To request the use of a space, please submit a request through the EMS WebApp and email [email protected] or call 609.258.3715, Monday through Friday, 9 am–5 pm. The reservation request should include the following information:

• Event date (include first choice and second choice)
• Event time (include start time and end time)
• Approximate guest count
• Event contact name, phone number, e-mail
• University chart string

After the reservation request has been processed, an event summary with a unique event ID number will be e-mailed to the event contact. The summary must be approved by e-mail for the reservation to be confirmed.

Please note that multiple events may be taking place at the same time and Palmer House may not be able to guarantee access to the entire first floor.  There will be a food and beverage minimum of $3,000 (plus staffing, administrative fee, and any other arrangements) to use the entire first floor at Palmer House.   

Saturday Events require a food and beverage minimum of $1,500.

Sunday Events require a food and beverage minimum of $2,500.

For additional information please contact [email protected].

Menus and beverage selections may be made at any time once the reservation has been  confirmed. Decisions must be finalized at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled event. Selections made after this time are subject to availability, chef approval and subject to additional charges. Palmer House does not hold a liquor license. Any alcohol for events must be purchased through an outside supplier.

When choosing a menu for your event, please let the catering representative know if there are any special dietary requirements. Additionally, special requests for items not listed on the menu or a fully customized menu may be accommodated upon consultation with and approval from the executive chef (additional charges may apply).

Final guest counts (guarantee number) must be provided at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled event. Billing is based on the guarantee or actual number of guests, whichever is greater.

Events may be cancelled by calling 609.258.3715 and speaking with a catering representative or by email at [email protected]. Please do not leave a cancellation message on the voice mail. 

The following cancellation fees apply:

40 guests or less: Cancellations are accepted at least 7 business days prior to the event without penalty. Cancellations within 4 to 6 business days of the event will incur a cancellation fee of $100. Cancellations within 3 business days of the event will be charged the full estimated cost of the event. 

Over 40 guests: Cancellations are accepted at least 15 business days prior to the event  without penalty. Cancellations within 4 to 14 business days of the event will incur a cancellation fee of $300. Cancellations within 3 days of the event will be charged the full estimated cost of the event.

Palmer House does not charge a room rental fee for events that order breakfast, lunch or dinner within the normal service times for each meal period. The following rates apply for meeting space; without food service or additional time throughout the day.

• $60 for a two-hour period – within normal business hours
   
• $120 for an eight-hour period -within normal business hours

Food and cocktail service is available in the following blocks.

• Breakfast/luncheon: two-hour blocks

• Dinner: three-hour blocks

• Cocktail Reception: one-hour blocks

• Overtime is charged at a rate of $400 per hour if requested at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled event. The rate is $600 per hour if requested less than 2 business days.

Please see our Floorplans.

The administrative and staffing charges are for the administration of staff and management oversight for the function, are not purported to be a tip or gratuity and will not be distributed  as a tip or gratuity to the to the employees who provided service to guests.

• Captain: $40 per hour, five hour minimum, 50 guests or more
• Bartender: $32 per hour
• Butler: $30 per hour, lunches & receptions, minimum 4 hours
• Butler: $30 per hour, dinners, five-hour minimum
• Executive Chef: $40 per hour, event duration, 50 guests or more
• Culinary Cooks, Exhibition Chef and Station Attendant: $30 per hour, event duration
• Pantry: $30 per hour, event duration
• Parties of 150+ guests will require additional staff. Please consult with catering manager.
• Overtime is charged at a rate of $400 per hour if requested at least 2 business days prior 
  to the scheduled event. The rate is $600 per hour if requested less than 2 business days.

Due to the historic significance of Palmer House, great efforts are taken to preserve the house and its surroundings. Event sponsors will be responsible for any damages that are the result of willful and negligent behavior on the part of their guests.

Palmer House does not hold a liquor license. Any alcohol for events must be purchased through an outside supplier.

The Palmer House Catering Department can assist in the planning of special events such as holiday parties and retirement dinners. The Catering Department will coordinate any additional event details including equipment or furniture rentals, linens and can provide suggested vendors for florals and décor. The event sponsor is responsible for all costs associated with these services.

Audio/visual rentals may be coordinated directly with AV Services.

If your event will have music and entertainment, limited to light music, it must be approved by the catering representative. All of the catering, details and event management are handled by Restaurant Associates, the exclusive caterer for Palmer House.  

All events at Palmer House must end by 10 pm to be respectful to our overnight guests.

Departments are billed directly using the, University chart string provided at the time of making the reservation. All University functions are tax-exempt.