We want to answer some of the most common questions we are asked when we are giving our personalized wedding tours. It’s not quite the same without having you there in the room while we are answering your questions but hopes this will help until we are able to start hosting tours again on 4/25.
Do you host weddings all year long?
Yes! The Pond House and Elizabeth Park are beautiful all year long.
What is the room capacity?
We can accommodate up to 130 guests using our buffet package and up to 165 using the plated package.
Do you offer on-site ceremony’s?
Yes! Our on-site ceremony location is on our terrace overlooking the pond. It can hold up to 110 chairs, additional guests would be gathered around. The park setting with a fountain in the pond creates the perfect backdrop for your ceremony.
2025 Pricing: Friday PM – $1,000 | Saturday AM – $1,000 PM – $1,500 | Sunday AM & PM – $750 | Indoor Ceremony – $500
This includes a half hour earlier start time for the ceremony, the set up and breakdown of the ceremony as well as a half hour rehearsal time 1-3 days prior to the wedding.
If there is inclement weather the ceremony would be held inside in front of our elegant floor-to-ceiling windows facing the pond (for plated receptions only).
What about on-site ceremony’s in late fall & winter?
For banquets, our field stone fireplace creates the perfect backdrop for your late fall and winter weddings. We can set up 30 chairs in front of the fireplace for immediate family and any older guests with all other guests gathered around. For plated receptions, our elegant floor-to-ceiling windows facing the pond provide a breathtaking view, creating a serene and picturesque setting for your special day. This includes a half hour earlier start time for the ceremony, the set up and breakdown of the ceremony, as well as a half hour rehearsal time 1-2 days prior to the wedding. Inquire with our sales team for pricing: sales@pondhousecafe.com
Do you have a minimum number of people?
Our minimums are based on how much you have to spend on food and beverage, not a per person minimum. These minimums vary based on the month, day, and time of day of the event. Saturday nights during peak season being the highest. Our off-peak season of January – March offer the lowest minimums.
Do you have a hospitality suite?
While we do not have a formal suite for you to dress prior to your event, we do have a hospitality suite in our screened gazebo or cafe, offered 1 hour prior to your wedding ceremony.
The gazebo on our back patio is perfect for the wedding party to wait in during nice weather. We will bring out water and drinks for the wedding party. The gazebo leads right onto the brick walkway used for the ceremony.
Is there a room/venue rental fee?
The room rental is included in the price per person, no additional room rental fee is added.
What do you require for a deposit? Are the deposits refundable?
If you are interested in reserving a date we would draw up a contract for you. You will then have 10 days from when the contract was issued to return the signed contract with your deposit. Your initial deposit would be 1/3 of the food and beverage minimum. All deposits are non-refundable.
Can you accommodate vegan/vegetarian/allergies?
Absolutely, our chefs are well versed in handling a variety of dietary needs and restrictions. You will have a chance to meet with the Executive Chef once you book to review any menu concerns or questions you may have.
Is a permit required for a garden ceremony in Elizabeth Park or to take photos in Elizabeth Park?
Yes, you will need to contact the City of Hartford Special Events: DDSSpecialEvents@hartford.gov
CONTACT US
1555 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Phone: 860.231.8823
cafe@pondhousecafe.com