T h e D o v e r H a l l wedding experience
A Guide for 2023 - 2024 Dover Hall Wedding Clients
Welcome to Dover Hall!
The Dover Hall Experiences Team extends our sincerest congratulations! We cannot wait to embark on your wedding planning journey together Dover Hall weddings are hightouch, personalized, memorable, and meaningful Throughout these pages, you’ll find a plethora of information from the history of the estate, to real wedding inspiration, and information about our artisan in-house culinary and beverage programs We know you will feel inspired as your dream wedding becomes a reality!
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
About 03 05 A History of Dover Hall Weddings at Dover Hall
L E O F C O N T E N T S
T A B
Real Weddings 06 09 10 13 Winter Weddings Spring Weddings Summer Weddings Fall Weddings Our Spaces 14 16 18 20 22 The Queen Elizabeth Suite The Billiards Room The Ceremony The Cocktail Hour The Reception Additional Information 25 26 28 30 Our Amenities Rental Savings Our Planning Process Sample Timeline Culinary + Pricing 33 35 37 38 Thoughtful Cuisine 2023 Investment 2024 Investment Wedding Weekend Package Testimonials 40 Kind Words
Photos: (cover) Madeline Trent Photography (full page) Shannon Moffit Photography (above) Justin Hankins Photography
01 d o v e r H a l l W e d d i n g s
Photo: Marshall Arts Photography
02 d o v e r H a l l W e d d i n g s
Photo: (bottom) Marshall Arts Photography
Dover Hall is a refined, English Tudor-inspired estate placed elegantly among the rolling hills of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia The exceptionally grand 38,000-square-foot estate house sits peacefully on 55 private acres in Goochland County’s equestrian country
The dream of the original owners, Dennis and Cindy Pryor, Dover Hall was built to be a lavish family home fit for royalty. Initial planning and conception of the estate house began about four years before the official groundbreaking in 1996. The construction of Dover Hall was completed in the year 2000.
During the construction process, the Pryor's thoughtfully considered all the logistics necessary for an immersive event experience As a result, only a few adjustments were needed to seamlessly transition Dover Hall to the exclusive luxury event venue it is today Approximately 90% of the originally sourced antiquities and art were conveyed with the sale of the estate, juxtaposing a unique blend of history, authenticity, and character with the modern construction of the house.
The Dover Hall Experiences team took over the management of the estate house in 2017 with a vision to create an unparalleled guest experience through unforgettable events and thoughtful cuisine.
A H i s t o r y o f D o v e r H a l l
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W e d d i n g s a t D o v e r H a l l
Dover Hall flawlessly marries the grandeur of days past with modern and abundant amenities in a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. The property is a convenient 10-minute drive from the Short Pump area of Richmond, VA, and easily accessible from Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
Complete with luxurious getting-ready suites and in-house artisan culinary and beverage programs, Dover Hall provides an exquisite and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones
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Photo: Kir2Ben
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Photo: Nikki Santerre Photography
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Photo: Alex C Tenser Photography
S
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Jeff + Lucas
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Photo: M Harris Studios
S U M M E R W E D D I N G S
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Photo: Eric Kelly Photography
E L I Z A B E T H S U I T E
Immersed in abundant beams of natural light, the Queen Elizabeth Suite hosts your wedding party in an entirely private 2,400-square-foot wing of the estate house.
Located on the second floor, Queen Elizabeth is the perfect location for snacks and libations while hair and makeup services are underway, as well as for those memorable getting-ready portraits and intimate moments before your "I do's".
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Photo: (left + middle) Alexandria Photography (right) Jamie Dunn Photography
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Photo: (top left) Jamie Dunn Photography (top right) Angela Elise
Photo (bottom left) Sav Brown Photography (bottom right) Alexandria Photography
T H E B I L L I A R D S R O O M
The Teddy Roosevelt-era style trophy room, the Billiards Room, is an elegantly refined space designed to keep your wedding party happily entertained before it’s time for the nuptials to begin.
