Question 1

How do I book a hall?

Accepted Answer

Find a hall, choose your date and simcha type, and submit a request. We hold the date the moment you submit. The hall confirms — usually within 24 hours — and you secure it with a deposit.

Question 2

Is the availability I see real?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each hall maintains its own live calendar. A date shown as available is genuinely open, and Shabbosim and Yamim Tovim are blocked by the hall.

Question 3

What is 'instant book'?

Accepted Answer

Some halls let you confirm a date instantly without waiting for the owner to accept. Look for the ⚡ Instant book badge on the listing.

Question 4

Can I message a hall before booking?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Every listing has a 'Message the hall' button so you can ask questions first — no booking required.

Question 5

How much is the deposit?

Accepted Answer

Each hall sets its own deposit percentage (commonly 25%). The exact amount is shown on the listing's price breakdown before you submit.

Question 6

When do I pay the deposit?

Accepted Answer

You never pay before the hall accepts your request. Once they accept, you pay the deposit the way that hall offers — a secure card payment, Zelle, or check — within the window they set. If the hall declines, you owe nothing.

Question 7

Are there extra fees?

Accepted Answer

Halls may list a cleaning fee, service fee, gratuity, or refundable security deposit. Every fee is itemized on the listing — no surprises.

Question 8

Can I cancel a booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, from your Events page. Each hall publishes its own cancellation policy on its listing, so review it before you book.

Question 9

What if I need to change the date or guest count?

Accepted Answer

Message the hall directly through Simchabook to arrange any changes. The hall has final say on availability.

Question 10

How do I know a hall's kashrus?

Accepted Answer

Each listing shows the certifying agency and level, plus Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel, and Mehadrin indicators where applicable.

Question 11

Can I filter by mechitza or separate seating?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use the amenities filters to narrow to halls with the layout and minhag details your simcha requires.

Question 12

How do I list my hall?

Accepted Answer

Apply through 'List your hall'. We're invitation-only, so every venue is personally vetted before going live. Once approved, you get a full dashboard.

Question 13

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There's no upfront fee. Simchabook earns a small commission only on confirmed bookings. You set your own prices.

Question 14

Who runs the event?

Accepted Answer

You do. Simchabook is the matchmaker only — the hall is fully responsible for the event, catering, and any arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

Booking a hall

Payments & deposits

Changes & cancellations

Kashrus & minhagim

For hall owners