Venue Contract Template

Develop personalized contracts and allow your clients to sign digitally.

  • Venue

    CONTRACT

    Jim Clark Co
  • Venue Contract

    Jim Clark Co.

    Agreement

    This Venue Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on [Date], by and between:

    Participants
    • Event Organizer
      John Doe
      123 Main St
      New York, Ny 10012
      (212) 555-1212
    • Venue Owner/Manager
      Jim Clark
      3445 Ravenwood Dr
      College Park, GA 30349
      (404) 763-3294
    Terms

    1. Event Information and Details:


    • Event Name:
    • Event Type: [e.g., Wedding, Corporate Event, Birthday Party]
    • Event Location: [Venue's Name and Address]
    • Event Date:
    • Event Time: [Start Time] to [End Time]


    2. Event Timeline:


    • Access Time: The Event Organizer and their staff/vendors may access the venue beginning at [Access Time] on [Access Date].
    • Load-In Time: Load-in of equipment, decor, and other materials may begin at [Load-In Time].
    • Load-Out Time: All equipment, decor, and other materials must be removed from the venue by [Load-Out Time].
    • Final Exit Time: The Event Organizer and all guests must vacate the premises by [Final Exit Time].
    • Overtime Rates: Overtime will be charged at a rate of [Overtime Rate] per hour or part thereof. Overtime begins at [Time] and continues until the final exit of all guests and staff.


    3. Venue Description: The Event Organizer will have access to the following areas of the venue:


    • Main Hall: [Description of the Main Hall, including size, capacity, etc.]
    • Outdoor Space: [Description of any outdoor areas included in the rental]
    • Restrooms: [Description of restroom facilities available]
    • Other Areas: [Specify any additional areas included in the rental, e.g., bridal suite, kitchen, lounge]


    4. Rental Fees and Payment Terms:


    • Total Price: The total rental fee for the venue is [Total Price].
    • Hourly Rate: [Hourly Rate, if applicable].
    • Deposit: A deposit of [Deposit Amount] is required upon signing this Agreement. The deposit is [refundable/non-refundable].
    • Administrative Fees: [Specify any additional administrative fees].
    • Payment Schedule: Payments will be made as follows: [Specify payment schedule, e.g., 50% upon signing, 50% two weeks before the event].
    • Payment Methods: Acceptable methods of payment include [specify methods, e.g., check, bank transfer, credit card].
    • Late Payment Policy: Late payments will incur a fee of [specify amount or percentage].


    5. Revenue Guarantees:


    • Minimum Food and Drink Orders: The Event Organizer guarantees a minimum of [Minimum Amount] in food and drink orders.
    • Per-Person Fees: The Event Organizer agrees to pay [Per-Person Fee] for each guest attending the event.
    • Bar Overage Fees: If the bar sales exceed [Amount], the Event Organizer will pay [Percentage] of the overage as an additional fee.


    6. Staffing:


    • Included Staff: The venue rental includes the following staff: [Specify staff, e.g., security, bartenders, janitorial].
    • Additional Staffing: The Event Organizer may need to provide additional staff for the event, such as [Specify, e.g., servers, decorators]. The Event Organizer is responsible for hiring and paying for any additional staff.


    7. Vendor Requirements:


    • Approved Vendors: The Event Organizer may use vendors from the venue's approved vendor list or obtain prior approval for other vendors.
    • Vendor Compliance: All vendors must comply with the venue's policies and procedures, including setup and cleanup times.


    8. Noise Ordinances and Restrictions:


    • Noise Limitations: The Event Organizer agrees to comply with local noise ordinances. Music and amplified sound must end by [Time].
    • Sound and Light Restrictions: [Specify any additional restrictions, e.g., No strobe lights, No fog machines].


    9. Accessibility:


    • Handicapped Accessible Areas: The following areas of the venue are handicapped accessible: [Specify areas].
    • Non-Accessible Areas: The following areas of the venue are not handicapped accessible: [Specify areas].


    10. Decor Policies:


    • Candles and Open Flames: The use of candles or open flames is [permitted/prohibited]. If permitted, all candles must be in enclosed holders.
    • Hanging Decor: [Specify policies, e.g., No nails or adhesives may be used on walls, Ceiling hooks are provided for hanging decor].
    • Fireproofing: All decor must be fireproof or treated with a fire-retardant solution.


