrated. We asked to speak with hirer management to address these concerns but were ghosted.
Despite these challenges, we made the most of our time with friends and family. The venue was beautiful, and we appreciated the freedom to create the wedding we envisioned. However, the numerous issues we encountered significantly overshadowed the positives.
In conclusion: Be extremely cautious if you choose this venue. Ensure that every detail is in writing, and do not underestimate the importance of having a wedding planner. The stress and frustration we endured were simply not worth it.