The Mermaid & The Dolphin A Boutique Inn & Tropical Garden Spa Resort Galveston Island, Texas Galveston's Tropical Romantic Getaway! All Suites have Luxurious Amenities, Fireplace and Private Jacuzzi-for-Two AquaSpas! Contact Info | Email this page to a Friend | Click to see a map  | Additional Pages... Introduction Guest Rooms/Rates Dining Finnegan's Pub Conservatory & Swim Spa Galveston Beaches & Attractions Special Packages Reservation Request Form   Availability Search: See which rooms are available during your stay. Check in: Check out: Powered by Webervations Clear search results Rooms Available from  to  Learn more about these rooms These are our base rates - certain discounts and/or charges may apply

The Inn's Grand Ballroom was designed and built in 1889 by prominent Galveston architect, Nicholas Clayton. Elegant and formal, the room has twelve foot ceilings, satin oak floors, the original opulent glass bowl chandeliers, and an ornate fireplace imported from England in 1889. Expansive, the room is adorned with both a large corner turret and a side bay. In the room's corner turret is the circa 1928 Conover Grand Piano, tuned and ready for your pianist. The room can accommodate formal dining seating for 36 people. The Ballroom's massive, arched pocket doors can open to extend the room into Finnegan's Pub, the Inn's Irish pub, allowing the perfect setting for socializing and entertaining after the wedding ceremony.

For events of up to 75 people, the entire main floor of the mansion may be reserved. For smaller functions and events, the 1866 Parlor may be reserved independent of The Grand Ballroom. Additionally, for outdoor functions, the verandahs and the tropical gardens surrounding the mansion may be reserved. Maximum capacity for any function is 75 people.

The Inn is available for formal portrait photography sessions for your wedding or special occasion for $150/90 minute session. Minimum charge $150. Reservations required. Please speak with Events Manager for details.

Hourly Rental Fee
Hourly charges to include set-up and clean-up time. Minimum hourly rental will apply and vary by event, time of year, time of day and number of attendees.

Food and Beverage Policy
All food and beverage served for functions within The Mermaid & Dolphin will be catered by our staff. The removal of catered food from the premises is not allowed. No outside food or beverages are permitted unless contract arrangements are made with The Mermaid & Dolphin at the time you schedule your event. Food & Beverage services not permitted in the 1866 Parlor. A 20% gratuity plus taxes apply to all food & beverage services.

Beverage Service
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates the sale and service of alcohol. The Mermaid & Dolphin does not have a liquor license. Alcoholic beverages may be catered by a vendor licensed to do so. Names of vendors of alcoholic beverages are available upon request. Under no circumstances will alcoholic beverages be served to minors, and we reserve the right to check valid identification for birth dates. We also reserve the right to refuse service to anyone suspected of being intoxicated. The Mermaid & Dolphin will charge a glass rental fee for wine, beer and mixed drinks. Mixers will be provided to your specifications by The Mermaid & Dolphin. Champagne fountain rental is available through the Mermaid & Dolphin.

All alcoholic beverages in the common areas must be provided by a licensed vendor of alcoholic beverages in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. There are areas in the Inn that are exempt from this law, but these areas must be defined by the management of The Mermaid & Dolphin. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the common areas or carried out from any function. A bartender will be required at all functions serving alcohol. A fee of $20.00 per hour for the bartender will be billed, to include set-up and clean-up of bar.

Decorations and Signage
All decorations, displays or exhibits brought into the Inn must be approved in advance by the owners/innkeepers. Items may not be attached to any wall, floor or ceiling with nails, staples, tape, or any substance that will damage fixtures or furnishings. You must remove the decorations immediately following the event unless other arrangements are made in advance of the event. There may be an additional charge for major set-ups involving Inn labor. Please note: The Mermaid & Dolphin will not assume any responsibility for damage to or loss of any merchandise or articles left in the Inn prior to, during, or following the event.

Flowers
Fresh flowers, if desired will be provided by The Mermaid & Dolphin. Fresh flowers in bud vases and votive candles for table decorations are available at a small additional charge per table. Flower arrangements for various themes in small, medium and large sizes are available for an additional charge. Room decorations other than flowers must be provided by the client. Fresh flowers will be billed separately.
If you will not be bringing your bouquet, The Mermaid & Dolphin contracts services for Bridal bouquets or corsages, etc. and they will be priced separately.

