FAQs

Question

I thought your wedding was in Lake Geneva, but some places it says Fontana or Geneva Lake – is it all the same thing?

Answer

People tend to use "Lake Geneva" as a name to encompass the general area. Technically speaking, Geneva Lake is the body of water itself, while Lake Geneva and Fontana-on-Geneva Lake (locally known as "Fontana") are two of the villages located on the shores of Geneva Lake. The Abbey + St. Benedict are located on the Fontana side of the lake, while our other hotel block at the Comfort Suites is on the Lake Geneva side (~20 minutes apart).

Question

Where should we stay in the area?

Answer

Please check our "Travel" section for more details on our recommendations. Keep in mind that Geneva Lake encompasses a large area – where our wedding events will take place is all by The Abbey which is in Fontana and where our main hotel room block is. Our other hotel block at the Comfort Suites is in Lake Geneva closer to the downtown area, which is ~20 minutes from The Abbey Resort. We will be providing transportation for Saturday's events to and from the Comfort Suites.

Question

Can we check into our accommodations early?

Answer

Standard check-in at The Abbey is 4pm, and check-out is 11am; for the Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East, standard check-in is at 3pm and check-out is 11am. Please refer to the hotel and/or rental property's policy regarding early check-in. They are sometimes able to offer early check-in, but they might not know if it's possible until the day of. In the event that you're arriving on Saturday and not able to check-in early before our ceremony at 2pm, there will be ~2 hours between the ceremony + cocktail hour for you to get settled!

Question

How should we get around for the events?

Answer

Those staying at The Abbey have a short ~2 minute drive to St. Benedict, or can also walk ~10 minutes if you're feeling up to it. We'll be providing transportation to and from the Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East for the ceremony, and cocktail hour + reception on Saturday. Please see below for bus times: ~1:15pm: Buses will depart the Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East to take guests to St. Benedict for the ceremony ~3pm: One bus will take guests from St. Benedict over to The Abbey to hang until cocktail hour, or back to the Comfort Suites ~3:30pm: Following family portraits with the Browns, Loughlins, Barrys + McGreals, the other bus will take guests from St. Benedict over to The Abbey to hang until cocktail hour, or back to the Comfort Suites ~4:30pm: Buses will take guests from the Comfort Suites to The Abbey for cocktail hour ~11:30pm: First bus will take guests from The Abbey back to the Comfort Suites directly following the reception ~12am: Last bus will take guests from The Abbey back to the Comfort Suites. Take this bus if you want to have a drink afterwards! While Ubers are usually available in the Lake Geneva area, please keep in mind it's not a big metro area so you might have a wait time if you're relying on this option to get around throughout the weekend.

Question

What is the parking situation?

Answer

St. Benedict: There is plenty of parking onsite for our ceremony. The Abbey: They offer complimentary valet service and free parking around the resort for guests staying at The Abbey. For those staying elsewhere and looking to park at The Abbey during the weekend events, you have the option to park around the resort, or use their valet services for $10. Comfort Suites Lake Geneva East: They guarantee one parking spot per room in the parking lot, otherwise overnight street parking is also available for guests staying there. Please inquire with their front desk.

Question

What is attire for the wedding?

Answer

We will be dressed up that day and would love for all of you to be too! Requested attire is cocktail – think "summer chic" with long or short dresses, and suits in dark or light colors.

Question

Are kids invited to the events?

Answer

We love all of the kids in our lives, but unfortunately only those who are part of our wedding party are invited to the wedding.

Question

Can we take photos during your church ceremony?

Answer

We ask that guests silence your phones during our ceremony at St. Benedict, and please refrain from taking photos during the processional in and recessional out. We'd love to see your smiling faces in the moment and not your phones, as they can ruin the shots taken by our professionally hired photographers and videographers. You are of course invited to take all the photos you'd like during the rest of the festivities!

Question

What should we do in between the ceremony and cocktail hour?

Answer

There will be ~2 hours between our ceremony at St. Benedict and cocktail hour at The Abbey. The Abbey has plenty of areas to hang out – bar, restaurant, lobby, fun outdoor spaces, hotel rooms, etc. You can also pop into Chuck's Lakeshore Inn or Gordy's, which are just a short walk over by the water!

Question

Is anything taking place outside?

Answer

Most of our events are taking place indoors, with the exception of cocktail hour which will be on the Harbor Patio (weather permitting).

Question

What should I do if I have a dietary restriction or allergy?

Answer

During cocktail hour, please ask The Abbey team about the items being passed for hors d'oeuvres if you are unsure about the ingredients. If you noted on your RSVP that you are vegetarian or vegan, The Abbey team is aware and will provide you with an alternative to the filet + chicken entrées at dinner. If you noted on your RSVP that you are gluten-free or dairy-free, the Abbey team is aware and will adjust your items for dinner accordingly. The dessert + late night food tables will specify anything that is gluten-free, as well as brunch on Sunday. Meagan is (usually) GF.. we got you! :)

Question

Will there be dancing?

Answer

"Talk of the Town Big Band" presented by Maggie Speaks will be getting everyone out to the dance floor at our reception! They play at the Mulliganeers St. Pat's Party every year, which is where we first met. We are so thrilled to have them playing for us!