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Situated on the First Floor, it features a stately Monarch pool table and a 70-inch television. Indulge in snacks and libations in the Summer Kitchen across the hall
Photo: (left + right) Melissa Durham Photography (middle) Sean DeWitt Photography
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Photo: (top left) Melissa Durham Photography (top right) Caroline Lima Photography
(bottom left + right) Angela Elise Photography
Dover Hall is pleased to offer a myriad of unique ceremony locations, allowing couples to select a space that directly aligns with their distinct wedding vision.
While the outdoor locations, such as the Reflecting Pool, Bluestone Terrace, Two-Tiered Garden, Rose Garden, and Cobblestone Court are desirable on a lovely, temperate Virginia day, the Ballroom acts as an ideal indoor location.
With a wealth of alternative ceremony backdrops also available, couples can be creative and hold their ceremonies in an array of other spaces as our estate grounds permit
T H E C E
R E M O N Y
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Photo: (left) Kim Stockwell Photography (middle) Costola Photography (right) Molly Lichten Photography
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Photo: (top left) Yellow Bird Visuals (top right) Kir2ben Photography (bottom left) Shannon Moffit Photography (bottom right) David Abel Photography
Following the ceremony, some couples host their Cocktail Hour outdoors so guests can enjoy the lush gardens and grounds.
Alternatively, invite your guests to explore the First Floor of Dover Hall during an immersive cocktail hour Wandering through the two-tiered Library, formal Dining Room, and Parlor will surely be a conversational experience for your guests. The Pub Bar is a picturesque space to grab a signature libation before indulging in our culinary creations
Locally sourced ingredients featured in artisan passed canapés will pair perfectly with specially curated beverage packages – featuring our own Seven Lady Vineyards wines!
T H E C O C K T A I L H O U R
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Photo: (left) Shannon Moffit Photography (middle) Kim Stockwell Photography (right) Annamarie Atkins Photography
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Photo: (top left) Kim Stockwell Photography (top right) Bakerture
Photo (bottom left) Kir2Ben (bottom right) Shannon Moffit Photography
Magnificent in both size and style, Dover Hall is the ideal location to host magnificent wedding celebrations. The Ballroom's wood-coffered ceilings and wrought-iron chandeliers were custom manufactured for the space by Virginian artisans, while the sandstone fireplace originates from the coast of Scotland.
Located adjacent to the Bluestone Terrace and Terrace Bar, the Ballroom happily hosts seated and cocktail receptions alike The Ballroom seats up to 150 guests for a plated reception and may host up to 200 guests for a station or cocktail-style reception.
Dover Hall's NEW Glass Hall boasts 13-foot tall glass walls and a 24-foot ceiling with chandeliers and bistro lighting At approximately 6,400 square feet, not including a 900-square-foot covered porch, this climate-controlled event space provides hosting capabilities for up to 400 guests. The Ballroom, just a few steps away, becomes the ideal dance floor to party the night away
T H E R E C E P T I O N
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Photo: (left) Angela Elise Photography (middle) Alex C Tenser Photography (right) David Abel Photography
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Photo: (top left) Kait Winston Photography (top right) David Abel Photography (bottom) Angela Elise Photography
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Photo: (top) Madeline Trent Photography (bottom) Hana Gonzalez Photography
The Venue
The Dover Hall Estate House for a 12-hour time frame
Set up and break down of all Dover Hall rentals
Dedicated Dover Hall Event Manager to oversee use of the venue
Complimentary use of Dover Hall for an engagement, boudoir, or portrait photo session
Discounted pricing at Dover Hall's sister properties - Bartizan & Seven Lady Vineyard
Special rates and discounts are provided by local hotels & transportation companies
Getting ready rooms attendant
Complimentary cake cutting service & use of in-house cake stands and server
Complimentary coffee & tea station
Ample on-site parking
Complimentary coat check
10+ guest restrooms
Complimentary WiFi
ADA Accessible
Dedicated security officers
Discount on Seven Lady Wine purchased for wedding favors, welcome baskets + gifts
Table Top
Champagne & ivory crinkle linens
White coupe china
Fortessa flatware
High-end glassware
Choice of napkin color
Tables + Chairs
Mahogany Chiavari chairs with ivory cushions
Mahogany folding garden chairs with black leather pads
Assorted round, rectangular, & high + low cocktail tables
Outdoor patio & lounge
furniture
Cuisine + Beverage
Private menu tasting
In-house banquet team with professionally trained servers, bartenders & chefs
Dedicated Event Manager to lead food & beverage experience
O u
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DoverHallprovidesalltheequipmentandstaffnecessarytoexecuteyourculinaryexperience,savingyou valuabletimeandinvestment.Belowisalistofourinventorycomparedtorentalpricesfromcompaniesin theRichmondarea,aswellasourserviceinclusionsforwhichmostothervenueschargeanadditionalfee Estimatesarebasedona200-personguestcount.
