Weddings

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Conferences

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Events

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Timeless Experience Overlooking the Susquehanna River

For individuals who value flawless events, the Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center provides a unique setting with picturesque riverfront views, abundant lawns, stately architecture, historic detail, and friendly staff.

Donaldson Brown prides itself on being a leader in the hospitality industry by providing a meticulously clean, accessible, and affordable facility to the public. And the goal of the staff is to accommodate the client’s specific needs through personal and professional attention to detail resulting in exemplary customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, conference, retreat, or special event, Donaldson Brown shares the perfect backdrop to elevate your attendees’ experience from mundane to extraordinary.

Donaldson Brown: Easy to reach, hard to leave behind.

Check out the latest virtual tour of our estate!

We welcome you to come, relax and take a step back as we bring you to an elegant and simpler time. We provide a unique setting with picturesque riverfront views, abundant lawns, stately architecture, historic detail, and friendly staff.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

The event center then and now

On this episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast, business services specialist Jennifer Coolahan and UMB executive director of auxiliary services Robert Milner, share how the University of Maryland, Baltimore offers a historic, picturesque wedding and event venue in Cecil County called the Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center.

We learn about the breathtaking views from atop of Mt. Ararat, overlooking the Susquehanna River in Port Deposit; as well as the mansion, outbuildings, and furniture; the family who built it and their connection to the DuPont family; and how the estate became part of UMB.

“The UMB Pulse” podcast is on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and wherever you like to listen.

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Our Skilled Staff

Donaldson Brown prides itself on having a qualified and dedicated staff. With more than 70 years of combined experience at the estate, our team is unbeatable.

Sue takes personal and professional pride in exceeding expectations.
Evelyn Long
Evelyn’s cooking and baking expertise translates into a phenomenal experience for guests.

John Biedenback

Maintenance
John has worked in construction for over 20 years and is a longtime Cecil County resident.

What Our Guests Say

Donaldson Brown Center is a hidden gem. My husband and I would always see the mansion on the cliff when passing the Conowingo. We made arrangements to go and see the venue and completely fell in love. At the time, the venue was going through a possible ownership change. This left us in limbo for a few months as they were unsure if they were going to be able to rent the next year or not. Of course, after viewing the property, I couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else; Sue, the property manager, was incredible. I’m sure my constant pestering about if we could rent or not was annoying (haha), but Sue was amazing throughout the entire experience. She finally let me know we could rent; the books were open, so I had the first pick of ANY date! This was amazing. She was incredibly accommodating and really helped walk me through the entire process. I was even able to come to the venue early in the morning to get ready. Not only did we get married there, but we also stayed in the evening. There is an option to rent out the bedrooms upstairs. We rented the entire place, which gave us such peace of mind! (no drinking and driving). I will always continue to recommend this venue, not just for the amazing views, but for the amazing staff that really cares! Thank you so much for everything. It truly was the best day of my life!
Brandi Linton photo

Brandi Linton

Married June 2, 2018