Rent The Abbey
General Information
General Info
General Information FAQ
Got questions?
We might have answers!
Do you have parking?
Besides free street parking on Fremont Avenue (PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON 43rd, for residents only), there is a Parking lot available for you reserve ($100 for weddings) and your guests to use. The parking lot is located one half block north of the Arts Center on Fremont Ave. A small sign directs people to the lot but it is highly recommended to put the map on your invitations or event information. American Music also has a large lot that people can park in after hours only (7pm weekdays, 6pm weekends)
Are there any restaurants/cafes in walking distance?
Indeed. We are just up the hill from the Center of the Universe and smack dab in the center of Fremont Village, please see the map for more information regarding our business neighbors. The world famous Paseo sandwich shop is 1/2 block away and Cafe Vita, Tribunali pizza, Rialto, and Brads Swingside are right here too.
Is there Free wi-fi?
You bet! We have high speed internet and Apple's Wireless-N networks. Just ask for the password when you get in the building. If you need a phone or ethernet line for your event entry credit card processing machines, that should be workable too.
Is there an outside catering fee?
We sometimes allow professional licensed caterers that are not on our preferred list for an orientation fee. However, it's highly recommended to use the culinary artists on our list since they know the building policies already, have supplies you'll otherwise have to rent, and they work well with typical event budgets.
Can we have alcohol at our event?
There is an additional fee for alcohol ranging around $100 depending on the event & number of people (this is simply for wear & tear & additional staffing, we're not buying the booze for you!) Be sure to check the box on your rental agreement form. You must post a Banquet License for private events ($10 from liquor store, 3 days in advance) and Special Occasion License for nonprofit public benefit events ($60 and 45 days advance application).
See WSLCB website for all official information. We cannot guarantee information on this site. Failure to have proper permits can result in LARGE fines to you. See the Abbey Renter Policy sheet that comes with your contract for more on this.
Is there a curfew for our event?
The city’s sound ordinance takes affect at 10pm so you might need to turn down the music a bit to be sure that our neighbors are respected. We ask that most events end by midnight and are cleaned up and out by 1am. Events going past midnight must be pre-arranged & will require an additional fee of $100 per additional hour.
Can we use candles in your facility?
Usually candles are fine to use in safe areas. They must be in a glass container that extends beyond the flame and designed so that they cannot tip over. Tapered candles in holders are sometimes allowed for wedding ceremonies only at the front table. NO candles allowed in traffic areas, where people may lean, on the piano, on tables without 'coasters' or some covering, etc.
Can we bring our own PA/sound gear?
Sometimes. DJ’s generally bring their own equipment (PA, mixer, mics, etc.). We can also supply a PA system for you for an additional cost. Any Abbey equipment can only be operated by an Abbey Staff Member or in some cases an approved & qualified sound tech. See the equipment list for more info.
What causes your rental price to range?
A lot depends on the complexity of your event & number of people attending. Here are some examples of what can cause the rental costs to fluctuate: The day of week and off-peak or peak months, complexity of the sound system & equipment needed, hiring a sound person, setting a PA system both upstairs and downstairs, complexity of set up and clean up (chairs, tables, stage, etc.), staffing hours, other tech. equipment etc.
We also offer many discounts such as: neighbors (Fremont), nonprofits, educational, sliding scale, youth oriented, all-ages, open to the public, etc.
Your estimate will be more accurate with the more information you can give at first.
When is the deposit due?
Your deposit will be 50% of your estimated rental fee. Your event will be officially booked once we receive the deposit & completed contract in the mail.
What is the easiest way to obtain insurance for our event?
The document can be obtained through homeowners or renters insurance. You can call your insurance agent and read them the paragraph from the contract that discusses insurance and they should be able to get the certificate for you. You can always use companies like www.wedsafe.com too.
What kitchen items and appliances are available for our use?
You may use our 2 ovens and stoves, coffee urns (12, 30 & 50 cup), hot water dispenser, fridge, microwave and sinks. Using our chafing dishes/warmers will be an additional cost and needs to be arranged before your rental. We do not have linens at this time.
Can we hang/post anything from the walls or ceilings of the Abbey?
Adding nails or tacks is generally a no go but some areas of the building do have bolts and other attachment points for light-weight items such as christmas lights, string, paper lanterns, etc. In some cases we can help attach hooks in a permanent way to allow for your decorations (and other future uses).
There is only ONE kind of wall-friendly tape that's okay to use and it's the cheap GREEN painters tape (blue can work if taken off very slowly). Please check with us in advance. NO scotch tape, duct tape or anything of that nature on the walls or floor.
1st floor - green painters tape ok on walls and floors (NO Gaf tape as it removes the cement stain)
2nd floor - no tape on walls in Great hall, ok in lobby, Gaf tape ok on floors
What are your clean up policies and procedures?
With most events, you just load out all your food, decor, equipment, etc. and we handle the rest (tables, chairs, sweep, mop).
For lower budget events in which you are handling cleanup, you will receive a detailed list and map that will walk you through the clean up process and help you locate any supplies or materials you might need. The house manager will facilitate this process but you'll be doing the cleaning.
As the renter, it is your responsibility to remove any garbage including recyclables from the building to be disposed of on the day of the event. Special cleaning required after an event (for example, excessive spillage/staining on rugs and floors) will be charged to the renter at a janitorial rate of $20/hour.
