Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the capacity of Old Metropolitan Hall?
For a seated dinner in our ballroom, the maximum capacity is 100. For a cocktail-style reception, maximum suggested capacity is 175. We encourage you to schedule a tour in order to understand how our space might best be used for your number of guests and desired flow. You can schedule an appointment by calling 434-260-7144.
2. What is the timing for an evening event?
Old Met clients receive 10 hours in the space (3 hours for setup and 7 hours for your event). Evening events typically begin at 5PM (or later) with the building curfew for guests being midnight. If you would like your event to extend past midnight (up to 2am), there is a charge of $250 per hour or partial hour.
3. What is included in the venue fee?
Our rental fee includes our entire venue – the ballroom, lower floor bar area/ dancefloor, four restrooms, a catering kitchen, and our outdoor patio. We also include black chiavari chairs(140), 5ft round tables (15), a mobile wooden bar, and our A/V equipment (projector, screen, wireless mic, and speakers). Please check out our rentals page if you’re interested in our custom oak farm and cocktail tables!
4. Are there any hidden fees or other costs?
There are no other fees outside of the venue fee, security deposit, taxes, and extra rentals you may select. We also require event insurance which you should procure through your insurance agency or a company like WedSafe.
5. Do you allow decorations and candles?
Yes! We encourage each client to make the space their own. In the ballroom, we have our historical bay windows, and we’ve also installed a picture rail exactly for this purpose. You may hang floral garland, photos, draping, etc. from the picture rail (no tape or nails). We allow any and all decor that does not damage our building. Candles are permitted in glass votives, hurricanes, or on a stand. We do not allow glitter or confetti.
6. Is there an elevator to the lower floor?
Because our venue is part of an historic building, we were not able to install an elevator. There is a wide, open staircase with a handrail to the lower floor.
7. How much time do we have for set-up and clean-up?
Typically events are allowed 3 hours prior to guest arrival for set-up. If additional time is needed, OMH must charge a fee of $100 per hour. Clean-up must occur according to the time detailed on your contract and all items (gifts, decor, etc) must leave with the client that evening.
8. Where do my guests park?
We encourage you to utilize the two downtown parking garages (Water Street and Market Street Garage) for guest parking. There is also a pay-per-hour lot located directly behind OMH. If you are using a motor-coach or bus to transport your guests, they are welcome to be dropped off on the corner of Market St. and 1st, just a few feet from our front door.
9. Where should my guests stay?
We encourage OMH clients to make use of our parent company, Stay Charlottesville. Stay Charlottesville is a vacation rental property company with a portfolio of over 55 fully-furnished historic homes, apartments, and estates throughout the Charlottesville area. Specifically, Old Met 201, 202, and 306 are all located in the same block as OMH and are popular rentals for bridal parties, families, and guests of events at OMH. For OMH clients looking to book 3 or more Stay Charlottesville properties, we offer special discounted rates with our promo code program (ask us more about this!)
10. Can I have my wedding ceremony and reception on-site?
Yes, it is possible to have your ceremony and reception at OMH; however, this only works well for weddings of 100 guests or less.
11. I need help planning my event. Does the venue coordinator do this?
No, the venue coordinator is your point-of-contact during your contracted event time. This person is responsible for the venue and OMH amenities. If you are looking for wedding or event planning, we recommend speaking with a member of the our team and we’ll help you with finding the appropriate person!
12. What is required to hold my date?
OMH must have a signed contract and deposit (50% of the venue fee and the security deposit) in order to reserve your date. Dates are not officially reserved until we have both. You have until 6 months out from your event to cancel without penalty.
13. Is a sparkler exit permitted?
Unfortunately, sparklers are illegal within the city of Charlottesville. You are welcome to have guests hold candles or blow bubbles!
