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Rental Facts and FAQ

Who may use Belmont?
Which facilities are available?
Studio Pavilion Photo Gallery
When is Gari Melchers Home and Studio available for functions?
What will it cost?
Rental fees
What is included with the fee?
Reservation procedure
General Restrictions and Requirements
   • Commercial Photography
Catering Guidelines

Who may use Gari Melchers Home and Studio?


Selected facilities at Gari Melchers Home and Studio are available by reservation to nonprofit cultural and community service related organizations. The site is also available for functions sponsored by departments of the University of Mary Washington, and area government agencies. Private parties, weddings, business meetings, and club events may also be accommodated.


Which facilities are available?


The 18th century estate or the studio can be opened during events for guided tours at an additional charge during the first hour of the event. Public restrooms are available in the Studio Pavilion.


When is Gari Melchers Home and Studio available for functions?

Lawn events are normally scheduled between May 1 - October 31. Events cannot start before 6 p.m., but set-up may begin earlier, by prior arrangement. Events must conclude by 11 p.m. In order to insure that an event concludes by 11p.m., any bar and/or music provided by a DJ or band must end by 10:30. Wedding ceremonies of 50 people or less may be scheduled during public hours if they will not conflict with tours or other museum activities.


What will it cost?

With at least two weeks notice, and at an additional charge of $300, the studio can be opened during the first hour of lawn or Pavilion events. There is no charge for renter’s wedding rehearsals or wedding photo sessions in the gardens, but both must be scheduled in advance. Fees for private use of the lawn and gardens are listed below.
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Garden Rental Fees

Price includes chairs.

Wedding Ceremonies only
Up to 50 guests    $750
51-100 guests       $1300
101-150 guests     $1900

Wedding Receptions in Studio Pavilion (evenings only)
Price includes chairs and tables.
Up to a maximum of 100 guests $3000

If ceremony and reception are booked together, a 10% discount will be offered on the combined fees.

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What is included with the fee?


The payment of the fee gives the renter access to the lawn and gardens for the allotted time of the event. The visitor center will be open for restroom access. Gari Melchers Home and Studio staff will be in attendance throughout each event. Any items or equipment that the renter will provide will be the responsibility of the renter. A checklist must be approved the week before the event. The fee also includes:

• A wedding rehearsal, by reservation.
• Access to the grounds and gardens for formal portrait sittings, by appointment.
• Free admission to the grounds for wedding guests on the day of the event.
• On site supervision by a Gari Melchers Home and Studio staff member during the event.
• On site security guard during set-up and arrival time.
• Parking direction for events over 100 during the hour prior to starting time.
• One year membership in the Friends of Belmont (Household level).

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Reservation Procedure

Tentative reservations will be held for two weeks only. A completed, signed rental agreement and a deposit of 50% of the fee is required to confirm a reservation. The balance is payable no later than one week before the event (a deposit is not required for the visitor center conference room). Deposits are refundable up to 60 days prior to the event. For businesses and organizations, post-event billing may be arranged.

General Restrictions and Requirements


No smoking is allowed in any building on the property. Please use exterior ashtrays provided.

No food or beverages are allowed in the studio or the house.

No aisle runners are allowed on the lawn.

Outdoor electric service is limited to two, 20 amp circuits. All electrical requirements and set-ups must be discussed and approved in advance.

Throwing rice, birdseed, flower petals, potpourri or any other loose material after weddings is prohibited. (Alternatives include bell ringing, blowing bubbles, and releasing butterflies)

Brides and other members of wedding parties should arrive prepared for the ceremony. Participants should not arrive more than 90 minutes before the scheduled starting time, and should plan to depart no later than 30 minutes after the event. Photographers should note these restrictions and plan accordingly.

To avoid potential conflicts with other museum activities, commercial photographers must give 24 hours notice of arrival for photo sessions on the grounds, or they may be denied access to the property.

During photo sessions, photographers may not move benches or flowerpots, or otherwise disturb flowerbeds or other areas of the gardens. Private props may be used with prior permission. No photography or videotaping is allowed inside the house or studio.


Commercial Photography

To avoid potential conflicts with other museum activities, professional photographers must make reservations in order to use the grounds for a photo session. Only those who have made a reservation will be allowed to conduct photo sessions on the grounds.

Photo sessions reserved by a Belmont wedding client have priority over other photography sessions. Any photographer using the grounds for a photo session which is not associated with a Belmont client is required to pay a $25 fee to Gari Melchers Home and Studio for the use of the gardens and grounds.

During photo sessions, photographers may not move benches or flower pots, or otherwise disturb flowerbeds or other areas of the garden. Private props may be used with prior permission.

No photography is allowed after hours.

No photography or video taping is allowed inside the house or studio.
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Catering Guidelines

Catering will be provided by an approved licensed caterer. Please ask Gari Melchers Home and Studio’s Special Events Coordinator for the approved list of caterers.

Caterers must supply extra trashcans, food storage containers and serving equipment, including dishes, utensils, and ashtrays. All trash and equipment, including soiled dishware, must be removed immediately following the event.

Dance floors and other equipment cannot be erected or delivered earlier than 48 hours before the event and must be removed within 48 hours after the event.

Supplier References: Gari Melchers Home and Studio maintains a list of caterers, suppliers and event service companies that have experience at our site, for your reference. Please ask the Special Events Coordinator for a copy of the current list.

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