AT THE FRANCISCAN MONASTERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is included in the rental fee?
Your rental fee includes 8 hours (additional hours can be rented),tables, chairs,
use of our sound system with cordless microphonesand 12x12 projection screen, full catering kitchen,
and access to the Monastery's beautiful grounds for photographs.
​
What is your capacity?
St. Francis Hall is ideally suited for up to 200 guests but can accommodate up to 225 with additional room for dancing.
Guests will have access to ample, free parking – including use of the lot across the street from the Hall.
​
Can I get married in the Monastery's chapel or gardens?
Ceremonies are welcome on the private lawn adjacent to the Hall
but not permitted in the Chapel or in the Monastery gardens.
Bridal parties are welcome to utilize the beautiful gardens for photographs.
​
Is there an outdoor space available?
Renters are welcome to make use of our covered terrace overlooking a scenic fish pond
or the private lawn adjacent to the Hall.
​
​
Is there a place for my bridal party to get ready?
We have a beautiful apartment overlooking the Hall which is a perfect place for a bride and her bridesmaid's
final preparations. This is included in the rental and many couples also use it later in the evening as a place for
children to be babysat or entertained watching a movie.
​
​
Can I bring my own caterer and/or alcohol?
We have found that utilizing one of our thoroughly vetted and approved caterers ensures the success of your event. We do require you to choose from our long list of required caterers in a variety of price points and cuisines who are most familiar with the Hall. Parties wishing to bring in a cuisine from a special culture or tradition may do so if it is commercially prepared and by using one of our required staffing companies. You are welcome to bring in your own alcohol and we provide instructions for obtaining a one-day liquor license in our Client Section.
​
​
Can I add additional time to my contract?
Yes – your event is our sole focus for the day and additional time can be added to your event at any point up until 30 days prior to the date. We can offer you extra hours at a rate of $600 per hour. Please note that your rental period must run concurrently. This means that if you add extra time for set up, it needs to be adjacent to your primary rental period (if your event is from 4pm – 12am, an extra hour could be from 3pm – 4pm) If there is not an event taking place the day before yours and you’d like to rent time during business hours for decorating or special set up, that is also an option.
​
​
Can I drop off/store wedding items at the Hall prior to my wedding?
Yes! You are welcome to drop off any non-perishable and non-alcoholic items at the Hall by appointment prior to your event. Please just notify us of your plans ahead of time.
​
​
If I’m holding my ceremony at the Hall, can I book time for a rehearsal?
Yes – but we will have to wait until closer to the event to see if the day before has been booked for another event.
If it has, we will work with you to find a time to rehearse (or you may consider rehearsing in an alternate location).
The rehearsal rate is $600.00 per hour. If access is only needed to the lawn, there is no charge.
​
​
Can I schedule a walk through of the Hall with my caterer/family/other vendors?
Yes. We require that all clients schedule a walk-through with their caterers and coordinators at the Hall. This will make sure that everyone is on the same page and that your wishes can best be carried out during your event. The best time to plan your walk-through is between 30 and 60 days prior to your event. You’ll want to make sure it has taken place before your final confirmation details are due to me one month prior to your event.
What is the Hall’s policy on candles and decorations?
St. Francis Hall enforces fire protection safety codes. No pyrotechnic devices, smoke/fog machines or
open flame are allowed. Candles may be used only if they are securely fixed in sturdy, approved candleholders with side glass enclosure fully extending beyond flame height (i.e. – votives and hurricanes). All fire aisles and exits must be kept clear of equipment and people. No smoking is allowed anywhere in the buildings.
​
Decorations may be brought in with approval to confirm they do not damage the building or grounds. Silk flower petals are not permitted outside as we've found they damage the lawn.
​
Is the Hall handicapped accessible?
Yes! We have ramped access to the Hall and a dedicated handicapped accessible restroom located on the main floor.
​
Where can I get a Hall diagram and inventory list?
Please visit the Client Info section on our website to download and print out these and other helpful documents.
May we use the Hall’s sound system?
Yes! We just ask that you or your band/DJ visit the Hall during an open house to review what we have and make sure they have the proper hookups/cords, etc. Our system includes:
-
Two Speakers: Elector Voice Pro Audio (located inside Hall, no speakers on terrace)
-
Amplifiers: Electro Voice Q44 Professional
-
Projector: Epson model Powerlite 1776W
-
Two Wireless Microphones: Shure
-
Two Corded Microphones: Carvin CM68 and CM67
​
​
How do I reserve St. Francis Hall?
To reserve St. Francis Hall, please email stfrancishall@gmail.com.
Reservations are complete with the return of a signed contract, 50% of the rental fee, and a $750 refundable security deposit. Final payments and all insurance documentation are due thirty days prior to event date.