Rental Options

Mabel's Studio

Nestled amongst the rustic farm buildings on the Bird Sanctuary’s historic property, Mabel’s Studio offers a cozy and intimate space for gatherings of up to 40 people. With its vaulted ceiling, wide plank floors and unbeatable views overlooking stone walls, fields and ocean, this unique setting is ideal for a book signing or lecture, small social gathering, or company meeting/retreat.  

Features include: 

  • A large wooden farm table with seating for up to 12 
  • A kitchen for catering needs 
  • Free Wi-Fi, a podium, overhead projector & screen with laptop connection  
  • 2 Private restrooms 
  • Double glass doors with access to Mabel’s Lawn  
  • 2nd floor loft space 
  • Decorative brick fireplace 
  • Ornithology library  

Mabel's Studio Lawn

Surrounded by stone walls with sweeping views of the rolling fields and water beyond, Mabel’s Lawn is adjacent to the Studio, and provides the perfect location for a rehearsal dinner, cocktail reception, yoga retreat or corporate event. The Lawn is available for tented events between August 15 and April 15 for up to 125 people.  

Features include: 

  • Direct access to our seven miles of hiking trails  
  • Ample space for a tented event  
  • Exterior outlets for your electrical needs 
  • String lights add festivity in Spring and Summer months 

Mabel's Garden

Mabel’s Garden is an intimate gathering place and lovely backdrop for small receptions or photographs. A formal garden with a stone birdbath is bordered by colorful hydrangeas, small trees and native plants, and features a gravel path encircling the garden. Historic stonewalls surround the space, which is accessed by a small wooden gate and is located across from the Paradise Farmhouse.  

The Barn

Vaulted wooden ceilings and a second-story hayloft level create a rustic and charming space for dancing, lectures, small receptions and educational events for up to 90 peopleAccessible on both sides of the building, the Barn also has a small lawn providing additional space for a small tent or outdoor seating. 

Paradise Farmhouse

The Paradise Farmhouse is the perfect place to bring people together in a unique and private setting. Ideal for family vacations, wedding parties, retreats and company outings, this house is situated on a broad lawn bordered by historic stonewalls, with a gorgeous view of fields and ocean. From unplugging as a family, to hosting a wedding of up to 125 people, our Farmhouse was designed to make new memories. Please visit the Stay at Paradise Farmhouse page to learn more 

Campus Map & Rental Policies

This main campus map will give you a bird’s eye view of our rental properties, and our Site Rental Policies will give you more details about hosting your event at NBS.

Norman Bird Sanctuary provides a beautiful location for your event but does not provide event planning services.

An NBS team member is available for inquiries, bookings and guidance to help support the facilitation of your event.

Required and Preferred Vendors

Using our required and preferred vendors results in your event being handled by trusted partners who are familiar with our property, resulting in a smoothly functioning event.   

  •  Caterer, tent and portable restroom rentals must be from our Required & Preferred Vendor List.  
  •  Non-preferred vendors may be required to complete our Vendor Polices Agreement.  
  •  All vendors must be licensed and insured and provide proper documentation of required coverage.  
  •  A fee of $250.00 will be applied to each non-preferred vendor. 

Download Vendor List

Rental Space Rates

Membership is required to host an event at Norman Bird Sanctuary and rental rates vary based on seasonality, number of guests and space needed. Please complete a Rental Request Form to obtain more information and a quote for your special occasion.

Rental Request Form

Ready to Book?

The Norman Bird Sanctuary provides the perfect setting for retreats, family gatherings, intimate weddings, and other small events. With 300 acres of protected open space overlooking idyllic fields and the shoreline beyond, we offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for your next event.

To best respond to your inquiry, we ask that you please complete our Rental Request Form. Norman Bird Sanctuary provides a beautiful location for your event but does not provide event planning services. An NBS team member is available for inquiries, bookings, and guidance to help support the facilitation of your event.

To reach out to our team directly, please contact:
Erin O'Neill, Business & Office Manager
eoneill@normanbirdsanctuary.org
(401) 846-2577 x 401