Planning a small event in Chennai sounds easy until you start looking for a venue. If you’ve ever searched for an event venue in Chennai for under 50 people, you already know the problem. Most results are built for weddings and large conferences, with pricing and scale to match. Finding something that actually fits a birthday dinner for 30, a corporate offsite for 20, or a community event for 50 takes more effort than it should.
These five venues on Spottle are worth bookmarking. They’re spread across the city, each with a different character, and all available for hourly bookings so you’re only paying for the time you actually need.
Before You Book: A Few Things Worth Checking
Regardless of which venue you go with, a few things are always worth confirming upfront.
Capacity is the obvious one, but it’s worth asking whether the stated capacity is for a seated format or a standing one, since the two can vary significantly. A space that holds 50 for a cocktail-style gathering may comfortably seat only 30 in a theatre format. AV equipment is another common blind spot; projectors, screens, and mic setups are not always included and are worth clarifying early. If you’re planning to bring in food or hire a caterer, check the catering policy before assuming it’s fine. Some venues have strict rules around this. And finally, pricing structure varies more than most people expect. Some spaces are hourly, others offer fixed packages for a set duration. Knowing this upfront helps you compare accurately and avoid surprises on the day.
Setup and teardown time is something many people overlook until it’s too late. If you need time to arrange the space before guests arrive or clear it after, check whether that time is included in your booking or billed separately. Some venues include setup and teardown in the package, while others count every hour on the clock, so it’s always worth confirming upfront.
With that in mind, here are five spaces that cover a good range of needs and neighbourhoods.
1. Heritage Bungalow Event Space in MRC Nagar
There aren’t many event venues in central Chennai that come with open lawns, a heritage facade, and five bedrooms you can use on the same booking, which is part of what makes this MRC Nagar bungalow a little different from everything else on this list.
The main event hall is 1,000 sq ft with elegant interiors that work well for gatherings where the setting should feel personal rather than corporate. The open lawns add flexibility for evening events, and the bedrooms are available on request, handy for guests travelling in or events that run late. It doesn’t have built-in AV, so if your event needs a projector or sound system, you’d need to arrange that separately.
This is a particularly good fit for occasions where the venue itself should feel special, not just functional. The heritage character of the space does a lot of the work before a single decoration goes up.
Capacity: Up to 50 people | Pricing: Rs. 30,000 for a 6-hour package
Amenities: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, restroom access, street parking, dressing room, 5 bedrooms (on request)
Works well for: Intimate birthday celebrations, anniversary dinners, family reunions, pre-wedding functions, and small corporate retreats
View the Heritage Bungalow Event Space in MRC Nagar
2. Multipurpose Event Space with Projector and Sound System in T.Nagar
If you need a central Chennai location with AV already sorted, this T.Nagar space is one of the more practical options on the list. It has Chettinad-style interiors with a small lawn, so it doesn’t feel like a generic conference room, and it holds up to 50 people comfortably.
The projector, screen, and sound system are available, and catering can be arranged on request. The layout is flexible enough to switch between a presentation setup, a workshop format, or a celebration arrangement without much effort. Being in T.Nagar also means it’s easy to get to from most parts of the city, which matters when you’re coordinating guests from different areas.
For events that need to be set up and running without extensive preparation time, this space is a reliable choice. The essentials are in place, the location is central, and the interiors give it enough character to feel considered.
Capacity: Up to 50 people | Pricing: Starting from Rs. 1,650/hour
Amenities: Air conditioning, chairs, catering on request, projector & screen (add-on), speaker & mic (add-on)
Works well for: Private parties, corporate team events, community meetups, workshops, and intimate get-togethers
View the Multipurpose Event Space in T.Nagar
3. Spacious Open Plan Studio for Events, Workshops & Photoshoots in Alwarpet
This Alwarpet studio is the most versatile space on the list, designed to adapt to whatever format your event needs. The open-plan layout can be configured for a 50-person theatre setup, a cluster-seating arrangement for 35 to 40, or a stage configuration for performances and panel discussions. There’s a dedicated performance corner with track lighting, a greenroom for makeup or changing, and chairs for up to 75.
Elevator access, CCTV, fire safety compliance, and power backup make it a reliable choice for anything professional. Note that a minimum booking of 2 hours applies.
