DO NOT BOOK THIS VENUE…read more
Stone Gate was once a beautiful and professional wedding venue, but after being sold twice this year alone, my experience was incredibly disappointing.
Before signing my contract, I made it clear that I was planning a destination wedding December 2027, and would need flexibility with planning timelines as I wanted everything planned at minimum, 6 months before the wedding given some exceptions to the event designs. I was assured they would accommodate this. Then the person I was working with, got fired. I had to reshare everything for my event as there were little to no notes in my account. The new person assured me that everything previously discussed would still be the same. Based on those promises, I paid the $1,000 deposit, scheduled a planning meeting, and spent just over $2,000 traveling to Utah with my bridal party.
After signing and paying $1,800 (deposit and first payment) communication completely fell apart. Despite repeatedly trying to confirm my appointment, I received no response until days before my trip, after many calls to the planner and property number. Finally, I got a callback and was informed the planner I had been working with left the company, and no notes about my account or scheduled meeting were passed on, for now the second time. They assured me I could still have my meeting, despite the planner no longer being with the company.
When I arrived, I discovered they had only scheduled me for a venue tour.. not the planning meeting I had traveled there for. The one person on site had no idea what was going on, couldn't find notes in my account, and was unable to help as no one seemed to be answering his phone calls. It was clear there was a serious lack of organization, communication, and standard professionalism. Not to mention they couldn't remember my name, wedding date, or appointment details. I've never felt so overlooked by a company. There was also no manager on site, or even in the country I could speak to.
I was then informed that I would not be able to meet with a planner until five months before my wedding, despite being told the exact opposite before signing. Had I known that, I never would have booked with them as I cannot make a special trip 5 months before my wedding.
After multiple conversations, I lost confidence in the venue and requested to cancel my contract as they violated their end of it. I only asked for the payment beyond my non-refundable deposit to be returned, since they had not delivered what was promised. Instead, I received a text message stating they would keep all of my money. They then had the audacity to say they lost trust in me as a client, when I'm the only one who had communication, notes, was very clear in my expectations before ever signing an agreement, and made my payments well before they were due.
No owner or manager ever called to discuss the situation.
I am now out $1,800 in venue payments and nearly $2,000 in travel expenses for a meeting that never happened. The only remedy that was offered was having a new employee, a full time student, to manage my wedding. When I pay thousands for an event I expect professionals, not to be a practice run for a new company.
Don't let older 5-star reviews influence your decision. The venue I originally booked no longer seems to exist and has been sold to people who care more about getting your money than giving you the experience you paid for. If you choose to book here, be prepared for poor communication, a lack of accountability, and likely a very sad and unorganized event.
If I could give negative stars, I would.
I'm sure they will have more to respond to my review, than they did to me in person as public image is more important to them than your personal experience.
