Frequently Asked Questions
What does my rental fee include?
Our beautiful historic facility (Options include: Great Room, Grand Ballroom and Parlor Rooms)
Complimentary audio/visual equipment (drop-down screen, projector, hand-held microphone and PA system)
Tables and chairs (We have 2 chair options (Traditional garden chairs are included or you may upgrade to Chiavari Chairs for an additional cost)
Set up AND breakdown of tables & chairs
Portable oak bar
Bridal portrait session (if hosting ceremony & reception with us)
1 hour wedding rehearsal
Generous rental period
Option to use service providers of your choice
What is the venue capacity?
In general, maximum seated capacity is 160 for both the Great Room and Grand Ballroom. For more information, please read more about our Spaces.
Do you rent your venue for bridal portraits or engagement pictures only?
Yes! Click here to download a copy of the bridal portrait agreement.
Can I stop by for a tour?
Appointments are preferred in order to accommodate scheduled events. Book yours here.
Can I have a live band at my wedding or event?
No party is complete without music in the air. Our stage allows for a live band or a dj, leaving the choice to you.
Does your downtown location offer parking?
Metered parking is available along Burnett and 4th streets. Please remember to bring change. Detailed parking information for tours and events can be found here.
Are you affiliated with the YMCA?
No. This is a common misconception, especially since we are located across the street from the local YMCA. To make matters even more complicated our addresses are VERY similar and their parking lot is next to our building. Please pay close attention to parking lot signage when visiting our venue to make sure you don't accidentally park in their lot. To learn more about the Center for Transforming Lives, the local nonprofit we are a part of, please visit the Center for Transforming Lives page.
Is alcohol permitted?
Yes, alcohol is permitted at Historic 512. Our staff will assist with the required TABC certified bartender(s) and security.
Please contact us for further information regarding our alcohol policies. You can find more on our packages here.
Am I required to hire a security guard for the duration of my event?
Yes. We require security for a minimum of the last 5 hours of your event. We will schedule all security and we ask you to pay the officer at the time of your event, in cash. Historic 512 is not responsible for payment of any scheduled security. Please come prepared. We will verify this information with you 30 days prior to your event.
Are we allowed to bring in additional furniture (chairs, tables, etc)?
Furniture is provided by the Historic 512. However, outside furniture is allowed to be brought into the building with prior approval from our approved vendor. For a detailed list of the furniture and equipment on hand please see the following documents: Furniture & Equipment and Facility Measurements.
Does your venue permit smoking indoors?
Our building is a non-smoking facility (this includes e-cigarettes). Your guests are welcomed to smoke in designated smoking areas 25 feet from the entrance of our building.
Are candles permitted?
Tea lights or votive candles must be in glass containers. Larger lit candles must be in a glass hurricanes or other glass encasements as long as the container is at least four inches above the flame. Candles may only be placed on the mantel or tables; candle placement on the windowsills is not permissible. ALL candles must be quickly extinguished upon conclusion of the ceremony in the Great Room and upon conclusion of the reception in the Ballroom. Caterers may use chafing dishes and sterno flames to keep food warm, however decorative candles are not allowed to be placed on tables with food.
When I book my event, will there be another wedding in your facility?
No, Historic 512 only hosts one event per day.
Are we able to use the facility for rehearsals and if so, when?
Yes. You are welcome to select one of the three provided available time slots for your rehearsal on the Thursday before your wedding.
Is outside catering permitted?
We have an open vendor policy and you are welcome to choose the caterer of your choice, however they must have proof of insurance.
How do I secure the date of my event?
In order to reserve a date, we require a signed contract and a deposit of 50% of the venue rental fee.
What items are permissible for our friends and family to use for our exit?
Birdseed, dried baby's breath or lavender are great options. Other creative ideas are glow sticks, streamers or noise makers. We do not permit bubbles, sparklers, flower petals, confetti, rice, glitter, candy and/or silly string inside OR outside of the building.
Can you tell me more about the required damage deposit?
A $500 refundable damage deposit is due 30 days prior to your event. Assuming no damages are noted at the end of your event, it is fully refunded 30 days after your event. You have the option of donating any or all of your damage deposit back to CTL to fund transformative life changes for women and children trapped in the cycle of poverty.
Do you have a catering kitchen our caterer can use?
We have a small prep kitchen located on the second floor adjoining the Grand Ballroom. This prep kitchen provides you with a refrigerator, ice machine, and food warmer that will fit hotel sheet sized pans.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Please note: A 3% convenience fee is applied to all credit card transactions. Please make checks payable to Center for Transforming Lives.
Once my event is booked, how do I communicate my desired layout for the reception?
Our staff will work with you to create a floor plan for your event.