How many guests can you accommodate in the Reception Hall at Bayou Haven?
Bayou Haven was intentionally designed with space and comfort in mind—perfect for hosting your family and friends! Our Reception Hall features over 9,000 square feet of climate-controlled space, with nearly 5,000 square feet of open gathering space, allowing your guests to dine, dance, and celebrate with ease.
While the building can technically accommodate more, we recommend the following seated capacity guidelines for optimal comfort and traffic flow:
• With a DJ and buffet setup: Up to 192 seated guests (8 guests per table)
• With a live band and buffet setup: Up to 168 seated guests (8 guests per table)
• Maximum total occupancy inside the building: 300 people
For outdoor events, there’s no limit to the number of guests on the property, and our outdoor ceremony space can seat up to 200 guests comfortably.
Bayou Haven was intentionally designed with space and comfort in mind—perfect for hosting your family and friends! Our Reception Hall features over 9,000 square feet of climate-controlled space, with nearly 5,000 square feet of open gathering space, allowing your guests to dine, dance, and celebrate with ease.
While the building can technically accommodate more, we recommend the following seated capacity guidelines for optimal comfort and traffic flow:
• With a DJ and buffet setup: Up to 192 seated guests (8 guests per table)
• With a live band and buffet setup: Up to 168 seated guests (8 guests per table)
• Maximum total occupancy inside the building: 300 people
For outdoor events, there’s no limit to the number of guests on the property, and our outdoor ceremony space can seat up to 200 guests comfortably.
How many guests can you accommodate in the Chapel at Bayou Haven?
The Chapel at Bayou Haven features 20 custom-built pews, each seating approximately 9 full-sized adults, for a total seating capacity of about 180 guests. If your guest list includes children, the pews can comfortably accommodate up to 200.
For larger ceremonies, we can also provide additional seating in the back of the chapel, allowing room for 20–30 more guests.
The Chapel at Bayou Haven features 20 custom-built pews, each seating approximately 9 full-sized adults, for a total seating capacity of about 180 guests. If your guest list includes children, the pews can comfortably accommodate up to 200.
For larger ceremonies, we can also provide additional seating in the back of the chapel, allowing room for 20–30 more guests.
Is there a Kitchen at Bayou Haven?
Yes! Bayou Haven has the largest fully equipped caterer’s kitchen of any venue in Central Louisiana - designed to support everything from professional catering teams to family-led food service. With ample space and essential commercial-grade equipment, it’s built to help your event run smoothly.
Here’s what’s included:
• Stainless steel prep tables and shelving
• Commercial 3-compartment sink
• 8x8 walk-in cooler
• 400 lb ice machine
• A professional Warming cabinet to keep hot food warm until it’s ready to be served
Please note: the warming cabinet does not cook or reheat food—it is strictly for maintaining temperature.
Please note: We do not provide serving utensils, dishes, or flatware—so be sure to bring or coordinate those with your caterer.
Yes! Bayou Haven has the largest fully equipped caterer’s kitchen of any venue in Central Louisiana - designed to support everything from professional catering teams to family-led food service. With ample space and essential commercial-grade equipment, it’s built to help your event run smoothly.
Here’s what’s included:
• Stainless steel prep tables and shelving
• Commercial 3-compartment sink
• 8x8 walk-in cooler
• 400 lb ice machine
• A professional Warming cabinet to keep hot food warm until it’s ready to be served
Please note: the warming cabinet does not cook or reheat food—it is strictly for maintaining temperature.
Please note: We do not provide serving utensils, dishes, or flatware—so be sure to bring or coordinate those with your caterer.
Can we cook in the Kitchen?
No. Like all other venues, our indoor kitchen is not Fire Marshal approved for cooking, so all cooking must be done outside using our designated outdoor caterer’s cooking area where you can use propane and other cooking setups.
Please note that this restriction includes portable cooking devices such as small fryers and hot plates. These devices cannot be used inside the Venue.
No. Like all other venues, our indoor kitchen is not Fire Marshal approved for cooking, so all cooking must be done outside using our designated outdoor caterer’s cooking area where you can use propane and other cooking setups.
Please note that this restriction includes portable cooking devices such as small fryers and hot plates. These devices cannot be used inside the Venue.
Do you provide flatware, silverware, dishes or other kitchen utensils?
No, Bayou Haven does not provide or coordinate flatware, dishes, serving utensils, or other kitchenware. These items are typically more affordable and customizable when supplied by your caterer or brought in by your family, allowing you to match your style and budget with ease.
No, Bayou Haven does not provide or coordinate flatware, dishes, serving utensils, or other kitchenware. These items are typically more affordable and customizable when supplied by your caterer or brought in by your family, allowing you to match your style and budget with ease.
Is there an Ice Machine and Refrigerator at Bayou Haven?
Yes! Bayou Haven is equipped with a commercial-grade 800 lb ice machine and an oversized 8 ft x 8 ft walk-in cooler, maintained at 38°F—perfect for keeping drinks, floral arrangements, cakes, and other items cool throughout your event.
