Rental FAQs

Review our FAQs for any lingering questions before or after your tour!

Where can I find pricing information?

Click here for the most up-to-date rates for Historic Columbia's rental venues.

Do prices change depending on the day of week or season I wish to rent?

To keep things easy, our prices do not change according to the day of the week. However, our prices do vary according to the time of year, which includes a Peak Season and Off-Season rate. See the Rental Venue Pricing link above for more information.

Is there a security deposit? How do I get it back?

All rentals require a security deposit (up to $1,500) to book their event. This is separate from your rental fee and is refundable if all venue rules were followed, no damages were incurred, and everything was cleaned up properly. All clean-up procedures are listed in the contract. 

How long is the rental?

Rentals can be for either a full-day (12 hours) or a half-day (6 hours). Seibels House also includes an option for four hours (max 75 guests). The rental time includes the time for set-up and breakdown.

Do I have to use certain vendors?

We are proud to welcome all vendors to our locations for all services – we only ask that they are licensed and insured to be in business. 

What is included in my rental?

We provide tables and chairs for indoor use only, where indoor space is available. We will set these up and break them down for you outside of your rental time. We also provide a Rental Assistant for the entirety of your event. All other elements must be supplied by the renter.

What does the Rental Assistant do?

Rental Assistants represent the Rental Coordinator and are the on-site contact during your event. They open the property for you, answer general questions, remind you of rules and procedures, and close the property when your rental ends. They are not responsible for your set-up or clean-up and do not make decisions about your deposit refund.

Is the Rental Coordinator my Event Planner?

No, the Rental Coordinator is only the contact for venue needs and rules. You or a third-party event planner are responsible for gathering and coordinating all other elements. However, since the venue is often the first thing booked, the Rental Coordinator is happy to provide some “next step” suggestions! It’s a good idea to periodically review the venue contract to make sure everything you are planning abides by the rules.

Can I bring a pet to my event?

We are pet friendly in our outdoor spaces! We just ask that you clean up after your furry friend.

Do I need security for my event?

Security is only required for large events, as deemed necessary by the Rental Coordinator. For weddings and smaller events, security is suggested but not required. 

Are there any prohibited items at the venues?

Glitter, confetti, sparklers, and spray string are not allowed on any property for any purpose. Open flames and/or sources of high heat may not be used in any interior space, due to the historic nature of our venues.

Is parking available?

There is ample street parking around our sites. When renting Robert Mills, there is a gravel lot that can accommodate approximately thirty cars. 

Can I tent the outdoor space?

All outdoor areas may be tented! Tents or other equipment may not be staked into the ground, however. The must be secured by weights.

Can we elope on your property?

Yes! Please click here to learn more about scheduling your elopement.

Is there a way to know which plants will be blooming in the gardens during my event?

Yes! Please click here to view our garden database, where you can select the property you wish to rent. Then, under advanced options, you can select the Flower Time (season) and hit search!

How can I schedule a time to view the property?

Please schedule a tour with the Rental Coordinator in advance by contacting us. This way, we can make sure that your visit does not conflict with a previously scheduled event/meeting. If you have already booked the venue but need to revisit for planning purposes, please let the Rental Coordinator know in advance when you plan to stop by.