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  • Where are you located? What's nearby?
    Poogan's Courtyard is located in the heart of the charming French Quarter in downtown Charleston. We're thrilled to be part of such a vibrant neighborhood, just steps away from iconic sights like Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park. Looking for the perfect place to rest your head after a day of celebrating? We can happily recommend some nearby hotels that perfectly capture the essence of Southern hospitality: The Palmetto, The Mills House, and The Ryder Hotel are all fantastic options just a stone's throw away from our doorstep. And speaking of doorsteps, ours is located at 12 Cumberland Street, Charleston, SC 29401. We can't wait to welcome you to Poogan's Courtyard!
  • Is parking available nearby?
    The closest paid parking lot is just a few doors down at 26 Cumberland. Prefer a garage? No problem – head over to 82 Cumberland for convenient parking. There's always metered street parking available too. Plus, here's a little insider tip: Sundays are your lucky day because street parking is free, courtesy of the City of Charleston.
  • Is your venue handicap accessible?
    You bet! Poogan's Courtyard is handicap accessible.
  • Does your venue accommodate live music or DJs?
    Whether you're bringing in a DJ to get the party started or booking a small musical act, we're all for it! Some restrictions may apply based on amplification, power, or space. We can work out the details.
  • Is your venue dog-friendly?
    Of course! Dogs are more than welcome here at Poogan's Courtyard – they're part of our brand story and charm!
  • What is included in the venue rental fee?
    We take pride in offering a comprehensive list of inclusions that set us apart from the rest. From our carefully curated culinary menus to our charming outdoor courtyard adorned with bistro lighting, we've created an atmosphere that's as distinctive as it is inviting. With amenities like our in-house sound system, dedicated event lead, and access to cutting-edge event planning software, your vision becomes a reality with ease. Keep in mind that our venue fee varies based on the time and date of your event, so be sure to explore our pricing page for all the details. Here is a list of what's included in your venue fee: • 4 hours of rental time + 1 hour of setup and breakdown (additional hours may be available with an hourly fee) • 80 x-back chairs, 10 sixty-inch round tables, and 7 cocktail tables • Standard linens (napkins and floor-length tablecloths) • Silverware, china, and glassware • On-site catering kitchen with thoughtfully curated menus • On-site bar with flexible drink packages or a cash option • Private, accessible restrooms • A quintessential outdoor courtyard with bistro lighting • Robust WiFi throughout the venue • In-house sound system with wireless mic capabilities • High-definition television with an HDMI connection • A dedicated event lead and service team for the duration of your event • Access to Merri, our 3D event diagramming software • Access to a custom event portal for payments, discussions, and event documents
  • What is the deposit and payment schedule?
    Ready to reserve your spot at Poogan's Courtyard? Here's the lowdown: Secure your date with a $1,000 deposit (applied to the balance) and signed contract. Sixty days after signing, pay 50% of the remaining proposal balance. Sixty days before your event, pay 50% of the remaining proposal balance. Ten days before your event, settle the remaining balance. For events within 60 days of booking, simply put down a $1,000 deposit, with the final payment due 10 days before your event. Easy, right?!
  • Can I make payment plans?
    We're all about making your experience as smooth as can be, including when it comes to payments. Just reach out to your Sales Manager to chat about our flexible payment plan options – we're here to find the perfect fit for you!
  • What is a food & beverage minimum?
    The food & beverage minimum is the minimum amount we ask you to spend on our menu offerings. This minimum doesn't include venue fees, service charges, taxes, or any extra bells and whistles, like additional hours. If, by chance, your food & beverage orders fall below this amount, we'll just add an "unmet food & beverage minimum" charge to make sure everything stays on track. These minimums are tailored to the date and time of your event, so for all the details, check out our pricing page.
  • What is the service charge?
    Our service charge is 25% and is applied to the entire bill. This charge is an all-encompassing fee designed to support the entire team involved in making your event a success. This includes event leads, servers, bartenders, our talented culinary team, and the behind-the-scenes efforts of our operations and sales staff. No additional gratuity is required.
  • Which payment methods do you accept?
    We accept credit card, cash, or good old-fashioned checks – we're here to make it easy for you. Just a friendly reminder: we do ask for a valid credit card to be kept on file, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Regarding checks, please keep in mind there's a $150 administrative fee for any returned ones. No matter how you choose to pay, we're not adding any extra payment processing fees. It's all part of our commitment to making your experience with us as seamless as possible!
