The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation is pleased to invite you to make reservations for weddings, receptions and private parties. The grounds are a perfect setting for tented outdoor functions. For additional information, please call the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991
The Indian River Life-Saving Station was built in 1876 for the United States Life-Saving Service. The Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, restored to its 1905 appearance in the late-1990s, and is currently operated by Delaware State Parks as a museum and historic site. It is one of the few such stations left standing in its original location and open to the public.
Making a reservation
A reservation packet will be sent to you upon request. The appropriate forms and signatures, along with a deposit of 50% of the total rental fee must be returned to Indian River Life-Saving Station to confirm the date (current fees are listed in the Formal Reservation Agreement). The balance of the rental fee must be paid in full within 60 days of reserving the date. For reservations accepted within 60 days prior to the event, full payment of the rental fee is required. Reservations are based on a five-hour event, and may be made by calling the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991. Additional hours must be requested and approved in advance by the Manager of the site.
Availability of Dates
There are only a limited number of dates available each year for private events at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. This historic site is operated by Delaware State Parks primarily as a public museum. The focus of the site remains on interpretive programming that tells the story of this unique structure and the Life-Saving Service. We’re happy to offer this setting to interested parties for their own special events, but we must limit the number of events that interfere with public access. We typically set aside dates of availability about one year ahead of next rental season. Since we do not have indoor facilities, our rental season is dictated by weather – usually May through October.
Maximim Occupancy
The maximum allowable number of individuals (excluding caterers, vendors, contractors and facility personnel) who may be present at an event is 250.
Cancellations and Refunds
The deposit of 50% of the full fee is non-refundable upon cancellation of an event. If full payment has been made and the event is cancelled more than 30 days prior to the event date, a partial refund may be made by the Division of Parks and Recreation after receiving a written request. No refund is available for events cancelled 30 days or fewer from the date of the event.
Liability/Property Damage
By renting any of the grounds or facilities, the client agrees to and shall indemnify and save harmless the State of Delaware and the Division of Parks and Recreation from any and all claims, damages, losses, litigation, and expenses arising out of any injury including death, or damage to client’s property resulting from an act, omission, or neglect of the client or any of his/her guests or contractors.
Banquet Service
Our certified caterers’ list is provided for menu selection and, in some instances, wedding planning. Only those caterers who have been certified by the Delaware State Parks may be used. We are always interested in adding new caterers to our list. Solicitation of caterers is conducted once a year. To receive notification of openings for caterers, interested parties should call (302) 739-9220. Catering arrangements are the responsibility of the user. Self-catering is not permitted.
Tents and Rental Equipment
Tents are permitted on the grounds at the Life-Saving Station. A certified list of approved rental companies is provided for tenting and all other function furnishings such as tables, chairs and bars. In connection with an event, no tent other than a caterer's or tent vendor’s may be used. Tents may not exceed 40’ by 100’ and are permitted only in designated areas. Additional smaller tents may be permitted depending on space available. Tents must be removed by 10 a.m. the day following the scheduled event, unless approved by a representative of Delaware Seashore State Park.
Set-Up and Breakdown of Chairs, Tables, Equipment, etc.
No renter or guest of the property shall be permitted to set-up or breakdown tables or chairs on the property during any scheduled event. All events will be scheduled for a maximum of five hours and will begin no earlier than 5 p.m. on the scheduled day and conclude no later than 10 p.m. Set-up will take place within two hours of the start of the function and breakdown must be completed within one hour after the conclusion of the function. The property will be closed at 11 p.m. - there is no exception to this rule.
Timeline for a typical event:
Day before:
afternoon - delivery and set-up of tent, tables, and chairs
Day of the event:
Noon – caterer and florist allowed on-site to finish site preparation
3 p.m. – close site to public, bridal party allowed on-site to prepare, musicians allowed on-site to set up, chairs can be set on beach
4 – 4:30 p.m. – guests arrive
5 p.m. – ceremony held on beach
5:30 p.m. – reception begins
10 p.m. – reception over, guests and bridal party exit with their belongings, caterers remain to clean-up
11 p.m. – clean-up and packing of caterers equipment complete, IRLSS staff shut down and secure site
Next day:
Before 10 a.m., tent vendor/rental company removes tent and any other rental equipment.
Ceremonies on the Beach
A private pedestrian crossing leading from the property is used to access the beach for ceremonies. Chairs and minimal decorations may be set up for a ceremony during the allotted set-up time (after 3 p.m. on the day of the event) and must be removed immediately after the ceremony. Vehicular access to the beach for wedding set-up purposes is limited solely to chair rental vendors during delivery, set-up and breakdown of the chairs. Under no circumstances may a renter, guest, or other vendor (including musicians and florists) transport people, items, or equipment onto the beach by vehicle.
Advertisement, Press, News Releases and Ticket Sales
Any printed advertisement in any newspaper, brochure, website, etc. for an event held at the Indian River Life-Saving Station shall have prior approval from a park representative and shall include the correct name and location of the site:
Indian River Life-Saving Station
Delaware Seashore State Park
130 Coastal Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Please send advertisements to the above address for approval prior to distribution. Ticket sales at the door are not permitted.
Photography
Within the rented facility, photography may be conducted only in areas specifically rented for the event. No person may move any furnishings or exhibits at the Life-Saving Station for the purpose of photography. Photography shall be allowed on the beach, in the Life-Saving Station and on the grounds at all times when the park is open to the public provided that the photography shall not interfere with the public enjoyment of the park or special interpretative programs. Access to the dunes by members of the rental party, contractors, vendors, photographers, or guests is prohibited.
Decorations and Special Effects
This property and the surrounding environment located within Delaware Seashore State Park are subject to all Delaware State Parks Rules and Regulations. To protect the natural surroundings including our native vegetation and wildlife the following items are prohibited:
- Flower petals or flower parts used for decoration or in a ceremony
- Birdseed, rice or any other uncooked grain product used as part of a ceremony
- Balloons and Mylar decorations, including water balloons
- Piñatas or other scattering decorations
- Beverage straws and cocktail straws
- Sparklers, fireworks and open fires
- Release of animals (including birds and butterflies)
Miscellaneous
The following guidelines apply to all events.
- The private room for the bridal party will not be available until 3 p.m. on the day of the event.
- Alcoholic beverages are permitted at the event – all state laws and Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation rules and regulations apply.
- Use of broadcast insecticides (“foggers” or “bug bombs”) is prohibited.
- The Museum will be locked at 5 p.m. unless previous arrangements are made to staff it with a Park Historical Interpreter available for an additional charge. No food or beverages are allowed in the Museum at any time.
- Should a security presence be required for an event, Delaware Seashore State Park will provide this service for an additional charge. Please call well in advanceto make such arrangements.
- The Gift Shop will be open and staffed during the event.
- Neither the Station nor associated buildings are available for events including the Museum, Park Enforcement or Administration buildings. Tables, chairs or other personal property of the user are not permitted to be set-up in the Museum itself or the Administrative Building and Gift Shop.
- The Governor’s Executive Order 71 prohibits smoking inside State facilities. Smoking outdoors is permitted.
- No fee is charged for parking at the Indian River Life-Saving Station while attending an event. Parking at our site is limited and we encourage the use of car or van pooling. Even more site-friendly and safe, local limousine and shuttle services are also available. Please inquire for a listing.
- Please see the Formal Reservation Agreement for more information.
