Venue Information

FAQs


Can we come early to decorate?
Of course. The outdoor space is yours all day! (starting 10:00 a.m.)

Is there a bride and groom changing area?
Both the Bridal Suite and Groomsmen Room are available from 10 a.m. until close of event. They both have bathroom facilities incorporated. Items may not be left overnight or after the event.

Can I have my ceremony here as well?
Yes, and there is a beautiful trellis arbor to stage the ceremony. You can create your own ceremony area anywhere you want on the terrace or indoors. Your caterer can switch over the chairs to the tables for a smooth transition from ceremony to reception.

Can I stay later than 10:00 p.m.?
Yes, if the party moves inside and no amplified music is played outside. You must be out by midnight; it's the witching hour. After Party rental is an additional fee.

Do I need an event planner?
No, but we strongly recommend you have one! A Day Of Coordinator is required and you will be happy you have someone else looking after the details. Check our vendors for referrals.

Can rentals be dropped off ahead of time, or picked up the day after the event?
This is not ideal, we suggest same day drop off and pick up. We do not have overnight security and there would be a charge for staff to be on site the following day to open locked rooms.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Unfortunately not, our ABC license does not allow for outside alcohol. We offer beverage packages, from wine and beer to full service, we can cater to your event needs and personal preferences.

Can I bring in my own food?
Insurance guidelines require that you use a licensed caterer to provide food service, and we have a preferred list with many options. Outside caterers must be approved, and there is an additional $500 fee.

Is there enough power for a DJ and a photo booth?
Yes. Plenty for both. Also enough circuits for a live band, which is great in the outdoor space.

How much parking is there?
There are more than 60+ spots on-site, upper parking lot. In addition, there are City lots next door, across the street, and one block away plenty for all your guests. Meter parking available in downtown San Rafael.
Please speak to our facility staff for best place for wheelchair accessibility and parking spots.

Are there hotels or other accommodations nearby?
YES, please check our Resources Page for a list of hotels, Airbnb, VRBO and local motels. All the accommodations are within an easy Lyft, Uber or Taxi ride away.

Can we rehearse before the event?
Yes, a two-hour window is included with your package. The actual day and time depend on the event calendar and other bookings.

Can I move furniture and things around?
You are welcome to design and layout the venue space as you wish. As long as all furniture is returned to its original position - let creativity be your guide...
NO glitter, NO confetti, NO rice - or permanent adhesive. Other than those restrictions, feel free to design the space to suit your preferences.

What if it rains? or is freezing cold?
We suggest during the rainy and cold seasons purchasing a full-venue buyout. This will give you both outdoor and indoor options to keep flexibility at the maximum. There is a covered canopy for about 40-50 people. Indoors can accommodate up to 150+.
You can rent heat lamps at nearby party rental companies. No real flame allowed! No candles!

Are there enough bathrooms for my guests?
We have bathrooms on the terrace, and additional capacity inside the mansion. Enough for your event.

Do I need additional security?
Unless you are hosting a minor event, or large concert, you do not need additional security. This is a secluded location and the site supervisor will be available for any unexpected problems.

Are there COVID-19 restrictions or guidelines?
Yes, we follow all state and county mandates. Guest capacity, catering options, and check-in procedures change weekly. You will be asked to follow the protocols set forth by the governing agencies outlined forty-five days before your actual event. We do not want to make last-minute agreements that we cannot adhere to with changing goal posts and time restrictions.

Policies & Guidelines

Noise Ordinance/Afterparty Overtime

The City of San Rafael's Noise Ordinance requires that all amplified music finish by 10:00 p.m. If your party will extend beyond that time,  Drake's Bar inside the mansion can be rented until midnight for a flat fee of $800. Please ask the office for more details.  

Package prices are based on an eight-hour event, two hours for setup, and one hour for breakdown.  Overtime charges will be applied at the time of contract signing.

Liquor License

Our ABC liquor license requires us to handle all items related to the beverage packages. The purchase of alcohol must come through us, and you must use our bar staff. A beverage agreement can be handled a variety of ways, and it is ideal for a client to sit down with our beverage manager to discuss a budget and expectations. Local sales tax will be added to your total beverage bill.

Liability Insurance

All clients shall name B.P.O.E. San Rafael Elks Lodge #1108 as additional insured for an amount of $1 million on their liability policy for dates of usage. Liability insurance can be obtained through your homeowners or renters insurance. Check the Resources below to find out how to purchase from a third-party vendor.

Contract and Payment

The facility is reserved once a rental agreement has been signed and a $1,000 event deposit has been paid to reserve the date. This Event deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward the total rental package balance.

The balance  of your rental package, as well as your beverage agreement, is due in full no later then thirty days prior to the event.

Security Deposit

We will collect a $1,000 security and damage deposit thirty days before the event. This is refundable after the event if there are no damages to the property. We trust you and your guests won't go down this path.

Policy and Disclaimers

We reserve the right to change the information contained in this website without notice. Maple Lawn is not responsible for any unintentional errors that may be contained in this website. Links to other websites are provided for the convenience of the user and should not be construed as an endorsement of another website or of the business referred to, or promoted, in another website.

Personal Information

Maple Lawn may collect personal information that site visitors provide when they complete any online form, application, or survey. Information provided in a request for service or information link/email will be forwarded to one of our associates or affiliates so that a staff member can respond to the request. Our company may contact any visitor who has submitted a request for additional information regarding the request.

© Copyright 2022 Maple Lawn Estate

Beverage Services

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE
BEVERAGE PRODUCT
BAR EQUIPMENT (excluding glassware)
ICE
LINENS FOR BAR AREA
Note: WELCOME BEVERAGE AND COFFEE SERVICE ARE NOT INCLUDED (usually caterer)

Non-Alcoholic Package   $14/pp

Juices

Sodas

Sparking and still water or lemonade/ iced tea  


Beer & Wine Package $29/pp

Non-alcoholic package included plus:

Draught domestic beer

Bottled imported beer

Selection of red and white wines


Full Bar Package $37/PP

All of the above packages included plus:

Liquor: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon

Smirnoff, Gordon's, Bacardi, Torada, and Elijah Craig


Premium Bar Package  $49/pp

All of the above included plus:

Premium liquor: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, rye and scotch

Absolut, Tanqueray, Sailor Jerry, Tito's, Cazadores, Mount Gay, and Gentleman Jack


Champagne toast available with any package: $500 (per 100 people)

Special alcohol orders or individual bottles are priced upon request.

Additionally: Current San Rafael sales tax

Bar Staff at $500/ each (minimum of 1 bartender per 60 guests)

© Copyright 2021 Maple Lawn Estate

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Maple Lawn is located in San Rafael, convenient to all of the Bay Area
Just a short drive to Sonoma, Napa and San Francisco
Perfect for guests who want to explore our beautiful area

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