I came on board as the event planner for a H.S. graduation party after this venue had already been booked. If I had been involved from the beginning, I would not have chosen Claret Hall. While we were able to pull off a beautiful event, it was in spite of the venue -- not because of it. Dated Look & Layout Challenges Claret Hall's interior leans towards modest and practical. The mirrored walls in the main hall add a dated look, along with the wood floors, and a layout that's more "community center". Despite this, the staff carries themselves as if this is some grand, modern ballroom with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Let's be clear -- it's not. The lobby has several design limitations: a brown beat up leather sofa that can't be removed because they "have nowhere to store it," and a built-in desk with a counter that takes up valuable space. There's a fireplace in the lobby with exit doors on both sides, and nothing is allowed near or in front of them (something we were reminded of multiple times), including while inflating balloons. If you're hoping to create a dramatic or welcoming entry moment, prepare to work around all of this. The catering/banquet room also had scuffed walls in clear need of a paint refresh. The main event room layout wasn't very functional either, because my design included a large balloon display and DJ booth, I had to carefully measure and adjust to avoid blocking yet another fire exit door. Inflexible Rules & Overbearing Oversight We had planned a mocktail bar setup for the grad on the outdoor patio. However, we were later told that we'd have to go through an entirely separate entity (and pay additional fees) just to use the patio for a "bar" that was NON-ALCOHOLIC, because it's technically not owned by Claret Hall. We ended up relocating the mocktail bar indoors. Additionally, we were told that we could not use any of their high top 32" round tables on the patio. During one of the walkthroughs, their staff member with the British accent, Ms. Eudene, used a very no nonsense tone, was borderline rude and not collaborative. The morning after our final walk-through, I called to ask for the fireplace measurements I had forgotten to take. The woman on the phone said a church event was happening and someone would have to call me back the next day. When I asked, "Isn't there a yellow measuring tape right there on the desk?" she paused, begrudgingly put me on hold, and minutes later returned with the measurements--but with an annoyed tone. It was unnecessarily difficult and honestly, lazy. If you're sitting right there, how does a church service stop you from walking four feet to measure a fireplace? She wasn't involved in the service! On the event day, all my vendors and helpers arrived on time! Granted, we were 30 minutes early, but the building was completely empty -- no church service or event in progress as we had been told there would be. Still, the staffer on duty would not let anyone in even 15 minutes early, citing liability and the contract terms. While I understand the policy, it was frustrating in the moment, especially with no one else in the building, balloon vendors outside with balloons, furniture vendors standing outside waiting, and a tight setup schedule. To top it off, as we were packing up at the end of the night; already actively cleaning and breaking down, the same staffer came over to me with a printed checklist, pointing out everything that needed to be done. I was beyond annoyed. Not exactly the energy you want at the end of a very long day. Final Thoughts Claret Hall is fine for modest events with low design needs. It is not ideal for creative designers who need a blank slate, creative freedom, or flexibility. Be prepared to design around fire exits, some immovable furniture, and strict staff oversight. It is also worth noting that a church regularly holds its services at Claret Hall, which can impact availability. I wouldn't personally book it again. read more

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Last month, I went to a Claret Hall project occasion. The region has easy services, a stable AV setup, and plenty of space. Parking became scarce, but the body of workers become pleasant. Excellent surroundings for business conferences, however the air conditioner had hassle at some point of busy instances. All in all, a very good choice for activities; simply get there early to guarantee parking. read more

Claret Hall - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

The Manager very polite . Address our questions, parking in that star s little tight, a large event would be a problem parking . But something like an engagement party or bridal shower would be perfect ! read more

It's a nice, clean, spacious facility with multiple areas including a cloak room, separate kitchen and outdoor patio with several tables & chairs. read more

Nice venue, staff was just so so. Please get everything you discuss about facility set up in writing. I was livid when last minute changes about the amount of people in the room suddenly became a problem. Eudene needs to do better. But other than that my engagement party went off without too many hiccups and everyone enjoyed themselves. read more

