The Dover Hall
Wedding Experience
A Guide for 2024 - 2025 Dover Hall Wedding Clients
Congratulations 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 high-touch, 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!
TABLE OF CONTENTS About 03 05
A History of Dover Hall Weddings at Dover Hall
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 & Great 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 36
Thoughtful Cuisine The Investment Wedding Weekend Package
Testimonials 38
Photos: (cover + full page) Kir2Ben (above) Justin Hankins Photography
Kind Words
Photo: Nikki Santerre Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (bottom) Costola Photography dover Hall Weddings
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A History of Dover Hall Dover Hall is a refined, English Tudor-inspired estate placed elegantly among the rolling hills of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. The exceptionally grand 38,000square-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 Pryors 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 amenities 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.
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Weddings at Dover Hall 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.
Photo: Kir2Ben dover Hall Weddings
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WINTER WEDDINGS
Lauren + Kyle Photo: David Abel Photography dover Hall Weddings
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SPRING WEDDINGS
Emily + Christian Photo: Madeline Trent Photography dover Hall Weddings
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SUMMER WEDDINGS
Caroline + Lindsey Photo: Brett Denfeld Photos dover Hall Weddings
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FALL WEDDINGS
Johnny + Allyson Photo: Terri Baskin Photography dover Hall Weddings
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THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SUITE 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 exchange "I do". As the primary suite of the original residence, Queen Elizabeth boasts full privacy, immaculate views of the grounds off the private balcony, and some of the most exquisite furnishings and art of the entire estate.
Photo: (left) Alexandria Photography (middle) Costola Photography (right) Jamie Dunn Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top left) 9193 Studio (top right) David Abel Photography (bottom left) Karis Marie Photography (bottom right) Shelly Pate Photography dover Hall Weddings
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THE BILLIARDS ROOM & GREAT ROOM Gather your wedding party and get ready in style in our memorable Billiards Room! This Teddy Roosevelt-era-inspired trophy room is a refined haven, designed to keep your wedding party entertained as you prepare for your big day. We'll ensure you stay nourished and hydrated with our delectable snacks and refreshing libations. Located on the First Floor, the Billiards Room boasts a rare 1895 Brunswick Monarch pool table featuring gilded gold lions, and a 70-inch television, ensuring you don't miss out on the big game. If antique taxidermy isn't your thing, both the Summer Kitchen and Great Room are located right across the hall. These spacious rooms offer a more relaxed atmosphere, floor-to-ceiling natural light, soft seating, and a Wurlitzer player piano.
Photo: (left + middle) Sean DeWitt Photography (right) Nikki Santerre Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top left) Costola Photography (top right) Alex C Tenser Photography (bottom left) Terri Baskin Photography (bottom right) Angela Elise Photography dover Hall Weddings
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THE CEREMONY 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.
Photo: (left) Brett Denfeld Photography (middle) Alex C Tenser Photography (right) Molly Lichten Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top left + bottom right) Alex C Tenser Photography (top right) Brett Denfeld Photography (bottom left) Kir2Ben Photography dover Hall Weddings
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THE COCKTAIL HOUR 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 7 Lady Vineyards wines!
Photo: (left) Shannon Moffit Photography (middle) Kaitlyn James Photography (right) Alex C Tenser Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top left) Kim Stockwell Photography (top right) Alex C Tenser Photography (bottom left) Madeline Trent Photography (bottom right) Angela Elise Photography dover Hall Weddings
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THE RECEPTION 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 comfortably seats up to 125 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, 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. The bottom image on page 23 features an event with seating for 180 in the Glass Hall.
Photo: (left) Angela Elise Photography (middle + right) Alex C Tenser Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top left) Brett Denfeld Photography (top right) Stephanie Jenkins Photo (bottom) Angela Elise Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: (top) Brett Denfeld Photography (bottom) Marshall Arts Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Our Amenities 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 the 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 & 7 Lady Vineyards Special rates and discounts are provided by local hotels & transportation companies Complimentary cake-cutting service & use of in-house cake stands and server Discount on 7LV Wine purchased for wedding favors, welcome baskets + gifts Getting ready rooms attendant Complimentary reception coffee & tea station Ample on-site parking Complimentary coat check 10+ guest restrooms Complimentary WiFi ADA accessible Dedicated security officers
Table Top
Tables + Chairs
Cuisine + Beverage
Champagne & ivory crinkle linens
Mahogany chiavari chairs with
Private menu tasting
White coupe china Fortessa flatware High-end glassware Choice of napkin color
ivory cushions
In-house banquet team with
Mahogany folding garden chairs
professionally trained servers,
with black leather pads
bartenders & chefs
Assorted round, rectangular, &
Dedicated Event Manager to
high + low cocktail tables
lead food & beverage experience
Outdoor patio & lounge furniture dover Hall Weddings
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Dover Hall Equipment & Service Inclusions Dover Hall provides all the equipment and staff necessary to execute your culinary experience, saving you valuable time and investment. Below is a list of our inventory compared to rental prices from companies in the Richmond area, as well as our service inclusions for which most other venues charge an additional fee. Estimates are based on a 200-person guest count. IT ADDS UP. . .
