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T

he Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center is the perfect place for an unforgettable wedding. The striking Georgian mansion offers numerous amenities, including matching spiral staircases for magnificent photos of the beautiful couple and wedding party, exquisite moldings, soaring arched doorways … the list goes on.

Depending upon the number of guests in your party, your reception can be held inside the mansion or tented on the exterior lawns. Your ceremony can take place high upon Mount Ararat, the cliff overlooking the Susquehanna River, or on the grand lawn with massive columns providing a perfect frame for your bridal party. Outside areas offer a stunning panoramic view of the river and feature lush vegetation, a gentle breeze, and the soft sounds of nature. We invite you to make our home your home on your special day!

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

What We Offer

Venue

  • Beautifully restored historic 1930’s mansion
  • Georgian columns
  • Spiral stairways
  • Overnight accommodations
  • Spacious dressing rooms
  • Bar room
  • Billiard room for the wedding party
  • Banquet room
  • Multiple historic sitting rooms
  • Amazing views of the Susquehanna
  • New in 2026 – Mahogany Wood Pavilion with cupolas
  • Private use of our 23-acre estate, which includes a greenhouse, carriage house, and an unparalleled historical mansion with features such as an original 1939 chandelier, detailed crown moldings, period furniture, two sets of majestic spiral staircases, pineapples in a variety of unexpected places, and a stunning columned entrance.
  • Our pristine location, with a 180-degree waterfront view, 200 feet above the Susquehanna River on Mount Ararat
  • Multiple restroom facilities for guests
  • Beautiful front, side, and back lawn space for hundreds of guests
  • Historic rooms for overnight options
  • Mahogany Wooden Pavilion for weddings of 51 – 200 guests, 90-foot x 40-foot

*AI generated photo from Amish Country Gazebos – structure may vary from image

The mansion boasts 17 elegant and richly appointed guest rooms, all with spectacular views of the Susquehanna River or the beautiful surrounding grounds. The bedrooms range from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 24 beds. Seven guest rooms contain private baths, while ten guest rooms have shared bathrooms. Wedding night accommodations can be arranged for an additional fee depending on the size of the group. An elevator and second-floor bedroom suite in the mansion are accessible for guests with disabilities. Breakfast is included in the fee. Additional rooms are available at the Carriage House.

Full package details are available in our Wedding Brochure.

Pineapple Wedding Package
$6,000
Accommodates up to 50 people; rental of first floor of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds (outdoor seating and catering not included).

  • One-hour rehearsal
  • Two-hour set-up prior to wedding
  • Five-hour wedding
  • One-hour cleanup post-wedding
  • Catering available. Please inquire about pricing.
  • Group overnight accommodations are available at an extra charge.

Susquehanna Wedding Package
$13,000
Accommodates up to 150 people; rental of first floor of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds. 

  • One-hour rehearsal
  • Wooden pavilion reception area (90 foot by 40 foot) with 360-degree views overlooking the Susquehanna River
  • Two-hour set-up prior to wedding
  • Five-hour wedding
  • One-hour cleanup post-wedding
  • Romantic pavilion lighting
  • Dance floor in pavilion
  • Gold Chivari chairs and 6′ round tables
  • Two spacious dressing rooms for wedding party use

*Larger parties up to 200 guests can be accommodated. Additional costs will be calculated based upon the number of guests. Catering not included.

Chesapeake Wedding Package
$15,000
Accommodates up to 150 people for event; 14 overnight guests; rental of first floor of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds.

  • One-hour rehearsal
  • Wooden pavilion reception area (90 foot by 40 foot) with 360-degree views overlooking the Susquehanna River
  • Two-hour set-up prior to wedding
  • Five-hour wedding
  • One-hour cleanup post-wedding
  • Romantic pavilion lighting
  • Dance floor in pavilion
  • Gold Chivari chairs and 6′ round tables
  • Two spacious dressing rooms for wedding party use
  • Overnight accommodations in our seven suites for 14 guests — additional rooms available upon request – possible room blocks at Great Wolf Lodge (based on availability)
  • Breakfast for overnight guests
  • Check in Saturday at 1 p.m.
  • Checkout Sunday at 11 a.m.