Capacity: Up to 50 people (seated) | Pricing: Rs. 3,000–4,500/hour (minimum 2 hours)
Amenities: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, restroom access, elevator access, outside catering allowed, CCTV, fire safety, power backup, greenroom, Bluetooth speaker with mic, projector & screen (add-on)
Works well for: Brand launches, art events, corporate events, intimate performances, and workshops with stage or breakout requirements
View the Open Plan Studio in Alwarpet
4. Event & Workshop Space with Rooftop Lawn in Kodambakkam
What makes this Kodambakkam space worth considering is the combination of an open indoor layout and a rooftop lawn that you can use as part of the same booking. For events that benefit from having two distinct areas: a main programme indoors and a breakout or networking space outside, this setup works naturally without needing to hire a separate outdoor area.
The indoor space is bright and well-lit, with tables and chairs included as standard. Elevator access and power backup cover the practical side, making it a dependable option for events that need to run without interruption. The rooftop is particularly well-suited for evening gatherings between October and February, when Chennai’s weather makes outdoor time genuinely enjoyable.
Capacity: Up to 50 people | Pricing: Starting from Rs. 1,750/hour
Amenities: Air conditioning, tables and chairs, elevator access, power backup
Works well for: Art workshops, training sessions, birthday parties, corporate events, and private functions that benefit from both an indoor and outdoor space
View the Event & Workshop Space with Rooftop Lawn in Kodambakkam
5. Contemporary Event Space with a Creative Setup in Mylapore
This Mylapore space is a good fit for events with a cultural or creative angle. Art exhibitions, book launches, seminars, and community gatherings sit naturally here. The setup is contemporary and arts-oriented, with a flexible internal layout that allows for different seating and activity configurations across the space. One staff member is on-site throughout the event to manage logistics as agreed in advance.
For smaller events where hiring separate vendors isn’t practical, this venue offers in-house audio equipment, event photography, and videography as optional add-ons, a useful convenience when you want to keep coordination simple.
Capacity: Up to 50 people | Pricing: Rs. 8,250 for a 4-hour package
Amenities: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, restroom access, drinking water, furniture, on-site staff, valet parking (add-on), audio and photography (add-on)
Works well for: Art exhibitions, book launches, seminars, alumni meetups, and community or culture-led gatherings
View the Contemporary Event Space in Mylapore
Which One Is Right for Your Event?
Every event has one thing it can’t compromise on. For some it’s location, for others it’s AV, outside catering, or just the right kind of atmosphere. Start there, and the choice usually becomes obvious. All five venues are available to book on Spottle, so you can check real availability and pricing before committing to anything.
Explore all event venues in Chennai on Spottle
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to rent an event space in Chennai for a small gathering? It depends on the type of space, location, and duration. The venues listed here range from Rs. 1,650/hour for a multipurpose space in T.Nagar to Rs. 30,000 for a 6-hour package at a heritage bungalow in MRC Nagar. Spaces with fixed packages, like the Mylapore venue at Rs. 8,250 for 4 hours, can be more economical for events with a defined duration.
2. Can I bring outside food to these venues? Outside food is generally permitted across these venues, though policies vary. Some venues have exclusive catering tie-ups, meaning you may only be able to use their designated vendor. It’s worth checking the individual listing on Spottle before finalising your catering plans.
3. How do I book an event space on Spottle? Browse the listings on Spottle, select the venue that fits your needs, and check availability for your preferred date and time. You can view full details including amenities, pricing, capacity, and photos on each listing page before confirming. Bookings are made directly through the platform.
4. How far in advance should I book an event venue in Chennai? For weekends and popular dates, booking at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is advisable. Heritage and boutique spaces in particular tend to fill up quickly for evenings and weekends. For weekday events, a week’s notice is usually sufficient, but earlier is always better to have flexibility on your preferred slot.
5. What is the minimum booking duration for these event spaces? It depends on the venue. Some spaces on Spottle are available from as little as one hour, while others have a minimum of 2 to 4 hours, or are offered as fixed packages. The Alwarpet studio has a minimum booking of 2 hours, and the Mylapore space is available as a 4-hour package. Check the individual listing for details.
6. Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of when booking an event space? It’s always worth reading the listing carefully before confirming. Common additional charges to look out for include security deposits (refundable in most cases), charges for add-ons like AV equipment or extra furniture, and parking or valet fees.