MAHOGANY FOLDING
MAHOGANY CHIAVARI
RECEPTION + COCKTAIL
CHAIRS
CHAIRS W/ CUSHON
TABLES
$1,400
$2,100
$800
RECEPTION + COCKTAIL
TABLE TOP
OUTDOOR FURNITURE +
TABLE LINENS
Plates, Cutlery, Glassware, Barware, Napkins, Etc.
STRING LIGHTS
$1,200
$3,200
$4,100
MISCELLANEOUS
SERVICE STAFF
AN AUTHENTIC ENGLISH
Catering + Kitchen Equipment, Cake
Bartenders, Chef Attendants, Security,
CASTLE SETTING...
Service, Coffee Station, Etc.
Delivery & Cleaning Fees,
$5,600
$750
Priceless
YOUR SAVINGS... $19,150 + Photo: ( left) Kim Stockwell Photography (middle) Alex C Tenser Photography (right) Alisandra Photo dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: Molly Litchen Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Our Planning Process
Venue Tour Come visit the estate house for a private tour with one of our hospitality experts.
Complimentary Hold Place a date on hold for a 10-day time frame while working out booking details.
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!!!
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Photo: Erika Medlin Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Sample Wedding Day Timeline
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.
3:30pm Guests Arrive The Dover Hall team will greet your guests and direct them to your designated ceremony location.
10am
1:30pm
Arrival The couple and their wedding party arrive to begin their event day preparations.
First Look Choose from any of our picturesque locations to see your soon-to-be spouse for the first time.
Photo: (1st) Erika Lynn Photo (2nd) Santa Ana Photography (3rd, + 4th) Erika Lynn Photography dover Hall Weddings
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4:30pm
10pm
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.
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.
4pm
5:30pm
Ceremony The time has finally come to say "I do!" Enjoy sharing your vows in your favorite Dover Hall location.
Reception Enter the reception for the first time as newlyweds. We will take care of your guests through dinner service, drinks, dancing, and beyond!
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.
Photo: (1st) Nikki Santerre Photography (2nd) 88 Love Stories (3rd) Nicki Metcalf Photography (4th) Alex C Tenser Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Thoughtful Cuisine 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.
Sample Menu Passed Canapés Maine Lobster Rolls, Tarragon, Garlic Aioli, Chives New Zealand Lamb Chops, Chimichurri, Kecap Basil Arancini, Wild Mushroom, Red Wine Sugo, Fried Garlic, Parmesan Reggiano Butternut Squash Bruschetta, Whipped Goat Cheese, Red Wine Reduction
Stationary Display Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Biscuit Bar
Amuse Bouche Bite of Brie, Fuji Apple, Saba Vincotto
First Course Local Baby Beets, Local Goat Cheese, Citrus, Candied Nuts, Shaved Radish, Balsamic Glaze
Second Course | Duet Plate Filet & Scallop, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Oyster Mushroom, Chive Beurre Blanc
Dessert House Made Gelato & House Made Gourmet Cookie Bar
The King Bar Package - 5 Hour open bar 7 Lady Wine, The Tasting Room Collection, Beer & Spirits Package Includes: Signature Drinks, Table Side Wine Service, and Welcome Champagne
~$259 Estimated Per Person *A 30% Service Fee is applied to all wedding food and beverage charges. This fee will cover any and all staffing requirements and Dover Hall-owned equipment. Photo: (top + bottom left) Alex C Tenser Photography (bottom right) Nikki Santerre Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: Shannon Moffit Photography dover Hall Weddings
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the Investment 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 or outdoor ceremony location, and a full reception to conclude by 11 pm.
