Banquet & Special Event Venues
No matter what you are planning, there is a special place in your Delaware State Parks to create a one-of-a-kind event. We have unique locations that are perfect for a casual business meeting for ten or an elegant wedding for hundreds, situated within some of Delaware's most scenic areas. Facilities are available for a few hours or a few days, and can accommodate from ten to 150. For larger events (up to 250), tents may be used on the grounds.
Alapocas Run - Blue Ball Barn
This two-story stone barn connects Delaware's past and present with a collection of unique cultural artifacts housed in a contemporary multifunctional space. Nestled in a scenic state park in northern Delaware, yet convenient to major roads and highways, the conference center's galleries feature the Delaware Folk Art Collection and offer spacious reception and meeting rooms, including a large open banquet room with wi-fi internet access and a secluded courtyard for picturesque outdoor accommodations.
Check out the Virtual Tour.
Site Specifications
Renovations to the historic Blue Ball Dairy Barn began in 2004, recapturing an idyllic time of the past. Three years later, the barn opened to the public as a showcase destination, complete with heritage relics and contemporary amenities. The special exhibit space is dedicated to the agricultural and rural history of the area and provides a unique setting for both business functions and private affairs. The facility is ideal for meetings, training and conferences, and the secluded courtyard can be used for tented and other outdoor functions.
Permit Applications: Blue Ball Barn Business Reservation and Blue Ball Barn Special Event Reservation
- Number of rooms: 3
- Total capacity: 250
- A/V capabilities: Yes
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: Preparation Only
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: No
Contact Information
Alapocas Run State Park
1914 West Park Drive
Wilmington, DE 19803
Auburn Valley - Auburn Heights
A timeless 1897 Victorian Queen Anne estate perfect for hosting an open-air formal affair or business function. Nestled in historic Yorklyn, Delaware and just a minute from Pennsylvania, the former Thomas Marshall estate is a unique location for events ranging from rehearsal dinners to small business meetings. Surrounding grounds and the beautiful rose arbor are available for tenting in groups of up to 125. The sunporch and patio are also available for smaller events. The sprawling wraparound porch welcomes you to the grand interior of the mansion, which is preserved as a museum showcasing the Marshall family’s life. Bride and groom dressing suites are available, and the interior makes a lovely backdrop for photography sessions as part of your life event.
Special arrangements can also be made for mansion tours for your guests or a Stanley Steamer vehicle ride as part of your event. The park includes the Auburn Steam Museum, featuring the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley steam cars. In addition, the Auburn Valley Railroad boasts a 1/8th-size coal-fired steam passenger train that circles the property. Both the Steam Museum and the railroad can also be booked as part of your special event for an additional fee. The Steam Museum accommodates 60 and is a popular addition to the adjacent tented area for happy hour celebrations.
Rentals start at $720 for wedding ceremony only, and $1920 or $2160 for ceremony and reception for four or five hours respectively.
Site Details
The Auburn Heights grounds, hard surfaces and the beautiful rose arbor are available for tenting in groups of up to 125. The outdoor wraparound front porch, front yard and patio are also available for smaller events of up to 25.
Site Specifications
- A/V capabilities: No
- Handicapped accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: No
History
Completed in 1897, Auburn Heights was built overlooking the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill in Yorklyn, Delaware by Israel and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Marshall. In 1901, the mill began to produce vulcanized fiber products commonly used in suitcases, footlockers, and other products. The mill eventually passed out of Marshall family hands in the mid-1950s.
Inspired by the large steam power plants in the mill, T. Clarence Marshall, the youngest of Israel and Lizzie's children built his first steam car at age 19 by replacing the small internal combustion engine of an Orient Buckboard with a steam power plant.
From 1910 until 1920, Marshall was a dealer for the Stanley Motor Carriage Company. He owned several Stanley steam cars during that time. In 1940, Clarence began collecting steam cars when he bought back a 1913 model 76 Stanley that he had originally sold as a dealer.
