Celebrate at Hill-Stead
Joyous gatherings have taken place at Hill-Stead for over 100 years, and it is the perfect location to celebrate the joining of two people, their families, and their communities. You can also celebrate milestone events of all kinds, such as birthdays, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, and more. Hill-Stead is also a great location to host your corporate events or retreats.
Beautifully unique, Hill-Stead offers privacy, sweeping views, gardens, and lawns bound by dry stone walls – all surrounding a historic house.
A Wedding or Event at Hill-Stead will be as unique as you are – working from Hill-Steads’ list of approved vendors you have ultimate control over every aspect, from the quality and type of linen used to the number of courses and type of food served.
Indoor & Outdoor Event Spaces at Hill-Stead
West Lawn & Veranda
The West front lawn sits proudly on a knoll overlooking Farmington meadows, a pond, and surrounding hills. This expansive area can accommodate a large tented or open-air event with a Mount Vernon-style veranda for you to use however you choose.
Grass Court
This site was once the estate’s grass tennis court, this grassy glen is nestled within the museum’s historic stone walls. This area can accommodate tented events for up to 200 guests.
Sunken Garden
Designed by the renowned Landscape Architect, Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959), the Sunken Garden fits into a natural depression and is surrounded by rustic dry-laid stone walls. A summer house marks the center of an octagonal-shaped space further defined by the enclosing yew hedges. Thirty-six flowerbeds contain nearly 90 plant varieties that continuously bloom throughout the growing season complimenting the Impressionist paintings inside the house. This spot can accommodate up to 200 guests for an open-air event.
Glass Room
This is the text that should be there: With a nod to our founder’s cousin, architect Philip Johnson, and named for David Dangremond and his sons Sam and Gus, Hill-Stead Glass Room is ideal for indoor gatherings with spectacular views. 40-50 guests can enjoy a meal and nature’s bounty – wild and untouched to the north and delicately polished to the south – through floor-to-ceiling glass walls. It is an interior space like no other, perfect for your special occasion.
Makeshift Theater
Theodate Pope designed and built the Makeshift Theater in 1917 as a space to show silver screen films and hold community gatherings. Today, this room located in the Carriage Barn is climate controlled and serves as a venue for 80-100 guests. As part of a recent renovation the space includes a warming kitchen for caterers to use and brand new handicap-accessible restrooms.
Pope Board Room
Adjacent to the stone Carriage Porch, the Board Room is appointed with antique furnishings and décor. This room is ideal for small events or meetings.
What is included in the rental fee?
The fee is based on a six-hour event and includes use of the museum’s grounds, ample well-lit parking, a bridal suite where the wedding party can get ready and keep their personal belongings for the duration of the event. Hill-Stead also provides a Security Guard and an Event Supervisor to ensure your event runs smoothly. We only allow one wedding per weekend, giving our couples the option to have a rehearsal the day before. Since we are a non-profit, there are no taxes added to the fee.
Does the rental include a tent?
No. Tents and furniture can be rented with the help of Hill-Stead’s Approved Vendors.
Do we need insurance?
Yes. Clients are required to obtain a special events insurance policy, naming Hill-Stead Museum as an additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000.
Does Hill-Stead have an Approved Vendor List?
Yes. Although you are not limited to using vendors on this list, our vendors have the highest standards and have worked at Hill-Stead numerous times. Please reach out via the form below and our facility rentals staff will provide the list to you.
What is Hill-Stead’s alcoholic beverage policy?
At no time may a bar be “self-serve.” Alcohol must be purchased through the contracted caterer or bartending service. Caterers, Bartending service, and host must provide for liquor liability coverage.
When are weddings scheduled?
Outdoor wedding season commences in May and ends in October. Events in the Makeshift Theater or Pope Board Room can be scheduled year-round.
Hill-Stead is open to the public until 4 pm. Weddings can start at 4:30 pm and music must end by 10:30 pm sharp, in consideration of our neighbors.
Are there any additional fees?
Events over 150 people require the rental of portable restrooms. Providers can be found with the help of Hill-Stead’s Approved Vendor list.
The Town of Farmington requires that all tented events be attended by the Fire Department. The Fire Watch fee is $700 and cannot be avoided.
Contact Us About Your Event at Hill-Stead
Thank you for your interest in Hill-Stead Museum’s facility rentals. Please complete the facility rental contact form and we will be in touch soon.
For additional information, please reach out via email at hudkinsk@hillstead.org.