  • What can I expect in terms of taxes?
    Our tax rates are set by the city of Charleston and the state of South Carolina, ensuring transparency in every transaction. For food, beer, and wine, expect an 11% tax rate. Other items, fees, and services are taxed at 9%, while liquor gets a slightly higher rate at 16%. The 16% tax rate also applies to our full bar packages.
  • What are your cancellation policies?
    We understand that plans can change, so we just ask for a bit of notice if you need to cancel your event: We require written notice for cancellations. Once a cancellation is confirmed, no payments will be refunded or transferred to another date. If cancellation occurs: Zero to thirty days (0 – 30) of contracted event date, one hundred percent (100%) of remaining balance, as contracted, will be due. Thirty-one to fifty-nine days (31 - 59) of contracted event date, seventy-five percent (75%) of remaining balance, as contracted, will be due. Sixty days (60) of contracted event date, fifty percent (50%) of remaining balance, as contracted, will be due. In excess of sixty-one days (61) of contracted event date, all payments made will be forfeited. No additional payments will be due. For your peace of mind, we highly recommend considering event cancellation / postponement insurance through a trusted insurance vendor, like eventsured.com. This is especially important during hurricane season (June 1 - November 30) when unexpected weather challenges can arise. These policies are budget-friendly and provide valuable protection. Learn more at eventsured.com.
  • Can I reschedule my event?
    If you need to change the date, we'll work with you to find another available date. If the new date is available, we'll transfer your payment to that date. If it's already booked, you can choose another date within one calendar year from the original event date, or you may opt to forfeit all payments made. We understand that unexpected things happen, so we allow for one rescheduled event date without any additional fees. However, if you need to reschedule a second time, there will be a Date-Change Fee of $750.00, which won't be applied towards your final balance. Please keep in mind that when you reschedule, there may be changes in costs based on the new date and seasonal pricing. This includes factors such as food costs, food & beverage minimum spends, venue rental fees, and more. We'll work with you to adjust these accordingly.
  • Can I bring my own decorations? Are there any limitations?
    Want to add your personal touch to the space? We love that idea! You're more than welcome to bring in your own decorations to make your event extra special. Candles with real flames need to be contained. We suggest using hurricane glass or votives. Please avoid decorations that need nails, staples, or any permanent adhesion. As much as we love a bit of sparkle, confetti and glitter aren't allowed – but don't worry, we'll still make sure your event shines.
  • How much time do I have to set up or break down?
    You'll have one hour of setup time before your event begins, giving you plenty of time to add those special touches. And don't worry – we've also set aside one hour for breakdown afterward, so you can wrap up the celebration stress-free. Need a little extra time to set the stage or say goodbye to your guests? No problem! Additional hours for setup or breakdown may be available at a rate of $250 per hour. Multiple setup or breakdown hours must be booked in one consecutive block leading up to or after the contracted event time.
  • Do you offer on-site coordination?
    While we don't offer on-site coordination services, our dedicated Sales Manager is here to lend a helping hand. Whether you need recommendations for vendors, assistance with menu planning, help with selecting the perfect bar package, or guidance on layouts, our Sales Manager has you covered. We highly recommend hiring professional assistance to handle the finer details like vendor management, logistics, timeline coordination, setup, and breakdown. While we're here to support you, Poogan's Courtyard isn't responsible for managing these aspects of your event.
  • Can I hire my own vendors or is there a preferred vendor list we need to stick to?
    We have a list of awesome vendors we love working with and would be thrilled to share with you! However, we also want to make sure your event reflects your unique style and needs. So, feel free to choose the vendors that best fit your vision.
  • Can I bring in food or beverages from third-party vendors?
    Poogan's has been mastering the art of Southern cuisine since 1976 – so you could say we're experts in the field. We're the exclusive providers of food and drinks – no outside catering needed! Our catering menus are customizable, and we're here to collaborate with you every step of the way.
  • Do you host menu tastings?
    For weddings, we offer a complimentary menu tasting experience. It's our pleasure to give you a sneak peek into the culinary delights that await you and your guests on your special day!
  • Do you provide cake-cutting services?
    Count us in! We'd love to take care of cutting and plating your cake for you. There's a small fee of $3 per guest for this service, but trust us, it's worth every bite!
  • Do you provide meals for vendors?
