The Brownstone COVID-19 

We know this season has been difficult for many couples and we are here to support you in every way we can. The Brownstone’s goal is to make this the happiest day of your life. Your guests are not strangers in a public place. They are your friends and family gathering in a place that is taking every precaution and putting the safety of your event first. Check out The Brownstone’s COVID-19 policy and answers to frequently asked questions below and what actions we have in place to ensure your guests are safe. 

2020
Couple
Review

“The Brownstone is INCREDIBLE! It is hard to put into words how grateful I am to have selected them as our wedding venue. With the daily and sometimes even hourly changes due to COVID-19, Abbey and her team have remained on top of it. It is clear they are in constant communication with local health officials to ensure they can provide a safe place for people to celebrate their big day. The team is creative and solution-oriented, doing everything they can to help you achieve your dream day. I HIGHLY recommend the Brownstone!”
- Gretchen K

Policy &
REcommendations

The Brownstone is located in Shawnee County and follows all of the recommendations and requirements placed upon event venues based on the Shawnee County Health Department. Please view the latest Shawnee County guidelines by visiting: https://www.snco.us/HD/coronavirus.asp. For further questions, we highly recommend calling their General Question phone number and speaking to a representative as well as signing up to get notifications sent directly to your phone. 

Here are a few additional policies and recommendations The Brownstone has put in place per the Shawnee County Health Department. These policies and recommendations are subject to change as new guidelines are announced.  
     -The Brownstone has created social distancing layouts based on each phase that includes limiting the number of guests at a table, spreading tables out, separating guests into multiple locations including outside and lower level.
     -The Brownstone has added a tent to extend the venue and space for tables.
     -The Brownstone has technology to stream the main event hall into the lower level.
     -The Brownstone has beautiful double doors on both the north and south sides of the venue which we can leave open in the pleasant spring temperatures to let the fresh air inside.
     -Our staff has always followed mandated operating procedures for health and safety as required by the State of Kansas. This includes but is not limited to the use of gloves, proper hand-washing techniques, following food safety protocols, and performing proper disinfecting procedures within our kitchen and event spaces.
     -It has always been our policy that a staff member cannot report to work if they feel ill or are presenting any symptoms.
     -We have intensified cleaning procedures to ensure our building is more deeply disinfected to prevent germs from spreading and to ensure your safety.
     -We will have hand sanitation stations at the front door allowing your guests to put on hand sanitizer when they arrive and again as they enter the building after the conclusion of a ceremony.
     -Hand sanitizer will always be available at all entrances for the duration of your event.
     -We recommend rolling knives and forks inside napkins and have them on the tables for dinner – or you can choose to use plastic utensils in sealed wraps for your event.
     -We recommend having a single sided buffet with your caterer serving the food to your guests.

We encourage you and your guests to monitor their health and respect the other guests in attendance.
With all the additional precautions The Brownstone has in place, guests still assume all the risk. By visiting the Brownstone, you and your guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

2020
Couple
Review

“If you are getting married in Topeka, please choose the Brownstone! Abbey and her team consistently went above and beyond making my wedding day special. During the season of COVID-19 and having to reschedule our original date, so many changes along the way Abbey and her team always were up to date on the correct guidelines and made adjustments along the way. She did absolutely amazing in making sure we had everything we needed and did everything she could to make it special. The venue has every need you could ever want and amazing staff! I could go on but The Brownstone and their staff played a huge role in making my day as magical as it was.”
- Taylor H

General Questions

What is the current capacity for events at The Brownstone?
Shawnee County is currently limiting event venues to 50% capacity which means The Brownstone can host events of up to 100-120 in the main event hall as well as spread additional guests outside under the tent or in the lower level. 

What is your policy for changing an event date due to COVID?
If you have an event scheduled at The Brownstone, you are able to change the date once as long as it is held within 365 days of your originally scheduled date. Please let our office know and we will send a date change form over for you to sign electronically. All deposits and payments will be applied to the new date. There is no date change fee.  

What is your cancellation policy due to COVID?
If you are needing to cancel your event, please let The Brownstone office know as soon as possible. We will send over a cancellation form for you to sign electronically and your date will be removed from the calendar. 
Currently, we are still able to hold events at The Brownstone so all deposits are non-refundable. However, we do offer a couple of options for those deposits. We can move your date until later in 2021 or 2022 or hold a smaller event at our hourly rate if you wanted to just do a ceremony or smaller gathering.
You can also utilize the deposit for another type of event (shower/birthday party etc.) at The Brownstone or Milestone Market. Your deposit will stay as a credit until 365 days past your event date. 

Are there any additional rules or restrictions for my vendors? 
We recommend contacting all of your vendors directly as they will have the most up to date information on the policies impacting their business. 
 
What is your policy for the tent?  
We purchased a beautiful 40x60 high peak pole tent that will be located over the North Brick Patio as long as Shawnee County restricts our capacity inside the main event hall to allow for covered overflow seating. Edison bulb lights are strung within the tent and cathedral window walls are available upon request. The tent will be taken down for winter and re-set up in spring upon our first event. The tent will not be taken down until the restrictions have been lifted. 

Do we have to wear masks?
The Brownstone staff will continue to follow the mandate (wear masks) and the individuals holding events can have the option to opt out for themselves and their guests.

Are you providing COVID discounts?  
The Brownstone does not provide discounts but we are launching a micro wedding option that allows for a shorter rental time and lower price for the months of January - March 2021. Click here to learn more!