A wedding at Ten Oaks Ballroom is a big-room celebration without a big-city hotel around it. The Clarksville ballroom seats up to 400, splits into three sections and has its own sound system. We love working here because the room was clearly set up with dancing in mind, and that is where our work matters most.
About Ten Oaks Ballroom
Ten Oaks Ballroom is a renovated event space at 5000 Signal Bell Lane in Clarksville, in Howard County, Maryland. A listing on Zola places it minutes from Columbia. The site describes a ballroom with crystal chandeliers, a large lobby with comfortable seating and a working fireplace, and a small landscaped patio for photos. It hosts weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate galas and conferences.
The photos in this guide come from Planet DJ events and were not taken at Ten Oaks, so visit the room for yourself. Here it is in numbers, from the venue's specs page.
| Section | Size | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Ballroom A | 60 by 30 feet (1,800 sq ft) | Window side, with natural light |
| Ballroom B | 60 by 23 feet (1,380 sq ft) | Rented only with A or C |
| Ballroom C | 60 by 43 feet (2,580 sq ft) | Largest section, projection screen |
7 reasons we love working at Ten Oaks Ballroom
1. It is sized for the guest lists our families actually have
Seating for up to 400 is a generous number. For an Indian wedding reception, where the invitation list includes both sides' extended families, that capacity can spare you some hard cuts. A stage, a buffet and a real dance floor all take up space, so ask how the count changes once those three are drawn into your layout.
2. The dance floor is the headline
Ten Oaks calls its floor the largest dance floor in Howard County. We have not measured every floor in the county, but we like a venue that leads with the dance floor. Its specs also describe flexible floor plans, so the floor can be sized to your crowd. A huge floor can feel empty with a small group, so ask to see the layout for your actual count.
3. Each section is wired for sound
Each room is individually wired for sound, and the specs list a line-array system with wireless microphones. Line arrays are built to throw sound evenly down a long room. That can help with toasts and speeches, and it is useful when you are running one room for cocktails and another for dinner. Ask how your DJ's system connects to the house system, and what is included in your rental.
4. The room can do a ceremony and a reception without a flip
Because the ballroom divides, a couple could hold a ceremony in A and B while dinner is already set in C, then open the room. That removes the long wait while staff turn the room, which is the slowest part of many wedding days. Ask how well the dividers block sound, since a Hindu ceremony or a quiet vow needs real quiet next door.
5. There is a built-in way to tell the family story
The specs list a projection screen in Ballroom C and a large-format video wall. Slideshows of the couple's childhoods are a highlight of many sangeets, the music and dance nights before an Indian wedding. They also suit a bar or bat mitzvah montage. Having the screen in the room saves you renting one, and the MC can introduce it cleanly from the microphone.
6. Lighting is already part of the design
Ten Oaks lists custom uplighting, an illuminated chandelier and fully dimmable scenes. For us, a room that can go dark on cue is half the job. The first dance, the entrance of the couple and the moment the dance set opens all depend on being able to drop the room lights. Ask what the house can do and where additional lighting could add to it, such as a monogram or a pattern on the floor.
7. Parking is easy, and that matters more than couples expect
The specs list complimentary parking for 200 or more vehicles, with valet available, and the site says the venue is fully handicap accessible. That is good news for elders. It may also help with a baraat, the groom's dancing procession: a large private lot is a natural place to ask about. Confirm with the venue whether the lot can be used, whether a dhol drum and mobile sound are allowed outside, and whether a horse can be staged there.
Planning your wedding at Ten Oaks Ballroom
A multi-event family could use different configurations of the same room. A sangeet might take Ballroom C alone. A wedding day might use the whole space. Between events, ask how much setup time you can book.
Before you sign, ask the rentals team:
- Catering: Ten Oaks lists two exclusive caterers, Zeffert and Gold and Putting On The Ritz. If you need an Indian, kosher or other specific menu, ask how that works before anything else.
- Capacity by layout: The site says the ballroom seats up to 400. Ask for the number with your stage, buffet and dance floor in place.
- Sound and lighting: Which house systems come with the rental? Some outside listings say they do not, so get it in writing.
- Getting ready: A bridal and green room suite is available for an additional fee. Check timing, since Indian bridal attire can take a while.
- Fire and open flame: Ask about a sacred fire during a Hindu ceremony, candles and any effects such as cold sparklers.
- Timing: Ask for start and end times, load-in access and how late music can play. The site does not list them.
- Hotels: The venue's site lists no guest rooms, so plan a block for out-of-town family nearby.
The site invites couples to book a private tour. The lobby is open 10:30am to 3:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with evenings and Saturdays by appointment. Bring your floor plan questions, your guest count and, if you can, your DJ's list of power and sound needs.
What Planet DJ brings to Ten Oaks
A room with this much floor needs energy to fill it. We bring a DJ and sound plan matched to the house system, an MC and party motivators who get the first dancers out there, and music that moves between Bollywood, bhangra and American favorites. For Indian weddings, we can add a dhol player and live musicians, and we also handle corporate events and galas.
If Ten Oaks is on your shortlist, send us your date and we will help you think through the room.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests does Ten Oaks Ballroom hold?
Ten Oaks says the ballroom seats up to 400 guests and can be set up for smaller ceremonies. The space divides into three sections of different sizes, and the section capacities are not currently shown on its specs page. Ask the rentals team for a seated number that includes your dance floor, stage and buffet.
Can you bring your own caterer to Ten Oaks Ballroom?
The venue lists two exclusive caterers, Zeffert and Gold and Putting On The Ritz. Its catering page covers custom menus, full bar service and desserts, but does not say whether outside caterers are ever allowed. Families who need Indian or kosher food should ask how those menus are handled before booking the date.
Does Ten Oaks Ballroom have a bridal suite?
Yes, as an option. The specs page lists an optional bridal and green room suite for an additional fee. The site does not give its size or how early you can use it, so ask about both. For a South Asian bride, confirm there is enough time and room for hair, makeup and dressing.
Is Ten Oaks Ballroom accessible?
The venue's website describes it as fully handicap accessible, with complimentary parking for 200 or more vehicles and valet available. One outside listing says otherwise, so we go with the venue's own statement, but do ask for specifics. If you have elders or wheelchair users on your guest list, confirm the entrance, restrooms and any stage access.
