Frequently asked questions.
What’s the base price for renting the venue as a raw space?
We do not rent The Dream Away Lodge as a raw space. The venue is only available for all-inclusive rentals. We are renowned for staging a complete event, taking care of all details ON SITE - except, the band, the justice of the peace and the photographer, though we can help you find any of those if you need!
What’s the starting price for the venue?
The Dream Away offers a completely Worry Free Day Of Celebration. Exclusive booking of the entire property for the Dream Away Lodge starts at $10,000 for off-peak weekends in April, and November, up to $15,000 for weekends in peak season: May, June, July, August, September and October.
What services and amenities are included in the venue rate?
Exclusive use of Dream Away’s stunning 50 acres of sprawling natural woods and gardens, including wedding rock, a naturally elevated rock in a sylvan glade surrounded by birch trees, ponds, meadow, nature trails and perennial gardens.
Full use of all the Lodge’s intimate spaces: dining rooms, historic music room, expansive porch, outside deck, grounds and gardens.
Complete floral package! Created with fresh mountain, market and garden flowers, including all table arrangements, accent pieces, wedding bouquets and decorative elements custom designed by our professional in-house floral designer.
All necessary fires, indoors and out, stocked and tended by DAL staff.
On-site Wedding Manager to facilitate planning, operations and execution.
Arranging and handling of any necessary rentals (cost of rentals separate).
Complete set up, break down and clean up of your event.
Full use of the Hide Away for bridal preparation and dressing.
Vintage farm pieces and decor for ceremony and reception
Optional Chuppah or Ceremonial Arch, adorned with natural flowers
Decorative, artfully placed clusters of candles.
Use of all vintage plateware, flatware, tablecloths, candleholders, vases, and decor.
All Staff (20% service charge to be added to food and bar total)
What are the additional costs?
Food and Beverages are NOT included in the basic house charge.
Our seasonally inspired menus are fully customizable. With a local seasonal farm-forward approach, Chef Amy Loveless custom designs each menu for our couples focusing on the season and their personal preferences and style. Menu pricing per person depends on budget, style and selection.
The Bar can be handled in many different ways. We can supply a simple champagne toast, a wine and beer option, a complete open bar or custom options that meet your budget and desire. We can also create custom crafted wedding cocktails designed specially for the bride and groom.
How many guests can the Dream Away accommodate?
The Dream Away Lodge can host celebrations for up to 150 guests.
Can the Dream Away Lodge book a band for my wedding?
Yes, as an eclectic music venue, the Dream Away Lodge has an extensive list of talented bands and classical musicians from the area, and will gladly help you select and coordinate booking music for your event. The cost is dependent on the booking.
Will I need to coordinate rentals for my event?
We can help coordinate local equipment rental for larger parties. Up to 125 people can eat inside the lodge, 75 in the dining rooms, 25 on the porch and 25 in the music room. For events of more than 125, or if the desire is for everyone to dine in the same space, a tent is necessary. If dining in a tent, rentals of tables, chairs and linens will be required. If dining inside the lodge, obviously tables, chairs and linens are included. The Dream Away Lodge provides all flatware, glassware, plates and serviceware for events up to 150 guests.
Are restrooms provided?
The Dream Away Lodge has three common use bathrooms for events of up to 150 guests. One is an ADA bathroom.
Do you have accessible facilities?
The Dream Away Lodge is wheelchair-accessible. There is ample handicapped parking and one restroom which is ADA accessible.
Is there On-Site Lodging? How many guests can stay in the Lodging?
Despite the name, the Dream Away hasn’t offered rooms since the 1950’s. We can recommend lodging and shuttle services in the area.
Lee, MA (9.7 miles from the Dream Away, 17 minutes drive):
Lenox, MA (13.4 miles from the Dream Away, 23 minute drive):
Brook Farm Inn Bed & Breakfast
Stockbridge, MA (14.5 miles away from the Dream Away, 24 minutes drive):
Pittsfield, MA (15.5 miles from the Dream Away, 15.5 miles):
What is your peak season?
Peak wedding season is May - October.
Do you offer a dance floor?
A dance floor for a tent would be part of the rental package, as would the bandstand platforms if a live band is involved. Various options for dancing indoors can be arranged and would be a part of our planning process.
What happens if it rains?
We ALWAYS make a rain plan in conjunction with our wedding couples when planning an event! It is the Berkshires, after all, and one must be prepared for all eventualities!
Can we bring our own alcohol?
All beverage services are coordinated through The Dream Away Lodge. No outside alcohol is allowed. Certain accommodations possible (ie: your brother brews beer and wants to supply a couple of cases…)
Are we able to Customize our Menu?
Our seasonally inspired menus are fully customizable. With a local seasonal farm-forward approach, Chef Amy Loveless custom designs each menu for our couples focusing on the season and their personal preferences. Costs generally range from $50 to $100 per person, depending on style, desire and budget!
How many hours are included in our booking?
Pricing for our venues is based on full day booking. Full day to us means 10am until midnight.
What time must my event end?
All events must end by midnight.
Do we need to get insurance?
Yes, a Day-Of Event Insurance Policy is required.
Where do My Guests Park?
The parking lot accommodates 45-50 cars. Once the parking lot is filled, there is ample parking on the Dream Away side of County Rd. For weddings, we try to encourage younger folks to park on the road with a little farther to walk.
What is the closest airport?
The closest airport to the Dream Away Lodge is the Albany International Airport (1 hour away)
The Bradley International Airport is 1 hour 15 minutes away (20 minutes from Springfield, Massachusetts)
Is there local transportation?
Yes, there are several car services that can be arranged in advance, as well as shuttle services. Local Bus service is available as well.
Berkshire Livery Service or reached by phone: 860-567-8769
Abbott’s Limousine Service or reached by phone: 413-243-1645
Berkshire Shuttle or reached by phone: (413) 247-3839
Based in Pittsfield, The local Berkshire bus system can be accessed here: Berkshire Regional Transit Authority or reached by phone: (413) 499-2782