FAQ’s House Rentals

house_rentals_collageFrequently Asked Questions for House Rentals

Located in the center of Delaware, Historic Belmont Hall is a unique and convenient venue for business meetings, retreats, meetings of nonprofit organizations and for corporate functions.

Belmont Hall offers a memorable venue for bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners and special celebrations including intimate weddings, civil unions, and small receptions.  Guests are encouraged to explore the home and enjoy the grounds while visiting the site.  Guidelines have been established to respect the integrity of this historic property and to ensure a successful event for our guests.

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When is Belmont Hall available for indoor events such as small weddings, civil unions, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, meetings, lectures, memorial ceremonies, funeral receptions, and social events?

The house is available for rental all year round, except holidays.

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Are there restrictions on the event times?

Events held in the house, Belmont Hall, and on its Grounds and Gardens must occur between 8:30 am and 10:30 pm.

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 What does the rental of the house include?

Rental fees include:

  • Use of the rooms in the house that have been agreed upon
  • Use of the portico on the south side of the house
  • Electrical service
  • Parking in designated areas
  • Use of the two handicapped accessible bathrooms on the first floor
  • Use of available tables and chairs.
  • Use of presentation equipment available in house.
  • Use of our wireless internet connection.
  • A Friends of Belmont Hall staff member on site during your rental time.
  • Use of our caterer’s serving kitchen
  • If the house is rented for a ceremony and/or reception: Use of a room in the house for the bride and her attendants to dress and a room for the groom and his groomsmen.
  • If the house is rented for a ceremony and/or reception: Use of the grounds and gardens for engagement and pre-wedding photography sessions at no charge.

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How do I secure a date for my event?

To reserve a specific date and time for your event a deposit of 50% of the total rental fee along with the signed contract must be received by the Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. However, if you are planning an event to occur in fewer than 30 days, the full rental fee and a Security Deposit of $150, if applicable, are due at the signing or in some circumstances at a time agreeable to both parties.

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Is our event the only one held at Belmont Hall during the time we have rented?

Yes, your event will be the exclusive event held at the time you have arranged.

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What is the guest capacity for the house?

Due to the size and special historical nature of Belmont Hall, limits are placed on the number of guests.  The guest capacity is 50 people or less for the rental of the historic mansion.  However, not all 50 people could be in one room.  Fifty people would be spread in either 3 rooms seated or would move from room to room.  Ask a representative to meet you at Belmont Hall in order to see the possibilities of having your event in the house.

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How can I  schedule a visit to Belmont Hall’s grounds and house in order to tour the venues?

To view the facility, please call a FOBH representative at 1-302-264-9048 or email us at belmonthall.de@gmail.com.

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Is it possible to have an intimate wedding ceremony and a small reception in the house?

Yes, but due to the capacity limit on the number of guests in the historic house only approximately 40 people would comfortably fit into one room to watch your ceremony.   However, you should visit the house to decide if what you have in mind is possible.

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Is it possible to have an outdoors ceremony and a small 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 allowed in the house.  A cocktail reception would accommodate more guests in the house while a sit down meal reception would allow fewer guests.   We recommend that you visit Belmont Hall to see the possibilities and discuss your plans with a representative.

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Is there AV equipment, podiums, chart holders, and other things for a meeting available for use?

The FOBH offers wireless internet, easel/chart holders, and a podium.  You might have to bring your own AV equipment.   Check with the FOBH representative before your event for availability of equipment.

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Will someone from your staff attend my event?

A FOBH representative will be present for the duration of each event. The representative will open and close the house, make sure everything functions properly, and be there to answer any facility-related questions you might have.

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Do you offer business rates or discounts?

Local non-profit community organizations will receive 50% off the rental fee on weekdays except for Friday nights.  A FOBH representative will be glad to discuss options with you.

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Do you offer food service for business meetings?

Yes, the Friends of Belmont Hall offer a Continental Breakfast Service and a Beverage Service for meetings.  For small events you can bring prepackaged food or  food, such as sandwiches, bought from a licensed business. Brown bag lunches are also permitted.  A caterer can also be used.  If  the Friends of Belmont Hall Services or a caterer is not used, the renter will be responsible for clean up.  Discuss your plans with a FOBH representative.

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Can I  provide my own food for our event?

Brown bag lunches, food that is prepackaged, and food prepared by licensed businesses and brought by the renter are permitted for small events.  If serving hors d’oeuvres, desserts, or light refreshments for a small event no caterer is needed.   You can bring in food ordered from a licensed business such as cold cuts, sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc. or you may purchase cheese and crackers, dips and chips, etc. to serve.

However, other food may not be served unless it is prepared by a licensed caterer.  The renter will be responsible for clean up if a caterer is not used.  All trash must be placed in proper receptacles and removed from the premises at the end of the rental period. The kitchen must be cleaned and left in “as found” condition.

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 food, keeping it 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.

 

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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, as well as, other rules and regulations as they pertain to the event.  The State of Delaware prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products including vaping, etc. on all state owned properties, therefore, smoking is prohibited in the house and on the grounds.

Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onto the grounds.

Burning candles are not allowed in the house.

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.

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What are the restroom accommodations?

Two handicapped accessible restrooms are available on the first floor of the house.

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What is your policy on serving alcoholic beverages at our event?

Alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises for your event.  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.  Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages.

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 usually will be able to assist you in obtaining a certified bartender.

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.

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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.

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Are renters required to have their own insurance?

No, The Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc. carries 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.

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Who is responsible for cleaning up after our event?

The caterer is responsible for the general clean-up and removal of trash.   However, if there is no caterer, the renter is responsible.   Set up time and clean up time is to be included in your rental time.   All trash must be placed in plastic bags, placed in trash dumpster at the end of the rental period. The kitchen must be cleaned and left in “as found” condition.

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What form of payment do you accept?

Payment is accepted by check or money order made payable to the Friends of Belmont Hall, Inc.

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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.

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When do I get access to the house for the set up?

At least 1 – 2 weeks before your event, your representative and you will meet or discuss over the phone how you would like the rental areas set up and will finalize plans.

If you require extra time to set up items for your event, you can arrange that at this time.   Set up and clean up time is to be included in your rental time.

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After booking my event what should I expect from your representative?

  1. 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 house.  However, you would have to contact your vendors with any questions concerning their services.
  2. At least 1- 2 weeks before your event, your representative and you will meet at Belmont or discuss over the phone how you would like the rental areas set up and finalize plans.
  3. If your caterer has not worked at Belmont Hall, an on-site meeting may need to be held with the caterer and a representative.
  4.  If needed, on-site meetings with your florist, photographer, and musician can also be arranged.
  5. A FOBH representative will be present during your event.

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Are children allowed at events held in the house?

Certainly, children are welcome at Belmont Hall.  However, we do request parents to keep a watchful eye on their children.  Belmont Hall has several stairways and is an historical house that contains some valuable and irreplaceable items.  All minors are to be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

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Can the house be rented for a fundraiser?

Yes, Belmont Hall’s house 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.  Local non-profit community organizations will receive 50% off the rental fee on week days except for Friday nights.  If the fundraiser will include purchasing alcoholic beverages a Gathering License must be obtained from the State and an ABC licensed bartender must serve all alcohol.

 

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