What is the price to rent the mansion for a wedding?
The rental fee is $2500 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday evening the mansion is open. On Monday through Thursday evenings the mansion may be rented for $1750. To secure a date, a 50% deposit of the rental fee is required. The balance, plus a $500 refundable security deposit, is due 30 days before the event.

I am not having a wedding, just a party/corporate event, is there a different rate to rent the mansion?
No. Rental rates are the same for all parties with the exception of charity events. The rate for non-profit 501 (C) 3 organization is $1750 for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday evening the mansion is open. On Monday through Thursday evenings, non-profit groups may rent the mansion for $1500.

How many guests does the mansion hold?
The mansion can comfortably hold 175 guests for a reception making use of 5000 square feet of interior space, the rear yard and 1500 square feet of porches. There is a $10 charge per person over 175 and is not recommended. If only the interior of the mansion is to be used (as in the winter months or for a wedding ceremony being held in the formal parlors) the rental coordinator needs to advise on number of guests who can be accommodated depending on the type of event being planned.

If I just want to use the mansion for photos, what would be the site fee?
The mansion is available as a photography site on Mondays anytime before 5pm. The site fee is $150 and there is no time limit.

During what time is the mansion available?
The mansion is only available for rentals in the evening starting at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m. Caterers are allowed on the premises before and after the event.

Where do guests park?
The mansion offers a 20 to 30 car on-site parking lot. There is also street parking in the neighborhood.

Is there a noise limit?
The City of Wilmington exercises a noise ordinance that begins at 11:00 p.m. therefore all music must end by then.

Is there a dance floor?
The brick courtyard is perfect for dancing outside although a dance floor rental is needed if the party takes place inside.

Can I bring in my own candles?
Yes candles may be brought on site, however there are restrictions. Because fire is a great concern in a house the age of the Bellamy Mansion, the rental coordinator will discuss the use of candles in more detail.

What other decorations can we bring?
Because the Bellamy Mansion is a museum open for tours, the rental coordinator will discuss decorations with the renter. As an historic site, no residue from decorations is allowed. The ringing of celebration bells is suggested as a send off. We require that nothing be stapled, nailed, or taped to any part of the architecture. We also request that you refrain from using silly string, rice, confetti, bubbles or any substance that will leave a residue of any kind on the site. Sparklers are not allowed because of fire and residue.

Can we bring in our own alcohol?
Alcohol may be served with the exception of red-based liquids as the mansion has custom Victorian carpets that are difficult to clean. An alcohol permit is needed; most likely your caterer can provide this.

What is your policy on smoking?
Smoking is allowed on the 1st floor porches and in the rear yard. No smoking is allowed inside the mansion or on the 2nd floor porch.

Is the mansion handicap accessible?
The patio, gardens, gift shop, and rest rooms are handicap accessible. However the mansion itself is accessible only by stairways, as it was built according to mid-nineteenth standards.

Can you refer vendors?
The Bellamy Mansion Museum is happy to provide you with a list of vendors who are familiar with operations at the mansion. You can find Wilmington wedding resources here.

What is the cancellation policy?
Renters cancelling a rental six months prior to an event will receive a 75% refund of the rental deposit. Cancellations within six months of the event receive a 50% refund of the rental deposit.