Experience an evening of grace and elegance in South Carolina’s most historic building. Located in downtown Charleston, the Old Exchange offers both convenience and exceptional value. If interested, please call during business hours Monday through Friday: (843) 727-2165 or 1-888-763-0448 or email Kathryn Hernandez, Event Coordinator
There are several elegant rooms within the historic Old Exchange for after-hours rentals. You may select one of the two options below that best fits your specific event requirements:
Use the links above to see photos and read descriptions of the rooms available for special events.
Note: The Provost Dungeon is not available for rent.
RENTAL GUIDELINES
The Old Exchange is open for public tours every day from 9am to 5pm, so our private event spaces are only available between 5 pm and midnight. Set-up is not permitted during public touring hours.
Because of the historic nature of the building, we ask and expect our rental clients help in safeguarding the historical integrity of the building, its decor and its contents. Wedding receptions and other banquet-events are welcome.
Reserving A Date In Advance
We recommend reserving your desired event date as soon as possible. A 50% deposit is required to hold a desired date. Clients will be asked to provide a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) to hold with their contract. The Old Exchange holds the card for security. For convenience, most clients choose for their credit card to be billed in the event there is a balance remaining at the evening’s end due to event staff and security guard overtime fees (if the event goes past midnight), or last minute additional equipment rental fees, or any damages that may occur during the event.
Clients must also provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with coverage of at least $600,000, naming the Old Exchange as an “additional insured.”
Catering Services
If your event requires the services of a catering company, you are welcome to select a caterer of your choice, however they must be approved by Old Exchange management. Most local catering companies are familiar with The Old Exchange and its guidelines. Use of The Old Exchange kitchen facilities by a catering company is included at no extra cost to you when renting. Your caterer must return to the Event Coordinator a signed Caterers Agreement form prior to your event. If any service provider fails to perform the required clean-up or incurs any damages, a fee will be assessed to you, the client.
Bartenders
1) When serving alcoholic beverages you must select a bar service company, or individual(s) who must proivde evidence of liquor liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 for our files, prior to providing any services at The Old Exchange. Your Certificate of Liability Insurance must name the Old Exchange as an “additional insured.”
2) A cash bar is not permitted in The Old Exchange without the required permit. A temporary beer, wine and/or liquor permit (Application Form ABL-900) authorizes the sale of beer and wine at special events and allows the consumption of those beverages. A temporary liquor license authorizes the sale of alcoholic beverages from containers larger than two ounces. These can be obtained by contacting:
SC Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Licensing, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29214 or telephone (803) 898-5864; or in Charleston contact the Taxpayer Service Center at (843) 852-3600. It is recommended you allow at least 30 days to complete this process.
Florists & Decorators
You may select any florist or decorator of your choice for your event, however they must be approved by Old Exchange management. Additionally, we require removal of all floral and decorating items at the end of the evening.
Music
The Old Exchange can accommodate a DJ or band of your choosing during your function, however they must be approved by Old Exchange management. We recommend using a band or instrumental group no larger than four pieces due to acoustics, limited electrical requirements, and limited available space for dancing (if dancing is desired).
Elevator
To accommodate any visitor with physical limitations, and to facilitate set up and take-down for events, an elevator is accessible from ground level to all floors of the building.
Security Guards
Security guards are required for the safety of your guests and the building for the entire duration of your function. Guards report at 5 pm. and depart when all service personnel have vacated The Old Exchange. The cost for security guards from 5 pm to midnight is included in the contract price. The number of guards required is at the discretion of the Old Exchange management and will be determined by such factors as number of guests and type of function. Minimum of two guards is required for ALL functions. If the event extends past midnight, there will be overtime fees charged to your credit card on hold.
Equipment
Please ask about our equipment rentals.