Rentals
All rentals of equipment including but not limited to furniture, linens, glassware, china, cahmpagne fountains, etc., will be billed separately and payable at the conclusion of the event. A signed credit card authorization will be necessary to reserve any rental equipment.

Music and Entertainment
Music and entertainment can be arranged through the management, or coordinated with the vendor. There are some instances when additional equipment or electricity is required for entertainment set-ups. These requirements must be communicated to the management well in advance of the event. The charges will be based upon the specific requirements. Music and entertainment must be terminated by 6:00 P.M. unless the client has arranged to reserve the entire Inn, including all guest suites.

Security
All events which include children under age 15 will require security. Additional security may be required. Requirements will be based on number of attendees, the time of day, and whether or not the event has reserved all guest suites. If all guest suites are not occupied by event attendees, or all areas of the Inn are not rented, security will be required to confine event attendees to the Inn's main floor, and specifically the areas rented for the event. Security will be arranged through management and billed at $25 per hour with a minimum of two hours. The time period will include 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes following the event.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed indoors. Smoking is allowed outdoors on verandahs and in gardens. It is the client's responsibility to request that event guests refrain from throwing smoking debris into the gardens. A clean-up fee of $100 will be billed if it is necessary to remove cigarette butts or smoking litter from the grounds surrounding the Inn.

Guest Suite Rental
Weddings, union ceremonies and vow renewals consisting of only the couple will not require rental of all guest suites. Generally, all Saturday events/weddings with 20 or more people, or any event with entertainmet will require rental of all guest suites. Days other than Saturday are variable, please check with Event Manager for your specific date. Additionally, all Saturday evening garden/outdoor events with more than 12 people will require the rental of both the Secret Gardens Suite and the Celtic Twilight Suite. Any Saturday evening wedding/event with more than 12 people, reserving use of the ballroom, pub or parlor, will require the rental of the Ocean Rhythms Suite. All weekend guest suite reservations require a 2-night minimum stay and are in addition to rental of function facilities. Restrictions apply to assure comfort of the Inn's overnight guests which are not a part of the event. Please call for clarification of special circumstances.

Consultation/Planning Visits
One free consultation/planning visit to accommodate you and/or your vendors will be provided, appointment to be set with Innkeeper, maximum 1/2 hour. All additional visits or time required will be charged at $25/half-hour, $25 minimum per visit.

Vendors
We will be happy to arrange for or recommend local businesses to provide for your other needs: alcoholic beverage vendors, florists, photographers, musicians, wedding chaplains, hair stylists, manicurists and massage therapists.

Reservations
An appointment is necessary to view the Inn. Please call at your earliest convenience to schedule your appointment. A non-refundable deposit is required when booking an event. This will reserve the space for you and will be applied to the total bill. A contract detailing the terms of our agreement will be provided.

Photography
The Inn is available for formal portrait photography sessions for your wedding or special occasion for $150/90 minute session. Minimum charge $150. Reservations required. Only certain photographers are contracted with the Inn. Please call for referrals.

The Marriage License
In Texas, you must have your Marriage License seventy-two (72) hours prior to the wedding ceremony. Marriage Licenses are purchased from the County Clerk at the County Courthouse and are good for thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. You may purchase your Marriage License in any county and go to another county within the State of Texas to be married. The cost is $36, payable in cash. The Galveston County Courthouse is located at 722 Moody (21st Street), in downtown Galveston. The office is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. You may reach the office by phone at 409.766.2200.

When You Go To The Courthouse...
You will need:
* $36 cash
* Proof of your identity and age, your Texas Driver's License or your Birth Certificate.
* If you are younger than 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you.
* Your Divorce Decree proving any prior marriage has been dissolved.
* If you are from Out of State or do not have a Driver's License, you will need your Social Security Card and a Photo I.D.
* If you are from another Country and want to be married in Texas, you will need to have your Passport.
* You may appear separately or together before the County Clerk when applying for your Marriage License.
* The County Clerk's office is only open Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends.
* A blood test is not required to obtain a marriage license.
* Witnesses are not required.

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Click-on these pages for more information:  | Introduction | Guest Rooms/Rates | Dining | Finnegan's Pub | Conservatory & Swim Spa | Galveston Beaches & Attractions | Special Packages | Reservation Request Form |

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