ITADDSUP
MAHOGANYFOLDING CHAIRS $1,400
RECEPTION + COCKTAIL TABLE LINENS $1,200
MISCELLANEOUS Catering + Kitchen Equipment, Cake Service, Coffee Station, Etc $5,600
MAHOGANYCHIAVARI CHAIRSW/CUSHON $2,100
TABLE TOP Plates, Cutlery, Glassware, Barware, Napkins, Etc $3,200
SERVICE STAFF
Bartenders, Chef Attendants, Security, Delivery & Cleaning Fees, $750
RECEPTION+COCKTAIL TABLES $800
OUTDOOR FURNITURE + STRING LIGHTS $4.100
ANAUTHENTICENGLISH CASTLESETTING... Priceless
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+
m e n t
S e r v i c e I n c l u s i o n s
Y O U R S A V I N G S . . . $ 1 9 , 1 5 0 +
Photo: ( left) Kim Stockwell Photography (middle) Alex C Tenser Photography (right) Alisandra Photo
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Photo: Molly Litchen Photography
Complimentary Hold
Place a date on hold for a 10-day time frame while working out booking details
Venue Tour
Come visit the estate house for a private tour with one of our hospitality experts.
Deposit
Secure your date with a $1,000 deposit and a signed contract
Remaining Facility Fee
Due 14 days after your contract due date
Private Menu Tasting
Enjoy a customized menu tasting with one of our Event Managers to make culinary and beverage selections about 4-6 months before your event 50% payment is also due around this time
Final Walkthrough
Meet with your Dover Hall Event Manager and Wedding Planner to finalize details about one month in advance
Month Of Details
Security deposit, final guest count, and final payment will be due Wedding Day!
Say "I Do!" Cheers to you!!!
O u r P l a n n i n g P r o c e
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s s
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Photo: Brett Denfeld Photography
11am
Arrival
The couple and their wedding party arrive to begin their event day preparations.
Vendor Access
Vendors may arrive to begin setting up for the wedding day Hired vendors may include: planner, photographer, videographer, entertainment, florals, officiant, cake, etc
230pm
First Look
Choose from any of our picturesque locations to see your soon-to-be spouse for the first time
430pm
Guests Arrive
The Dover Hall team will greet your guests and direct them to your designated ceremony location
S a m p l e W e d d
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Photo: (1st) Erika Lynn Photo (2nd, 3rd, + 4th) Erika Lynn Photography
530pm
Cocktail Hour
Guests will now have the opportunity to explore Dover Hall With rich history and art around every corner, they will be well entertained while you complete photos.
5pm
Ceremony
The time has come to say "
Enjoy sharing vows in your Dover Hall lo
630pm
Reception
Enter the recep for the first tim newlyweds We take care of you guests through service, drinks, dancing, and be
11pm
Grand Exit
Whether you choose a sparkler exit or to roll out in style, your departure will surely be grand with the glow of Dover Hall in the background.
