James G. Derbes and Jan W. Katz, Proprietors

Benachi House & Gardens (BH&G) is an authentic, classic New Orleans setting for a wedding, reception or party - from elegant to trendy, crawfish boil to seated dinner. The house and its grounds will accommodate up to two-hundred and seventy-five guests, while seventy-five to one hundred will be comfortable inside and on our porches.

• Most Events, $1,500 - $3,750
• Small ceremony specials
• Summer and weekday discounts
• Freedom to do it "your way"
• Complimentary suite on event day
• Convenient location with parking
• Planning services available

We provide a beautifully restored and furnished Greek Revival mansion and gardens, including fountains, gazebo, a newly-installed Beaux Arts pavilion and a rear terrace, with 22 varieties of heritage roses. After Katrina, the house has been totally repaired and re-painted, and the garden newly-landscaped with additional outdoor lighting, walkways and lawn. Our public rooms now feature fine examples of contemporary Southern art from Jan's private collection.

Event guests may use the master bedroom and bath, at no additional charge. For evening affairs, we also provide a security guard.

On-street parking and access at our Esplanade Ridge location is convenient; and for larger groups, off-street parking is available a half-block away, for an additional charge.

Rental terms are reasonable. The house and grounds are available for weddings, receptions and parties on the weekends for a fee of $1,000 plus $10 for each guest. On Tuesdays - Thursdays, and on weekends between May 15 and September 15, a 20% discount may be taken. A four hour time limit applies.

For a wedding ceremony without reception or followed only by champagne and light refreshments and limited to 35 guests, the charge is $500, with a 2 hour time limit.

We ask that nighttime events end by 11:00 PM.

With BH&G you have the freedom to select your own professional caterer, planner, photographer and entertainment; and subject to our approval, decorate the house and grounds to your taste. Phylanne C. Keller, our Events Coordinator, will coordinate with the professionals you select. Our recommendations, including nearby B&B's for your out-of-town guests, are gladly shared with you.

For an additional charge, one of our staff is also available to help you make choices, and to plan and co-ordinate the entire event, no matter how small or large.

The Benachi House retains its original details: fourteen foot ceilings fitted with banded cornices and exuberant medallions; carved, black marble and granite mantles of European origin; Rococo Revival chandeliers by Cornelius & Baker; Greek key doorways; and heart of pine floors. The furnishings complete the ensemble: Gothic and Classical Revival, American Empire, Neo-Grec and Victorian. The romantic gardens have been landscaped to include fountains, a gazebo and terraces of gris des vosges Alsatian flagstone.

Weddings, receptions, parties and dinners have occurred in our house and gardens to the acclaim of as few as ten and as many as three hundred guests at a time. Twenty-five guests may be served at a seated dinner in the dining room. The house and porches may comfortably accommodate seventy-five to a hundred guests at a buffet reception. Events for larger groups require set up on the terraces for service and seating. Tents are available for rent from local companies as key design element of a garden party, or on contingent basis in the event of rain. Tables, chairs, linens, china and glassware are available for rent through recommended equipment companies, directly, or through your caterer. On street parking has proved adequate for up to one hundred fifty guests. If more parking is required, or if off-street parking is preferred, the parking area of the Musician's Union on the next corner may be rented for the event.

There is neither a limit nor a charge for the time required for preparation and decoration, which may begin on the morning of the affair. Decorations have included flowers in the fountains, wreaths on the gates, candelarios on the front walk, a wooden dance floor and tent on the parking area, and of course flowers throughout the house.

For groups of up to fifty, a buffet can be conveniently served from our dining table and sideboards in the dining room. For larger groups, particularly if food items are cooked to order for the guests, cooking stations can be located on the lawn, or on the rear deck, adjacent to the kitchen. Tables and chairs can be set up on the rear terrace and lawn. Our large kitchen is used by the caterers to warm and ready the food for serving.

Wedding ceremonies have occurred in our library, parlour and gazebo, on the rear terrace, front porch and front lawn. Music of all types has accompanied events here. The rear terrace works well for dancing.