Rental FAQ

Yes, you are welcome to contact the Sales Department any time with questions at or 703-993-1234. However, space cannot be held until the Rental Interest Form has been received and processed.

Capacities and other venue information for renting is available here. Each event will have specific needs, and capacity maximums for a room may decrease based upon the set-up and scope of the event. Stated capacities reflect normal operations and do not take Covid-19 safety measures and reduced capacities into account.

Yes. To hold a space, complete a Rental Interest Form. Upon receipt, the Sales Department will contact you and verify all information. Once the Rental Interest Form information is verified, the Sales Department will confirm your requested date/space is on a “Hold” status. A “Hold” status gives you the first right of refusal should anyone else request the same date and space.

Yes. Caterers must be on the Mason Approved Caterer list. All caterers serving on any George Mason University campus location must be approved prior to the event. To become approved, please visit the Fiscal Services website.

The approval process is managed by Fiscal Services and can take up to three weeks depending on current business demands. One day special event approval does not require application to become a vendor with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Yes, our centrally located catering kitchen is for use by caterers serving our guests. The kitchen has a small ice-maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and stainless steel prep sink area, but there is no stove or oven. There is open space for caterers to bring their own tables and prep equipment. Caterers should tour the site prior to the event to verify available space and set up requirements. Depending on events happening in the Hylton Center, kitchen may be shared by more than one event.

Yes, as long as the caterer has a current, active Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control license. Renters may also apply directly for a one-day special event beverage license. Please discuss with your caterer.

A Mason police officer will need to be hired to work the event if alcohol is served. The Sales Department will include the cost of that service in the estimate and make all arrangements for you.

Parking is available in front and behind the Hylton Center, with accessible parking in both lots. Parking charges will be added to your estimate.

If additional parking is required, there is overflow parking on the Mason campus.

Yes, the Hylton Center is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Among the ADA services provided:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible entrance
• Accessible seating
• Accessible rest rooms
• Assisted listening devices

If any of your guests have accessibility needs, please contact the Sales Department at 703-993-1234. The Hylton Center staff is happy to assist and, with enough advance notice, can make other special arrangements as needed.  More information about the Hylton Center's accessible options is here. 

Once your event’s estimate is complete, it will outline the deposit amount due to confirm the space, along with a signed contract. Additional deposits may be required. The deposit may be submitted via check. Checks should be made payable to: George Mason University. The deposit is refundable less an administrative fee, when written notice of cancellation is received 60 days prior to the event date, unless the event is in December. All events booked for December require a non-refundable deposit due to the extreme demand for space during that time.

Visit ready.gmu.edu for a listing of resources to help prepare for emergency situations that may arise on campus.