Please note that Dover Hall requires the use of a licensed and insured third-party wedding planner to coordinate personal details. Inquire within for a list of Pre-Approved Planners to aid in your search.
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Photo: (1st) Nikki Santerre Photography (2nd) 88 Love Stories (3rd) Nicki Metcalf Photography (4th) Alex C Tenser Photography
T h o u g h t f u l C u i s i n e
Dover Hall provides all the food and beverage services for your event Dover Hall’s incredibly talented in-house Catering Team will create a high-touch and elevated culinary experience for your wedding - from passed canapés to elegant dinners and curated bar packages
SampleMenu
PassedCanapés
MaineLobsterRolls,Tarragon,GarlicAioli,Chives
NewZealandLambChops,Chimichurri,KecapBasil
Arancini,WildMushroom,RedWineSugo,FriedGarlic,ParmesanReggiano
StationaryDisplay
FriedChicken&ButtermilkBiscuitBar
AmuseBouche
BiteofBrie,FujiApple,SabaVincotto
FirstCourse
LocalBabyBeets,LocalGoatCheese,Citrus,CandiedNuts,ShavedRadish,BalsamicGlaze
SecondCourse|DuetPlate
RedWineBraisedShortRib&CrabCake
RoastedGarlicPommePurée,CrispyOysterMushrooms,ChiveBeurreBlanc
Dessert
HouseMadeGelato,LemonLavender
CrownBarPackage-5Houropenbar
SevenLadyWine,Beer,Spirits&SignatureDrinks
$206EstimatedPerPerson
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Photo: (top) Shannon Moffit Photography (top left) Nikki Santerre Photography (bottom left) J + D Photo (bottom right) Wolfcrest Photography
*A 30% Service Fee is applied to all wedding food and beverage charges. This fee will cover any and all staffing requirements, gratuity, and Dover Hall-owned equipment.
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Photo: Keleigh Michelle Photography
0 2 3 I n v e s t m e n t
The facility fee acts as the venue rental for use of Dover Hall’s estate house on your wedding day. Gain access to the estate for a twelve-hour time frame, including day-of use of the Queen Elizabeth Suite, choice of any indoor and outdoor ceremony location, and a full reception to conclude by 11 pm.
*The Glass Hall is an additional $7,500 to utilize
35 d o v e r H a l l W e d d i n g s Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday $18,500 $15,000 $10,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums High Season: May, June, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec Saturday Friday + Sunday Monnday - Thursday $25,000 none none $15,000 $12,000 $8,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums Mid Season: March, April, Aug $20,000 none none $11,500 $9,000 $6,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums Low Season: Jan, Feb, July $15,000 none none Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday
2
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Photo: Shannon Moffit Photography
2 4 I n v e s t m e n t
The facility fee acts as the venue rental for use of Dover Hall’s estate house on your wedding day. Gain access to the estate for a twelve-hour time frame, including day-of use of the Queen Elizabeth Suite, choice of any indoor and outdoor ceremony location, and a full reception to conclude by 11 pm.