    Of course! We're more than happy to provide meals for the hardworking folks helping to make your event special. Their meals will be based on your menu selections and conveniently included in your final bill.
  • Do you accommodate allergies or special dietary requests?
    We're all about catering to your needs, whether it's allergies, dietary restrictions, or plant-based preferences like vegan and vegetarian options. Just give us plenty of notice, and we’ll make sure everyone can enjoy their meal worry-free! When it comes to steak and salmon, unless we've chatted about it beforehand, we'll serve them up medium – it's our default setting for a delicious dining experience.
  • When do you need my menu and bar details?
    Your final menu selections and bar details are due 30 days before your event. Because food costs can change with the seasons, menu prices might vary – but don't worry, we'll confirm all the details with you before your selections are due. Regarding the guest list – we'll need those final numbers 14 days before your event. If you're opting for plated meals, send us an email at sales@pooganshospitality.com with your guests' names, meal choices, and any dietary needs or allergies. We can provide you with an easy template. For hosts with plated meals, we'll need place cards with guest names and their selected entrées. Want us to handle the printing on standard stationery? We'll take care of it for a small fee of just $3 per card.
  • Do you offer bar services?
    We're proud to offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic options in addition to beers, wines, and spirits, including local options. Our bar packages start with a two-hour minimum and are priced per guest. We also offer a consumption bar, where drinks are charged per order on the host’s final bill, or a cash bar. Cash bars require a $250 setup fee but do not require an additional service charge. We handle the pouring – no self-service here, but don't worry, you're in good hands with our talented bartenders! As the party winds down, we'll give your guests a friendly heads-up with a "Last Call" 15 minutes before we wrap up the bar service. We kindly ask that no outside alcohol joins the party. We've got you covered when it comes to glassware! We provide martini glasses, mule mugs, wine glasses, rocks glasses, and champagne flutes — so every sip is served in style.
  • Do you offer menus or special pricing for children?
    We love welcoming little guests to Poogan’s Courtyard! For children 12 and under, we offer special pricing — buffet and station meals are 50% of the adult price. Hosts opting for plated meals can offer a $15 chicken tender plate with mac & cheese, broccoli, and dessert.
  • Can I host my ceremony at Poogan's Courtyard?
    Planning to exchange vows at Poogan's Courtyard? We'd be honored to be part of your special day! For couples choosing our venue for their wedding ceremony, there's a $500 ceremony fee. With this fee, you'll gain access to the space for an additional hour, allowing you ample time to celebrate with loved ones. Our team will also handle the setup and breakdown of chairs, ensuring everything is picture-perfect for your ceremony. As an added bonus, we offer a 30-minute rehearsal one business day prior to the ceremony (pending availability), providing peace of mind and ensuring everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. Please note: The ceremony fee is an add-on and does not serve as a standalone venue rental fee. Standard venue fees and food & beverage minimums will still apply.
  • Do you have changing rooms or bridal suites?
    Need a space to freshen up? We have private restrooms available on-site for your convenience. However, when it comes to changing areas for the bride, groom, or wedding party, we don't have dedicated spaces available.
  • Who is Poogan?
    Our story begins at Poogan's Porch, where history meets culinary excellence. Originally a cherished home dating back to 1891, this beloved establishment transitioned into a renowned restaurant in 1976, preserving the spirit of Southern charm and warmth. Central to our story is Poogan, the neighborhood's faithful canine companion, whose presence on the porch symbolizes the timeless allure of Southern hospitality. As guardian and greeter, Poogan embodied the essence of our restaurant, welcoming guests with open arms and a wagging tail. Inspired by the desire to extend this cherished experience beyond our historic walls, we proudly introduced Poogan’s Courtyard, Charleston's premier event venue, in 2019. Just a few blocks away, this full-service space seamlessly combines the allure of our renowned restaurant with the elegance of a private event destination. From the authentic Lowcountry cuisine to the inviting ambiance, Poogan’s Courtyard offers a truly unforgettable setting for upscale events and gatherings with exposed brick walls, original heart-of-pine flooring, and a charming courtyard. Our experienced team is dedicated to exceeding expectations, offering not only a stunning venue, but also full-service catering and an on-site bar to elevate your occasion. Let us bring your dream event to life. Schedule a tour of Poogan’s Courtyard today and discover the endless possibilities awaiting you in the heart of downtown Charleston.
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