Planning a wedding comes with a lot of questions—and that’s completely normal.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about hosting an event at The Historic Dallas Jail. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help guide you.

General Venue Information

How many guests can the space accommodate?
Our venue comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests, with seating for 40 guests downstairs and 60 upstairs. When you book with us, you have exclusive access to the entire space—we never host multiple events at the same time.

What’s included in my time block?
Your time block includes setup, event time, and breakdown. For social events, we require a minimum of four hours. 

Wedding packages include extended time blocks designed to accommodate everything involved in a wedding day, including vendor arrivals, getting ready, photos, the ceremony, reception, and cleanup. If you feel you may need additional time, we’re always happy to discuss options.

How do I secure my event date?

To reserve your date, a signed venue agreement is required along with a non-refundable retainer. For weddings, a 25% non-refundable retainer is due at booking, with the remaining balance split into two payments: one due 90 days prior to your event date and the final payment due 30 days before the wedding. 

For all other events, a 50% non-refundable retainer is required at the time the venue agreement is signed, with the remaining 50% due 7 days before your event.

Food & Catering

Can we bring our own food?
All food must be provided by a licensed and insured catering company. Homemade food is not permitted, and outside coffee or hot beverage stations brought in by guests are not allowed.

For events with 40 guests or fewer, we allow drop-off catering from a licensed and insured caterer or restaurant. For events with more than 40 guests, a full-service caterer is required and must be selected from our recommended caterer list.

Caterers must be hired from our list of trusted professionals. If you would like us to consider a caterer not currently on our list, you must submit their business name and contact information for review before booking them for your event. An approval process is required, and additional fees may apply. We reserve the right to deny a caterer if needed. This policy is in place to protect you, your guests, and your event. Please note, The Historic Dallas Jail does not receive kickbacks from vendors on our list—these are simply professionals we trust to execute events at our standard of service.

What kitchen facilities are available?
We provide access to a kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, freezer, sink, and prep table. Please note, the venue does not have equipment available to heat food on site.

Insurance, Alcohol & Vendors

Do I need event insurance?
Yes. A one-day event liability insurance policy is required for all weddings and for any event serving alcohol. This protects both you and The Historic Dallas Jail. You’re welcome to purchase a policy through your own provider, or we can recommend trusted options. These policies are typically under $200.

Can we serve alcohol?
Yes! Beer and wine are permitted; liquor is not allowed. All alcohol must be served by a licensed and insured bartender. Bartenders must be hired from our approved vendor list or provided through your full-service catering team. Bar service may be open for up to five hours, with last call taking place 30 minutes before your scheduled event end time. Bartenders will check IDs.

Are there restrictions on vendors?
All vendors—including photographers, DJs, florists, decorators, and caterers—must carry liability insurance and provide a Certificate of Insurance at least seven days prior to your event. This requirement helps protect you, your guests, and the venue and ensures a smooth, professional experience on your wedding day.

Getting Ready Spaces

Is there a place to get ready at the venue?
Yes—there is a designated bridal getting-ready area available onsite. And while we can’t share all the details just yet, we do have something special coming soon. Stay tuned!

Weather & Backup Plans

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Weather is the one thing we can’t control—but we can help you plan for it. The majority of our venue is indoors, with our courtyard serving as an open-air outdoor space. Your coordinator will monitor the forecast closely and check in with you leading up to your wedding day. If adjustments are needed, we’ll help guide the decision and adjust plans to ensure your day still feels smooth, beautiful, and stress-free.

Music & Event End Time

Are there music or noise restrictions?
Yes. All events must conclude by 10:00 PM, with site closure by 11:00 PM, in accordance with the Town of Dallas noise ordinance. This includes amplified music. Your coordinator will help you plan a timeline that allows plenty of time for celebration while ensuring a smooth and stress-free wrap-up.

Décor & Setup

What décor is allowed?
To help preserve our historic building, we have a few décor guidelines in place:

  • Only freestanding décor is permitted

  • Candles are allowed but must be fully enclosed in glass containers

  • Confetti is not allowed, including confetti inside balloons

  • Nothing may be hung on the walls

  • 360° photo booths are not permitted due to space and flooring considerations

If any décor installations are planned, they must be executed by a licensed and insured vendor who can provide a Certificate of Insurance in advance. Before the vendor leaves the property, a member of The Historic Dallas Jail team will inspect the installation to ensure it is secure and stable for the duration of the event.

If you have a specific décor vision or are unsure whether something is allowed, please reach out—we’re always happy to help guide you.

What does cleanup involve?
At the end of your time block, we ask that all trash be placed in designated bins and that any dishes be returned to the kitchen area. Couples are responsible for removing personal décor and gifts. Our team will handle the rest, including floors, linens, and general venue cleanup.

Send-Offs

Are send-offs allowed?
Yes! We love a good send-off. We encourage bubbles or streamers as our preferred options. Sparklers are also permitted, but they must be used only in the gravel parking lot and handled responsibly. Your coordinator will help guide timing and location to ensure everything is safe and seamless.

Children & Supervision

Are children welcome?
Yes! We welcome guests of all ages at The Historic Dallas Jail. While our venue is a beautiful space for celebrations, it is not designed for running, playing, or unsupervised activity.

To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, we kindly ask that:

  • Children are supervised by an adult at all times

  • No child is dropped off or left unattended

  • For planning purposes, anyone under 18 is considered a child

  • Our staff is not responsible for providing childcare before or during any event

Please note, it is always the host’s responsibility to ensure that all guests consuming alcohol are of legal drinking age. Bartenders will check ID’s.

Accessibility & Parking

Is the venue handicap accessible?
Yes—our main level is fully accessible, with a ramp near the parking lot and ADA-compliant restrooms downstairs. The upstairs is only accessible by stairs, as we are unable to install an elevator due to our historic status. 

What parking is available?
We have free public parking immediately to the left of the venue, as well as additional parking around Dallas Town Square.