Create a Special Event at The Castle
If you're looking for a unique venue with customizable options, look no further Imagine having a cocktail reception inside an exquisite Victorian home, then head out to the garden for dinner and dancing on the South Lawn.
Events Which We Accommodate Include
- Holiday staff parties
- Networking events
- Conferences
- Incentives groups
- Fundraising events
- Awards ceremonies
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Festivals
With Each Event, Prices Always Include
- Site inspection and meeting with a Society manager
- 1 hour rehearsal time for the wedding party/event coordinators (booked in advance)
- 34 on-site parking spots for guest use
- Two 10′ x 10′ tents for a staging area if required
- Indoor and outdoor non-commercial photo rights
- Drop tables, garbage, and recycling bins
- Gift reception table
- Society manager and staff on site during the rental time to facilitate your event
Please note: Live music, alcoholic beverages, decorations, flowers, photography, curatorial staff and other rentals such as heaters or dance floor are not included.
Craigdarroch Castle was built for entertaining. You can hire a small ensemble of musicians to suit your taste; jazz trios; strings; pianists; vocalists; comedians and/or play your own selection of CD’s or tapes. The pianos in both the Drawing Room and the Dance Hall are available for use by a professional pianist. Please note that we do not allow dancing because of potential damage to the Castle that is, in and of itself, an artifact.
With the open staircase, the acoustics are wonderful and music can be heard all through the Castle. If you need some suggestions, we have an extensive list of entertainers from which to choose. Bar service is limited to white wine (no red or rosé), champagne, beer, non-berry cider and non-staining soft drinks.
A Special Occasion Liquor License is required if liquor is to be served and we can provide information to assist you with that process. We work exclusively with experienced companies that have successfully worked within our very specialized museum environment. Our preferred caterers are Truffles Catering — for 50 people or more — TrufflesCatering.net. For any sized group, there is also Food for Thought — FoodForThoughtCatering.net. Please contact us if they are unavailable for your event date and we will provide other choices.
Photography during your event is allowed provided all safety requirements are met as outlined in the terms and conditions of your agreement. You are entitled to all noncommercial rights for the photographs and videos made of your event. If your photographer requires extensive set up or you require time outside that allowed for your event then extra charges might apply.
Cocktail Reception Events We Host Include
- Holiday staff parties
- Networking events
- Conferences
- Incentives groups
- Fundraising events
- Awards ceremonies
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Festivals
Limitations & Restrictions
Please keep in mind that as a historic house museum located in a residential neighborhood, we have many unusual limitations and restrictions of which you should be aware of in advance:
- Events are typically restricted to AFTER our regular business hours. Some dates may be blocked out due to the Cruise Ship tours.
- No red or rosé wine is permitted inside the Castle. (These may be consumed outside during a tented event.)
- No dancing is permitted in the Castle due to damaged floors, proximity of artifacts, etc. (Again, outside in a tent is fine.)
- Stiletto heels or shoes with damaging soles are not permitted in the Castle. We do not recommend stilettos for the lawn either.
- Only approved caterers may be used. Our preferred caterer is Truffles Catering but please contact us if they are unavailable for your event date and we will provide other choices. We work closely with caterers so they are familiar with our limitations and the restricted list of food and beverage items.
- Photography is not included in any of the rental prices, however we can recommend a photographer if you like.
- Curatorial staff may be required to move some artifacts for your event, in which case an additional charge of $300/hour applies.
- Outdoor music must end at 10pm in order to maintain a friendly relationship with our abutting neighbors.
- Buses are not permitted on Joan Crescent, however we do have a designated bus stop at the corner of Fort St. and Joan Crescent.