Dozens of engaged couples have been left to wonder whether their nuptials can take place as planned at a wedding venue in Denton after the owner announced the business would be closing at some point in the near future.
Chapel Creek Ranch features 12 acres of pastures alongside water, rustic barns, a gazebo, and a 7,500-square-foot reception venue. The scenic spot has made it a dream wedding location for many couples. However, the owner recently notified a number of clients that the venue may be closing soon.
Jara Flanagan, 21, has had the venue reserved for her dream wedding for over two years. Her father has paid Chapel Creek Ranch more than $5,000 over the past two years. However, Flanagan is no longer sure her wedding will be happening there.
Flanagan told NBC 5 DFW that she and about 32 other brides formed an online support group after receiving vague messages from the ranch’s owner, Sheena Jones.
“She sent out an email to all of us and it wasn’t personalized, it was a copy cut email with all of our names just changed,” Flanagan said. “She was like, ‘We love our brides. We want to be able to celebrate your big day. Unfortunately, we don’t know if that’s going to be able to happen.’ And she wasn’t very forthcoming about [the] timing of anything.”
“I have spent the past two nights, like, crying my eyes out to my fiancé, really heartbroken and very much, like, what are we going to do?” Flanagan told NBC 5.
The venue reached out to Flanagan on Monday, offering suggestions of other wedding venues for her to consider.
The message stated: “At this time, we are unable to offer refunds, but please know that we are actively working to find solutions and will keep you informed of any progress.”
Flanagan’s wedding was scheduled for the end of the year, but many other brides are just weeks out from their big day.
“I got an email from [the venue] late [Friday] evening,” said Christi Arlausaks, who is set to get married at the venue on October 18, per NBC 5. “Basically, it’s a gray area. She’s not saying it’s canceled, but not saying it’s a go.”
Arlausaks has contracted food vendors and booked nearby hotels. Changing the location of the wedding at the last minute could complicate everything.
“Either tell us a yes or no, and if it’s a no, we would like our money back,” she said, according to NBC 5.
Chapel Creek Ranch continued to post on its social media throughout August. Angry commenters have taken to the venue’s Facebook page.
“Are you not going to be transparent with your remaining 2024 brides about YOUR venue and the money YOU WERE ALREADY PAID?” wrote Tiffany Larson.
“Waiting for this to happen as well. I hope all these brides do a class action lawsuit if they are not refunded,” replied Maeghan Walker-Gannon.
Rumors began circulating in the bride support group that the trouble may be related to a legal battle between the land owner and the venue owner.
When contacted by NBC 5, Chapel Creek Ranch’s owner Sheena Jones said:
“Unfortunately, I’m not able to comment. I am interviewing attorneys so that one can take my case and respond to the landowner. He has ended my business due to his pending land sale and then is wanting me off property due to my inability to pay him. Yet, I’m unable to conduct the business I was promised when purchased leading to all my sales ending.”
Jimmy Gaffney, the landowner, told NBC 5 in a written statement:
“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the couples affected by this unfortunate situation. I know how important and special these events are, and I deeply sympathize with everyone impacted. There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about this situation and my involvement in it.
“While I do own the land where Chapel Creek Ranch is located, I have not been involved in the day-to-day operations or management of the business since I sold it in December of 2022. Unfortunately, the new owners of Chapel Creek Ranch have encountered financial difficulties and defaulted on their payments.
“This community has been my home for over 40 years. I’ve had the privilege of seeing countless weddings and celebrations at Chapel Creek Ranch, and I have no desire for scheduled weddings to be interrupted. If the Chapel Creek Ranch business owners do not resolve their financial issues by the end of next week, I will work with my network to help find a solution so couples can still hold their wedding at the property.”