Q: I want to come in and tour the property, do I need to make an appointment?
A: You are always welcome to stop by Congress Hall at any time to see our common areas, as well as our private spaces, including the Ballroom, if they are not being used for a private function. One of our staff members, such as the Wedding Sales Manager, our Concierge or a Manager is always able to provide a brief tour of the hotel. If, in addition to touring the hotel, you'd like to meet with our Wedding Sales Manager to discuss the specifics our wedding packages and what you envision for your wedding, we strongly recommend making an appointment to do so.

Q: Can we visit the property and watch while another wedding is taking place?
A: If a ceremony or cocktail hour is taking place outdoors in one of our public spaces such as the Grand Lawn, you are welcome to observe provided that respect for the service or event is not compromised. However, due to the level of attention and service we offer each couple, it is a priority that Congress Hall commits to maintaining the privacy and intimacy of each event. Therefore, we do not allow people that are not invited wedding guests to view our Ballroom during a private reception.

Q: How many spaces do you have to hold wedding receptions in at Congress Hall?
A: Our wedding receptions are always held in our Grand Ballroom.

Q: How many weddings do you hold per day at Congress Hall?
A: We only host one wedding per day at this property.

Q: How far in advance should I book my wedding?
A: Typically, wedding packages are offered approximately 12-18 months prior to wedding dates. At that time, dates become available, and we generally recommend booking within this timeline to be sure that you can secure your perfect date.

Q: How do I secure a date for my wedding?
A: Congress Hall requires the standard site fee for any date in order to confirm your wedding. For more information about site fees, please refer to the last page of our detailed Wedding Packages (available upon request from the Wedding Sales Manager).

Q: Can you hold a date without the site fee?
A: Dates can only be held and confirmed by a paid site fee.

Q: Am I able to hold my ceremony onsite at Congress Hall?
A: Of course. Your ceremony can be hosted on our Grand Lawn surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. The three story pillars of Congress Hall are the perfect backdrop. We can also arrange your ceremony directly across the street from the hotel on the beach; additional fees and requirements do apply for this option, so please ask the Wedding Sales Team for more information.

What happens if it rains? Where would my ceremony be then?
A: In the event of inclement weather, Congress Hall does offer indoor ceremony options, which differ based on final guest counts. Ceremony location decisions are not required until noon the day of the wedding.

Q:Can I hold my ceremony only at Congress Hall?
A: Our ceremony spaces are reserved for couples also holding their receptions at this property.

Q: How many people can your Ballroom comfortably hold?
A: Our Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests with a dance floor. If your plans call for more than 250 guests, Congress Hall does offer the option of a tented reception, which would be set up on our Grand Lawn parallel with the Beach. Our couples work closely with our Event Coordinator to determine the best set-up arrangements for their weddings based on their guest counts.

Q: Do you have an onsite Event Coordinator? Can I bring my own wedding planner?
A: We offer an onsite Event Coordinator for the day of the wedding as an amenity to your wedding package. This Coordinator is responsible for running your rehearsal if your ceremony is onsite, as well as day-of coordination including directing your vendors, monitoring set-up and running the wedding from beginning to end. We are experienced in working with third-party planners, and you are welcome to bring your own advisor for assistance with the wedding.

Q: How are children and vendor meals handled at Congress Hall?
A: Children and vendor meals are provided at a discounted rate and are not included in required adult guest counts.

Q: What colors look best in the Ballroom?
A: The Grand Ballroom has a 1920's theme complete with black and white checkerboard floors and Tiffany blue walls. Included in your package are our black and white Chiavari-style chairs and floor length imported white linens. Although our provided items keep to the black and white theme of the room, there are many colors and styles that work nicely with the color palette of this space. We have seen anywhere from bright magentas, reds and shades of pinks to pastel blues, greens and yellows. There are so many options, and you can create a formal, more dramatic look with large, exotic centerpieces or create a casual, beachy look with smaller arrangements and candlelight. We are always happy to provide examples and pictures of previous decorative schemes and offer guidance to create a beautiful décor that reflects what you envision.

Q: How do we find wedding professionals for our reception?
A: As an added amenity to our packages, we provide a full list of service providers to all couples holding their weddings at Congress Hall. These professionals range from photographers to hair and makeup stylists to ceremony musicians and reception bands. Although you are not under any obligation to use the vendors we recommend, we are confident that they can provide you with a fantastic experience here as they have done for many previous couples.

Q: Do we have the option of holding our Rehearsal Dinner at Congress Hall?
A: Of course. In addition to our beautiful Grand Ballroom, Congress Hall also has several other unique and beautiful spaces perfect for rehearsal dinners. From small, elegant dinner parties for 20-30 guests, or casual, themed dinner buffets on our Pool Deck for 30-75 guests, Congress Hall has options that work for a variety of types of occasions.

Q: Can Congress Hall accommodate a breakfast the day after the wedding?
A: After your wedding there is no better way to send your guests off than with a post-wedding breakfast, and Congress Hall can accommodate smaller, intimate group of family and friends or the entire wedding for a brunch the next morning.

Q: Do you hold guest rooms for wedding guests at Congress Hall?
A: Yes, with your wedding package we reserve a limited block of guest rooms per night specifically for your wedding guests to reserve. However, you are not responsible for reserving guestrooms at Congress Hall in order to have your wedding here, and there is no obligation to fill the rooms we have set aside for you. The rooms are simply an added amenity to having your wedding at Congress Hall, which is a wonderful opportunity to have your guests enjoy all that this property has to offer during your wedding weekend.

Q: My family wants to stay in a house close to Congress Hall for the week of my wedding. Can you suggest a rental property that can accommodate them, and is a nice location for me and my bridal party to get dressed and take photos?
A: There are two historic cottages, located just one block from Congress Hall and operated by our parent company, that are perfect for your request. They offer a vibrant atmosphere with modern-day comforts, freshly decorated and loaded with amenities. The recommended cottages, White Cottage and Pink Cottage, are ideal for wedding day preparations. They are the perfect setting for bridal parties and families to gather and get ready for the big day. For more information about these premier properties visit them at www.capemaycottages.com.