High Season: May, Sept, Oct, *Dec Facility Fee
Food & Beverage Minimums
Friday
$19,000
Friday
$28,000
Saturday
$22,000
Saturday
$32,000
Sunday
$17,000
Sunday
$24,000
Monday - Thursday
$12,000
Monday - Thursday
none
Mid Season: April, June, Aug, Nov Facility Fee
Food & Beverage Minimums
Friday
$17,000
Friday
$24,000
Saturday
$19,000
Saturday
$28,000
Sunday
$15,000
Sunday
$20,000
Monday - Thursday
$10,000
Monday - Thursday
none
Low Season: Jan, Feb, March, July Facility Fee
Food & Beverage Minimums
Friday
$15,000
Friday
$20,000
Saturday
$17,000
Saturday
$24,000
Sunday
$13,000
Sunday
$16,000
Monday - Thursday
$8,000
Monday - Thursday
none
*All December weddings are subject to special pricing. Contact your sales manager for specific pricing details. dover Hall Weddings
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dover hall Wedding Weekend Package 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
High Season Weekend Facility Fee & Lodging Contact your sales manager for pricing!
What's Included 3 pm check-in on Thursday Use of Dover Hall estate house for desired events Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (ie: wedding pool party luncheon, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, etc.) Use of The Glass Hall Lodging for up to 10 guests on Thursday + Friday Chef's breakfast Friday + Saturday morning for up to 10 overnight guests Complimentary late 1 pm check-out on Saturday Access to 55 rolling acres of grounds, gardens, and vineyards, and 1st + 2nd floor of estate interior Discounted Facility Fees*
*Current Mid-Season Facility Fees: Thursday 1/2 day Facility Fee $5,000 | Friday Facility Fee $16,000 | Saturday Facility Fee $18,000 Overnight Lodging $10,000 for two nights | The Glass Hall $7,500 | TOTAL $56,500 SAVINGS $21,500 Photo: (left + right) David Abel Photography (middle) Angela Elise Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Sample Wedding Weekend Timeline Thursday 3pm - Check-in for up to 10 guests
Friday 9m - Chef's Breakfast
Friday Afternoon - relax at the pool, in the library, or wander the vineyards with a casual lunch in the Summer Kitchen
Friday 5pm - Let the wedding rehearsal commence!
Friday 6pm - Intimate Rehearsal Dinner in the Dining Room
Friday 8pm - Garden Welcome Party
Saturday Wedding Day & Overnight Guests Check Out at 1 pm
Saturday Departure to hotel 11 pm
*Overnight accommodations are only offered with our Wedding Weekend Package.
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Kind Words
"Dover Hall is is such an amazing venue and only made better by the staff and service. My wife and I were married here in March 2023 and could not have asked for a better venue. From the moment we toured Dover Hall back in 2022, we knew this would be the place for us. From the beginning, our Sales Manager was such a pleasure to work with and we can't say enough great things about her. As we approached our date, our Event Manager came on-board and took the lead without hesitation. She was instrumental in organizing all of our details and worked so well with our Planner and the rest of our vendors. The week of the wedding was made so much easier with the help and guidance of them both, along with the rest of the Dover Hall staff. Each and every one of them was kind, personable, knowledgeable, and kept our thoughts and wishes at the top of their priority from Day 1. The wedding itself was truly amazing; everything we had dreamed of and more. From the outdoor ceremony, to the cocktail hour, to the ballroom reception, all of the logistics of the day were handled and executed flawlessly. The food was absolutely amazing and I cannot understate how many compliments we received from our guests. It only added to the amazing night they helped us pull off; we could not have had the wedding of our dreams without Dover Hall!!!" - David & Megan A.
Photo: Ashley Peterson Photography dover Hall Weddings
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"I do not even know where to start when it comes to describing the unreal magic that is Dover Hall. I will start by saying my husband and I originally booked a castle in Ireland for our wedding venue, however with the pandemic we had to cancel that. Insert finding Dover Hall which is even BETTER than a castle in Ireland and I truly mean that. What's amazing about Dover is that it has such grandeur yet the staff is just so down to earth and kind. You would almost be intimidated to book a venue as lux as this however when dealing with the team at Dover you are almost dealing with family. When we did the tour we even met one of the owners and he was just the most kind and down to earth gentleman there ever was. The mechanics of choosing Dover for your special event is also so simple! Everything is in house and is top notch. I was told the filet at our wedding was the best filet our guest had ever had. The food was delicious! Dover was so accommodating and flexible given all the uncertainties and craziness with getting married during a pandemic, the staff is truly best in class. I will also note we booked our rehearsal dinner at their sister property Bartizan and that really blew us and our guest away and really kicked the wedding weekend off in a very special way. The whole experience was dreamy and stress-free. I am so happy that our Ireland wedding got canceled and we got married at Dover Hall" - Nancy & Sean S.
Photo: Shelly Pate Photography dover Hall Weddings
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Photo: Eric Kelley Photography www.doverhall.com | 804.784.6051 | 1500 Manakin Road • Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103
