Frequently Asked Questions

When are weddings scheduled?
Our wedding season is May-October; inquire about available dates during the off-season for indoor spaces only. Hill-Stead Museum schedules just one wedding per weekend to allow for a leisurely experience for you and your guests.

Hill-Stead Museum is open to the public until 5 pm. Wedding receptions (with or without ceremonies) may last up to six hours, from 5 to 11 pm. Town ordinance reuqires all outdoor music to end by 11 pm.

Ceremonies without a reception are allowed a two-hour time block beginning at 5 pm. An additional hour may be purchased, allowing the event to begin at 4 pm. Event timing will be restricted if setup and/or the actual event is deemed intrusive to the museum's daily visitors.

What is included in my site rental fee?
All weddings include a one-hour open house in the museum for the enjoyment of your guests. For a ceremony without a reception, the open house may be either immediately before or immediately after the ceremony. For receptions (with or without ceremonies), open house is scheduled during the cocktail hour.

Your site fee also includes use of the bride's room and museum staffing. Museum staff includes an event supervisor, security guard and historic interpreters for the open house. For events larger than 250 guests, extended open house hours and additional staff may be required for a nominal fee.

Your $500 deposit at the time of contract signing will serve as a contribution to the museum, for which you will receive a one-year membership at the Patron level. A membership packet outlining benefits will be sent to you shortly after the contract has been processed.

Does the site rental fee include a tent?
No. The site rental fee is for use of the museum grounds and approved indoor spaces only. Tents and other rental items are obtained on your own or with the help of one of our preferred caterers.

What about tables and chairs?
Hill-Stead Museum has tables and chairs for use in our indoor spaces only. Please inquire about specific numbers and sizes.

Do I need insurance?
Yes. You will be required to obtain a special events insurance policy, naming Hill-Stead Museum as an additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000. Specifications of coverage requirements are outlined in the wedding contract.

Hill-Stead recommends Wedsafe (www.wedsafe.com). A brochure will be provided at the time of contract signing outlining WedSafe's insurance program.

May I use my homeowner's policy?
No. A homeowner's policy does not allow for the inclusion of the event site as an additional insured.

Does the museum do catering or may I use my own caterer?
Hill-Stead Museum has a preferred catering list of professionals who have worked many and varied events at the museum. They are all familiar with our policies and procedures. Special arrangements may be made for specific ethnic, religious or dietary needs.

What is your policy about alcoholic beverages?
Alcoholic beverages may be served as long as the caterer and/or bar tending service and host provide for liquor liability coverage. Host liquor liability coverage is automatically included as part of the WedSafe liability policy.

At no time may the bar be "self-serve."

Hill-Stead Museum's position on bringing in your own alcoholic beverages or purchasing through the caterer and/or bartending service is that you may do either.

Are events other than weddings allowed?
We do not allow children's parties (i.e., birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs).

The museum's membership policy allows for members at the $5,000 and $10,000 levels the privilege of hosting one private function per year.

What about Bridal Showers?
We only allow wedding ceremonies and receptions.

What are the available spaces and what are their capacities?
The Makeshift Theater can accommodate up to 80 for a seated dinner or 100 for a standing cocktail party. The Pope Board Room can accommodate up to 30 for a seated dinner and 50 for a standing party. The West Lawn and Grass Court each accommodate a tented function for 200+; events are not scheduled simultaneously in these areas. The Sunken Garden can accommodate 200.

Please inquire for rental rates at 860.677.4787 ext 122 or andersonm@hillstead.org.

Rental times for indoor spaces and the Sunken Garden are calculated to include set-up and clean-up. Additional fees are charged for before- and after-hours access to buildings. Access to the lawn areas is from 7:30 am–5:30 pm