What to look for – and how The Ivory Hall in downtown Provo checks the boxes.
Planning a reception in Utah County can feel like drinking from a fire hose. There are barns, ballrooms, church gyms, backyards, and everything in between – all with different rules, prices, and fine print.
This guide walks through the key things to consider when comparing reception venues in Utah County, and shows you exactly how The Ivory Hall stacks up so you can decide if we’re the right fit.
How to Choose a Reception Venue in Utah County
1. Location & Parking
What to look for in a reception venue
Central location that’s easy for both sides of the family to reach.
Clear directions – guests shouldn’t be guessing where to park or which door to use.
On-site or close parking so people aren’t hiking in heels or walking in the dark.
A setting that feels safe and comfortable at night, especially for evening receptions.
How The Ivory Hall fits
The Ivory Hall is in downtown Provo, Utah, just off Center Street – easy access from I-15 and Utah County cities.
Guests can plug “The Ivory Hall” directly into Google Maps and drive straight to the front door.
We have a private parking lot next to the building, plus additional free street parking nearby.
The area is well-lit and walkable, so your guests aren’t wandering around a random industrial park at 10 pm.
2. Space, Capacity & Layout
What to look for in a Utah reception venue
A space that comfortably fits your guest count – not so tight that the line wraps around the room, not so big it feels empty.
Flexible layout options for:
Line / greeting area
Food and dessert tables
Dancing or cultural performances
Ability to host ring ceremony + reception or reception-only, depending on your plans.
How The Ivory Hall fits
The Ivory Hall is a modern, open-plan indoor venue that works well for mid-size receptions – big enough for a good party, small enough to feel full and lively.
The room is a clean rectangle, which makes it easy to:
Keep the line flowing without blocking food or dance space
Set up buffet, dessert, or refreshment tables along the perimeter
Reserve a dance floor or performance area for cultural dances, first dance, etc.
Many couples use The Ivory Hall for both ring ceremony and reception, so guests don’t have to drive to a second location. Others use it as a reception-only venue after a temple or church ceremony nearby.
3. Look, Lighting & Photos
What to look for
Neutral, timeless design that works with any color palette.
Good lighting – ideally natural light plus clean, non-orange evening lighting.
A space that looks good in person and in photos (no visual clutter, no weird paint colors).
How The Ivory Hall fits
The Ivory Hall has a bright, modern interior with white walls, tall ceilings, and large windows, so it works with almost any decor style – classic, modern, boho, cultural, etc.
Photographers love the natural light during daytime and early evening, and the space still looks clean and crisp after dark.
Because the space is mostly white and neutral, your decor and your guests are the focus, not the carpet or wallpaper.
If it looks good online, you’ll love it in person – schedule a tour to see the space for yoursel
4. Food, Catering & Alcohol Rules
What to look for
Whether you can bring your own food (homemade, cultural dishes, potluck style) or must choose from a preferred-caterer list.
Flexibility for dessert receptions, light refreshments, or full meals.
Clear, written policies on alcohol – is it allowed, what are the requirements, and who is responsible?
How The Ivory Hall fits
The Ivory Hall is flexible with food – couples commonly bring in:
Professional caterers
Dessert bars
Homemade cultural foods
You can choose desserts only, light refreshments, or a full catered meal, depending on your budget and style.
Alcohol is allowed with boundaries:
You must hire a licensed bartender (The Ivory Hall does not provide bartending services).
You’ll follow Utah’s applicable laws and our venue guidelines so everything stays safe and compliant.
Have specific food or cultural traditions in mind? Ask us about them when you tour – we’ll tell you honestly what works well in the space.
5. Pricing, What’s Included & Hidden Fees
What to look for
Simple, transparent pricing – not a low “base number” that doubles once you add chairs, sound system, cleanup, etc.
Clear list of what’s included (tables, chairs, sound system, use of kitchen, setup/teardown time).
Overtime policy that’s written and predictable, not something you hear about for the first time the night of your event.
How The Ivory Hall fits
The Ivory Hall uses straightforward, flat pricing based on weekday vs weekend and day vs evening. You’ll know your venue cost upfront.
Your rental includes the essentials you actually need for a reception, such as:
Use of the main hall
Tables and chairs (you can adjust to your layout)
Access to the prep kitchen for caterers
Basic cleaning after the event (you’ll handle your own decor and personal items)
Our contract clearly outlines:
When you can arrive for setup
When the event must end
How overtime works if you choose to extend.
6. Questions to Ask Any Reception Venue in Utah
Even if you don’t choose The Ivory Hall, here are helpful questions to ask every venue you tour:
What guest count does your space truly feel best at? (Not just the fire code number.)
Is the price I’m seeing all-in, or will I pay extra for chairs, sound system, cleanup, security, or parking?
How early can we arrive to decorate and how late can we stay to clean up?
What is your overtime policy and fee if things run long?
Are we allowed to bring our own caterer or homemade food? Any restrictions?
What are your rules for alcohol? Licensed bartender required? Any additional insurance?
What does parking look like for older guests or families with kids?
Do you have any decor restrictions (tape, nails, candles, confetti, sparklers, etc.)?
What happens if we need to change the date or cancel?
How do you support cultural or religious traditions (traditional dances, toasts, ring ceremonies, etc.)?
7. Ready to See The Ivory Hall in Person?
Planning a wedding reception in Utah County doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a modern, flexible reception venue in Provo with clear pricing and an easy downtown location, The Ivory Hall might be a good fit.
Schedule a no-pressure 20-minute walkthrough of the space and see it in person:
Schedule a Tour
Short, no-pressure walkthrough of The Ivory Hall. Bring your questions, your mom, or your whole planning team.