FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the rental fee for the venue include?
The Sanctuary is an "as is" venue. We are not responsible for decor of any kind, catering, flatware, glassware, cake, photographer, transportation, flowers, special lighting, music, bar, alcohol, servers, ceremony officiates etc. We represent ourselves as the venue only, which shall include the entire facility at 82 N. High Street (Sanctuary Hall, The Gallery Room, private bridal suite, groom space, terrace) and the following:
• 32 round white tables (5')
• 6 round white hi-top tables (30")
• 12 rectangle banquet tables (8')
• 6 rectangle banquet tables (6')
• 300 white resin chairs
• private bridal/lounge area
• kitchen with prep counter, double refrigerator, cook top/oven, chest freezer, 100-cup coffee pot and microwave
• free wifi
• trash cans (including trash bags + all necessary cleaning supplies)
SET UP, TEAR DOWN AND CLEAN-UP - WHO DOES WHAT?
Our venue is basically a 100% "DIY" facility. However we do offer table and chair setup for $250 and table and chair tear down for $350. If you do not contract for us to do this, you are responsible for setting up the tables and chairs, cleaning any stains/spills and then returning them to the storage room at the end of the event. Customers and/or their caterers are also responsible for clearing and undressing all tables. All items brought in, including service items, disposables such as cups, bottles, napkins, and decorations must be either bagged for disposal and deposited in the dumpster behind the building or loaded and removed at the conclusion of your event. Be sure to allow for this when finalizing your rental time frame. Additional details will be outlined in your rental agreement.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON DECORATIONS?
Our venue is over 125 years old, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It takes great care to keep an older building such as ours in good working order. Therefore, please note that decorations cannot be affixed to walls or ceilings; tape, nails, tacks, screws, staples, etc. are strictly prohibited. We believe our stained glass windows pretty much take the place of a lot of decorations. You can be creative with table decorations, however, unless prior written authorization has been obtained, the following items are also prohibited: smoke/fog machines, helium balloons, rice, birdseed, sparklers, confetti, and metallic glitter. Flower petals, if tossed outside, must be real. Real candles burning a real “open flame” are also prohibited but there are lots of battery-operated options that look like the real thing! We cannot risk a fire in our historic venue. Tapered candles and candelabras are likewise prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us preserve this beautiful, historic venue!
DO YOU OFFER A MILITARY DISCOUNT?
We do! We offer a 10% military discount on our weekend rates for all veterans and retired or active-duty military personnel. Thank you for your service!
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTED RATES DURING THE “OFF SEASON”?
We do not. Our rates are already so incredibly affordable during the “peak season” that we’re unable to lower the pricing any further during the “off season.” Thank you for understanding!
CAN I SET UP THE DAY BEFORE MY EVENT?
Yes! If you want to set up for your event the day before, you are welcome to pay for the rental for the hours the day prior to your event!
DO I HAVE TO USE AN APPROVED CATERER?
No! We do not have any kind of an “approved vendor” list that you have to choose from, which means you can choose any caterer you’d like. You can also choose any DJ, any florist, any bakery, etc. We can, however, provide you with a list of local businesses that we think would all be great choices. You and/or your caterer will have access to our spacious kitchen, with ample fridge and freezer space, a three-compartment sink and adequate prep space. Please note that our stove/oven is not for commercial use, and we do not allow cooking with grease.
WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL?
We do not have a liquor license. Operation of a "cash bar" or "ticket sales" is strictly prohibited. You are responsible for the lawful consumption of alcohol in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio (no service to persons under 21 or intoxicated persons) and you assume all responsibility and liability for the use and dispensing of alcoholic beverages at The Sanctuary during your event.
IS THERE A MANDATORY EVENT END TIME?
Everything and everyone must leave the premises by midnight; this includes all personal items, all rental items from third-party vendors, and all clients and guests. Start time and end time must be decided at time of booking; please remember to include the time you’ll need for all set-up, tear-down and clean-up in your rental timeline.
WHEN CAN I VIEW THE VENUE?
Tours are by appointment only please and only when there is not an event scheduled. Contact us to schedule a visit.
HOW CAN I CHECK TO SEE IF MY DATE IS AVAILABLE?
It's simple. First check the "Availability" page, but be sure to confirm that the date is still available as our calendar can change hour to hour.
HOW FAR OUT CAN I BOOK A DATE?
We already have bookings in 2025 and beyond. Booking a future date that locks in today's low rates is smart planning!
HOW DO I BOOK A DATE?
First, contact our coordinator to confirm your date is available. Be sure to tell us your start time and end time, which must be decided at the time of booking. (Please remember to include any time you’ll need for set-up, tear-down and clean-up.) Then, we will send you a contract to sign. You can pay the full rental fee at the time of booking or a minimum deposit of 65% with the balance due no later than 90 days before the scheduled event date.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION/DATE CHANGE/REFUND POLICY?
CANCELLATIONS: If the rental is cancelled more than one year prior to the rental date, 25% of the rental fee is forfeited. If the rental is cancelled less than one year but not more than six (6) months prior to the rental date 65% of the rental fee is forfeited. If the rental is cancelled less than six (6) months prior to the rental date the entire rental fee is forfeited.
DATE CHANGES: There is a nonrefundable $250 change fee to change a date.
REFUNDS: No refunds are given for using less than the total purchased hours on the rental date.
IS THE VENUE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
There is a ramp on the south side of the building, with van-accessible parking. We do have a ADA compliant bathroom located off the gallery of the venue.
WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
We have our own small parking lot on the south side of the building, on-street parking is available, there is a public lot next door and we're lucky to be one short block away from the Creekside underground parking garage. And all parking is FREE.
DO YOU HAVE A SOUND SYSTEM?
We do not. Your DJ should be able to provide this equipment
ARE THERE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS NEARBY?
Yes! The Gahanna Sanctuary is only a few minutes from I-270, I-670, and the John Glenn International Airport. The wonderful folks at Visit Gahanna can help you secure blocks of rooms at local hotels at the best possible rates. They can also provide free welcome bags for your out-of-town guests, ideas for where to host a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch, and so much more. Their services are free, and they’re a great local resource!