We’re thrilled to have you consider Promise Ridge for your upcoming elopement or microwedding ceremony. We understand that there are a lot of factors that come into play even when planning a simple wedding. Here are the most frequently asked questions that people have when trying to determine if Promise Ridge is the right fit for them and their families. -Alisa Tongg
COVID-19: How does the global pandemic affect Promise Ridge ceremonies?
We’re fortunate that Promise Ridge ceremonies are already restricted in guest count, between 2-20 depending on if couples are eloping or having a microwedding, and all out of doors, so many of our couples have not had to alter their original plans too much. For as long as the CDC is recommending gathering size to be limited, we will follow whatever that recommended restriction as our capacity as well.
Storytellers & Co
Accessibility My grandmother uses a cane, how accessible is Promise Ridge for someone with mobility challenges?
Promise Ridge is accessed through a garden and then a slightly sloped path on a lawn. Guests witness ceremonies (and pose for family photos) from the vantage of the Infinity Deck, which is sturdy and level. We’ve had guests with prosthetic legs, those who use canes and walkers, as well as wheelchairs all enjoy a ceremony and celebration here. The ground-level guest bathroom is not ADA compliant however.
Capacity I see that there is a 20-person capacity at Promise Ridge, does that count my fiancé/fiancée and me? What about infants and children, do they count toward the 20?
Because of the limitations of the natural space along the edge of the ridge, there is a 20-person capacity to groups who gather here for ceremony and celebration. Every human who gathers for the ceremony counts toward that capacity. There is no wiggle room.
We don’t, however, count the professional vendors working the event (i.e. celebrant, photographer, private chef, cinematographer, acoustic musician, etc.) toward that number.
Are there certain timeslots?
We can conduct ceremonies any time of day, so there are not predetermined time slots per se. The time the sun sets is the biggest factor in advising couples about when to start their event. Promise Ridge microwedding ceremonies include 90 minutes onsite, if a couple is intending to add reception-style catered features (like special dances, a sparkler exit, seated dinner, cake + bubbly, etc.) you can simply add up all of the corresponding time needed to accomplish your celebration goals, to figure out how much time you will need to extend after ceremony. The average couple extends 2.5 – 3 hours, making the total event time here 4-4.5 hours. When trying to determine the best time to plan your event here, type into google, “sunset stroudsburg {the date of your wedding}”. We recommend that 30 minutes after sunset is the latest you would be here. Take that hard end time (sunset time + 30 minutes) and subtract your total event time. That will give you a ball park idea of when your arrival will be and what time to tell your other vendors (photographer, florist, musician) to plan for.
Pets Our puppy is part of our family, is Promise Ridge pet-friendly?
M2 Photography
Yes, leashed well-behaved dogs are welcome to join at Promise Ridge gatherings. Here on the Ridge, there are a multitude of stimulants (other wild animals, wind, potted plants) so you’ll want to have someone designated to be in charge of your furry friend for before and during the ceremony. The kindest way to include your pup in your wedding celebration, is to have them present for photos before the ceremony and then to have a dog sitter take your puppy back home or to your hotel. It is very exciting being on the ridge, so often even then most calm well-behaved dog, is higher strung in this environment.
Children Do kids count toward the capacity?
Children are a welcome addition to ceremony at Promise Ridge. M2 Photography
Yes every human counts toward the 20 person capacity limit. In order to have a truly magical ceremony experience, we recommend that all toddlers and rambunctious little ones have an adult designated with the responsibility of their safety along the edge of the ridge, so that the couple can focus and be present in the moment.
What Happens If It Rains?
We’re thrilled about all the protection our new beautiful pavilion provides from the elements. If it is non-stop rain when you’re here for your ceremony, we’ll simply move the ceremony seating under cover of the overlook pavilion and let the mountain views be your ceremony back drop. Many couples who have been here during on/off rain, venture out along the ridge and in front of the Living Wall during breaks in the sprinkles for some pretty epic photographs.
Self-Uniting Marriage License We have a self-uniting marriage license and want to have a friend officiate, is this something allowed?
Celebrant Alisa Tongg officiates the ceremonies at Promise Ridge, her at-home ceremony space. M2 Photography
Promise Ridge is the at-home ceremony space of Celebrant Alisa Tongg, and is only available for couples whose ceremonies she officiates.
How do most people use their 90 minutes on site?
Is there a place for us and our families to get ready?
