Dover Hall

ooking Dover Hall for your big day, don’t. It will be the absolute best way for you to make your wedding day everything you hoped for and more. From our first tour of Dover Hall, we were captivated by the beauty of everything this estate has to offer. We could clearly see that we could have the most beautiful setting for our wedding at Dover Hall, but it has so much more to offer than the incredible architecture you see before your eyes. The staff went above and beyond to fulfill every request we had and make our big day and wedding weekend special for us. Miranda, Melanie, and Nadia are just some of the few amazing people of the team that helped make our wedding day go perfectly. Chef Lee 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, this time for our anniversary. We just know that the Dover Hall team will treat us as wonderfully as they did for our wedding.

ing food, and the indoor capacity but we were surprised to find our expectations not only met but surpassed in every way. As a wedding photographer, I knew that a venue could be stunning but without exceptional service, a wedding day struggles to feel special for the couple, vendors and staff. I had photographed a wedding at Dover Hall a few years prior to our wedding and my experience as a vendor had me sold. As a photographer, they made my experience outstanding, provided the best food and made sure I felt comfortable, all to ensure that the couple we were serving had the very best day. When choosing Dover for our own wedding venue, we knew that if they treated vendors in this way, the experience as a couple would be something special. From the day of booking to our New Year's Eve wedding, Melanie and Miranda's constant encouragement, structure, and professionalism was a grounding place for us throughout the whole planning process. On the wedding day, Miranda, Melanie, Nadia, Chef Lee and the whole staff worked overtime to fill in gaps, make sure the day ran smoothly and in the end were intricate parts in creating the very best day for us. We cannot thank them enough. We love Dover Hall and recommend it to everyone!

no ties to Virginia, so this was a destination wedding for all. California has some amazing venues but we were looking for something with a grand European vibe and ideally wanted to be able to stay overnight at the venue. Dover Hall checked all of our boxes so we booked it site unseen and we are SO GLAD we did! Not to mention, the views alone were breathtaking, even better in person! The incredible people who make this venue come to life deserve an award. We grew to love Miranda and Melanie who were amazing throughout the entire process and made each step seem like a breeze. They recommended several vendors which we ended up working with Alana, from Chancey Charm and Casey from Cultivate Event Co. both of which I would also highly recommend as everyone had such great chemistry with the Dover Hall gals and made us feel at home. Chef Lee and Nadia also played a significant role. Chef Lee not only prepared 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 cant wait to travel down memory lane when we plan our next trip back! With love, Amanda & Joao Paulo

as well. Thank you, Dover team, for a wonderful event!

for itself and our guests couldn’t stop talking about how surprising, beautiful and unique the venue is. The attention to the minor details throughout the planning process and on our wedding day is what made our wedding perfect. We could not have asked for a better wedding and we couldn’t have done it without Miranda and Melanie!

taff were super helpful and considerate. They accommodated any request I had to meet and see the venue for different things, they handled all the moving set up and break down, which was a huge blessing for me and the wedding party. I think the only thing that was below my expectations was that they doubled booked my wedding night with another party and did not tell me before hand. So, it was great that I didn't worry about it the night of my wedding, but it was disappointing to hear from my wedding guests after the honeymoon that they could not see the library or billards room during the cocktail hour like we thought because another party had it blocked off. That's the only reason it wasn't 5 star... I really do love everything about this place, I just wish they would have been more clear that my wedding guests we're not going to be able to see some of the rooms in the house. Make sure you communicate all your expectations and they will work with them! That's just one thing we did not talk about and I guessed they assumed I was okay with it and I assumed they would have it open for us. Small mistake overall, everything else was beyond perfect! Special thanks to Natalie and Melanie, they were the ABSOLUTE BEST!