*The Glass Hall is an additional $7,500 to utilize
37 d o v e r H a l l W e d d i n g s Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday $19,500 $16,000 $11,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums High Season: May, June, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec Saturday Friday + Sunday Monnday - Thursday $28,000 $20,000 none $16,000 $14,000 $9,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums Mid Season: April, July, Aug $24,000 $18,000 none $14,000 $11,000 $7,000 Facility Fee Food & Beverage Minimums Low Season: Jan, Feb, March $20,000 $16,000 none Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday Saturday Friday + Sunday Monday - Thursday
2 0
High Season Weekend Facility Fee + Lodging $40,000
Weekend Food + Beverage Minimum $65,000
Mid Season Weekend Facility Fee + Lodging $35,000
Weekend Food + Beverage Minimum $55,000
low Season Weekend Facility Fee + Lodging $25,000
Weekend Food + Beverage Minimum $45,000
12 pm early check-in on Friday
What's Included
Use of Dover Hall estate house for desired events (ie: wedding pool party luncheon, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, departure brunch, etc )
Lodging for up to 10 guests on Friday + Saturday
Chef's breakfast Saturday + Sunday morning for up to 10 overnight guests
Complimentary late 2 pm check-out on Sunday
Access to 55 rolling acres of grounds, gardens, and vineyards, and 1st + 2nd floor of estate interior
The undivided attention of the Dover Hall team
Discounted Facility Fees*
*Current High Season Weekend Facility Fees: Friday Facility Fee $16,000
| Saturday Facility Fee $19,500
| Sunday Facility Fee $16,000
Overnight Lodging $10,000 for two nights
TOTAL $61,500
SAVINGS $21,500
d o v e r h a l l W e d d i n g W e e k e n d P a c k a g e
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Photo: Costola Photography
Overnight accommodations are always included in our Wedding Weekend Package.
Lodging is otherwise only offered Sunday - Monday nights for an additional $5,000 This package includes lodging for ten guests and a chef's breakfast the following morning.
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Photo: Angela Elise Photography
Dover Hall is everything you could ever dream of. Leaving the estate after our wedding weekend, I cried my eyes out knowing it was all over There are no other words to describe Dover Hall other than perfect. The staff went above and beyond to fulfill every request we had and make our big day and wedding weekend special for us The culinary team made the most delicious food starting with our tasting, to our rehearsal dinner, to the wedding, and post-wedding brunch. We were in food heaven, and I wish I could go back and eat it all over and over again I am looking forward to the day when my husband and I go back to Dover Hall to stay at the amazing estate again We just know that the Dover Hall team will treat us as wonderfully as they did for our wedding
"DOVER HALL CHECKED ALL OF OUR BOXES, SO WE BOOKED IT SIGHT
UNSEEN AND WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID!"
K i n d W o r d s 40 d o v e r H a l l W e d d i n g s
"THEOUTSIDEISBREATHTAKING, THEINSIDEISGRAND,ANDTHE TEAMISTOP-NOTCH"
-Amanda+Louie
- Amanda + John
My wife and I got married at Dover Hall, which was one of the best decisions we ever made! Throughout our tours of possible wedding locales, we visited a myriad of different types of places; wineries, museums, country clubs, and garden spaces None of the sites we visited holds a candle to Dover Hall. As you drive down the driveway towards Dover Hall, you are immediately awestruck by its presence and beauty; it indeed looks like something out of a movie The best part? The Dover Hall team is just as amazing! They were a joy to work with every step of the way and made life easier for our wedding planner! We cannot recommend Dover Hall enough The outside is breathtaking, the inside is grand, and the team is top-notch. If you've been wondering where to get married in the Richmond area, STOP! You've found the place to hold your dream wedding - it is Dover Hall!
- Caroline + Alex
I recently got married at Dover Hall Estate and let me just tell you, it was hands down the best day of my life! Our wedding was truly like something out of a fairytale. My husband and I live in Northern California with no ties to Virginia, so this was a destination wedding for all We were looking for something with a grand European vibe, and we wanted to stay overnight at the venue. Dover Hall checked all of our boxes, so we booked it sight unseen, and we are SO GLAD we did! The culinary team prepared not only our reception dinner but our rehearsal dinner as well... and let’s just say, people, are still raving about the food! We are forever grateful for Dover Hall and can't wait to travel down memory lane when we plan our next trip back!
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"THERE ARE NO OTHER WORDS TO DESCRIBE DOVER HALL OTHER THAN PERFECT"
www doverhall com | 804 784 6051 | 1500 Manakin Road • Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103
Photo: Costola Photography