Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at thevanburenevents@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you require that I hire specific catering companies?

We do not! You are able to use whatever catering company that you wish, or you may cater your own food. Our staff does not coordinate food on your behalf. However, alcohol must go through the Van Buren, which includes using our bartender.

What is the policy on alcohol and tobacco?

A permit is required for all events where alcohol is present. The fee is $60 and is due thirty days before your event.

All events in the Ballroom that are serving alcohol will require security. Contact the Columbia City Police Department at (260) 248-5121 to hire security. Renters are responsible for paying security directly. All security must be booked through Columbia City Police Department. We are no longer allowing other security, such as uniformed family/friends.

All events that are serving alcohol will require one of our licensed bartenders to serve. They are paid at the event at $25/hour.

At this time, we are not allowing kegs or liquor in the Sunrise, Martin, or Great Room. Wine/beer is allowed.

Smoking & vaping is not allowed in the building.

Do you have a kitchen?

We do not.

At this time, our rooms have a counter space, sink, and a fridge.

Do you have tables and chairs?

Yes! We have 5' round white tables and black chairs for The Ballroom. We have 5' round white tables and white chairs for the Sunrise and Great Room. Each table seats up to eight people. The Great Room comes with a minimum of twelve round tables and two 8' rectangle tables. The Sunrise Room comes with six round tables and two 6' rectangle tables.

You are able to use these for your event for free if you will set it up and tear it down.

Depending on availability, you may be able to request that the tables and chairs be set up for a fee of $2/chair.

Do you have table cloths or other linens?

No. You must supply your own linens. We do not include, or rent these. Our tables are 5' round.

What do you allow for decorations?

No nails, screws, staples, or penetrating items are to be used on our walls or floors. Command Strips are not allowed. No glitter or foil (non-paper) confetti is allowed on site. You can use painter's tape or small tacks, but must remove them after your event. Open flames are not allowed.

Do you have projectors/AV equipment?

We do not. You will need to bring your own. Most of our rooms have clean wall space for you to project screens on.

Where can my guests park?

There is ample curbside public parking for The Van Buren along both Van Buren and Line Street in Columbia City. Parking is free daily; however a two-hour parking limit applies adjacent to the building Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 3 PM. This limit does not apply after 3 PM or on weekends. Additional parking for large events is available less than one block away in multiple directions.

You are responsible for checking if there are any community events happening during your rental that would impact parking.

Is a staff member present during my event?

No. We will make sure that you have what you need prior to your event, but there will not be anyone at your actual event, unless you have a bartender.

Do you clean up after my event?

No. You are responsible for cleaning the space, and returning it in the same condition that you found it. Should you not clean the space, you will be charged a cleaning fee of $100/hour with a minimum of two hours. If you don't want to clean up after your event, we can add the $100/hour rate to your invoice.

What is your cancellation policy?

The 25% deposit is nonrefundable. On occasion, you might be able to move your rental date, but there is no guarantee. No refunds or transfers of the space rental fees will be paid 120 days prior to an event, as your agreement to rent on this date may cause the loss of additional bookings or business.

When is my payment due?

We require 25% nonrefundable deposit to secure your date. The remaining payment is due thirty days before your event. Any optional add-ons, like alcohol, are also due thirty days before your event.

Within 30 days of your event, you may book the day before, or day after your event for 50% off if the day is not rented by another person. This is not a guarantee that it will be available, so you are encouraged to book early. Contact us to schedule.

How do I pay?

We will send you an email invoice via Square to pay with a card. There is a 3.5% processing fee for using a card.

You are also welcome to mail in cash or check. However, we do require that you keep a card on file for damages.

DEL FUEGO LLC

PO Box 684

Columbia City, IN 46725

Can I drop off a check / card information?

No. We are not staffed during the day, so there is nobody on site.

Payments may be made via mailed check or Square. Contracts, including a card on file for damages contract, is processed through Square. You may remove your card on file after your event.

Mail checks to:

Del Fuego LLC

PO Box 684

Columbia City, IN 46725

Will you let me know if other people rent space during my same day?

We will not. Each room page on the website has a different calendar that shows you if it is booked or not. If you want to ensure a quiet space, it is recommended that you book other rooms to guarantee it. For example, before you book a wedding ceremony in The Great Room, it would be wise to make sure there isn’t a birthday party in the Sunrise Room at the same time.

Are there additional fees?

If you rent the Ballroom, you will have to provide proof of 1,000,000 event insurance coverage thirty days before your event. Contact your insurance company for a quote.

Other OPTIONAL add ons include:

Paying with a card is a 3.5% processing fee. Checks/cash have no fee.
Table & chair tear down $2/chair
Dance floor $450 for a 15’x15’. The dance floor is only available for use in The Ballroom in the center of the room. Moving the dance floor to another part of the Ballroom will result in a $200 upcharge.
Wedding/balloon arch (including setup and tear down) $30 - $100
Cleaning: $100/hour with a minimum of two hours will be automatically charged if your event is not returned to the same clean condition in which you arrived. You may opt in for this service as an add on as well.
Permit for alcohol $60
Alcohol packages - price varies
Bartender $25/hour
Security - only required for events in the Ballroom serving alcohol. Contact Columbia City Police Department for scheduling and rates.

Do you have discounts?

See our "Package Deals" tab for packages discounted 15%. You can book a neighboring day of your event for 50% off if it is within 30 days of your event. Keep in mind, if you really want a Friday to set up and Sunday to clean up after a Saturday wedding, it's wise to book them early. Otherwise, you risk someone else booking them. Email us to learn about nonprofit rates.

Do you offer long term rentals?

We do! We are able to book you in our rooms on a routine basis, or you can check out our commercial office space for lease on the 2nd floor. Check our rooms tab or book a tour for more information.