emely knowledgeable about both the accommodations of the venue and the wedding industry as a whole. She helped to answer our many questions, work to find a package that fit our needs and budget, and made us feel confident in all of the many details that go into the planning process. Her teammate Melanie was equally knowledgeable and helpful, and she was a tremendous resource for day and week of details. Between them, the ownership team who was often visible, and the incredible Chef Lee, we constantly felt like our wedding was the most important event of the year to them. The venue itself was second to none. From the drive down the path to the estate, to the incredibly magnificent detail in every room, to the gardens and lawn out back, you’d be hard pressed to find another location like this. The wedding parties were able to enjoy the bridal suite and the “groomsmen rooms” all day before the wedding. Drinks and delicious snacks were provided and enjoyed as we relaxed our way to getting ready and the ceremony. The reflecting pool/lawn out back provided a wonderful scene for the wedding party and guests to enjoy the ceremony. After that, guests were able to tour the property, enjoying all of the rooms, patios, and magnificent sunset. The ballroom and tent provided plenty of space for us to enjoy dinner then dancing later on. Bars were plentiful and bar staff was both friendly and helpful. We received so many compliments from friends and family on everything from the evening. It truly was the perfect night, and we’ll remember it forever. Thank you to all of the Dover Hall staff for making it so special for us!

f how gorgeous Dover Hall is, the staff were incredibly nice and helpful. I felt like they went beyond their roles helping us and making our day perfect. Our wedding theme was glitz and cinderella, meet Slovakia with a touch of Scotland. And our wedding day was filled beyond the max. Thank you Dover Hall team! I want to repeat 9/28/19 all over again! My wedding was definitely the BEST, most memorable, and most FUN wedding I have been too. :)

y, 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 on 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!

anning experience for me as a bride easy and seamless. Miranda, Melanie, and the whole team were incredibly kind, organized, accommodating, creative, and helpful. The chef and catering that Dover has was also one of the top things my guests raved about — every single appetizer and course were delectable. The bridal suite and the grooms suite were so unique and breathtaking to spend the day in as well. I would absolutely recommend this venue and all it entails to anyone! Thanks so much to this great team for a fantastic wedding weekend!

several venues in the Virginia area looking for the right aesthetic, wedding package options, top-notch menus, and an involved staff. As soon as we toured Dover Hall the remaining scheduled venue tours were cancelled because we knew immediately that we found our dream venue. I highly recommend staying the night over a wedding weekend to take full advantage of the estate. There is so much to explore and see! We would like to thank the team for their time, energy, and patience that they devoted to us. While Dover Hall was coordinating wedding and events for other clients, it always felt as though we were their top priority. Miranda was incredible at communicating over e-mail, answering any and all questions we had, and making suggestions to enhance our theme/vision. Melanie was a super-star assisting with day-of help and making sure our guests had a great experience – not to mention helping execute a wedding gift surprise during the reception. And to Chef Lee, we still dream about your gnocchi and gorgeous plating – everything was perfection!

d team for thoughtful suggestions, helpful recommendations and keeping us informed of key dates throughout the planning process. Their communication is unparalleled and were always responsive in a timely manner. They provided us an incredible vendor suggestion list that helped make all our wedding dreams come true. The attention to detail the months before the wedding and on the wedding day gave us immense comfort to fully enjoy the experience. Our guests still rave about the food, Chef Lee is beyond gifted! From the morning in the bridal suite to our entrance down the ballroom stairs to sunset portraits outside Dover, we have memories we will never forget! Having our wedding reception at Dover Hall Estate was the best decision we made and we highly recommend it for any couple; not only because the stunning and unique space, but for the highly capable and spectacular staff. -Amanda & Christian Brumbaugh

xtremely helpful, professional, and top notch. They made us, our families, and our guests feel right at home from start to finish! From the gorgeous venue (inside and out), to the incredible food, we were beyond impressed with their careful and streamlined process. We were facing a heat wave and were able to adjust our outdoor ceremony to inside. Dover Hall had the flexibility to make those changes with ease and thoughtful care and within a day's notice. The whole time, we knew we were in great hands. Our guests loved exploring all that Dover Hall had to offer during our wedding and cocktail hour, and we continue to hear great things from them about the food and service, which we already knew were outstanding. We were also so grateful for Miranda, Melanie, and Chad. Their hospitality, responsiveness, expertise, and overall kindness are things that we will never forget—we will continue to sing their praises. They were the dream team and their collaboration with our wedding coordinator and vendors was incredibly seamless. They—along with the entire DH staff—work so hard to make sure each guest is taken care of and having a great time. We felt so supported! We even had one staff member drive their car over to the bus lot to make sure they didn't leave without the bride and groom–they think and take care of everything! We will never forget their genuine attentiveness and will always remember our wedding day with extreme gratefulness and love thanks to the Dover Hall team! This venue knows how to throw a party! With gratitude, Emily & Andrew

