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Frequently Asked
Questions
WHAT DOES CHATEAU NOUVELLE MEAN?
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When translated from French, Chateau Nouvelle means ‘The New Castle.’ This stunning estate, formerly known as Chateau Cocomar captured the attention of the owners of Sandlewood Manor as a possibility to take the exceptional service and options available at Sandlewood and branch into a new setting. Thus was born, Chateau Nouvelle! Our dream is to take the beautiful space that was already here and reimagine it with all the amazing possibilities!
HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING COST AT CHATEAU NOUVELLE?
The price of your wedding depends on a variety of factors, such as:
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Are you planning your wedding on a Tuesday or Saturday? - While a weekend wedding may be more accommodating to your guests, a weekday wedding will be more accommodating to your budget.
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How many guests will you invite? - As your guest count increases, our staffing requirements and beverage costs increase as well.
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Which beverage/bar package do you plan to select and how customized will your package be? - The cost of your event will depend on the beverage/bar package you choose.
While no two events are the same, an event at Chateau Nouvelle can range anywhere from $5,000 - $100,000+. The best way to get an accurate quote for your event is to schedule a tour at Chateau Nouvelle. You’ll get the chance to see for yourself our gorgeous Chateau and sit down with one of our Venue Concierges who will create a custom quote for your event.
HOW DOES CATERING WORK AT CHATEAU NOUVELLE?
Chateau Nouvelle has partnered with nationally acclaimed Chef, Andrew LaRue. LaRue Catering is our exclusive catering service for all our events. LaRue Catering offers Buffet Packages starting at $29 per person and full-service seated dinner packages starting at $34 (not including staffing and production fees).
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN CATERING?
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We are passionate about making sure every part of your event is how you have always dreamed it to be. Our Chef will do his best to try to accommodate any special requests for your menu. However, we do allow a buyout option for when there is a food request we are unable to accommodate - this is often when the request is for traditional or cultural cuisines.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL?
We hold our own liquor license and are responsible for all liquor served on the premises. For this reason, we do not allow any outside alcohol. We offer a variety of bar packages and can customize your selection to your desire. If you have a special request let us know and we will do our best to accommodate!
DOES CHATEAU NOUVELLE INCLUDE AN EVENT/WEDDING COORDINATOR?
Chateau Nouvelle offers a venue service package with your venue rental agreement. You can enjoy peace of mind while our highly trained and talented staff oversees every venue aspect of your event. We are committed to making your day spectacular! In order for your planning process to be as streamlined and stress-free as possible, it is essential that you have both a Chateau Nouvelle Concierge and at least a “day of” Wedding Planner. It makes things so much more effortless when you have these two people working both sides of the spectrum on your important day. Each of these roles are extremely valuable and serve their own purpose in the bride and groom’s wedding preparations. Chateau Nouvelle has an incredible list of preferred wedding planners that we are always happy to provide to our couples.
DO YOU OFFER OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS OR PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS?
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Our overnight accommodations are yet another added benefit of having your event at Chateau Nouvelle. Each of our five suites includes a luxurious bedroom, private bath, and gorgeous views of the property. Stay the night with your friends or family and enjoy time together in our cozy and inviting commons area. In addition, we do have preferred hotels that we recommend, and as an added convenience some include shuttle service to your event.
DOES CHATEAU NOUVELLE HAVE A GROOM’S SUITE AND BRIDAL SUITE?
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The luxurious Chateau Nouvelle Bridal Suite, located on the upper west wing of the Chateau, offers our bride her own private retreat to feel pampered in extravagance as she prepares for her special day. Natural light pours in through the french inspired windows that overlook the breathtaking grounds. Plush lounge furniture surrounding an elegant fireplace completes the gorgeous suite. Our bridal suite is truly a bride’s paradise and further raises the bar for the all-encompassing five-star experience you will receive at Chateau Nouvelle.
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Chateau Nouvelle’s Grooms’ Suite will be a highly anticipated ultimate men’s retreat complete with games, lockers and photo opportunities! While the amenities provided to the men are often overlooked at other venues, Chateau Nouvelle aims to take great care to make sure that our groom’s wedding day experience is unforgettable.
AM I ABLE TO CHOOSE MY OWN VENDORS?
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Yes! However, we do require you to use our in-house catering and beverage packages. For everything else, you are welcome to utilize vendors of your choice to reflect your unique style. We do recommend that you consider our preferred vendors which are truly some of Houston’s finest and will make sure your event is exceptional and seamless.
CAN I BRING MY OWN DECORATIONS?
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Of course! We love when couples bring in personal touches — just make sure to run everything you plan to use by your Venue Concierge to ensure all elements are Chateau Nouvelle approved.
CAN I RENT EXTRA HOURS?
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We do offer a max of 3 additional hours that can be purchased for an event for an additional rental fee.
HOW EARLY WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE FACILITY ON MY WEDDING DAY?
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We believe that your wedding day should be a full-day affair. That is why we only host one event per day so that you can have the entire property for you and your guests only. We allow access to the bridal and groom’s suite starting at 10 a.m. the day of the event.
DO YOU SET UP TABLES AND CHAIRS?
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Yes, we do! We will set up chairs and tables for both the ceremony and reception.
HOW LONG CAN MY EVENT BE?
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Your venue rental includes five hours of event time from start to finish — a perfect amount of time for a ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. If you would like to add additional time, you absolutely can — just ask your Venue Concierge for pricing.
DO YOU REQUIRE EVENT SECURITY?
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Yes, for the safety of you and your guests, we require at least two security officers present at each event.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I START MY CEREMONY?
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Chateau Nouvelle will work with you and your wedding planner on this decision and can be based on the time of year and sunset. We do not allow events to go past midnight so this will also factor into the decision.
WILL YOU HOLD MY WEDDING DATE?
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Our available dates are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. We would love for you to schedule a private tour to see Chateau Nouvelle and all it has to offer. We can help you select your perfect date — which we will absolutely hold for you once you sign a contract and make your first deposit.
DO YOU OFFER A MILITARY DISCOUNT?
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Absolutely! We offer a 10% discount off the venue rental. Thank you for your service!
CAN WE TAKE OUR PICTURES AT THE VENUE?
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Yes! All of our wedding packages include a 3-hour photo session on the Chateau Nouvelle property. Once you have booked your event at Chateau Nouvelle our Venue Concierges will schedule your session.
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Explore our paid photo session options to capture and commemorate your special moments. Get in touch with us to learn more!
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*Must provide photographer for all photo sessions