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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

  • Spacious dressing rooms
  • Bar room
  • Game room for the wedding party
  • Banquet room
  • Multiple sitting rooms
  • Amazing views of the Susquehanna
  • 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

The mansion boasts 17 elegant and richly appointed guest rooms, all with spectacular views of the Susquehanna River or the beautiful surrounding grounds. Each room has luxurious mattresses and bedding updated in 2021. The bedrooms range from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 25 beds. Seven guest rooms contain private baths, while eight 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.

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 (tent and outdoor seating and catering not included).

Port Deposit Wedding Package
$6,000
This package accommodates weddings of any size up to 200, when our discerning clients coordinate all of their own rentals (such as tables, chairs, and tent), as well as catering.

Susquehanna Wedding Package
$10,700
Accommodates up to 150 people; rental of first floor of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds.

Susquehanna Wedding Package with Overnight
$12,450
Accommodates up to 150 people for event; 14 overnight guests; rental of first floor of mansion and access to the 23-acre grounds.

Full Weekend Wedding Package
$15,000
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.

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.

Rentals:

Chesapeake RentAll  – (410) 272-1741

Photographers:

Brittney NestleBRITTNEY@BRITTNEYNESTLEPHOTO.COM

Genevieve Leiper – (703) 200-0428

Susie Hadeed – (240) 624-9659

Videographer:

Lee Russell Films

Rental of Property: The rental fee of $6,000 covers the use of the first floor and exterior grounds for up to seven hours (including the caterer’s setup and breakdown). Use of a bridal suite/dressing room for the wedding party is included as well as the game room for those needing downtime before the event.

Rental of Tent, Tables, and Chairs: If the number of wedding guests exceeds 50, the wedding couple will be responsible for renting a tent, banquet chairs, and round tables from the selected caterer or a rental company approved by Donaldson Brown staff.

Rehearsal: The rehearsal will be scheduled and arranged with Donaldson Brown staff at a mutually agreeable time.

Wedding Night Accommodations: Wedding night accommodations can be arranged for an additional fee depending on the size of the group. There are 17 beautifully appointed bedrooms, featuring period furniture and elegant architecture, ranging from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 25 beds. Breakfast is included in the fee.

Reservations: A 25 percent deposit is required to reserve a date with Donaldson Brown. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. If canceled less than 90 days in advance, the deposit will not be refunded and fees will be charged.

Rehearsal Dinner: The cost to hold a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner at Donaldson Brown is $750 plus $45 – $65 per person, depending on menu. A four-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).

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