Frequently Asked Questions for Grounds and Gardens Rentals including Weddings and Ceremonies
Click on a question to find the answer:
- When are Belmont Hall’s grounds available for weddings, family reunions, parties, and other outdoors events?
- Are there restrictions on the event times?
- What are the grounds rental fees for a wedding ceremony and reception?
- What does my wedding/ceremony rental fee include?
- What are your rental rates for the use of the grounds for events that are not weddings/ceremonies like family reunions, parties, etc.?
- Why is there a Security Deposit required?
- What does my grounds rental fee (not wedding/ceremony) include?
- Can you hold my date?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Is a tent included in your rental fee?
- Is our event the only one held at Belmont Hall and its grounds that day?
- Will Belmont Hall be open to the public during our event?
- Can I rent the grounds for just a ceremony, such as, a wedding, a civil union ceremony, or a renewal of vows that does not include a reception?
- Do I need to rent chairs or other things for my outdoor ceremony?
- Can I use my own caterer?
- Is it possible to have an outdoor ceremony and a reception in the house?
- If I am having a small outdoor event, can we bring and serve our own food?
- Are indoor accommodations available?
- Is there anything I can not bring on the property?
- What are the restroom accommodations?
- Is there parking for a bus if we provide one to transport guests to and from a hotel for our event?
- What is your policy on serving alcoholic beverages at our event?
- Can I supply my own alcohol?
- Are renters required to have their own insurance?
- Is there a backup plan in case of bad weather?
- Who is responsible for cleaning up after our event?
- What form of payment do you accept?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- How can I schedule a visit to Belmont Hall in order to tour the venue?
- After booking my event what should I expect from your representative?
- Can the grounds be rented for a fundraiser?
- Are children allowed at events held on the grounds?
When are Belmont Hall’s grounds available for weddings, family reunions, parties, and other outdoors events?
Belmont Hall’s grounds and gardens are available for your event in the spring, summer, and fall (late April through early November), except holidays.
Are there restrictions on the event times?
Events held at Belmont Hall and its Grounds and Gardens must occur between 8:30 am and 10:30 pm. All events must end by 10:30 pm.
Why is there a Security Deposit required?
- A Security Deposit is required for any rental. The Security Deposit is returned unless there is more than the usual and customary clean up is required, you have exceeded your contracted time, or there is damage to the house or grounds.
- A separate check or money order is requested that is not deposited and is returned within 7 – 10 days after the event.
- If your event is a ceremony only, the refundable Security Deposit is $150.
- If your event includes a reception, the refundable Security Deposit is $300.
What does my wedding/ceremony rental fee include?
Rental fees include:
- Use of the scenic grounds and beautiful gardens with the historic brick mansion as a backdrop
- Use of the portico (porch) on the south side of the house
- Use of a room in the house for the bride and her attendants to dress and a room for the groom and his groomsmen
- Use of the grounds and gardens for engagement and pre-wedding photography sessions at no charge
- Electrical service
- Parking in designated areas
- A Friends of Belmont Hall representative on site during your entire rental time
- Handicapped accessible restrooms available in the house for outside ceremonies and house events. If your outside event (ceremony with reception, reception, party, etc.) exceeds 60 guests you will need to rent at least one portable restroom or a restroom trailer to supplement the inside restrooms. This does not pertain to you if you are only having an outside ceremony without a reception.
- Use of our caterer’s prep kitchen.
- The renter is responsible for the rental of tents, tables, chairs, etc.
- Maximum number of guests is 150.
What does my grounds rental fee (not wedding/ceremony) include?
Rental fees include:
- Use of the scenic grounds and beautiful gardens with the historic brick mansion as a backdrop
- Use of the portico on the south side of the house
- Electrical service
- Parking in designated areas
- At least one Friends of Belmont Hall representative on site during your rental time
- Handicapped accessible restrooms available in the house for events up to 60 people; however, if your event exceeds 60 guests you might need to rent a portable restroom or possibly two depending on the number of guests. If you have had to rent a portable restroom or two it works out best if the restrooms in the house are available for women, handicapped and elderly guests while the portable restrooms are used for your men guests.
- Use of our caterer’s serving kitchen by your licensed caterer
Can you hold my date?
To reserve a date: Contact a Friends of Belmont Ball staff person at 302.264.9048 or email us at belmonthall.de@gmail.com. The date and time of your event will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit (fifty percent of the rental fee) along with a signed contract.
What is the Payment Schedule?
- The initial non-refundable deposit is fifty percent of the rental fee and must be received along with a signed contract to reserve the date and time of your event.
- The rental fee balance is due 60 days prior to your event.
- A Security Deposit of $150 for a ceremony only, or $300 for a ceremony and reception is also due 60 days prior to your event. This should be a separate check or money order.