*Larger parties can be accommodated. Additional costs will be calculated based upon the number of guests. Catering not included.

Full Weekend Wedding Package
$18,000
Friday evening through Sunday morning.
Accommodates up to 150 people for one event; 14 overnight guests; rental of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds.

  • One-hour rehearsal
  • Wooden pavilion reception area (90 foot by 40 foot) with 360-degree views overlooking the Susquehanna River
  • Two-hour set-up prior to wedding
  • Five-hour wedding
  • One-hour cleanup post-wedding
  • Romantic pavilion lighting
  • Dance floor in pavilion
  • Gold Chivari chairs and 6′ round tables
  • Two spacious dressing rooms for wedding party use
  • Overnight accommodations in our seven suites for 14 guests — additional rooms available upon request – possible room blocks at Great Wolf Lodge (based on availability)
  • Breakfast for overnight guests
  • Check in Friday at 5 p.m.
  • Checkout Sunday at 11 a.m.

*All prices subject to change

For large events with more than 50 attendees, you will select your menu from a licensed, insured, and approved caterer. For small events, Donaldson Brown will provide catering. Catering costs are additional and not included in the rental agreement. (Note: Caterers must be approved by Donaldson Brown staff prior to the event.)

Caterers and Vendors:

Caterers interested in being part of the Donaldson Brown preferred catering list, please contact DonaldsonBrown@umaryland.edu.

Photographers:

Brittney NestleBRITTNEY@BRITTNEYNESTLEPHOTO.COM

Genevieve Leiper – (703) 200-0428

Susie Hadeed – (240) 624-9659

Videographer:

Lee Russell Films

Rental of Property: All couples must provide insurance for the event. Hours are as specified on contract and guests may not arrive before scheduled time. Additional hours are $1000 per hour and based upon availability.

Caterers:  Caterers must be licensed and insured. Furthermore, caterers will be approved based upon the scheduling of a walkthrough of the mansion with a signed caterer agreement. Donaldson Brown Riverfront prides itself on making sure each wedding has the highest level of quality.

Rental of Additional Items: If the wedding couple requests additional items from an outside rental facility, the couple is responsible for ordering the items and arranging delivery under the guidance of Donaldson Brown Riverfront. The estate will not accept early deliveries or any responsibility of items. The rental company must be approved by Donaldson Brown Riverfront staff.

Rehearsal: The rehearsal will be scheduled and arranged with Donaldson Brown staff at a mutually agreeable time. Rehearsal times are one hour and based upon scheduling availability. Additional hours are $1000.

Wedding Night Accommodations: Wedding night accommodations can be arranged for an additional fee depending on the size of the group and availability. There are 17 beautifully appointed bedrooms, featuring period furniture and elegant architecture, ranging from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 24 beds. Breakfast is included in the fee.

Reservations: A 25 percent deposit is required to reserve a date with Donaldson Brown Riverfront. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the event.

Rehearsal Dinner: The cost for a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner at Donaldson Brown is $1000 plus $45 – $65 per person, depending on menu. A two-hour time slot is allocated for the rehearsal and dinner.

For couples using a different venue for their wedding, Donaldson Brown invites you to host just your rehearsal dinner at our site. Our staff will provide an exceptional dinner for your wedding party and family at a reasonable cost. Please call to discuss meal options (410-378-2555).

Engagement Photos: Couples who have a signed contract with Donaldson Brown may utilize our grounds and mansion for a scheduled one-hour engagement portrait session (with your contracted photographer).

Wedding Coordinator for Donaldson Brown Riverfront: To help with ease of questions, suggestions, and onsite planning, our coordinator, Brittany is available to help – brunkles@umaryland.edu

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