o say, our wedding at Dover Hall exceeded all expectations! Driving up the long driveway, looking at the beautiful greenery and castle-like home, you can’t help but feel in love. When my wife and I (still getting used to saying that) stepped inside, we couldn’t believe what we saw. All the furniture inside was imported from various parts of Europe which gives off an elegant feel, and every room had a personality of its own. Whether it’s the library where my wife and I sat and played chess one morning, the billiard room where our wedding party spent the night before our wedding hanging out and playing cards or the garden where we exchanged vows, you will always find a room or location at Dover Hall for any and every occasion… not to mention, you’ll feel like you’re royalty. Now, with a venue as beautiful and elegant as Dover Hall, we couldn’t help but wonder what restrictions we would have. But we were pleasantly surprised when the Dover Hall team (Miranda, Melanie and Nadia) helped make all of our dreams come true! They’re some of the nicest and most talented individuals you will ever meet (along with our awesome Wedding Planner Kate from Glint Events) and they did everything to make our wedding weekend as perfect as Dover Hall. It was also super helpful having our vendors Dover Hall, Glint Events and Alex Tenser Photos all know one another and the venue extremely well, it was a perfect team and match, and they’re the true experts at doing weddings at Dover Hall! Everything was flawless. Also, if you’re like my wife and can’t help but imagine Hogwarts when you look at Dover Hall (yes, my wife is a huge Harry Potter nerd), you won’t be disappointed! Since our theme was elegant and classy, we used the scenery of Dover Hall and incorporated a few small Harry Potter accents (with the help of Glint Events) to share our personalities with our wedding guests, which they loved! We made our wedding a destination wedding solely because of Dover Hall. We made our families and friends travel and trust me they were not disappointed in the slightest. Miranda, Melanie and the rest of the crew made it super easy for us even though we live about 2 hours away and work full-time in very demanding jobs. We had our rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception at Dover Hall and stayed there for the weekend with our groomsmen and bridesmaids. And don’t worry, if you have a big wedding party, the Dover Hall team will organize it so that everyone can stay at the estate. We comfortably fit over 20 guests including ourselves. We were treated like royalty. Nadia and the rest of the on-site crew were unbelievable and very nice. Chef Lee cooked for us all weekend, and I don’t think I am exaggerating at all when I say that I think Lee should be a contestant on MasterChef cooking for Gordon Ramsay. He is that good. Our wedding was over a month ago, and we still can’t go a week without someone saying “hey remember the food at your wedding?”. I could write about Dover Hall and the people there all day honestly, but I should probably stop soon! I will end with this: If you are thinking about getting married at Dover Hall and have any doubts at all, just go see it, go meet the people and you will definitely not regret it!

s come true! This will give all of your guests a true "WOW" factor! We wouldn't change a thing and BEST FOOD!

eal. From our first contact with them, and then every step along the journey to our wedding day, The Dover Hall team absolutely blew us away with their dedication to excellence. The entire staff is nothing short of amazing. The owners of the venue, Chad, and Jeff personally ensured the quality of every aspect of our wedding and treated my wife and I both like family and made us feel so relaxed on the actual day. Miranda and Jamie were both super knowledgable about the rich history of the venue and were incredibly accommodating to any and all needs we had for the wedding. As if the customer service wasn't enough, the property itself is truly one of a kind with priceless paintings and lavish furniture you simply do not find unless you are in the presence of royalty. The entire venue was rented to us for the whole weekend which meant there wasn't a bunch of random people we didn't know walking around that aren't attending the wedding (I see this at a lot of Virginia venues). The memories we made with family and friends being able to sleep in this one-of-a-kind house are priceless and honestly one of the biggest selling points of this venue. Last but not least, the head chef Lee created the absolute best food I have ever tasted. The food and catering is truly exceptional and it had all of our guest raving for days. I could write a whole novel about how amazing our experience was, but I will sum it up by saying if you're looking for a venue in Virginia and want an unparalleled experience from the top to bottom, stop your search now and book Dover. Thank you to everyone on the Dover Hall team for making our wedding day even better than we could have ever imagined. I would rate them 10 stars if I could. Look forward to many more anniversary parties at the venue in the years to come!

