RSVP Questions:
- Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP?
- We invite you to RSVP online here (Click here to RSVP) or by mailing in the RSVP card if a RSVP card was sent with your invitation.
- What date should I RSVP by?
- Please RSVP by June 20th, 2026.
Directions, Transportation and Accommodations:
- What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues?
- Our wedding venue’s address is 24750 62nd Ave SE, McKenzie, ND 58572. You can click this link to get directions to our wedding venue in Google Maps. The ceremony and reception are both at the same location Black Leg Ranch. The wedding ceremony will be held right outside of the wedding reception barn.
- Is our wedding venue wheelchair accessible?
- Yes our wedding venue is handicapped accessible. Our wedding venue is all one level. If we have to move our ceremony to the second ceremony space you will have to walk through grass in order to get to our ceremony.
- What is the easiest way to get to and from your wedding venue?
- We will be providing a shuttle service between our reserved hotel (Comfort Inn and Suites) and our wedding venue. Ahead of the ceremony, there will be a shuttle meeting point at our reserved hotel (Comfort Inn and Suites) and will depart at 4:00p.m. for the ceremony. Ahead of the reception dance, there will be a shuttle meeting point at our reserved hotel (Comfort Inn and Suites) and will depart at 7:00p.m. for the reception dance. After the reception, the shuttle will be transporting guests from the wedding venue back to the hotel at 9:30p.m, 11:00p.m. and 1:00p.m.
- Is there parking available near your wedding venue?
- There is free on-site parking at our wedding venue Black Leg Ranch.
- Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
- Our afternoon ceremony will be outdoors (depending on weather) right next to the venues reception barn, while cocktail hour and the reception will take place indoors. Guests will walk to the ceremony on paved pathways, but will need to step on grass briefly to take their seats if the ceremony is moved to the other ceremony spot. For that reason, stiletto or otherwise-thin heels are not recommended if the ceremony is in the second ceremony spot.
- Have you reserved blocks of rooms at one or more hotels?
- We have reserved a room block at Comfort Inn and Suites. Please book your stay by July 17th, 2026 to guarantee a room in our block. Use the code DV16N6 or mention the Merkel and Baker wedding while booking to receive our reduced rate.
- Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel for the wedding?
- We will be providing guest shuttle on the day of our wedding. Our ceremony and reception will both take place at our wedding venue Black Leg Ranch, so there will be transportation from our reserved hotel (Comfort Inn and Suites) before the ceremony and after the reception.
- What are the shuttle times for guest transportation for the ceremony and reception?
- For the ceremony please arrive by 4:00p.m. at our reserved hotel Comfort Inn and Suites in order to arrive at our wedding venue for the ceremony. There will be set times for after the reception if our guests want to leave before the reception is over. The shuttle will be transporting guests from the wedding venue back to the hotel at 9:30p.m, 11:00p.m. and 1:00p.m.
- What should I do if I don’t make it into the room block?
- If you miss the deadline to reserve a room in our block, reach out to the reserved hotel(Comfort Inn and Suites) and mention our wedding anyway. They may be able to accommodate you with our discount in a room outside of our block. If not, you can book any hotel that is near our reserved hotel.
- What’s the best airport to use?
- Bismarck Municipal Airport(BIS) is the closest airport. The hotel will be easily accessible from BIS via taxi, public transit or ride share.
Wedding Dress Code:
- What’s the dress code for your wedding?
- Our dress code is business casual. A dress shirt and Khaki’s/dress pants are requested, no tie required. Alternatively, a midi- or knee-length cocktail dress would be appropriate.
- Are there any colors or styles you’d prefer me to wear?
- Kindly choose wedding attire in any color.
- What is the weather and climate like in the area?
- Our North Dakota summers are hot but windy during the day and can cool down at night, so we recommend a light jacket to cover bare shoulders.
Adult Plus-Ones and Children:
- Am I allowed to bring a plus-one?
- We will be allowing additional plus-ones for our wedding with a limit of up to 6 plus-ones.
- Am I allowed to bring my children?
- Yes children are welcomed to our wedding.
Wedding Menu and Dietary Restrictions:
- What type of food will be served at your wedding?
- We will be serving snacks and drink’s at cocktail hour followed by a sit-down dinner with a choice of entree. There will be a a choice of 2 meats and 3 sides. There will not be any gluten-free/nut-free/vegan option available for dinner. There will be a gluten free option for the cupcakes.
- Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
- Our caterer will be providing food that will be nut free but not gluten free or vegan free. There will be gluten free cupcakes available for our guests that have a gluten allergy.
- Will there be an open or cash bar?
- There bar is a cash only bar for guests to enjoy throughout cocktail hour and the reception. There is an ATM in the reception area to withdraw cash if needed.
Wedding Registry and Gifts:
- Where can you go to view my wedding registry?
- You can find our complete wedding registry here on our website under the wedding registry tab or you can click on our wedding registry link here. Our wedding registry is on Amazon. To find our wedding registry you can click on our wedding registry link here.
- Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
- Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can have it delivered to our home at 1207 1st St NW Mandan, ND 58554. A wedding card box and a gift table will be at our reception.
Wedding Weekend Itinerary:
- What’s the wedding itinerary?
- Our wedding will take place at Black Leg Ranch on August 1st, 2026. The ceremony will begin at 5 o’clock pm sharp, followed by cocktail hour and the reception, which is anticipated to wrap around 1:00a.m.
- What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?
- We recommend arriving at the ceremony venue at least 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony start time to find a seat.
- What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
- Our reception will end around 1:00a.m., after which there will not be any after-party. We’ll be providing transportation for any guests that are interested in worrying about not being able to get your vehicle the next day.
- Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?
- Cocktail hour will take place on the reception area and in the front patio between the ceremony and reception areas where you can enjoy cocktails, mocktails, small bites and lawn games after the ceremony.
- Will there be other events to attend on the wedding weekend?
- All of our guests are invited to join us for the cocktail hour. We will privately invite guests who we want to come to our rehearsal dinner.
Other Common Wedding Questions:
- Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?
- Yes our wedding guests are able to take photos of our wedding.
- Can I post wedding photos on social media?
- Yes our wedding guests are able post any photos or videos that they take.
- Will you be live streaming your wedding?
- We will not be live-streaming our ceremony and reception.
- Where will wedding updates be posted?
- Additional updates or changes that need your attention will appear on our wedding website Posts. Click here to go to Posts Page.
- Is there anything I should bring as a guest?
- We recommend to bring a pair of sunglasses so you can comfortably view the ceremony.
- If I have more questions about your wedding, who can I contact?
- If you have any additional questions please go to the posts tab and submit your question(s) and we will responds as soon as we can.