Weddings

The elegance and beauty of the Howard Performing Arts Center makes it a popular location for weddings and wedding receptions. Information for wedding rentals is provided below, along with links to download a reservation request, information sheet and list of preferred vendors. Please visit our photo gallery for more photos of weddings at the Howard Center.

Visiting the Howard Center

The renter may come to view the building or meet with a wedding coordinator or other vendor within regular Howard Center business hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm, and Friday, 9am-3pm. Meetings with Howard Center management are also possible during these times.

Rental Space

The Howard Center lobby can accommodate 200 seated guests. Rental of the lobby for your wedding includes use of the attached kitchen, restrooms and parking lot. This does not include usage of the main concert hall. Rental also includes usage of 12-five foot round tables, 12-three foot round tables (adjustable heights), up to  10-eight foot rectangular tables, and 200 chairs. Additional chairs and tables can be made available for an additional charge.

Rental Period

Rental of the Howard Center is for a 10-hour block between 8am and 11pm. An hourly rate is also available (see “Rental Rates”). Select Caterers (Dining Services and Caitlin’s Catering) may have additional pre-arranged time to setup or cleanup prior to or folloing an event. However, the event must end and all guests must vacate the premises by the end of the rental period.  The hourly rate will be charged for any time a renter is in the building past the contracted rental period. Under no circumstances will an event last past 11pm.
The rental period must include ALL time needed by the renter and vendors for setup, decoration, cleanup, and to remove all materials that are not Howard Center property. The full rental rate will apply if the renter wishes to set up the night before, and will be subject to availability. 

Kitchen & Catering

Use of the kitchen is included in the base rental rate. The kitchen is for serving purposes only, no cooking is allowed. All catered meals must be vegetarian. All caterers other than Andrews University Dining Services must be approved by Howard Center Management. Andrews University is an alcohol and smoke free campus.  

Setup & Cleanup

Use of the Howard Center’s tables and chairs is included with the rental. If desired, Howard Center staff will set up tables, chairs, and any other equipment included with the rental for a fee of $250. A floor plan must be submitted with the desired setup no less than 10 days before the rental period. If a floor plan is not submitted 10 days prior to the event date, Howard Center staff will begin setting up tables and chairs upon the rental party’s arrival as part of the rental time.

The facility must be returned to the condition it was provided to the renter, tables and chairs must be cleared of all debris, waste and all paper products must be placed in provided trash receptacles, and all equipment and materials that are not Howard Center property must be removed.The Howard Center is not responsible for any materials left behind. Only tables and chairs set up by the Howard Center will be taken down by the Howard Center.

Deliveries, Pickup, & Storage

With the exception of Preferred Caterers, all vendors (DJs, florists, etc.) must make their delivieries and pick ups only during the allotted rental period. The renter must pay the full facility rental rate for each day equipment is held on the premises outside of the rental period. Under no circumstances will Howard Center management sign for any deliveries or pick ups.

Decorations

The benches located in the Lobby may be moved to the hallways if desired. The flowers arrangements must not be moved. Items may be suspended from railings by string or propped up on easels, but no items are to be adhered to walls or windows. No helium balloons or candles (open flame) are allowed.  No painting (spray or brush) are allowed anywhere in the building.  Hallways are to be kept clear of any objects.

Sound System

The Howard Center lobby has a built in public address system and can be made available for events scheduled in the lobby. The sound system includes the use of the built in speakers, microphones, stands and CD player. If desired, a Howard Center audio technician can be made available for an additional fee. Requests must be discussed with management, two weeks prior to the event. 

Dance Floor & DJ's

The Howard Center is not set up to accommodate a dance floor.  Bringing in a portable dance floor into the Howard Center will not be permitted.  DJ’s contracted for your wedding reception must be approved by Howard Center management. 

Damage Deposits

Damage deposits are due in the form of a check made out to the Howard Center at the time the rental contract is signed. The check will only be cashed if deductions are necessary following the event. Deductions may be made for damage, excessive cleaning, or time used beyond the contracted period. The remaining balance will be returned to the renter within two weeks of the event. If no deductions are taken, the uncashed check will be returned to the renter.

Rental Rates

The Howard Center concert hall and lobby are available to be rented, either together or separately, for a fee. A paid reservation is good for the period stated on your contract. An event that lasts beyond midnight of the scheduled day may result in a charge for an additional day.

*The hourly rate is for events lasting no less than two (2) hours  and no more than six (6) hours.

Seventy percent of the rental rate is required to hold a date; a reservation will not be confirmed until the deposit and contract have been submitted. This initial deposit is non-refundable if cancelled less than 7 days prior to the event.  It can be applied to a later date or event if cancellation is necessary. The balance of the rental fee will be billed within two weeks of the event.

If necessary, use of an audio technician is $26/hr for a minimum of 2 hours.Technician hourly rates will be calculated at the end of the event and a final invoice will be issued.

Preferred Vendors

To assist you in planning your wedding, the Howard Center has partnered with local vendors for you to consider. A Preferred Vendors List has been included with your rental information.

Weddings & Receptions Gallery

Click here to see pictures of receptions held in the Howard Center lobby.

Click here to download the Wedding Rental Information Sheet
Click here to download the Wedding Rental Reservation Form