gement and new management taking over. They have since brought on new team members and I believe are in a better place but I'd still recommend hiring a full-service wedding planner, double checking everything, and getting anything promised in writing. One of my biggest concerns was the food, I wanted it to be unforgettable and Chef Lee made it happen. Everything was delicious and he even made me a special plate when the waiters kept clearing my plate while I was dancing. He truly went above and beyond all weekend to make sure I was happy. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of staying there for the weekend. We had so much fun hanging out, swimming and Jamie (who manages the estate) was incredible. One of the selling points was that it is now a b&b and they have events open to the public. We cant wait to go back and reminisce for years to come.

ions we thought of throughout the months leading up to the wedding, she was quick to respond to and always relieved any wedding planning stress we had. One aspect of a wedding venue that was critical to us was a back up plan that we would be happy with in case of inclement weather. With Dover, the inside option for the ceremony is just as beautiful as the outside options. Rain or shine, we would’ve been extremely happy with the ceremony location. Also, the staff was extremely personable and made us feel relaxed the entire day. Lastly, the food was amazing! The chef at Dover is incredibly talented and we received many compliments on how great the food was at the reception. All in all, everything about the venue was perfect - thank you Dover Hall for making our wedding day so special!

Miranda (wedding coordinator through Dover) and her initiative to find solutions. The space is incredible, the food is fantastic, and the bedrooms are so much fun. If I could do it again, I would absolutely choose Dover! This is a GEM in Richmond.

n’t thank the new management enough for such an amazing experience for ourselves and all of guest that are still talking about it today. Bravo to Chad and Jeff!!

taff and coordinators couldn't be any more knowledgeable, organized, oh-so-kind, and went above and beyond to make our day perfect. The kitchen and Chef Lee, has taken the food/drink offerings of Dover Hall to a 5 star restaurant quality! Our tasting was probably just as fun as our actual wedding. They had the presentation down perfect, created custom cocktails for us right on the spot, and had all the examples of table set ups for us to easily choose. The day before our wedding we had to make a decision to move our ceremony inside (vs out on the blue-stone terrace) and they made me and my planner, feel so comfortable with our decision, and honestly it worked out for the best! The inside of Dover is truly remarkable and so unique for the Richmond area. Where can you find a ball room in Richmond that makes you feel like Belle in Beauty in the Beast!? OH and for getting ready, the bridal suite is glamorous and regal - just how it should be on your wedding day! The HMU stylists had their own area to set up with plenty of space for us girls to run around, and be goofy without bothering their master work. It's been 3 months since our special day and I keep telling my family that I would like to repeat that day over, and over again. Our guests have been saying it was the best wedding they ever have been too - It was absolutely PERFECT. and I strive for perfection, so I know!!

ly and was handled professionally by the staff and chef. It was a dream come true for the bride -- definitely 5 stars! It was amazing to have all of the house available to us beginning at 11:00 am. The dressing area for the wedding party was spacious and a perfect setting for makeup and hair. Lots of light. There is a wonderful background for pictures of "getting ready." We had hoped to take advantage of the gorgeous outdoor setting but the weather was iffy so we make the decision to move the ceremony inside. The transition from ceremony to reception was flawless. Our guests enjoyed wandering the first floor of the house and being served delicious passed appetizers. It was a spectacular day and nothing disappointed.

