Question 1

What is the capacity of Old Metropolitan Hall?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the timing for an evening event?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is included in the venue fee?

Accepted Answer

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 chairs(140), 5ft round tables (15), outdoor cocktail tables (4), a mobile bar, and A/V equipment (projector, screen, wireless mic, and speakers).

Question 4

Are there any hidden fees or other costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do you allow decorations and candles?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We encourage each client to make the space their own. In the ballroom, we have our bay windows, and we’ve also installed a picture rail exactly for this purpose. You may hang floral garland, photos, 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. We do not allow glitter or confetti.

Question 6

Is there an elevator to the lower floor?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How much time do we have for set-up and clean-up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Where do my guests park?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Where should my guests stay?

Accepted Answer

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 for OMH couples! Ask us about discounts!

Question 10

Can I have my wedding ceremony and reception on-site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to have your ceremony and reception at OMH; however, this only works well for weddings of 100 guests or less. For larger weddings, we recommend using The Haven, a beautiful restored historic sanctuary just yards from our doors.

Question 11

I need help planning my event. Does the venue coordinator do this?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 12

Do you provide in-house catering? What about alcohol?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide in-house catering. We have a list of approved caterers under Approved Caterers & Preferred Vendors. For any non-approved caterer, there is a $850 fee in order to get them approved. OMH does not hold an ABC license. Your caterer should be able to discuss your beverage options with you.

Question 13

What is required to hold my date?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Is a sparkler exit permitted?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, sparklers are illegal within the city of Charlottesville. You are welcome to have guests hold candles or blow bubbles!

Old Metropolitan Hall

Guest capacity

About this venue

Seated guest capacity

Venue type

Venue setting

Our event spaces

The Ballroom

Guest capacity

Square footage

Ideal for

Included in this room:

The Cellar

Guest capacity

Square footage

Ideal for

Guests often feel this space is

Included in this room:

Available services that can be provided by Old Metropolitan Hall

Services & amenities

Rentals

Reviews

Perfect for an Art Nouveau themed wedding

Great, personal venue

Preferred vendors of Old Metropolitan Hall

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of Old Metropolitan Hall?

What is the timing for an evening event?

What is included in the venue fee?

Are there any hidden fees or other costs?

Do you allow decorations and candles?

Is there an elevator to the lower floor?

How much time do we have for set-up and clean-up?

Where do my guests park?

Where should my guests stay?

Can I have my wedding ceremony and reception on-site?

I need help planning my event. Does the venue coordinator do this?

Do you provide in-house catering? What about alcohol?

What is required to hold my date?

Is a sparkler exit permitted?

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