Is a tent included in your rental fee?
No, at this time the Friends of Belmont Hall do not have the manpower or the storage in order to supply a tent. However, there are rental companies that are familiar with our property and policies. These companies will rent tents, chairs, tables, etc. Pricing inquiries must be directed to the individual vendors. Contact us and ask to have a Vendors Recommended list emailed to you so you can find local rental companies and how to contact them to get quotes.
You do not need to rent a tent when you rent the grounds, but it is highly recommended. The tents shelter your guests and the food and drink you are serving from the sun and rain and a tent adds a special touch of elegance to your event.
Is our event the only one held at Belmont Hall and its grounds that day?
Yes, your event will be the exclusive affair of the day.
Will Belmont Hall be open to the public during our event?
No, the house will be closed to the public.
Can I rent the grounds for just a ceremony, such as, a wedding or a renewal of vows that does not include a reception?
Yes, ceremonies without a reception are accepted. There are special rates for fewer than 25 people with a 2 hour minimum on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $300. On Mondays to Thursdays the rate is $250 for 2 hours. See FAQ for Grounds and Garden Rentals for rates.
Do I need to rent chairs or other things for my outdoor ceremony?
You will need to rent chairs for seating your guests. We have several rental companies that are familiar with our property and policies. Pricing inquiries must be directed to the individual vendors.
Belmont Hall does have a small table and/or a podium and a loud speaker system, if available, for your officiant to use while performing the ceremony.
Can I use my own caterer?
You are free to pick any caterer that you like, but we require that all caterers sign our Catering Use Agreement and have a valid business license and insurance. The Friends of Belmont Hall must have the signed Catering Use Agreement a week in advance of your event.
Is it possible to have an outdoor ceremony and a reception in the house?
Yes, as long as the number of guests for the reception does not exceed 50 guests which is the capacity limit of the house. The type of reception also will determine the number of guests in the house. A cocktail type reception would accommodate more guests in the house while a sit down meal would allow fewer guests. We recommend that you visit Belmont Hall to see the possibilities and discuss your plans with a representative. See FAQ for House Rentals for rates.
If I am having a small outdoor event (not a wedding), can we bring and serve our own food?
Picnic meals/ brown bag meals are permitted but only if the food is to be eaten by yourself or your immediate family. Food that is prepackaged and food, such as sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc., prepared by licensed businesses are permitted for small events. The renter will be responsible for clean up if a caterer is not used. All trash must be placed in proper receptacles and either removed from the premises or placed in the trash dumspter by the end of the rental period. For Grounds and Gardens rentals the use of the kitchen in the house is only available to licensed caterers.
Caterers are required for large events and highly recommended for most events. Having a caterer allows renters to enjoy their event without the worry of preparing and purchasing food, keeping it cold/warm, serving the food, and cleaning up. If caterers are used, they are responsible for the clean up and removal of trash. The property must be left in “as found” condition.
Discuss your plans with a FOBH representative.
Are indoor accommodations available?
If you are having an outdoor wedding, two rooms in the house are included in the rental. One room will be available for the bride and her attendants to dress before the wedding and another room for the groom and his groomsmen.
Handicapped accessible restrooms in the house will be available for events up to 50 people. If your event exceeds 50 people you will need to rent at least one or two portable restrooms depending on the number of people attending . The restrooms in the house would be available for women and handicapped or elderly guests while men can use the portable restrooms.
The kitchen in the house is available for use by your licensed caterer.
The use of the house is available at separate fees. The house could be used for rehearsal dinners, showers, and receptions or parties for up to 50 persons. See House Rentals for more information.
Is there anything I can not bring on the property?
Renters, guests and invitees must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing alcoholic beverages and narcotics, and other rules and regulations as they pertain to the event.
The State of Delaware prohibits the use of all tobacco products on all State owned properties including cigarettes, cigars, vaping, dip, etc. There is to be no smoking in the house or on the property including the parking lot.
Only the renter or caterer can bring alcohol onto the grounds. Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onto the grounds.
Fireworks or other pyrotechnics and large inflatable objects are prohibited.
Pets are not permitted on the grounds or in the home except with special permission of the Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. Service animals are welcome.
What are the restroom accommodations?
Outdoor events of 50 or fewer guests can use the two handicapped restrooms on the first floor of the house. If your event exceeds 50 people, however, you will need to rent at least one or two portable restrooms depending on the number of people attending . The restrooms in the house would be available for women and handicapped or elderly guests while men can use the portable restrooms. There is an bathroom upstairs for the use of the bridal party only.
Is there parking for a bus if we provide one to transport guests to and from a hotel for our event?
There is parking for one or two buses. In order that bus parking can be set aside for your event, the Friends of Belmont Hall must be notified well ahead of your event about the use of buses.
What is your policy on serving alcoholic beverages at our event?
Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises for your event. However, only the renter or caterer/bartender can bring alcohol onto the grounds. Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onto the grounds. Alcohol may only be served to persons at or above the age of twenty–one and may not be served to anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
For events of more than 50 guests: An ABC certified bartender must serve all alcoholic beverages and will supervise the serving of champagne or wine during a wedding reception. Your caterer will be able to assist you in obtaining a certified bartender. We require that your bartender(s) bring their ABC license with them to your event. We will ask to see the license.
For events of 50 or fewer guests: If a bartender is not used, one designated person must be the only person serving mixed alcoholic beverages. This person can be someone provided by the caterer or someone the host designates. No guests are allowed to serve themselves mixed alcoholic beverages. The designated person will supervise the serving of beer and wine.
Can I supply my own alcohol?
Yes, if you make that arrangement with your caterer or with your FOBH representative. Your guests are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages. See above question.
Are renters required to have their own insurance?
No, The Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. carry the appropriate insurance and the caterers are required to have insurance, as well. However, it is highly recommended that hosts purchase cancellation insurance for large parties and weddings.
Is there a backup plan in case of bad weather?
Any time you plan an outside event you have to consider the possibility of poor weather. A FOBH representative will try to assist you in altering your plans if the weather forecast for the day of your event is poor.
If you have not planned on renting a tent you might have to consider renting one for your outdoors event.
If you have rented a tent for the reception and it could be raining during your ceremony you could have to have the ceremony under the tent and then have your reception. If your guest list is small you could have the ceremony in the house followed by the reception under the tent.
We recommend those planning a ceremony only event to have a backup plan in case of rain. If your number of guests is 35 or less you could hold the ceremony in the house.
However more than 35 guests would not fit in the house comfortably. Therefore, you need another backup plan for larger ceremonies. You can usually make an arrangement with your reception venue to allow you to have your ceremony there in case of bad weather or ask your church if you could use it for back up.
Who is responsible for cleaning up after our event?
The caterer is responsible for the general clean-up and removal of trash. However, if the renter is not using a caterer or if you have not contracted with your caterer for clean up, then the renter is totally responsible. Your event must end at least one half hour before your rental time ends so that a final clean up can be done. Be sure you have made an agreement with your caterer so they can do most of the clean up!
For those having a wedding reception that ends when it has become dark, the renter must be sure that all trash has been put in plastic bags and placed in the dumpsters (caterers should have done that for you already)! The renter and friends should remove their belongings from the house, as well as, any items left in the kitchen… like leftover cake, etc.
If you are having a wedding that will end at 10:30 pm we offer you an opportunity to return the next morning to complete the final clean up. You and your friends and family can return the next morning to check to be sure no one has left anything and to finish up the general outside clean up in daylight. Many couples enjoy returning the next day to talk with their friends and relive the great fun they had at the wedding the night before. Sometimes they bring breakfast!
What form of payment do you accept?
Payment is accepted by check, money order or cash made payable to the Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc.. Cash may not be used as a form of payment for the Security Deposit.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our Cancellation Policy:
The initial deposit is nonrefundable.
The balance may be refunded if cancellation is more than 30 days prior to your event.
The balance will not be refunded if cancellation is 30 days or less before the event.
If the Security Deposit has been paid before cancellation, it will be refunded in full.
How can I schedule a visit to Belmont Hall in order to tour the venue?
To view the facility, please call a Friends of Belmont Hall representative at 1-302-264-9048 or email us at belmonthall.de@gmail.com.
After booking my event what should I expect from your representative?
- After you have reserved your date, a Friends of Belmont Hall representative will be available to answer your questions regarding all aspects of your event that pertain to the use of the property. However, you would have to contact your vendors with any questions concerning their services.
- At least 1 – 2 weeks before your event, a Friends of Belmont Hall representative will call to discuss the placement of your event and finalize plans.
- If your caterer has never worked at Belmont Hall, an on-site meeting should be held with the caterer and a representative.
- If needed, on-site meetings with your florist, photographer, and musician can also be arranged.
- At least one FOBH representative will be present during your event depending on the size of your event.
Can the grounds be rented for a fundraiser?
Yes, Belmont Hall’s grounds can be rented for fundraising events. All fundraising activity ideas must be approved in advance by a Friends of Belmont Hall committee. Renters cannot charge for admission unless the event is a fundraiser that is approved by the Friends of Belmont Hall. If a fundraiser wants to sell alcoholic beverages for their event they must get a Gathering License from the State of Delaware and have a licensed bartender.
Are children allowed at events held on the grounds?
Certainly, children are welcome at Belmont Hall’s Grounds and Gardens. However, we highly recommend that parents watch their children carefully so that their children do not wander out of sight. The property is large, spacious, and unenclosed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult and be supervised.