Yes! Bayou Haven is equipped with a commercial-grade 800 lb ice machine and an oversized 8 ft x 8 ft walk-in cooler, maintained at 38°F—perfect for keeping drinks, floral arrangements, cakes, and other items cool throughout your event.
Is there audio and sound available at Bayou Haven?
Yes! Bayou Haven is built with audio sound wired both inside and outside the Reception Hall as well as in the Chapel. This can save you a lot of money when you're trying to plan for a Chapel or outside ceremony. DJ charges to set up a separate sound system can be expensive and run from $250 - $400.
At Bayou Haven we include our state-of-the-art sound system as part of our venue offering! This includes the use of our wireless lapel mic, wireless hand-held mic, and corded hand-held mic if needed.
Please note that this sound system is used only for the ceremony sound and music. It is NOT a replacement for a DJ and their equipment for your Reception and dancing. However, if desired, there is no charge for your DJ or Band to plug into our inside speaker system to help boost and balance their sound output throughout the building. The inside Audio connection is a Female XLR jack.
Yes! Bayou Haven is built with audio sound wired both inside and outside the Reception Hall as well as in the Chapel. This can save you a lot of money when you're trying to plan for a Chapel or outside ceremony. DJ charges to set up a separate sound system can be expensive and run from $250 - $400.
At Bayou Haven we include our state-of-the-art sound system as part of our venue offering! This includes the use of our wireless lapel mic, wireless hand-held mic, and corded hand-held mic if needed.
Please note that this sound system is used only for the ceremony sound and music. It is NOT a replacement for a DJ and their equipment for your Reception and dancing. However, if desired, there is no charge for your DJ or Band to plug into our inside speaker system to help boost and balance their sound output throughout the building. The inside Audio connection is a Female XLR jack.
What size are your guest tables, and how many people can sit at each?
Bayou Haven provides 60” round wooden guest tables, which comfortably seat up to 8 guests per table. While more can technically fit, we strongly recommend limiting seating to 8 per table to ensure each guest has plenty of personal space.
After hosting over 350 weddings, we’ve seen firsthand that overcrowded tables can impact the overall guest experience. When tables feel cramped, guests are less likely to sit—or may even leave the reception early. Comfortable, well-spaced seating helps create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Bayou Haven provides 60” round wooden guest tables, which comfortably seat up to 8 guests per table. While more can technically fit, we strongly recommend limiting seating to 8 per table to ensure each guest has plenty of personal space.
After hosting over 350 weddings, we’ve seen firsthand that overcrowded tables can impact the overall guest experience. When tables feel cramped, guests are less likely to sit—or may even leave the reception early. Comfortable, well-spaced seating helps create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
What time can I access the venue for decorating or hair and makeup?
Access times vary slightly based on the day of your event. Our standard access times are:
• Saturday weddings: 7:30 AM
• Friday weddings: 8:30 AM
• Sunday weddings: 8:00 AM
These are general guidelines, but we understand that every wedding is unique. If you need a different start time, we’re happy to accommodate when possible. Just refer to your contract for the specific access time confirmed for your event.
Access times vary slightly based on the day of your event. Our standard access times are:
• Saturday weddings: 7:30 AM
• Friday weddings: 8:30 AM
• Sunday weddings: 8:00 AM
These are general guidelines, but we understand that every wedding is unique. If you need a different start time, we’re happy to accommodate when possible. Just refer to your contract for the specific access time confirmed for your event.
Do you have any suggestions for when we should start our outdoor ceremony?
One of the most beautiful features of Bayou Haven is the outdoor ceremony area and decorative pond. When we built Bayou Haven, we specifically positioned the building on the property so that it would cast an evening shadow over the outdoor area starting about 45 minutes prior to sunset.
We highly encourage you to Google the time of the sunset on your wedding day and plan your ceremony to start about 45 minutes prior to this time. Your guests will thank you (it is so much cooler and pleasant in the shade), your photographer will LOVE you (it is so much easier to take pictures in the shade versus harsh shadows on your face and squinted eyes), and YOU will be happy. It can get hot and sticky in a wedding dress or suit when you're standing in the full heat of a the Louisiana sun!
One of the most beautiful features of Bayou Haven is the outdoor ceremony area and decorative pond. When we built Bayou Haven, we specifically positioned the building on the property so that it would cast an evening shadow over the outdoor area starting about 45 minutes prior to sunset.
We highly encourage you to Google the time of the sunset on your wedding day and plan your ceremony to start about 45 minutes prior to this time. Your guests will thank you (it is so much cooler and pleasant in the shade), your photographer will LOVE you (it is so much easier to take pictures in the shade versus harsh shadows on your face and squinted eyes), and YOU will be happy. It can get hot and sticky in a wedding dress or suit when you're standing in the full heat of a the Louisiana sun!
Other than guests tables & chairs, do you provide any other furniture?
Yes! Bayou Haven provides a good amount of furniture pieces that can be used at your reception. From wooden buffet tables to a sweetheart table, to misc 36" rounds and about 10 wine barrels, you get a lot of items to work with in your layout. These pieces can also be used for for your buffet, cake display, and other key areas. We also offer a selection of permanent furniture pieces throughout the venue, which are commonly used for gifts, memory displays, and guest sign-in stations.
