Frequently Asked Questions

 

​Additional info: WaverlyMD@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-0200​

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When can I rent Historic Waverly Mansion for an outdoor ceremony, reception, or both?

The annual outdoor rental season is April 15 through October 31. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are available for wedding rentals during this time. 

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How do I find out if my desired date is available?

Please contact Historic Waverly Mansion by email at WaverlyMD@howardcountymd.gov.

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What is the current pricing for outdoor wedding rentals at Historic Waverly Mansion? (Prices are subject to change.)

• 8-hour weekend rentals:

  • Fridays and Sundays for 8 hours: $3,500

  • Saturdays for 8 hours: $4,000

  • Additional hours (up to 4 hours): $400 per hour

  • Security deposit (refundable): $750

• For weekday weddings, and off-season options, please contact Historic Waverly Mansion for more information at WaverlyMD@howardcountymd.gov.

• When Registering through Active Net or Active Works

  • Effective December 1, 2025, a 2.4% processing fee will apply to all card transactions. This aligns with the County’s February 1, 2025, policy change.

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Is Historic Waverly Mansion a full-service venue?

No. Historic Waverly Mansion provides the location. The renters contract the vendors and services separately. This includes but is not limited to catering, DJs, event planners, florals, and officiants.

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Does Historic Waverly Mansion provide planning and coordinating services?

No. Historic Waverly Mansion is not a full-service venue and does not offer planning services. The permit holder is required to have an Day-of Coordinator. The Day-of Coordinator is the liaison amongst the permit holder and all vendors, including Waverly’s event staff.

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What is the standard timeline for a wedding rental?

• Standard 8-hour model:

  • 2 hours: Vendor set-up/Wedding party preparations

  • 1 hour: Ceremony and photos

  • 1 hour: Cocktail hour

  • 3 hours: Reception

  • 1 hour: Vendors/Coordinator/Wedding Party clean up and depart

• No one arrives on the premises before the contracted start time. All vendors, attendees, and the wedding party may access the property at the contracted start time to begin preparations.

• All attendees, vendors, and wedding party members must be off the property at the end hour of the contract. No exceptions. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the forfeiture of the security deposit in its entirety.

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Can I come before my rental time to decorate or store items on-site?

• No. If more time is needed to decorate, additional hours must be purchased. There is no overnight storage at Historic Waverly Mansion.

• Please refer to our Rules and Regulations for the full décor policy.

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Can I rent Historic Waverly Mansion for more than 8 hours?

• Yes. Additional hours can be added to the rental contract by request.

• After the standard 8-hour rental, the fee per each additional hour is $400. No more than five additional hours can be purchased for a maximum of 13 hours per event. The maximum event time is 11am to 12am (Midnight).

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What is included in the rental?

Wedding rentals are granted exclusive use of the mansion, gardens, and grounds. Only one event will be scheduled for the contracted time. Property amenities include:

• Mansion and Grounds:

  • Exclusive use of the mansion (accommodates 50 persons), including two dressing suites on the second floor.

  • Free Wi-Fi available in the mansion.

  • Formal garden and historic barn options for ceremony.

  • Brick pathway that extends from the tent to the parking areas.

  • Free parking in gravel lot.

  • Restroom trailer with ADA accessible stalls.

  • Catering prep space in the mansion kitchen.

• Reception Tent:

  • 60 foot x 40 foot event tent

  • Brick patio under event tent

  • Optional cathedral window sides

  • White fabric liner

  • 4 gold chandeliers

  • Perimeter fans

  • Electrical bollard

  • Accommodates a maximum of 125 people

• Warming Kitchen:

  • Commercial refrigerator and freezer

  • Commercial warming cabinet

  • Prep tables in kitchen

• Restroom Trailer:

  • Electricity

  • Running water

  • Climate control

  • 2 single-person stalls

  • 1 ADA-accessible stall with ramp

• Tables and Chairs

  • (10) 6-foot rectangular tables

  • (15) 5-foot round tables

  • (2) 3-foot round tables

  • (8) 2-foot round cocktail tables

  • 125 gold Chiavari chairs with white cushions.

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What is the capacity of the event tent?

• Historic Waverly’s event tent of 60 feet x 40 feet for a total of 2,400 square feet.

• Maximum capacity for seated dinner with dance floor: 125

• Maximum capacity for theater style seated event: 200

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What are the requirements for catering?

• Historic Waverly Mansion is not a full-service venue.

• The permit holder is required to select one full-service (licensed) caterer.

• The caterer must be pre-approved by Waverly Management by submitting a catering application, a copy of their catering license and insurance certificate. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to make sure the caterer is familiar with the site, plus the rules and regulations before the event.

• Food trucks are prohibited.

• Family-catered events are not permitted.

• Catering Requirements and Responsibilities:

  • Must employ their own staff and may not hire out or contract servers, bartenders, etc. A minimum of seven catering staff are needed, plus one event manager.

  • Must provide proof of required insurance and licensing.

  • All food must be served by one full-service licensed caterer, no exceptions.

  • No self-serve alcohol. All alcohol must be served by one full-service licensed caterer.

  • Catering team will assist in execution of the rain plan, if needed.

  • Catering team is responsible for trash removal and kitchen cleaning at the end of the contracted hours.

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Does Historic Waverly Mansion have pre-approved vendors?

A list of licensed and insured full-service caterers that have previously worked at the site and Belmont Manor can be provided upon request. Please note that the list of caterers is not an endorsement or referral.

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What happens if it rains during my outdoor ceremony/cocktail hour?

• Historic Waverly Mansion is an outdoor venue. All permit holders must decide on a rain plan with their Day-of Coordinator prior to their event and communicate the plan to the caterer and other vendors. The rain plan decision must be called two hours prior to the scheduled event/ceremony. Day-of coordinator works in tandem with the caterer and other vendors regarding execution (timing, chairs, setup, etc.).

• If there is an imminent severe weather warning (tornado, severe thunderstorm, continuous lightning), Waverly staff will work with vendors to evacuate all guests into the mansion until the threat has passed for at least 15 minutes. 

• Rain Plan Option:

  • Ceremony in reception tent.

  • Cocktail hour in Mansion and/or tent (depends on guest count).

  • Reception in tent.

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Does Historic Waverly Mansion require insurance for rentals?

Yes. Historic Waverly Mansion will provide the renter with information on the "tenant user liability insurance program" through GatherGuard. The average cost is around $200 to purchase but is subject to individual event details.

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Where do guests park?

• Historic Waverly Mansion provides free on-site parking for all rentals. Guests may park in the gravel lot.

• On-site parking is very limited. Carpooling, use of car services (Uber, Lyft), and shuttles are encouraged. ​The permit holder is responsible for any shuttle services for guests. All shuttles must be approved by Waverly Management.

• Overnight parking is prohibited.

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Can I visit before booking a wedding rental?

• Historic Waverly Mansion is not open to the public, aside from scheduled rentals and special events. Tours are given by appointment during normal business hours.

• Email WaverlyMD@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-0200 to schedule a tour.

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