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 James G. Derbes and Jan W. Katz, Proprietors |
The 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. Available for a venue charge based on the date and number of guests, the house and gardens together will accommodate up to one hundred fifty guests, while a ceremony and party for up to sixty may occur indoors. In the event of rain, the house and its galleries will comfortably contain a buffet and bar and up to one hundred guests.
We include chairs. reception tables and serving tables for up to one-hundred-fifty guests. Catering; and any other equipment, including utensils, additional tables and chairs; linens and any special decorations, are the host's responsibility. We do only one event per day.
- Event charges from $1,500 - $2,500
- Seating, dining and serving tables for 150 guests
- The freedom to do it your way
- Up to 60 guests for an entirely indoor ceremony, party or buffet
- Up to 100 guests if the galleries are in use
- Up to 150 guests for a garden party, ceremony or reception
- Convenient location with ample on-street parking
- Off-street parking available for rent nearby
- Complimentary use of wedding suite for dressing and preparation
- Access beginning on the morning of the event for preparation
- Five hour event time limit
- Music ends and bar closes no later than 10:00 PM
- Deposit of $500 to hold the date
View our Photo Gallery with a slide show of recent Events.
Check availability for your event on our Calendar.
Review and add a comment to our Blog.
To host a BH&G event phone 1-800-308-7040; or e-mail for further information.
Features
We provide a beautifully restored and furnished Greek Revival mansion and gardens, which include fountains, a gazebo, a newly-installed Beaux Arts pavilion and a large flagstone terrace to the rear, where our garden features 22 varieties of heritage roses. The house is fully restored and furnished with 19th Century American antiques. The spacious gardens, which embellish our park-like but private setting, is newly-landscaped with additional lighting, paving and walkways. Our double parlors and dining room now feature fine examples of contemporary Southern art from Jan's private collection.
Event hosts may use the master bedroom and bath, at no additional charge, on the day and night of the event. Accommodations for additional nights are available for an extra charge. For evening affairs, we also provide a security guard.
On-street parking and access at our Esplanade Ridge location is convenient and ample for up to 150 guests. Off-street parking is available for rent nearby.
Have a Look
Come by at any time and see for yourself. Our event lighting comes on at dusk. Our front gates are closed but unlocked. You can find us easily: Location.
Terms
The common rooms of the house and its gardens are included for all events, which are limited to five hours each. We require that any amplified music be played in our rear patio and limited to a moderate volume; and that the bar close and the music end no later than 10:00 PM. Hosts, their families and friends have the entire day of the event for preparation and decoration on the premises.
Charges
On weekends, the house and grounds are available for weddings, receptions and parties for a charge that generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the date and number of guests.
In addition to the rental charge, we require a refundable security and damage deposit of $350.00, payable prior to the event date.
BH&G may be reserved with the signing of our rental agreement form, and the payment of a booking deposit of $500 to be applied to the rental charge.
Choices
With BH&G you have the freedom to choose your menu and professional caterer, and with our approval, decorate the house and grounds to your taste. We coordinate with you or the planner you may choose. Suggestions for caterers, planners, photographers, equipment rentals and nearby B&B's, are among the Recommendations on this site. At your convenience, we are happy to discuss these with you in greater detail.
The House & Gardens
The Benachi House is a New Orleans Landmark, a centerpiece of the Esplanade Ridge Historic District. It has been lovingly restored by Proprietor James G. Derbes, who has been its owner since 1982. The 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 location is convenient - on Bayou Road, just off Esplanade Ave. - mid-way between the French Quarter and City Park./p>
Photographs and Videos
The house and grounds offer marvelous visual possibilities. From candid scenes to portraits, the setting provides a rich, detailed backdrop from which to capture memories of the special occasions shared here.
Ceremonies
For a ceremony location, most couples choose the front yard: in or near the pavilion, on the gallery of the house or at the base of the front steps, all with guests seated on the lawn. The back yard presents other possibilities. After dressing in the private suite, and as the guests wait in anticipation, the bridal couple and their entourage enter the ceremony setting from the house. After the ceremony, guests repair to the back yard for the party.
Indoor Option
The double parlors provide an indoor setting for a ceremony, and along with the dining room and central hall, a reception setting with up to sixty guests.
Receptions and Parties
The rear patio and lawn offer private but generous surroundings for a party for up to 150 guests. The bar and food service are usually set up on the patio, with tables set there for food service and dining. Some hosts choose to serve a portion of the food or the cakes in the dining room. Caterers have convenient access to the grounds and to the kitchen, where there is ample room for food layout and preparation, prior to service. The entire outdoor area is appropriately lighted, though hosts often choose to accent the outdoor spaces with votive candles adorning the flower beds and strings of lights on the gallery railings. Music may be performed from any of several possible locations, with plenty of space for dancing nearby.
Inclement Weather
Should the weather fail to cooperate, BH&G can accommodate one hundred guests in the house and on our galleries. Tents are available for rent as key design element of a garden party, or on contingent basis in the event of rain. Outdoor heaters are also available. Rental companies can recommend size and placement, and are among our Recommendations.