y! Since coincidentally our 10yr anniversary fell on a Saturday in 2017, what better way to mark the start of our new chapter then by having our wedding on that date, and so the date was set! After our initial venue falling through, and only 5 months left till the wedding, we didn't know what we would do. Due to our wedding theme being Elegant Royal Victorian, we needed a venue that would fit it. We then came across Dover Hall, and were instantly mesmerized by its enchanting beauty. After a quick call to see if our date was available, we made an appointment to go visit. We met with the event coordinator Peggy who was incredibly cordial, and we signed the contract that same day! We have so many wonderful things to say about Dover Hall, and its staff, that this review would end up being about 20 pages long! The venue is simply incredible, and it's pictures don't do it justice. The high level of professionalism and expertise the entire staff offers the couple, really allows the them to just sit back for a bit, and enjoy the planning process. Everything from the extravagant decor and furnishing in the venue, as well as the elegant fine china selections, to their wonderful eye for detail, and their refined and mouth watering menu's, are just a few of the things Dover has to offer! Our wedding day was referred to as our fairytale royal wedding! We could not have asked for a more perfect venue, and for better qualified professionals. Although our wedding has passed, our friends and family are still talking about how beautiful and perfect everything was! Thank you DH for helping us have the most amazing wedding, and for being the perfect venue for us to create our ever lasting memories! Stella & Miguel November 04th, 2017 Wedding Pictures Link: https://sm10yrsinthemaking.shutterfly.com

lower and main floors were open for our guests to explore, and they did! We also had high tops set up outside and once the sun went down many guests took advantage of this space. The ceremony was held in the Ballroom. It was perfect! It’s quite a dramatic entrance for the bride down the staircase. We had a guitarist set up upstairs by the stairs and the music filled the space. Afterwards our guests were brought upstairs as staff at DH transformed the ballroom into a reception space. We were also taking formal pictures at the same time! The staff worked in perfect precision and were done within 30 minutes. Our guests enjoyed themselves upstairs while this all went on. We could not be happier with DH and their team who worked in perfect harmony with each other! It was a truly magical spot to have a wedding and reception. We chose a mainly vegan menu and the Chef and his team did not disappoint! The food was outstanding! My daughter said the wedding was exactly what she had dreamed of! We would not hesitate to recommend the venue to anyone looking for a special wedding site. Peggy and Miranda at DH were professional and great to work with.

on they welcomed up with open arms and even price matched with our other venue! I was in complete tears from their kindness! My husband and I both work in the wedding industry and value customer service so much, and they were BEYOND AMAZING in every. single. way. I could not give you one complaint! From the coordinator Miranda, to the owners, to the chef to all the staff members, we felt like family with them. I could not have imagined a more perfect place or day for our wedding. Dover Hall truly is an amazing venue and the people behind it value their couples and families and make them a top priority in every way. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Dover Hall for all that you've done for us, we couldn't have had a more perfect day!

, the staircases, and the bride’s dressing room were all fantastic. The bride’s dressing room was large and airy with large windows, mirrors and chandelier – definitely a setting to excite a bride and set a princess mood. One of the bedrooms has a window seat with white and golden pillows that is beautiful for pictures. The pastoral landscape is inspiring and beautiful. I do not mean to go on too long, but I have also been a corporate officer and could picture a productive and fun retreat in this setting so close to Richmond yet removed from day to day. A cozy bar area, breakout rooms (I would want the windowed ‘conservatory’ for my team…) and the wide outdoors for games would be terrific. Just cannot say enough thanks to the management staff for the great event they gave us.

also sold/is selling to new owners. We were told to wait for our contract until a new management company was brought in (apparently the old one is going bankrupt). So we waited and waited, only to be told the new owners would not honor the lower rental fee quoted to us originally. We were forced to start from scratch with a new venue and date because of the delays and poor customer service at Dover Hall.

ll last forever. You do not need to spend much on decorations at Dover Hall. It is a beautiful venue and just some flowers are enough. If you over do it takes away from the beauty of the architecture.

up to the event, but the day of they seemed like they didn't even want to have people in the house and made several rude comments to guests of the wedding.

being handled for us. Every detail exceeded our expectations and we would do it all over again if we could!