To view our furniture or to see a list of additional options, please visit our Rental Gallery and click on the category "Included Free" to see a full list of furniture pieces in the venue.
Yes! Bayou Haven provides a good amount of furniture pieces that can be used at your reception. From wooden buffet tables to a sweetheart table, to misc 36" rounds and about 10 wine barrels, you get a lot of items to work with in your layout. These pieces can also be used for for your buffet, cake display, and other key areas. We also offer a selection of permanent furniture pieces throughout the venue, which are commonly used for gifts, memory displays, and guest sign-in stations.
To view our furniture or to see a list of additional options, please visit our Rental Gallery and click on the category "Included Free" to see a full list of furniture pieces in the venue.
Who is responsible for cleaning up after my event?
General Cleaning: The Bayou Haven Staff takes care of most all major cleaning and it's included in your rental rate! In general, all we ask is that you remove all decorations and personal items from the venue so nothing is damaged or thrown away when the staff begins cleaning.
Kitchen Cleaning: Your caterer is responsible for the kitchen and they're required to leave the Kitchen in the same condition in which they receive it (with all food products removed from the premises after your event).
If you do not have a professional caterer involved in your event, then the cleaning responsibility resides with the party renting the venue.
Tablecloths: If your tablecloths are rented through Bayou Haven, then you only have to remove any personal items and personal decorations from your tables. If you provide your own tablecloths, than they will need to be removed from the tables and taken with you prior to your departure.
General Cleaning: The Bayou Haven Staff takes care of most all major cleaning and it's included in your rental rate! In general, all we ask is that you remove all decorations and personal items from the venue so nothing is damaged or thrown away when the staff begins cleaning.
Kitchen Cleaning: Your caterer is responsible for the kitchen and they're required to leave the Kitchen in the same condition in which they receive it (with all food products removed from the premises after your event).
If you do not have a professional caterer involved in your event, then the cleaning responsibility resides with the party renting the venue.
Tablecloths: If your tablecloths are rented through Bayou Haven, then you only have to remove any personal items and personal decorations from your tables. If you provide your own tablecloths, than they will need to be removed from the tables and taken with you prior to your departure.
Do I have to set up and take down the chairs and tables or sweep or mop floors?
Absolutely not! At Bayou Haven, we believe your only job should be enjoying your special day—not cleaning up afterward. Unlike many other venues that require couples or their families to fold chairs or mop floors, we take care of all of that for you.
Our fully staffed, full-service approach is just one of the many things that sets Bayou Haven apart. You celebrate—we’ll handle the rest.
Please note: While our team takes care of all venue furniture setup and cleaning, you and your vendors are responsible for removing any personal items, décor, leftover food, and rented equipment by the end of your contracted rental time.
Absolutely not! At Bayou Haven, we believe your only job should be enjoying your special day—not cleaning up afterward. Unlike many other venues that require couples or their families to fold chairs or mop floors, we take care of all of that for you.
Our fully staffed, full-service approach is just one of the many things that sets Bayou Haven apart. You celebrate—we’ll handle the rest.
Please note: While our team takes care of all venue furniture setup and cleaning, you and your vendors are responsible for removing any personal items, décor, leftover food, and rented equipment by the end of your contracted rental time.
Do you provide tables linens?
No, table linens are not included in the venue rental. However, you are welcome to bring your own, or you can choose to rent tablecloths directly through Bayou Haven by selecting our Optional Linen Package.
For more information about available options and pricing, click here.
No, table linens are not included in the venue rental. However, you are welcome to bring your own, or you can choose to rent tablecloths directly through Bayou Haven by selecting our Optional Linen Package.
For more information about available options and pricing, click here.
Are there overnight accommodations nearby? Do you recommend a hotel for out-of-town guests?
Yes! Bayou Haven is conveniently located with quick access to a variety of local hotels and the Alexandria International Airport, making it easy for your out-of-town guests to travel and stay nearby.
While there are more than a dozen hotels to choose from, we are proud to partner with The Courtyard by Marriott, located just 10 minutes from the venue. If you’ve booked your wedding at Bayou Haven, Courtyard offers a special discount and contracted room block pricing exclusively for our couples and their guests.
For more information and booking details, please refer to our Preferred Vendors List.
Yes! Bayou Haven is conveniently located with quick access to a variety of local hotels and the Alexandria International Airport, making it easy for your out-of-town guests to travel and stay nearby.
While there are more than a dozen hotels to choose from, we are proud to partner with The Courtyard by Marriott, located just 10 minutes from the venue. If you’ve booked your wedding at Bayou Haven, Courtyard offers a special discount and contracted room block pricing exclusively for our couples and their guests.
For more information and booking details, please refer to our Preferred Vendors List.
©2017-2025 Bayou Haven Wedding & Events, LLC
6021 Twin Bridges Road • Alexandria, Louisiana. 71303