Tips when shopping for a carriage company:

• Make sure they specify in writing what you will and will not be getting for your money.

• Ask for a copy of the company's contract and what their policies are, especially when it pertains to distance and time restraints.

• What type of decorations are provided? Are they customized to your choice of fresh flowers, ribbons and bows?

• Does the company provide a 'Just Married Sign'?  Is champagne provided or can it be provided upon request?

• What style of dress will the driver and attendant be wearing? Can the outfits be customized to the style of the wedding theme?

• Is there a top on your carriage in case of bad weather?

• Will your horse be well groomed and completely comfortable around crowds if any situation may arise.

• View the carriage that will be provided prior to your special day. Many styles and varieties of carriages are available for your selection.

• Finally, discuss photograph options with both your carriage company and your photographer to take full advantage of this romantic opportunity.

Questions when booking with CJCarriages:

A: As soon as possible!  It is not unusual to book weddings more than a year in advance, although some events can be booked last minute.  Our busiest months are June, July, and October thru December.  Please call us for availability, we would love the opportunity to serve you.

A: Primarily the greater Dayton Metro area.  We have been as far North as Great Stone Castle in Sidney, and as far South as Heatherwood Golf Course in Springboro.  A mileage charge will apply for distances greater then a 20 mile radius from our farm in Beavercreek.

A: Our average distance we will let the two horses pull the carriage for a wedding is four miles.  If your route is less then the 2.5 for a single horse but the travel route contains hills we will recommend the two horses.

A: NO!  Generally a horse drawn carriage has the same rights as any other vehicle on the road.

A: We have a one hour minimum.  This is the time that we are at your event.  This does not include the travel time to your event, nor the time necessary to prepare the horse(s) and carriage.

A: Your hour starts at the time stipulated on the contract as "CJCarriages Arrival Time".  If you are not ready at that time you are using up the time you have rented.  We will not show up prior to the arrival time listed on the contract!

A: Every effort is made to insure a safe ride for everyone.  We equip our vehicles with slow moving warning signs that are illuminated at night, flashing hazard lights, side lanterns, flashing lights on the harness and reflective leg bands on the horse for night time operation.  We also belong to a national organization that sets forth guidelines for safe operation for its members. (C.O.N.A.) Safety is a high priority to us.

A: Everything is cleaned prior to your event.  The package includes a carriage with faux flowers, garland, ribbons, event color matching bows, decorations on the horse(s), costumed driver and coachmen, and event appropriate music played on our built in CD stereo system.

A: Deposits are nonrefundable.  If cancellation is prior to 4 weeks from the event date the balance of money received will be returned.

Miscellaneous Questions:

Q: Why do you use Draft Horses?

A: The Draft horse (also called a work horse) has been bred over the centuries to be used much like our modern day pickup truck.  Their size allows them to pull up to six times their own body weight on a wheeled vehicle all day long.  The Draft horse is also considered to be the gentle giant of the horse world.  Their quite nature makes them ideal for being around the public.

A: We feel that black horses have a more formal appearance.  With the addition of the white decorations in their manes and tails it appears that they are wearing formal wear! 

A: All of our horses wear a manure collecting device whenever they are at an event.  If this device does not contain all of the manure we will retrieve any remains at the end of the event.  We also clean up the staging areas when we are finished.

A: All of our vehicles are equipped with a top.  Our Vis-à-Vis carriages have convertible tops that we can put up quickly.  We also provide carriage blankets during cold weather.

Top Down

Top Up

A: YES!  All horses sleep on their feet most of the time.  However, every horse must lay down for at least a half hour every day.  Below, Ziek gets his beauty rest! 

He's down

and out for the count!