We rented Claret Hall for a wedding that had to come together in less than two weeks. We found them to be helpful, considerate and friendly. Eudene was amazing. She gave us suggestions for decorating. Let us know what they had available to us for use like furniture, warming kitchen and floor space. They were quick to respond and clear about their expectations on timing. We were able to walk through prior to the event to figure out a plan. The three rooms were clean and beautifully maintained. I would highly recommend them for your event. read more

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We recently held a Celebration of Life Service at Claret Hall for a wonderful woman who sadly passed last year. We started working with the team at Claret Hall, Renee, Jennifer, Hope and Eudene back in January. In our planning and requests, Claret Hall did a wonderful job in working with us on our different requests. The service was everything we had hoped it to be. Everyone was comfortable and all of our asks and needs were met. I highly recommend Claret Hall for any occasion, you won't be disappointed. read more

We have had a few holiday functions here as a company, and so far I can't complain about the space. The service has been exceptional, and the space is big enough for our needs. Everything was set up in time, and the food and beverage services (whether in-house or third party) were outstanding. No complaints, really. Sure, it's not the Ritz or whatever, but the accommodations are more than sufficient. read more

Very PLEASED! Perfect venue for my sister's bridal shower! From the time I called to check the hall availability to the day of the shower my experience was amazing. The facility coordinator kept in contact with me in regards to the floor plan that I wanted, going over the specifics and making sure that I was aware of the policies in addition to reading my contract. The day of the shower the staff was also very friendly and accommodating. I rented the room on the backside by the courtyard area in which I was pleased. The room had the kitchen which was great because I had access to the refrigerator and full sized food warmer! I was able to have the 360 booth set up in the lobby area alongside the fireplace which made my videos pop!!!! I'm big on the background of pics and was completely satisfied with all the pics from my photographer no matter what the angle was the background was on point! The hall is reasonably priced to accommodate your special day. I would suggest that you rent according to your set-up, party and cleaning time. Most important READ the contract and you won't be disappointed!! read more

Very strict and unaccommodating. When I first signed the agreement for my wedding the lady who I spoke to told me that I could have 100 people in the ballroom but if I rent out the entire facilities then I could have 135 people but they can eat in the same room. The employee that originally assisted me left the location or quit and a new person took her place. 4 months before the wedding I called to ask how many chairs can fit around a table and she said only 8 (even though on the piece of paper they gave me 10 can actually fit) I told her we were going to put 10 people and she kept telling me that that's not going to work and that she recommends 8. First of all it's my wedding not hers I understand she has the best interest but if I already made up my mind then I don't need her advice. Then she asked me how many people are going to be at the wedding I told her 110 ( because the original employee who help told me that if you rent the entire location 135 could fit) Eudene proceeded to tell me that there rules changed and that only 95 people can be in the ballroom, but I did not receive a letter, email or a call mentioning this change! She was very rude and her tone was unapologetic. Fast forward to a week before my wedding she had stated that only 100 people can fit in the ballroom so she take my original layout and put two tables outside with 8 chairs around each table. I was sooo livid. Anyways I spoke to the owner and everything was fixed but the stress the locations put on me a week before my wedding was just unacceptable. Poor communication skills. You have to pay a deposit fee of 400 the only way you get that back is a month after your wedding which I though was ridiculous and they will mail it. I never got mine in the mail. So I waited and went to the location two months after my wedding and then they charged me 38 bucks to cancel the check that they sent they called it a convenience fee. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! And they did that with a smile. read more

I had my wedding at Claret Hall on April 14th, 2018 and received many compliments from my guests about how great Claret Hall was! We had about 90 guests and it was a perfect size for us. We rented the entire facility and it allowed us to have a great setting for our dinner reception. It was very clean and the staff was very helpful. I definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a nice simple wedding venue with a reasonable price! read more

Very disappointed, tried to ruin the affair by not letting Band and DJ access until an hour before the affair....will never refer anyone there....this is a first read more

I recently rented Claret Hall for a graduation party and I was very pleased from beginning to end. My experience was very pleasurable. The venue was very clean and the staff was very accommodating. You can always come in before your scheduled time, if you pay the additional cost to do so. Nothing is for free. I would differently recommend this venue. read more