We might have answers!
Do you have parking?
Besides free street parking on Fremont Avenue (PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON 43rd, for residents only), there is a Parking lot available for you reserve ($100 for weddings) and your guests to use. The parking lot is located one half block north of the Arts Center on Fremont Ave. A small sign directs people to the lot but it is highly recommended to put the map on your invitations or event information. American Music also has a large lot that people can park in after hours only (7pm weekdays, 6pm weekends)
Are there any restaurants/cafes in walking distance?
Indeed. We are just up the hill from the Center of the Universe and smack dab in the center of Fremont Village, please see the map for more information regarding our business neighbors. The world famous Paseo sandwich shop is 1/2 block away and Cafe Vita, Tribunali pizza, Rialto, and Brads Swingside are right here too.
Is there Free wi-fi?
You bet! We have high speed internet and Apple's Wireless-N networks. Just ask for the password when you get in the building. If you need a phone or ethernet line for your event entry credit card processing machines, that should be workable too.
Is there an outside catering fee?
We sometimes allow professional licensed caterers that are not on our preferred list for an orientation fee. However, it's highly recommended to use the culinary artists on our list since they know the building policies already, have supplies you'll otherwise have to rent, and they work well with typical event budgets.
Can we have alcohol at our event?
There is an additional fee for alcohol ranging around $100 depending on the event & number of people (this is simply for wear & tear & additional staffing, we're not buying the booze for you!) Be sure to check the box on your rental agreement form. You must post a Banquet License for private events ($10 from liquor store, 3 days in advance) and Special Occasion License for nonprofit public benefit events ($60 and 45 days advance application).
See WSLCB website for all official information. We cannot guarantee information on this site. Failure to have proper permits can result in LARGE fines to you. See the Abbey Renter Policy sheet that comes with your contract for more on this.
Is there a curfew for our event?
The city’s sound ordinance takes affect at 10pm so you might need to turn down the music a bit to be sure that our neighbors are respected. We ask that most events end by midnight and are cleaned up and out by 1am. Events going past midnight must be pre-arranged & will require an additional fee of $100 per additional hour.
Can we use candles in your facility?
Usually candles are fine to use in safe areas. They must be in a glass container that extends beyond the flame and designed so that they cannot tip over. Tapered candles in holders are sometimes allowed for wedding ceremonies only at the front table. NO candles allowed in traffic areas, where people may lean, on the piano, on tables without 'coasters' or some covering, etc.
Can we bring our own PA/sound gear?
Sometimes. DJ’s generally bring their own equipment (PA, mixer, mics, etc.). We can also supply a PA system for you for an additional cost. Any Abbey equipment can only be operated by an Abbey Staff Member or in some cases an approved & qualified sound tech. See the equipment list for more info.
What causes your rental price to range?
A lot depends on the complexity of your event & number of people attending. Here are some examples of what can cause the rental costs to fluctuate: The day of week and off-peak or peak months, complexity of the sound system & equipment needed, hiring a sound person, setting a PA system both upstairs and downstairs, complexity of set up and clean up (chairs, tables, stage, etc.), staffing hours, other tech. equipment etc.
We also offer many discounts such as: neighbors (Fremont), nonprofits, educational, sliding scale, youth oriented, all-ages, open to the public, etc.
Your estimate will be more accurate with the more information you can give at first.
When is the deposit due?
Your deposit will be 50% of your estimated rental fee. Your event will be officially booked once we receive the deposit & completed contract in the mail.
What is the easiest way to obtain insurance for our event?
The document can be obtained through homeowners or renters insurance. You can call your insurance agent and read them the paragraph from the contract that discusses insurance and they should be able to get the certificate for you. You can always use companies like www.wedsafe.com too.
What kitchen items and appliances are available for our use?
You may use our 2 ovens and stoves, coffee urns (12, 30 & 50 cup), hot water dispenser, fridge, microwave and sinks. Using our chafing dishes/warmers will be an additional cost and needs to be arranged before your rental. We do not have linens at this time.
Can we hang/post anything from the walls or ceilings of the Abbey?
Adding nails or tacks is generally a no go but some areas of the building do have bolts and other attachment points for light-weight items such as christmas lights, string, paper lanterns, etc. In some cases we can help attach hooks in a permanent way to allow for your decorations (and other future uses).
There is only ONE kind of wall-friendly tape that's okay to use and it's the cheap GREEN painters tape (blue can work if taken off very slowly). Please check with us in advance. NO scotch tape, duct tape or anything of that nature on the walls or floor.
1st floor - green painters tape ok on walls and floors (NO Gaf tape as it removes the cement stain)
2nd floor - no tape on walls in Great hall, ok in lobby, Gaf tape ok on floors
What are your clean up policies and procedures?
With most events, you just load out all your food, decor, equipment, etc. and we handle the rest (tables, chairs, sweep, mop).
For lower budget events in which you are handling cleanup, you will receive a detailed list and map that will walk you through the clean up process and help you locate any supplies or materials you might need. The house manager will facilitate this process but you'll be doing the cleaning.
As the renter, it is your responsibility to remove any garbage including recyclables from the building to be disposed of on the day of the event. Special cleaning required after an event (for example, excessive spillage/staining on rugs and floors) will be charged to the renter at a janitorial rate of $20/hour.
FLOOR PLAN
PDF to print
PDF to print