Home from duty after World War II, Tom Marshall, Clarence's son began working with his father to expand the collection and added a 1/8-size steam railway on the Auburn Heights property. In the 1970s, Tom opened the collection to the public under the name "The Magic Age of Steam." Tom Marshall founded the "Steam Team" in 1997 to pass along to interested individuals his knowledge and experience operating and maintaining the steam vehicles. The "Steam Team" has grown into the Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve. The non-profit Friends group operates the Marshall Steam Museum on the property as well as the steam cars and railroad. Tom and Ruth Marshall donated the Auburn Heights property to the State of Delaware in November 2008
Contact Information
Auburn Valley State Park
3000 Creek Rd
Yorklyn, DE 19736
Bellevue - The Bandshell
The Bandshell at Bellevue State Park is a wonderful outdoor venue perfect for concerts, recitals, plays, or other performances. Sheltered by the waterproof awning, the stage is a flexible performance area with easy access to the audience. The grassy space in front provides ample space for seating of up to 2,000 people.
On the grounds of Delaware's magnificent 271-acre Bellevue State Park, the Bandshell is part of what was once a du Pont family estate. Situated just down the hill from gorgeous Bellevue Hall, the Bandshell has been a staple of Bellevue’s summer concert series for decades playing host to numerous unforgettable performances.
Rentals start at $1,200.00 for 4 hours, or $2,000.00 for 8 hours.
Contact Information
Bellevue State Park – Band Shell
2270 Sycamore Ln
Wilmington, DE 19809
Bellevue - Bellevue Hall
Jeffrey A. Miller Catering
Bellevue Hall is the perfect setting for your elegant wedding! Located 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia.
This notable estate is truly a one-of-a-kind property at which to host your wedding celebration and events! The mansion was built in the 1850’s and is the former home of William DuPont Sr. and his family.
Your ceremony can be held on the sprawling lawn alongside a charming gazebo and gorgeous perennial garden. An elegant reception then follows beneath a pristine clear outdoor tent or, for a more intimate crowd, in one of the mansion’s luxurious indoor rooms. Bellevue Hall features stylish dining rooms, elaborate marble fireplaces, a sophisticated wood-paneled library, and an enormous central foyer with a grand staircase. Celebrate your happy occasion at Bellevue Hall. It’s sure to be a memorable event!
Bellevue - Figure 8 Barn
The relaxed, open layout of this property presents flexibility on size as well as endless creative options for an out-of-the-ordinary event. With 32,000 square feet of open space that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests, the Figure 8 Barn includes a raised dance floor and stage, a long ‘hallway’ that provides a blank canvas for unique decorating ideas, and large bay doors for easy access of oversized equipment, themed ornaments, and tradeshow displays. Both the stage and raised dance floor can be surrounded by tables for dining or can accommodate large conference formats. This rustic setting is ideal for casual gatherings or can be transformed to house a vast tradeshow or function.
The unique hourglass shape of the Figure 8 Barn was designed by William du Pont, Jr. as an indoor horse training facility to compliment his family's equestrian interests. The estate was purchased by the State of Delaware in 1976.
Rentals start at $4,000.00 for the full barn, $3,200.00 for half the barn with up to 1,500 people and $2,700 for half the barn and up to 500 people.
Contact Information
Bellevue State Park – Figure 8 Barn
2360 Lower Lot Rd
Wilmington, DE 19809
Bellevue - Hunter Barn
The Hunter Barn provides a relaxed, open layout venue for fundraisers, receptions, and other large functions. With space for up to 150 people, the Hunter Barn area can be perfectly tailored for your event. This rustic setting can be ideal for casual gatherings or transformed to host a festival or other function. The outdoor space includes horseshoe pits, a beach volleyball court, and a gaga pit as well as a flexible lawn space of roughly half an acre.
