Alcohol At Thanksgiving Point Weddings: What's Allowed In Utah?

Planning a wedding in Utah? You may be wondering whether you can serve alcohol at your wedding venue. The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, Utah has strict alcohol laws, with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) regulating alcohol sales and consumption. Secondly, some wedding venues in Utah, such as Thanksgiving Point, do not allow alcohol on their premises. If you want to serve alcohol, you'll need to choose a venue that allows it and either go with a venue that has an alcohol permit or pay for the alcohol yourself (but no kegs). It's also important to remind your guests about Utah's strict drinking and driving laws, with a blood alcohol content limit of .05%, the lowest in the nation. So, while you can serve alcohol at your wedding in Utah, be sure to plan carefully and communicate expectations to your guests.

Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, is an alcohol-free venue

Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, is a sprawling property with intricate gardens, waterfalls, streams, fountains, covered bridges, open lawns, and Italian-inspired outdoor loggias. It is a popular wedding venue with a wide variety of full-service wedding packages and customisation options.

Thanksgiving Point is known for its gardens, playing host to numerous garden festivals throughout the year. The crown jewel is Ashton Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden with meandering walkways and 15 different themed gardens. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor wedding spaces, including the Italian Garden, the Rose Garden, the Garden Room, the Rose Room, and the Loggia, which is the most popular wedding venue on the grounds.

Despite its many attractions, Thanksgiving Point does not allow alcohol on the premises. This is in keeping with Utah's strict alcohol laws and the fact that Mormon-owned venues, which are common in the state, do not permit alcohol due to religious restrictions.

While some couples may prefer to serve alcohol at their wedding, it is not a requirement, and "dry" weddings are not uncommon in Utah. Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there are venues in the state that do allow alcohol. However, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's (DABC) regulations when planning a wedding with alcohol in Utah.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, is a beautiful and versatile wedding venue, but it is important to note that it does not allow alcohol, in line with the state's strict alcohol regulations and the influence of Mormon culture.

You can choose a wedding venue with an alcohol permit, but no minors are allowed

If you want to serve alcohol at your wedding in Utah, you have two main options. Firstly, you can choose a wedding venue with an alcohol permit, but no minors will be allowed. This means that you will not have to worry about obtaining a liquor license yourself, as the venue will take care of that. However, it is important to note that not all venues in Utah allow alcohol, and some have specific policies or requirements regarding alcohol service. For example, some venues may require that their staff does the serving, or they may only allow alcohol to be served during certain times. Therefore, it is crucial to ask your desired venue about their rules and regulations regarding alcohol.

If your chosen venue does not have an alcohol permit, you can still serve alcohol at your wedding, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to pay for all the alcohol yourself, and kegs are not allowed. This can be expensive, so it is important to consider your budget when making this decision. You will also need to hire a certified professional bartender to serve the alcohol. This is not just a matter of class but also safety. The host of an event where alcohol is served can be held responsible for any harm caused by an intoxicated guest, so it is important to have someone who can ensure drinks are served responsibly and legally.

In addition, there are some unique regulations regarding alcohol in Utah that you should be aware of. For example, Utah has strict serving size limits for alcoholic beverages, with a maximum of 1.5 ounces of liquor per drink. This rule applies to both bars and restaurants, as well as full-service bars at weddings. Additionally, only beer can be purchased in grocery stores; all other types of alcohol must be bought through a state liquor store or directly from an in-state distillery.

Finally, it is important to remember that Utah has strict drinking and driving laws, with the lowest blood alcohol content limit in the nation at .05%. So, be sure to encourage your guests to use a rideshare service or public transportation, or to designate a sober driver.

You can pay for all the alcohol yourself, but no kegs are allowed

If you're planning a wedding in Utah, you may be wondering about the rules around serving alcohol at your celebration. While it's ultimately your decision whether or not to include alcoholic beverages, it's important to be aware of the unique regulations in the state. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Understanding Utah's Alcohol Laws:

Utah has strict alcohol laws, and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) is in charge of regulating alcohol sales and consumption. Before planning a wedding with alcohol, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the DABC's guidelines. Some key points to note:

• In Utah, you don't need a liquor license or permit to serve alcohol at most weddings. However, if you want a cash bar, you must hold your event at a licensed venue or work with a vendor who can help you acquire a single-use permit.
• The state has strict serving size regulations for bars and restaurants, with a maximum limit of 1.5 ounces of liquor per drink. This rule also applies to weddings, limiting guests to one drink with 1.5 ounces of liquor at a time.
• The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving under the influence (DUI) in Utah is .05%, the lowest in the nation. This means your guests should be especially cautious about drinking and driving.
• Beer is the only alcohol sold in grocery stores in Utah. Wine, champagne, and liquor must be purchased through state-run liquor stores or directly from in-state distilleries and breweries.

Options for Including Alcohol at Your Wedding:

Now that you understand the legal landscape, here are some options for including alcohol at your wedding:

• Choose a Wedding Venue with an Alcohol Permit: You can select a venue that already has an alcohol permit and can sell it to you. However, this option typically requires that minors are not allowed at the wedding.
• Pay for All Alcohol Yourself: You can opt to pay for all the alcohol yourself, but kegs are not allowed. You'll need to purchase the alcohol through the state liquor stores or local distilleries and breweries.
• Work with a Bartender or Vendor: It's highly recommended to hire a certified professional bartender to ensure responsible service. They can help you navigate the legal requirements and keep your guests safe. Additionally, some vendors can assist you in acquiring a single-use permit if needed.
• Communicate with Your Guests: Let your guests know what to expect regarding alcohol. If you're having a "dry" wedding without alcohol, inform them in the invitation. If you plan to have a cash bar, give fair warning so guests aren't surprised by a bill at the end of the night.

