Venues and Space Rentals

Are you looking for a Venue to host a luncheon meeting, a family reunion, or the wedding of your dreams? Sewanee is the place to Hold your event to make it a memorable one for everyone.

Our Venue Rentals Team will happily assist you with selecting the perfect location for your event needs.

Our Venue Rental Spaces

Centennial House

House and grounds rental

Rental Rate: $5,375.00 (tent rental not included)
Security Deposit: $1,000.00
Capacity: 275

Cravens Hall

Main Floor Capacity:

A seated dining event must not exceed 325
A seated lecture event must not exceed 500
A standing reception event must not exceed 600

Lower Cravens Capacity:

A seated dining event must not exceed 150
A seated lecture event must not exceed 300
A standing reception event must not exceed 320

Rental Rate: $1,600.00

Security Deposit: $500.00

Green's View Overlook

Capacity: 75
Vehicle Parking: 15 (no more than 15 cars allowed), some restrictions for this venue.

Rental Rate: $215.00

Security Deposit: $100.00

Lake Cheston Pavillion

The pavilion is available for small events only such as birthdays, scout meetings, etc. The area is always open to the public and is unable to be rented for large private events.

Rental Rate: $42.50 per hour

Security Deposit: half of rental rate

Memorial Cross

Capacity: 75
Vehicle Parking: 15 (no more than 15 cars allowed), some restrictions for this venue.
Rental Rate: $215.00

Security Deposit: $100.00

Women's Center

The Mary Sue Cushman Room and kitchen

Capacity:

A seated dining event must not exceed 100
A seated lecture event must not exceed 150
A standing reception event must not exceed 250
Rental Rate: $535.00

Security Deposit: $175.00

How do I check to see of the venue I want is available?

Submitting a request for availability for our Venues is easier than ever. Simply complete our online availability request form, and our Team will contact you with in seven (7) business days to further discuss your event. Please note: Venue Services may not be reserved more than nine (9) months in advance.

2025 Venue Availability Request

Once you have made a reservation, what is next?

Once the Team has discussed your event and the available location a contract will be sent for your review and completion. Once you have taken a moment to review all the details and sign, you will return the completed Rental Contract Agreement with the determined payment amount to our office. If you are a tax-exempt organization, please include a copy of your tax exemption form with the rental contract. Please be sure to Make checks payable to The University of the South. Once we receive your signed rental contract and funds paid in full, we will send you a reservation confirmed.

Facility Rentals,
Administrative Services Office
111 Alabama Avenue
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN 37383-1000

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

If for any reason you choose to cancel the venue contract, a refund may be issued. If you notify the Venue Services Team at least 30 days prior to the event you will be issued a full refund. If the cancellation is made in less than 30 days of the event, you will be refunded 1/2 of all fees paid.

My event is completed. When will my security deposit be returned?

If your event has not caused any damages to the facility, your security deposit will be returned in full within fourteen (14) business days after the event. If damages to the facility or extra cleaning is required, our Team will return any remaining funds with an invoice of the charges within thirty (30) business days.

University Venue Rental Usage Policies

Sponsoring organizations are responsible for the general conduct of
participants. Drunken and disorderly conduct will not be permitted.

Conditions of Facility Use: The University will ensure that the facility is clean and ready for the event. The following measures must be taken at the conclusion of the event by the chosen catering service or host of event in order to avoid additional charges for cleaning:
1. Participants of event are limited to the main floor only.
2. Cleanup must be done immediately following event by caterer of event or host of event. All areas that were used must be clean and all items returned to their respective places.
3. Sweep and “spot mop” floors to take care of spills and litter in areas used for food and/or beverage preparation and service.
4. Trash must be bagged, tied, and taken to the trash container at the venue. Caterers need to provide trash bags. Failure to properly handle trash could cause the security deposit to not be refunded.
5. Pick up any litter around building which may have been dropped by guests.
6. All furniture is prohibited from being moved in the venue and needs to remain stationary.
7. All doors and windows should be secured after the function. Make sure all lights are turned off at the conclusion of the event. Return key to the Business Services office the following business day.
8. Please report any damages, both yours and existing damages. This will eliminate the possibility of being charged with the existing damage.
9. Do not call the Sewanee Police Department to unlock or lock building.