Situated on the grounds of Delaware's magnificent 271-acre Bellevue State Park, a former du Pont family estate, the Hunter Barn was designed by William du Pont, Jr. This barn stabled horses specializing in the unique competitive discipline called Hunter. Similar to show jumping, Hunter is a more organic form which requires the rider and horse to work in tandem as they navigate a course which mimics the demands of hunting in the countryside of vast estates.
Rentals start at $500.00 for 4 hours or $800.00 for 8 hours Monday through Thursday, with weekend and holiday rates at $1,200.00 for 4 hours.
Contact Information
Bellevue State Park – Hunter Barn
2350 Lower Lot Rd
Wilmington, DE 19809
Bellevue - Mount Pleasant Meeting House
Take a step back in time at the Mount Pleasant Meeting House. A restored sanctuary with original decorative amber windows and walnut pews, the meeting house offers a simple, yet tranquil setting. Its beauty and serenity will make your wedding a unique and special event. A few steps away is the parsonage's restored Victorian parlor, which provides an ideal space for a bride and her attendants to await the arrival of the wedding guests. Ideal for hosting a wedding or other special ceremony, an intimate gathering of up to 75 family and friends.
Situated on the grounds of Delaware's magnificent Bellevue State Park, the 19th Century meetinghouse has been restored to include the warmth of its original decorative amber windows and a welcoming ambience from its lectern area and curved walnut pews.
Rentals start at $150.00 for business rentals Monday through Friday between 8:00 and 4:00, with special event rentals starting at $500.00 for 3 hours.
Contact Information
Bellevue State Park – Mt. Pleasant
1009 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE 19809
Bellevue - Tim Ross Memorial Music Garden
The perfect spot for cocktail parties, company picnics, small weddings, or other intimate events of up to 80 people; The Music Garden is a timeless venue for a variety of events. Enclosed on three sides the music garden is a peaceful oasis for you and your guest while still maintaining access to all that the park has to offer. The timeless stone patio with scattered wrought iron tables and chairs is shaded by a large veranda supporting a trailing wisteria vine.
Situated on the grounds of Delaware's magnificent 271-acre Bellevue State Park, the Tim Ross Music Garden is part of what was once a du Pont family estate. Just down the hill from gorgeous Bellevue Hall, the Music Garden backs up to the Bellevue Arts Center. Historically used as a potting shed for the green houses that occupied the space where the patio is today, the Arts Center and Music Garden is a centerpiece in the Bellevue landscape.
Rentals start at $500.00 for 4 hours or $800.00 for 8 hours.
Contact Information
Bellevue State Park – Music Garden
2671 Arts Center Rd
Wilmington, DE 19809
Bellevue - The Barn at Cauffiel
Jeffrey A. Miller Catering
Cauffiel House is an historic estate set atop a grassy hill that provides spectacular views of the Delaware river. Located 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia.
Its exquisitely landscaped lawns and gardens, charming façade, and romantic gazebo offer an enchanting backdrop for an outdoor ceremony or large tented reception. The Cauffiel House itself, sporting its original mid-twentieth century furnishings, offers bright sun porches, a formal parlor, and an elegant dining room that provides the perfect setting for cocktails or an intimate celebration. The Cauffiel property also offers the Cauffiel Barn which is located within steps of the house. This newly restored Pennsylvania bank barn, which seats 200, makes Cauffiel perfect for those looking for a rustic-elegant wedding venue. With an abundance of historic charm and natural beauty, the Cauffiel House is the perfect place to gather your loved ones to toast your new marriage!
Cape Henlopen - Fort Miles Historical Area
Lying amidst rolling sand dunes at Cape Henlopen State Park, on a high bank overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is the Fort Miles Historical Area, a key piece of our nation's coastal defense from World War II through the early 1970’s. Today, Fort Miles is home to the Fort Miles Museum, encompassing a gun battery, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, an artillery park and an event rental space. Take a guided tour, enjoy an interpretive program, visit the art gallery, book a wedding or a special event, and celebrate "The Greatest Generation."
