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Ward Memorial Arch

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

We know how much work goes into planning an event and that your head may be spinning with all the questions you need to ask to ensure you pick the perfect place. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions conveniently answered all in one place. 

Facilities and Parking

Are your facilities climate-controlled?

Yes. All events facilities are heated and air conditioned.

Is there parking available?

Yes. There are a variety of visitor parking lots around campus, depending on your event’s location and whether the academic year is in progress. The most accessible parking lot for events held in the chapels is the Harrison House parking lot. You can view our campus parking map for all parking options.

Can the campus roadways and parking lots accommodate a limo or a shuttle bus?

Yes. Limos can even be brought right up to the front of Baker Memorial Chapel for weddings with advance notice and planning. 

Do you provide support for disabled guests from parking lots to event venues?

Guests requiring disabled parking can be shuttled from the parking lot to your event venue with advanced notice. 

Do you have audiovisual or multimedia equipment available for use?

Yes. As a college, we are uniquely equipped with a wide array of audiovisual and multimedia equipment. Depending on the venue you select, there may be built-in systems available for use or we can bring in mobile equipment like projectors, microphones, speakers, etc. 

Are we required to carry event liability insurance?

Yes. This protects you and the college against things like property damage and guest injuries. We recommend working with your insurance agent to get a one-day certificate of insurance (COI). Please let us know if you need assistance with this important step and we can point you to some resources. 

Can we bring our own decorations?

Yes. Please note that most campus spaces cannot be decorated until the day of the event. All decorations must be removed at the end of your event. The college is not responsible for any items left in our locations after the event.

Wedding-specific decoration policies:

  • No smoking candles or open flames are permitted. Battery-operated candles are permitted in the chapels.
  • The college is not responsible for receiving floral deliveries. Please arrange with your florist to have someone in the wedding party, a designated family member, or friend to receive and be responsible for all floral deliveries. This includes all flowers for the altar, bouquets for the wedding party, corsages for family members, and boutonnieres for the wedding party. All decorations and items brought to the chapel must be removed at the conclusion of the ceremony.
  • The officiant or someone designated by the couple is responsible for the setup and removal of any elements for communion, altar displays, decorations, etc. Floral arrangements may not be placed on the organ or piano in either chapel. Do not place equipment on the organ benches in either chapel. Rice, confetti, glitter, birdseed, bubbles, and fresh flower petals are not allowed at either chapel (inside or outside).
  • If you are using silk flower petals, you must designate someone to pick up the petals immediately following the ceremony.

Food and Drink

Can we use an outside caterer?

No. All events hosted on campus must use our in-house catering services, AVI. This has the added benefit of all food being prepped in our on-campus kitchens, eliminating transportation logistics and costs and temperature-control obstacles. Our corporate and staff chefs are experienced, highly trained, innovative food service specialists able to create any menu selection you can think of … and some you haven’t! 

Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Our chefs and catering staff are well versed in meeting a variety of dietary restrictions, whether it’s for the whole group or a handful of guests requiring a special meal. Let us know what accommodations you need made (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.) and we will work with you and the catering team to put together a menu that leaves no guest hungry. Food service stations can be clearly marked with all allergens, ensuring your guests never have to question whether something they want to eat is safe. 

Do you serve alcohol?

Yes. Cheers!

Can we bring our own alcohol?

No. Due to liability concerns, all alcohol must be purchased with your package through the college’s catering services and served by AVI staff. 

What alcohol do you serve?

Beer, wine, and liquor are all available for purchase. Guests consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old and will be carded before service. 

Can we bring our own wedding cake?

Yes, with a food waiver.

Camps & Overnight Events

What housing options are available for overnight events and campus?

During the summer months, housing accommodation availability ranges from traditional residence halls with a shared bathroom to apartment-style living, which sleeps four (4) to five (5) people with a full kitchen. Residence hall availability depends on renovations and other projects happening on campus.

 

Do you provide bedding/linen service for overnight events and camps?

Linen packages are available on a per-day rental charge. They include a sheet set, pillow and pillowcase, blanket, two (2) towels, and a washcloth.

What dining services are available for overnight events and camps?

All conference and camp packages include three (3) meals per day in Englar Dining Hall. Catering is also available for an additional charge.

Miscellaneous

We’re not quite sure what we’re looking for. Do you offer consultation calls or visits?

Yes. Please submit your initial inquiry form and we will be in touch to schedule a telephone or on-site consultation to see venues that are most appropriate for your event. 

Are your venues available during the academic year?

It depends. As a college, our first priority has to be our students, faculty, and staff, to ensure they are able to do their jobs and get the education they are paying for. We also have several camps and conferences that take place each summer on campus as well. When it comes to planning events like weddings and family reunions, we recommend trying to align your event with the college’s fall break or spring break. Please note that the college is closed for winter break and does not accept event bookings in the last two weeks of December around the holidays to give our staff much-deserved time off with their families and friends. 

Do you require a deposit to book a venue?

This depends on the venue and total event cost. 

Do you offer a nonprofit discount?

Yes. Registered nonprofit organizations receive a 25% discount on facility rentals. 

What is your inclement weather policy?

What information should I prepare to start the event planning process?

Our standard inquiry form requires the following information:  

  • Basic contact details 

  • Type and description of event 

  • Location(s) of interest 

  • Estimated headcount 

  • Requested date(s) 

  • Requested time of event 

  • Do you need audiovisual/multimedia technology equipment and/or support? 

  • Do you need an ASL interpreter? 

  • Will you require catering? 

  • Will alcohol be served? 

  • Will minors be present? 

Conference & Event Services

Phone: 410-386-4602

Office: Smith House

McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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