Accident Reports: In the event of any accident, auto and/or personal, notify the Sewanee Police Department immediately at extension 1111.
Alcoholic Beverages: The party or event host may purchase alcohol. University policy requires trained and ABC certified bartenders. Catering firms and their employees may never serve alcohol and may not provide alcohol as part of the catered menu. All bartenders must be paid directly by the Renter. All servers must be at least 18 years old. No cash bars will be permitted. Tennessee State Law prohibits persons under the age of 21 from being served or from possessing beer or other alcoholic beverages at any time. All visitors to the campus are expected to comply with this law. Alternative beverages and snacks must also be served whenever alcoholic beverages are served.
Decorations: The University does not allowany stapling, nails, or other tools that would enable attachment of decorative items to the walls. Live trees are not permitted during the Christmas season or any other time of year. All decorations must beremoved by the end of the event or they become property of the University. The University is not responsible for decorative items brought into the facility.
Fire Code Regulations: In order to be complaint with fire code regulations, maximum capacities are based on type of event being held in each venue. For example: A seated dining event must not exceed 100, a seated lecture event must not exceed 150, and a standing reception event must not exceed 250. Our Team will provide you with the exact information for your chosen location.
Fireworks, Rice, and Bird Seed: All fireworks are prohibited, including sparklers, firecrackers, etc. The use of rice is forbidden because it poses a serious hazard to birds. The use of birdseed is permissible but should be thrown only outdoors.
Lawn Care: The lawns may be available for usage by the Renter; however, if tents are to be assembled and used in the lawn, Renter must not penetrate the lawn with stakes. Renter must use water barrels to anchor down the tent, or other methods which will bring no distress to the lawns.
Lost Key/Locks: If you lose any of the facility keys, Renter is held responsible for all replacements and charges. Locks and keys are important for the security of the facility. You must not duplicate any facility keys. Since lost keys may mean the security of the premises has been compromised; the Renter is held responsible to handle the costs of replacement of all keys and locks.
Music: Amplified music must end by midnight. Acoustic music may continue until 1 a.m.
Police/Fire/Emergency Medical Services: The Sewanee Police Department are on duty 24 hours a day and the police station is located on 111 Alabama Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee, 37375. Matters requiring police attention may be reported directly by calling 931-598-1111, or if using a University extension by dialing 1111. Fire calls and requests for Emergency Medical Service should be made to 911.
Traffic Supervision: Traffic supervision by a police officer may be necessary for any party of 100 or more people. If you would like a police officer present, please contact the Sewanee Police Department (931-598-1111). The police department will advise you of fees.

Additional Information to Assist with your planning.

Caterers:

Sewanee Catering – 931.598.1334 Megan Brady

catering@sewanee.edu

Blue Chair - Jimmy Wilson
The Blue Chair

Chick-Fil-A
Catering | Chick-fil-A

Dutch Maid Bakery
Dutch Maid Bakery

Events with Taste
Events with Taste

Lunch - Malory Grims

Han Mi
Korean Food - Han Mi Chattanooga

Mountain Top Catering- (631) 740-1322

Mountain Top Meals - Catering, Prepared Meals and Clean Eat Cafe – Mountain Top Meal Prep & Catering

Natural Bridge Catering – 931.598.5566 Jayne Slagle or Michael Shrum 423.243.7566

jayne@naturalbridgeevents.com

Food Truck Vendors:

Blue Chair - Jimmy Wilson
The Blue Chair

Chick-Fil-A
Catering | Chick-fil-A

Kona Ice

Sells Sips and Sweets Mobile - (931) 308-0958

Soul Que

Best Food Trucks | Soul Que

Waffle House
Catering - Waffle House

Windy City Eats
Home | windycityeats

*If your caterer is not on the approved list, please contact venue-rentals@sewanee.edu. Our Team will happily work with the vendor you are interested in using to assist them to obtain approval.