Rental Guidelines

Capacity

  • Maximum capacity 30 people, including bridal couple, guests, and all vendors.

Event Timeline

  • Ceremonies are two (2) hours; Ceremonies & Champagne Toasts are three (3) hours. They begin and end at the times stated in the Rental Agreement. The Museum cannot let in early arrivals. See below for Overtime charges.
  • Client must submit a final headcount one week before the event (i.e., bridal couple, guests, officiant, photographer/videographer, musician(s), other vendors.)
  • See below for Rental Fee payments.

Amenities and Museum Staff

  • Rental fee includes a tax-deductible, one-year membership in the Merchant’s House Museum ($500 value).
  • The Museum has two public restrooms and a coat room on the ground floor.
  • Rentals include the use of gold folding chairs for Ceremonies, and one 30″ x 72″ table for Champagne Toasts. All other supplies are the responsibility of the client.
  • The House and Garden have WiFi for streaming.
  • No food or beverages are permitted at events that do not include paid Champagne Toast.
  • Client may use the Museum’s refrigerator to chill food/beverages.
  • At least two MHM staff members will be on site during the event.
  • The Museum and Garden is not wheelchair accessible.

Approval and Fees

  • All applications for special events are subject to approval by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Executive Director.
  • A signed Rental Agreement and 30 percent deposit are required to confirm the date.
  • The 30 percent deposit is non-refundable.
  • Additional fees may be charged (at the discretion of the Executive Committee) for items/activities including but not limited to:
    • Changes to Event Description or Event Schedule. An additional fee of $500 will be charged if the Museum closes early (but no earlier than 4pm).
    • Large decorations (floral arches, free-standing chuppahs, etc.)
    • Musicians or DJs
    • Docent tours of the House
    • Room use for changing
    • Additional catering supplies, e.g., second table
    • A large number of vendors
    • Caterers
    • Deliveries outside the start and end times of the event
    • Closure of the Museum during public visiting hours ($500/hour).
  • A damage deposit of $500 (or as determined by the Executive Director) is due at time of deposit and will be held for one week after the event.
  • Overtime is at a rate of $250/half-hour, rounded up to the nearest half-hour, or at the discretion of the Executive Director.
    • Overtime is charged if event clean-up runs longer than the allotted time.
    • Overtime may not be used to lengthen the duration of the event.
    • Overtime is permitted only at the discretion of MHM staff.
    • Clients/vendors/guests who arrive early may be asked to wait outside.
  • Payment of balance (by check or credit card) is due one week prior to the event.

Room/Garden Usage

  • Clients have access to the space(s) listed in the Rental Agreement only. Clients are not permitted in other areas of the Museum.
  • Objects in the collection may not be touched, nor may the furniture be sat upon.
  • Only MHM Staff may move objects in the Museum’s collection.
  • Smoking is prohibited.
  • Photography, with flash, is allowed in all spaces. Use of a tripod and special lighting is permitted under supervision of Museum staff.
  • For events including a Champagne Toast, food and drink may be served in the Garden and Period Kitchen only.
  • Flower petals for weddings may be tossed on the front steps only. (No rice or birdseed are permitted.)
  • Open flames are not permitted.
  • In case of rain, Ceremonies are held in the Greek Revival Double Parlor and Champagne Toasts in the 1850s Kitchen. The Garden cannot be tented.

Decorations

  • Decoration/styling of the Museum is allowed only under the direct supervision of MHM Staff and requires prior approval
  • The use of nails, stickpins, tape, paint, or any other material that could have irreversible effects on the Museum building or its collections is not allowed.
  • All decorations must be removed from the Museum at the end of the event.
  • Fires in the fireplaces are not permitted.

Insurance

  • In the case of an event sponsored by a corporate or non-profit entity, the Museum requires proof of coverage of Renter’s activities at the Museum by general liability insurance (or as determined by the Executive Director).
  • For Clients who are individuals, such coverage is at the discretion of the Executive Director.
  • If required, a proof of insurance must be submitted prior to the event.