    11. Setup, Cleanup, and Maintenance Responsibilities:


    • Setup: The Event Organizer is responsible for the setup of all decor, equipment, and materials. Setup must be completed by [Time].
    • Cleanup: The Event Organizer is responsible for removing all decor, equipment, and materials from the venue by [Load-Out Time].
    • Maintenance: The Event Organizer is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the venue during the event. Any spills or messes must be cleaned up immediately.


    12. Damage Policy: The Event Organizer is responsible for any damages caused to the venue or its property by guests, vendors, or staff. The cost of repairs will be deducted from the deposit, and any additional costs will be billed to the Event Organizer.


    13. Liability Waiver: The Event Organizer agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Venue Owner/Manager from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the event, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Venue Owner/Manager.


    14. Insurance and Compliance:


    • Insurance Requirements: The Event Organizer must provide proof of event insurance, including liability coverage, by [Date]. The Venue Owner/Manager must be listed as an additional insured on the policy.
    • Compliance with Regulations: The Event Organizer agrees to comply with all local, state, and federal regulations applicable to the event.


    15. Unforeseeable Circumstances/Acts of God: Neither party will be held liable for failure to perform their obligations under this Agreement due to unforeseen circumstances or acts of God (e.g., natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics). In such cases, both parties will work together to reschedule the event or negotiate a fair cancellation policy.


    16. Amendments: This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both parties. Any changes must be discussed and agreed upon before they take effect.


    17. Termination:


    • By Either Party: Either party may terminate this Agreement with [specify notice period, e.g., 30 days] written notice.
    • For Cause: Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately if the other party breaches any material provision and fails to cure such breach within [specify period, e.g., 10 days] after receiving written notice of the breach.
    • Effect of Termination: Upon termination, all deposits and payments will be refunded, except as specified in the deposit policy.


    18. Dispute Resolution and Remedies:


    • Negotiation: The parties will first attempt to resolve disputes through informal negotiation.
    • Mediation: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation.
    • Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the [specify arbitration association].
    • Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the state of [specify state].


    19. Signatures: By signing below, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Venue Rental Agreement.



    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe
    • Click to sign
      Jim Clark

So, you've got a big event coming up, and you need the perfect venue. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate bash, or just a good ol’ party, nailing down the venue is key to making things run smoothly. But before you jump into decorating and picking out catering, there’s one thing you really can’t skip: the venue contract. 

A venue contract is what keeps everything on track and makes sure the event organizer and the venue owner are on the same page. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down!

What is a Venue Contract?

A venue contract is basically a legal handshake between the event organizer and the venue owner. It lays out the who, what, when, where, and how of the event. You'll find details like the date, time, services, payment plans, cancellation policies, and any special requests in there. It's like the rulebook for an event, protecting both parties from any mishaps.

What Type of Events Might Need a Venue?

Venues are where the magic happens for all kinds of events. They're for any gathering that needs some serious space. Here's the lowdown on the most common ones:

  • Weddings & Receptions: The big day! Think fancy decorations, a timeline, and catering galore—these events need a solid contract to cover all the details.

  • Corporate Bashes: Think conferences, seminars, and office parties. You’ll likely need tech like projectors and sound systems, plus food and seating.

  • Private Parties: Birthdays, anniversaries, and any personal bash that requires flexibility in how the space is set up.

  • Concerts & Performances: Got a band or a theater show? You'll need a stage, lighting, sound gear—the works!

  • Community Events: Fundraisers, fairs, or even a neighborhood get-together need venues with enough space and facilities to keep things lively.

From intimate gatherings to full-on festivals, venues make events happen! If you need a space to host an event, you'll likely need a solid contract.

How Do I Know Which Terms to Use for My Venue Contract?

Good news: you don’t have to be a lawyer to understand this. Here's what to include and how to make it fit an event:

Event Details (The Fun Part)

Let’s start with the basics: lock in the date, time, and how long your event’s going to last. Oh, and don’t forget those important setup and teardown times! The last thing you want is to get hit with extra charges for overstaying your welcome.

Pro Tip: Be crystal clear about start and end times. A little confusion here could mean unexpected overtime costs!

