How to rent a party venue
Updated November 14, 2026 · 4 min read
A loft, villa or terrace for a private party, corporate event or shoot — the right venue is half the event. The wrong one means a spoiled evening and a lost deposit. Here is what to find out in advance.
Capacity and format
Ask how many guests the venue holds and how it can be set up: standing reception, banquet, dance floor. Guests beyond the agreed number are often not allowed or cost extra.
Venue rules
- Until what time noise and music are allowed.
- Whether you can bring your own DJs, catering and bartender.
- Whether there are limits on decor, smoke machines and open flames.
- Where guests can park.
Money and deposit
Ask for a contract with the date, time, price and deposit amount. Find out what the deposit can be kept for, and take photos of the venue before the event starts.
Don’t pay without seeing the venue in person or by video — fake villa listings are more common than you think.
Equipment and facilities
- Sound and light: what is on site and what you need to bring.
- Power: whether there is enough for the equipment.
- Toilets, a cloakroom, a place for performers to change.
Cleaning and set-up time
Check whether cleaning is included and how much time you have before and after the event. Set-up and take-down time should be part of the rental too.
Where to look
The “Party venues” category in the Housing section, and “Photo locations” for shoots. The Professionals section has photographers, make-up artists and other specialists for the event.