Site Specifications
- Capacity 200:100 inside and 100 outside
- Handicapped accessible: Yes
- Indoor and outdoor accommodations: Yes
- Kitchen Facilities: No
Cape Henlopen - Beach and Pavillion Weddings
Long known as one of the East Coast's premier beaches, Cape Henlopen State Park offers sweeping views and a beautiful seaside setting for all types of events, from a budget-minded barefoot ceremony on the beach to large tented events for a party up to 250.
Site Specifications
- Total capacity: 250
- Number of rooms: 0
- Accessible: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: Yes (on-site campground and cabins)
Delaware Seashore - Indian River Life Saving Station
Take a trip back in time with the help of a soft breeze off the Atlantic Ocean and the pristine white sandy beach at the historic Indian River Life- Saving Station at Delaware Seashore State Park.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this relaxed setting offers the bride and groom the unique experience of a beach wedding with a tented reception directly over the dunes. This property features a museum, gift shop, indoor dressing areas and restrooms.
This unique coastal property is great for any special event you may have in mind, and is ideal for beach destination weddings and receptions.
**Limited Dates available from mid-May to mid-October
Site Specifications
The Indian River Life-Saving Station offers an ideal location for any event, from a casual beach-front affair to an elegant destination wedding, with a touch of Delaware history. Unique features for guests include an opportunity to tour the historic station museum or stroll along Delaware's picturesque shoreline.
The Indian River Life-Saving Station is located on Route 1 in Delaware Seashore State Park, three miles south of Dewey Beach and one mile north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. It is within two-hours driving distance from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
- Number of rooms: Outdoor tented reception with indoor dressing area and guest restrooms
- Total capacity: 250
- A/V capabilities: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Outdoor locations with indoor dressing
- Overnight accommodations: Yes, Indian River Marina cottages 1.5 miles away
Property History
The Life-Saving Station has been meticulously restored to its 1905 appearance, complete with its diamond-shaped trim facade and rustic color.
The station was built in 1876 for use by the United States Life-Saving Service, a government organization created to respond to the alarming number of shipwrecks along the coastlines of the United States.
Contact Information
Indian River Life-Saving Station
Delaware Seashore State Park
25039 Coastal Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Indian River Life-Saving Station PDF
Delaware Seashore - Indian River Marina
The Point offers a spectacular view and different take on your traditional wedding venue. The modern Indian River Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop, and the marina itself offers beautiful waterside portrait opportunities. This location is perfect for all types of events, from small casual weddings to large receptions. With nearby overnight accommodations at the parks lovely waterfront cottages the Indian River Marina makes a unique wedding destination that the wedding party, family and guests are sure to enjoy and love. Limited Dates available in May, June, September and October.
The Indian River Marina is located on Route 1 in Delaware Seashore State Park, four miles south of Dewey Beach and west of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. It is within two hours driving distance from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
Site Specifications
- Number of rooms: Outdoor tented reception (with indoor dressing capabilities with rental of Cottages), conference room for meetings
- Total capacity: 150
- A/V capabilities: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: Yes, Indian River Marina Cottages & Campground
Contact Information
Indian River Marina
Delaware Seashore State Park
39415 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Holts Landing - The Grove
Imagine your guests dining in the shade of beautiful trees, dancing the night away amid thousands of twinkle lights or gathering around the fire pit making s'mores. The Grove at Holts Landing is the ideal location for the organic couple who enjoys the greenery and natural beauty of the outdoors. Nestled in a sweet spot on the bay the Grove is Delaware State Parks hidden gem perfect for family reunions, cocktail parties, company picnics or a lavish wedding! With overnight accommodations at Delaware Seashores lovely waterfront cottages just a pontoon ride across the bay the Grove makes a unique event destination that is sure to create long lasting memories for everyone.