Most people come here camera ready (meaning hair and makeup are done) so that they don’t use a disproportionate amount of their 90 minutes onsite getting ready. Instead, they prefer to use their time here taking photographs, being in the moment and of course, getting married!!! Couples tend to use the Mural Room as their personal space to leave their belongings and take formal portraits.
Tour When can we come see the venue?
Because Promise Ridge is my home, I don’t do tours—it would require extra expense/personnel to prepare the grounds for non-ceremony visitors and I want to keep Promise Ridge an easy and stress-free experience. I am happy, however, to schedule a consultation to speak on the phone, Skype or Facetime, to explain my process for creating a personalized ceremony and answer any questions that will help you feel comfortable with this as your ceremony location.
Music We really want to have a first dance, is that possible? How does that work?
Ricky Delgado Photo by Jessica Manns
Our number one recommendation is that couples hire a professional acoustic musician to provide the soundtrack and dreamy vibe of their big but micro day. Working with a professional musician adds one more layer of care and customer service because they will help orchestrate all those important moments so that you don’t have to be directing everyone. And don’t worry, we don’t count the professional musician working your event toward your 20 person capacity.
Eric Erickson, Woodstock’s EXTRA-Sensitive Singer/Songwriter
Ricky Delgado
Penn Strings
Shaun Lally Music
Our second choice recommendation is that couples prepare a playlist of the songs they want to be a part of their day (for walking up the aisle, first kiss, family photos, and important dances etc.) bring a Bluetooth speaker and designate your coolest friend to be music coordinator for the celebration.
DJs and other outside event-hosts, are not permitted.
Photographers
Who do you recommend for photographer? Do we have to choose someone from your list?
We’re fortunate to be near so many talented, kind and skilled photographers. While you are free to hire whomever you want, we can absolutely recommend everyone listed below on account of their past performance making Promise Ridge couples gleeful.
Dearly Beloved Weddings
Storytellers and Co.
M2 Photography
Nina Lily Photography
With Love & Embers
Alison Conklin
Marshall Scott Photography
Bethel Ann Photography
Kayce Shoffner
Jessica Manns Photography
Hand and Arrow
Sammi Shea Photography
Madeline Isabella
Carolina Rivera
Renee Dee Photography
Video/Film
These are our favorite and consistently dreamy filmmakers, *indicates photo and film packages are available.
- Dearly Beloved Wedding Films*
- Alyssa Kaufman Films
- Bucket List Films
- Roslyn Films
- Stagger Films*
- Solidity Films
Live Streaming / Virtual Wedding Capabilities
For couples who want guests to be able to participate in the day, hear vows, witness a first dance and toasts, check out:
Florists
Are there recommended florists who can create bouquets, boutineers, and some other special arrangements for our gathering afterward?
These are our favorite!
Allium Florals & Event Designer
Talana Marias
Hair and Makeup
These are our favorite:
Makeup by Roxy
Blue Bird Brides
Shear Design Salon
Accommodations I think we’ll make a holiday out of this, where should we stay?
Promise Ridge is located in the Pocono Mountains in the town of Stroudsburg. Condé Nast Traveler Magazine recently designated the Delaware Water Gap as “the most beautiful place” in all of Pennsylvania, and we agree, there are several charming B and Bs, historic hotels and a ton of vacation rentals within minutes. Our favorite spots are under 15 minutes drive away:
Nearby Restaurants We want to meet up with a larger group of friends to celebrate after our intimate ceremony, is there a place nearby that is good for moving our celebration to?
Cafe Duet garden dinner. Ashley Gerrity Photography
Absolutely, here is a list of our favorite establishments all within a 15-minute drive that will be able to take care of a group.
Gem and Keystone
Lane’s End Farm
Barley Creek Brewing Co. Pavilion
Stroudsmoor Country Inn Restaurant
Café Duet
Danielle and James kiss at their post-Promise Ridge reception dinner for 50 at Stroudsmoor Country Inn Restaurant. Photography, Jessica Manns
All of this sounds great, how can I book a date and find out more about extending time after ceremony for a catered celebration?
We’d love to help you start planning your Promise Ridge microwedding or elopement! Please submit an inquiry through the form on our website when you are within a year’s time of the desired date. If you are flexible on the particular date, please include desired month, season and/or day of the week you are open to, and we will respond with all of the available dates that meet your criteria. Due to the volume of inquiries for Alisa Tongg’s Celebrant services and Promise Ridge availability, we only respond to inquires that meet our booking standards (ie: capacity and are not for more more than a year away.)
