FAQ

Yes, we offer a complimentary 1 hour wedding ceremony rehearsal which should be scheduled with the staff in advance.  No food or beverages may be served during the rehearsal time.

Yes, there is no extra charge for the use of the space however you are required to either rent our white lawn chairs for $4.00 per chair (includes set-up and take-down) or rent your chairs from an outside vendor (in the case set-up and take-down are not included).

Yes, if you are having your wedding ceremony onsite and officially getting married you are required to obtain, in advance, a Howard County marriage license.

Marriage licenses can be obtained at The Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045. The telephone number is 410-313-5850. Applications for marriage licenses are not accepted after 4:00 p.m. The application process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not a resident of Howard County, AND it is not convenient for you to visit the Clerk’s Office, you may apply for a marriage license using a Non-Resident Application. If you go to the Clerk’s Office, then the marriage application must be completed on-site at the Clerk’s Office.

Yes, a full tea and coffee service is available for an additional charge of $4.00 per person.

Yes, we can work with a variety of caterers to handle all your food and beverage needs.

Our max capacity is 180 guests for the house however that is seating guests throughout the entire house. Maximum capacity in our largest room, the main ballroom, is 80. We have some sample floor plans listed on the Weddings or Meetings pages. Please keep in mind, when seated on the veranda that the doors swing outwards and you may not want to place guests directly behind them.  The veranda is not climate controlled.

The price depends on the day and times you are using the manor house.   The rental price includes the specific area of the building you contract for as well as the front lawn, the Bishop’s Garden and the back lawn (sans the tent), set up and take down of tables/chairs inside of the house, and an on-site Facility Assistant. The client needs to provide everything else including their own decor.  Pricing sheets for Social Events and Meetings.  The tent is a separate cost payable directly to Elite Tents & Events.  

Your beloved family dog is welcome on the grounds (on leash) but is not permitted inside the manor house.

We have abundant free parking for all of our guests. This includes 98 parking spaces immediately in front of the manor house.  We do not offer valet parking services.

The tent is NOT included in the price. It is through a third party vendor; Elite Tents & Events.

Both A/C and fans can be rented from Elite Tents & Events for the tent.

The tent includes side wall panels, perimeter and overhead lighting.  When you speak to our tent vendor they will let you know the cost for particular setup items you would like including a variety of tables and chairs. Depending on what rental choices you make, prices may vary. Oakland’s tables and chairs are not permitted outside of the building with the exception of the attached veranda.  Please contact Elite Tents

Client’s and/or vendors are not permitted on the property prior to the contracted entry time due to liability reasons.  If needing to come in early or stay later than the contracted time, you will need to contact our office to add additional hours at an additional fee.  When contracting, please factor in the time for prep according to your contracted time.

The Veranda is considered part of the manor house, so you are welcome to use Oakland’s tables and chairs on it.

Yes.  There is a Children, Teen & Young Adult Celebration addendum which must be signed and adhered to accompanying our contract.

Yes, you can save money by purchasing alcohol directly from your preferred liquor store.  Many vendors will offer delivery and are often willing to buy back any unopened cases.  If you are selling tickets to attend your meeting or event and serving alcohol then you are required to obtain a one day liquor license from Howard County. 

A certified bartender is required to manage your alcoholic beverage service needs.  No self service alcoholic bars are permitted.