Considerations for Your Wedding at Thanksgiving Point:

If you're considering Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, as your wedding venue, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Alcohol-Free Venue: Thanksgiving Point is an alcohol-free and smoke-free venue. No bar service is allowed on the premises.
• In-House Catering: They require the use of their in-house catering services, and food and beverage costs vary from $15 to $60 per guest.
• Time and Noise Restrictions: Weddings at Thanksgiving Point must end by 10 PM, and the venue must be cleared by 11 PM.
• Minimum Guest Requirement: There is a minimum guest count of 50 people for weddings at this venue.
• Venue Rental Fees: Rental fees start at $6,200 and go up to $11,500, depending on the chosen space. The fee includes tables, chairs, tents, a catering credit, and a sparkler send-off.

In conclusion, while Utah has strict alcohol regulations, it is possible to include alcoholic beverages at your wedding celebration. By understanding the laws, choosing the right venue, and effectively communicating with your guests, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable event that complies with all legal requirements.

You don't need a liquor license to serve alcohol at most weddings in Utah

Utah is known for its strict alcohol laws, which can make planning a wedding that involves alcohol a complex task. However, contrary to what many may assume, you do not need a liquor license or permit to serve alcohol at most weddings in the state. This is good news for couples who want to include alcoholic beverages as part of their celebration.

Understanding Utah's Alcohol Regulations

The rules around alcohol in Utah are governed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC), which regulates the sale and service of alcoholic drinks. While the DABC has strict guidelines, it is possible to serve alcohol at your wedding without needing a license. The key is to understand the exceptions and plan accordingly.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to the no-license requirement. Firstly, if you want a cash bar where guests pay for their drinks, you must hold your event at a licensed venue such as a restaurant or country club. Alternatively, you can work with a vendor who can help you acquire a single-use permit. It's worth noting that cash bars are unusual at weddings, as most guests don't expect to pay for their drinks.

Common Approaches to Serving Alcohol at Weddings

The more typical approach is for the host to cover the cost of alcohol, either through an open bar, where a fixed amount is paid in advance, or a hosted bar, where the host picks up the tab at the end of the event. Neither of these options requires a license or permit as long as the event is considered "private."

Venue Considerations

When it comes to wedding venues in Utah, there are a variety of options, including those that already have an alcohol permit and those that don't allow alcohol at all. It's important to choose a venue that aligns with your preferences and needs. Some venues may require you to use their bar service or preferred vendor, while others may allow you to bring your own alcohol as long as it meets certain criteria. It's always a good idea to check with your venue before making any final decisions.

Legal Age and Drinking and Driving

It's important to keep in mind that Utah has a strict legal drinking age, and serving alcohol to minors is prohibited. Additionally, the state has stringent DUI laws, with a blood alcohol content limit of .05%, the lowest in the nation. Be sure to remind your guests about the dangers of drinking and driving, and encourage them to use rideshare services or designated drivers.

Final Thoughts

While Utah has strict alcohol regulations, serving alcohol at your wedding is entirely possible without a liquor license. By understanding the rules and exceptions, you can plan a celebration that includes alcoholic beverages responsibly and safely. Remember to communicate your plans clearly with your guests and always make safety a priority.

You can hire a bartender to serve alcohol responsibly and legally

If you're planning a wedding at Thanksgiving Point in Utah and want to include alcohol, it's important to note that the venue itself does not allow alcohol or bar service. However, you can still legally serve alcohol at your wedding by hiring a certified professional bartender. Here's why this is important and how it can be done responsibly and within the law:

Firstly, in Utah, as in most states, the host of an event where alcohol is served can be held responsible for any harm caused by an intoxicated guest. This means that if one of your guests overindulges and gets into an accident, a fight, or even just bumps into someone, you could be held liable. By hiring a professional bartender, you have someone who is trained to responsibly serve and monitor alcohol consumption, helping to prevent such incidents.

Professional bartenders will be covered by liquor liability insurance, and they will have the knowledge and experience to keep your guests happy and safe. They will check IDs, mix drinks, manage wait lines, and, most importantly, know when to cut someone off who has had too much. This ensures that your wedding guests stay within safe drinking limits and don't overindulge.

In addition, a professional bartender can help you navigate Utah's unique alcohol laws and regulations. For example, Utah has strict rules regarding serving sizes, with a maximum limit of 1.5 ounces of liquor per drink. A professional bartender will be familiar with these laws and ensure your event remains compliant.

When it comes to the type of alcohol served, a professional bartender can also provide valuable guidance. Vodka and whiskey are typically the most popular liquors at weddings, followed by gin and rum. If you want to offer a broader selection, tequila is a good option, as margaritas, Palomas, and Mexican mules are gaining popularity.

Another advantage of hiring a bartender is cost management. A professional bartender can help you trim costs by recommending less expensive drink options, controlling portion sizes, and suggesting ways to limit the duration of the open bar.

Finally, a bartender will ensure that you and your guests can truly relax and enjoy the celebration. You won't have to worry about refilling drinks, mixing cocktails, or keeping track of how much alcohol is being consumed.

In summary, hiring a certified professional bartender for your wedding at Thanksgiving Point, Utah, is not just a classy touch but also a responsible and legal necessity. They will ensure that alcohol is served safely and in compliance with local regulations, allowing you and your guests to focus on creating lasting memories.

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