The James House Mansion

About Us: Questions and Answers

1. How many people can The James House Mansion accommodate?

Capacity:

2. Is there an additional fee if I want to have my wedding ceremony in the Mansion?

No.

3. Does The James House Mansion have a Bride's Dressing Room?

Yes. There is a suite on the second floor with a full bathroom for use by the bride and her attendants.

4. When can I visit the Mansion to see the space and plan my event?

Upon receiving your inquiry, you will be contacted by one of The James House Representatives who will make an appointment to show you the house. The Mansion is not open during regular business hours but shown only by appointment. If you wish to have others see the Mansion during the planning phase, please arrange for them to join you at the time of your appointment.

5. What does the total rental time include?

The total rental time includes the number of hours your guests are at your event, as well as time for opening the Mansion only on the day of the event, set-up by the caterer, florist, musicians, etc., and breakdown at the event's conclusion. Our experience is that caterers need 3 hours to set up for a 5-hour party and 2 hours to break down after such an event. Likewise, shorter events require less set-up and breakdown time.

6. What is your policy regarding overtime?

• Arrangements for overtime (maximum one hour) must be made 5 days prior to the event, not during the event itself. Note that all events must end by 12:00 Midnight.
• Any overtime (charged at $200/half-hour) may be paid by personal check.
  

7. How late can my event run?

All music and liquor service must end by Midnight, and all guests must depart by Midnight.

8. May I use my own caterer?

Yes. However, if you wish to use a caterer who is not on our Preferred Caterers list, you should discuss this with the James House Representative. If approved, the caterer must provide a refundable $600 security deposit together with proof of current Worker's Compensation, General Liability, and Liquor Liability/Dram Shop Insurance. The caterer must also meet with the James House Representative in advance to review and sign the Caterer's Agreement/Checklist.

9. Does The James House Mansion rental include tables, chairs, linens, china, etc?

No. The caterer provides these items. At least 30 days prior to the event, the James House Representative must be advised in writing of any and all rental companies to be used by client.

10. How should payment be made for my deposit, security deposit and rental fee?

• The 25% deposit, due on signing the Agreement, may be paid by personal check.
• The balance, due 30 days prior to your event, must be paid by certified or bank check.
• The refundable $1,000 security deposit, due 30 days prior to your event, may be paid by personal check. This check will be deposited immediately upon receipt.

11. If I cancel my event, will I receive a refund?

• If you provide written cancellation at least 90 days prior to your event, one-half of your deposit will be refunded.
• If we are able to re-book the Mansion for your date, the entire deposit or rental fee, less any loss to the James House, will be refunded.

12. When must I notify my James House Representative of the final number of expected guests?

This information must be provided to the James House Representative at least 5 days before the scheduled event.

13. We plan to have a number of children under 12 in attendance. Does this present a problem?

It is important that you advise your James House Representative as to how many children will be in attendance. For every group of 10 children age 12 and under, the host must designate and identify to The James House Representative an adult who will serve as chaperone.

14. Are there restrictions regarding decorations?

All displays, decorations, floral arrangements, etc., brought into The Mansion must be of a type that does not mar or do damage to the premises. For safety reasons, no decorations or properties that have electrical requirements may be brought into the premises without prior discussion and permission from The James House Mansion Representative.

15. Can decorating be done the day before my event?

Decorating may be done only on the day of the event during the time allocated for the caterer to set up for the party.

16. Can I use balloons as part of the decorations?

Yes, but they must be removed at the end of the event. A fee will be charged for the removal of any balloons that have risen to the ceiling. Balloons may not be released into the environment.

17. When can I pick up my decorations?

All decorations must be removed from the Mansion at the end of the event.

18. Can we use candles on the tables?

Votive candles are permitted. Open-flame candles may not be used.

19. Is smoking permitted in the James House Mansion?

No. Phelps Memorial Hospital Center is a totally tobacco-free facility. Use of all tobacco products in any form throughout the hospital campus is prohibited at all times. This includes The James House Mansion, inside and out, the verandah, driveway, walkway, grassy areas, in cars, vans, and other transport vehicles.

20. Is The James House Air Conditioned?

No, but fans can be rented through your caterer.