Horse and Carriage Rental Cost

• The cost of a horse and carriage rental typically depends on the length of time the carriage is needed, the type of carriage, the number of horses required and the distance the horses and carriage must travel to the event. Rates can vary from less than $250 for a one-hour ride locally to $1,500 or more to rent an elaborate carriage for three or more hours for a far-away event that requires the horses to be transported in a trailer. Many companies have a minimum booking of one to two hours because it takes hours to get the horses and carriage ready for an event.
• A local carriage rental for up to two hours typically costs about $250-$800 or more. For example, Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, in Michigan, charges $250-$450 per hour for a wedding horse and carriage rental[1] . Rates at Low Country Carriage, in South Carolina, start at $450 for one and a half hours[2] . Elysian Fields Farm Horse and Carriage, in Louisiana, charges $500 for a two-hour horse and carriage rental[3] locally. And Andrusz Carriage Service in Buffalo, NY, charges $575 for a minimum two-hour booking of a white wedding carriage[4] pulled by two horses.
• A carriage rental that requires travel, lasts for more than two hours or uses a specialty carriage typically costs $600-$1,500 or more. For example, at Low Country Carriage, which charges $2 extra per mile each way for travel plus $50 for each additional hour of rental, a two-and-a-half hour rental[5] 25 miles from the farm would cost $600. And a three-hour carriage rental[6] from Andrusz Carriage Service would cost $725, while a four-hour rental would cost $875. At Elysian Fields Farm Horse and Carriage, a two-hour rental for an event 75 miles away[7] would cost $950 or more; and, with a pumpkin-shaped, Cinderella-style carriage, the cost could reach $1,500 or more.

• The rental should include a clean and shiny carriage, a driver in formal attire and clean, well-groomed horses. In some cases, the carriage will be decorated with silk flowers or other adornment.
• Depending on the arrangements made, the carriage can transport the bride and groom to the ceremony location, can take them away after the wedding, and can transport them to the reception. Some carriage drivers also will give wedding guests rides as well. Horses and carriages also can be used for funerals and other events.

• Gratuities typically are not included in horse and carriage rental prices. The suggested tip for the driver is 15%-20%, according to PerfectWeddingGuide.com[8] .

• Many horse and carriage companies get booked quickly, so it's recommended to make reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Before booking, it is a good idea to ask to see photos of the carriages and horses. Some operators will allow prospective customers to meet the horses in person. Ask about the color of the horses, how the carriage will be decorated and the attire of the driver.
• Carriage Operators of North America offers a carriage rental company locator[9] by state.

1.  www.mict.com/weddings/
2.  www.lowcountrycarriage.com/
3.  elysian-fields-farm-horse-carriage.com/
4.  www.buffalohorsedrawn.com/rates.html
5.  www.lowcountrycarriage.com/
6.  www.buffalohorsedrawn.com/rates.html
7.  elysian-fields-farm-horse-carriage.com/
8.  www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-essentials/wedding-planning-how-much-do-i-tip/
9.  www.cona.org/statelist.html

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