Site Specifications
- Number of rooms: Outdoor tented reception
- Total capacity: 300
- A/V capabilities: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: Yes, Indian River Marina Cottages or Campground
Contact Information
Holts Landing
39415 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Killens Pond - Killens Pond Nature Center
The park is a serene, natural setting that is home to many native species of wildlife and vegetation. The Killens Pond Nature Center design complements the surrounding environment rather than interfering with it. The center is located alongside the pond and at the edge of the park’s forest. The view of the pond and the covered outdoor decks connect visitors with the natural features of the park.
Site Specifications
The Killens Pond Nature Center was built in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The open design provides exceptional day-lighting and views.
The center offers a relaxing setting for meetings and small events, or a waterfront view for a celebration. The lower level of the center features a lab that may be used as a classroom. The upper level meeting room overlooks Killens Pond and opens onto an observation deck, and the lower level opens onto a small amphitheater on the edge of the pond. During breaks, your guests will enjoy viewing the large collection of native reptiles and amphibians in the separate exhibit area.
- Number of rooms: 2
- Total capacity: Conference room 50/Classroom 30
Full Nature Center rentals (evenings only) maximum of 200 guests - A/V capabilities: Yes
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: No
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes (observation deck and amphitheater)
- Overnight accommodations: Yes (on site campground)
Property History
Killens Pond State Park, established in 1965, was the first state park in Kent County. In addition to its central location, the park’s attractions such as year-round camping, the Killens Pond Water Park, disc golf course and ball fields make Killens Pond a popular travel destination. The centerpiece of the park is the 66-acre millpond, which is perfect for fishing and boating.
The Killens Pond Nature Center was built in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards(outside link). Some of the environmentally-friendly features of the new building are rainwater recovery and reuse, geothermal heating and cooling and on-site wastewater treatment. The open design provides exceptional day-lighting and views. The lower level corridor, with a wall of glass on one side and a wall of stone and masonry on the other, provides substantial natural heat retention.
Contact Information
Killens Pond State Park
5025 Killens Pond Road
Felton, DE 19943
Trap Pond - Bald Cypress Center
The Baldcypress Nature Center offers exceptional meeting spaces in a stunning natural setting with breathtaking views of Trap Pond. Choose the Gallery or Multipurpose Room with exposed timbers and natural wood interiors for your retreat, conference or social get-together, and your guests will feel as if they are miles away from their daily hustle and bustle. Spacious courtyards provide the opportunity for your guests to enjoy the outdoors, and may be tented for use throughout the year. Have your special ceremony overlooking the pond or at the nearby Bethesda Church.
Site Specifications
- Total capacity: 75 indoors, 200 outdoors
- Number of rooms: 3
- Accessible: Yes
- Kitchen facilities: Yes
- Outdoor capabilities: Yes
- Overnight accommodations: Yes (on-site campground and cabins)
Contact Information
Trap Pond State Park
33587 Baldcypress Lane
Laurel, DE 19956
White Clay Creek - The Clubhouse
Deerfield Golf Club
Of the many Delaware Wedding Venues, Deerfield is Delaware’s premier wedding, banquet, meeting and special events facility, located on the picturesque grounds bordering White Clay Creek State Park.
Deerfield is a versatile, elegant events facility and one of the top wedding venues in Delaware that can accommodate almost any need – from corporate meetings in one of several distinctive meeting and function rooms – to a grand reception for up to 500 guests in The Ballroom. In addition, Deerfield features several smaller banquet spaces ideal for more intimate functions.
Stately architecture and classic columns give Deerfield a refined air everywhere you look … fine art adorns virtually every wall … exquisite décor is tastefully understated … continuous walls of floor-to-ceiling glass connect this elegant interior to a wide, flowing Terrace and the breathtaking, natural setting that surrounds Deerfield – beautiful, landscaped grounds, manicured fairways and greens as well as panoramas of the scenic ancient forest of White Clay Creek State Park.