Venue Access (AKA Getting In and Out)

You’ll want to know exactly when you can roll in to start setting up and when you need to pack up and head out. This also includes any nitty-gritty details like where you can park, where to unload gear, and whether there are any weird rules about access times. Trust me, you don’t want surprises on the day.

Pro Tip: Make sure parking and loading details are sorted ahead of time to keep things hassl-free!

Services Provided (What’s Included?)

So, what are you actually getting when you rent this place? Think lights, sound systems, seating, and even catering. The contract should clearly spell out what’s part of the package—and what’s going to cost extra if you need more.

Pro Tip: Double check what’s included in the base fee vs. what’s extra. No one likes hidden charges!

Decorations and Setup (Make It Pretty)

Got big decoration plans? Great! Just make sure you’re following any venue rules, like restrictions on hanging items, candles, or other fun decor. And don’t forget: who’s in charge of setting up and tearing down? Clear this up to avoid awkwardness or a last-minute scramble!

Pro Tip: Assign setup and teardown roles ahead of time—no one likes being stuck with the cleanup!

Payment Terms (Time to Talk $$$)

Money time! The contract should lay out the total cost, payment deadlines, and any deposit you need to put down. Also, be sure you know what happens if payments are late. Nobody wants to deal with penalties, so let’s keep things straightforward.

Pro Tip: Make payments easy by including info about how to pay—Butterscotch lets you attach an invoice right to the contract!

Cancellation Policy (Just in Case)

Life happens, and sometimes plans change. Your contract should clearly state what happens if you need to cancel, including which deposits are refundable and under what conditions.

Pro Tip: Offer some flexibility, but protect yourself with a non-refundable deposit for last-minute cancellations.

Liability and Insurance (The Boring but Important Stuff)

Who’s responsible if something goes wrong? Spell out who’s on the hook for any damages or injuries during the event. And, if insurance is required, make sure that’s mentioned too.

Pro Tip: Ask for proof of insurance from the event organizer if necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Special Requirements (The Extras)

Got any specific needs like special equipment, extra security, or permits? Make sure all of that’s written in the contract so both sides are in sync.

Pro Tip: Clear communication here saves everyone a lot of stress down the line!

Termination Clause (The “What If” Clause)

Let’s face it—sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Your contract should include a termination clause in case of emergencies like natural disasters or other unexpected situations. Better to have a plan B, right?

Pro Tip: Keep it fair for both sides. If something totally out of your control happens, everyone should have a way out!

Deposit and Payments: What to Know

Deposits are your way of locking in your event date. Typically, it’s anywhere from 20% to 50% of the total cost. Be sure the contract explains if the deposit is refundable or non-refundable and under what circumstances. 

Thanks to Butterscotch, collecting deposits is a breeze—you can attach an invoice right to your contract and let clients pay online. No hassle, no stress!

Tips for Venues Hosting Wedding Receptions

If you're planning a wedding reception, things can get a bit more detailed. You'll want to make sure your contract covers everything from catering to timing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—check out our Wedding Reception Contract Template for all the nitty-gritty.

Keep Your Venue Contracts Organized with Butterscotch

Speaking of Butterscotch, managing venue contracts has never been easier. Here’s why:

  • Track Clients Online: Store all your client details in one place—no more digging through emails!

  • Manage Contracts: Easily access all your contracts whenever you need them.

  • Get Signatures Fast: Send contracts for online signatures and save time.

  • Email Reminders: Set automatic reminders for clients to sign on the dotted line.

  • Collect Payments: Attach invoices and collect deposits or full payments right online.

  • Customization: Add your brand's logo, fonts, and colors to give your contracts that personal touch.

So, what's the takeaway? A well-written venue contract is like a safety net for your event. It keeps everyone rowing in the same boat and ensures a problem-free experience.

And the best part? Butterscotch makes creating, customizing, and managing your contracts a total breeze. So, sit back, relax, and focus on planning the perfect event.

Butterscotch Contracts

  • Sign online
  • Collect payments
  • Custom designs
  • Audit trail
Use this Template
Graphic Graphic Graphic
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to our most asked questions about venue contract templates

Contact us

Can I Use This for a Wedding Reception?

Are Online Signatures the Best Way to Go?

Can I Edit This Template?