whittemore house building
Whittemore House
Whittemore House
Whittemore House outdoor patio
Whittemore House private dining room
Whittemore House
Whittemore House
Whittemore House
Whittemore House
Whittemore House
Whittemore wedding
Whittemore wedding stl
Whittemore wedding stl audience

Seated: 120
Buffet Seated: 100
Buffet Cocktail: 200 (2/3 seating)

Note

The capacities for seated and buffet seated events are calculated using the existing rectangle tables purchased specifically for the Whittemore House. Each table seats 8 guests. Any deviation (altering the number of guests at each table and/or adding a “head” table) will decrease capacity and may cause you to incur extra charges.

Events

Day Facility Rental:

Saturday: $2,500
Sunday: $1,500

Evening Facility Rental:

Monday – Wednesday: $750
Thursday or Friday: $2,000
Saturday: $2,500
Sunday: $1,500

Availability:

Year-round
Up to 4 hours

Latest end time for day rentals: 4:00pm

Earliest start time for evening rentals: 6:00pm

Ceremonies

There is an additional fee of $1,500 for a ceremony. Wedding ceremony price includes chairs and setup.

Note

There is a $500 additional setup fee, which includes setup, breakdown and cleaning before and after the event. Events with a final guest count of 31-54 adults will incur a surcharge of $500. Events with 30 adults or fewer will incur a surcharge of $1,000.

  • Rectangular and round dining tables
  • Dining room chairs
  • White tablecloths for dining tables
  • Cloth napkins for seated dinners
  • All china, stemware and flatware
  • All bar glasses
  • Votive candles for tables
  • Cordless microphone
  • Ambient sound system throughout
  • Comfortable sofas, chairs and accent tables throughout
  • Private dressing room
  • Terrace lounge furniture, bistro tables and chairs
  • Potted plants in the spring and summer months
  • Landscape lighting

Classic Private Event Space

The Whittemore House at Washington University

Faculty club & Private event space at Washington University in St. Louis

The Whittemore House was commissioned by St. Louis businessman and philanthropist Henry Harstick in 1912 as a wedding gift for one of his daughters. It was later purchased by Washington University, and, since 1960, has served as a private faculty club, conference center and wedding venue. Its beautiful, stately architecture, lush outdoor setting and classy decor offer the perfect venue for a memorable, elegant event. This private event space in St. Louis will impress all of your guests, from coworkers and shareholders, to your family and friends.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to plan your dream event at The Whittemore House at Washington University.
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The Whittemore House at Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bayer Event Center is perfect for weddings, corporate events, galas, celebrations, and nonprofit functions. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale events.

The venue can accommodate more than 350 guests for cocktail-style events and up to 200 guests for seated dinners, depending on your preferred setup.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center is available for rentals year-round and features climate-controlled indoor spaces for comfort in any season.

Rental packages typically include tables, chairs, basic linens, and setup/breakdown services. Catering St. Louis also provides in-house catering and bar service options.

No. All food and beverage service is provided exclusively by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive caterer for the Bayer Event Center and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Yes, 100 free parking spaces are available for guests in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s designated lots.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center features both indoor event space and access to beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, which can be used for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or casual mingling.

Yes, the Bayer Event Center is fully ADA accessible, including entrances, restrooms, and event spaces.

Popular dates tend to book quickly, so we recommend securing your date at least 12 months in advance, especially for weddings or weekend events.

To schedule a tour or check availability, visit our contact page or call Catering St. Louis directly at (314) 961-7588. We’d be happy to walk you through the space and discuss your event needs.

The Whittemore House is a distinguished private event space in St. Louis, perfect for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal or baby showers, anniversary parties, corporate luncheons, nonprofit fundraisers, and academic events. Its warm, residential character and elegant ambiance make it a top choice for intimate, upscale gatherings.

The Whittemore House is located on the Washington University campus in the Central West End:
6440 Forsyth Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63105
It is easily accessible from downtown, Clayton, and surrounding neighborhoods, with nearby parking and public transit options.

Originally a private home, the Whittemore House retains its historic charm and stately architecture, featuring hardwood floors, fireplaces, crown molding, and expansive windows. Its inviting interiors and secluded gardens make it a refined and memorable private event space in St. Louis.

The Whittemore House can host up to 100 guests for a seated dinner or 120 for a cocktail-style event. The space includes multiple rooms and a lovely outdoor terrace, allowing for flexible setups based on event size and format.

Yes. The Whittemore House is a wonderful venue for hosting both wedding ceremonies and receptions, with options for indoor ceremonies or garden settings in warmer months. The flow of the venue allows for easy transitions between event phases.

Yes. In addition to its beautiful indoor rooms, the Whittemore House features a private garden terrace, ideal for cocktail hours, ceremonies, or outdoor mingling. The landscaped outdoor space adds a touch of nature and elegance to any event.

Rental of the Whittemore House includes exclusive access to the entire property, tables, chairs, basic linens, set-up and breakdown services, professional staff, and full catering coordination from Catering St. Louis.

No. All catering and bar services must be provided by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive provider for the Whittemore House. We offer a wide range of chef-driven menus and customizable beverage packages to suit your event.

Yes. Ample parking is available in nearby lots and garages adjacent to the Washington University campus. Valet services can also be arranged through Catering St. Louis or a third-party vendor if needed.

Yes. The Whittemore House is ADA-compliant, with accessible entryways, restrooms, and accommodations for all guests.

Yes. Because of the venue’s historic status and residential interior, certain restrictions apply. Open flames (other than enclosed candles), glitter, and wall-mounted décor are not permitted. However, the existing décor and character of the space often require very little embellishment.

To secure your preferred date—especially for spring and fall weekends—it is recommended to book 6–12 months in advance. Some weekday or off-season dates may be available on shorter notice.

Yes. Private tours of the Whittemore House are available by appointment. Contact Catering St. Louis to schedule a walkthrough and experience the charm and sophistication of this private event space in St. Louis.

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(314) 961-7588
info@cateringstlouis.com