Kim Hymes Photography is a documentary wedding photographer rooted in Atlanta and travels to destinations around the world.

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Newlyweds kiss under a floral arch on a patio

Venues

Create Your Forever Moments At A Dover Hall Wedding

Dover Hall is a venue that feels as though it’s custom-made for your fairytale wedding. With ivy-draped brick and Tudor-style dining halls, your wedding day will make it seem as though you’ve escaped to the foggy London countryside. As a documentary wedding photographer, I have had the chance to see all that Virginia has to offer! Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Dover Hall wedding.  

A bride sits at a table and in a large tub in an ornate gown

A bride wanders her getting ready room in a sheer gown

About The Dover Hall Wedding Venue

1500 Manakin Road, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103

As you pull up into the driveway of Dover Hall, you are going to feel as though you’ve stepped back through centuries of history. The neat hedges and the stone wall exterior is true to English landscaping, while the ivy-draped walls bring a little bit of magic. The venue, however, is actually deceptively new.

A bride walks through an outdoor reception set up in the colonnade patio

The family house was completed in 2000 by Dennis and Cindy Pryor. The couple wanted to create an estate that felt worthy of royalty. The result was a sprawling 38,000-square-foot mansion nested amidst 55 acres. The house changed ownership in 2017, offering a space that is now completely devoted to hosting unforgettable celebrations. While the house offers historic elegance, all the amenities are modern, giving you everything you could possibly need for your wedding. 

A view of the outside of Dover Hall wedding venue

Details of the Grounds

Dover Hall serves as an escape, offering you everything you could possibly need for your wedding day. When you arrive on the grounds, you will be escorted to the Queen Elizabeth Suite on the second floor of the estate. This room is entirely private, with 2,400 square feet of space, and you can use it to get ready for your bridal party. The room stays true to its name with classic English accents, crown molding, and a marble fireplace.

A bride walks through the draped colonnade in the gardens of Dover Hall

Down on the first floor is the Billiards Room where your partner can get ready with their party. Decorated like a Theodore Roosevelt-era hunting lodge, it offers a 70-inch television, a pool table, and snacks and drinks. 

A bride lounges in the pool in her dress

Once it’s time for your ceremony, you will have several options. Perhaps my favorite is The Reflecting Pool. With this option, the serene blue namesake pool will be in the middle of your ceremony space. You will make your way down the aisle and join your partner at the altar in front of the lush woods just beyond the lawn. 

Another popular option is the Cobblestone Court. Located alongside the manor, this will put you right next to the indoor amenities while still offering a picturesque space for your service. 

Newlyweds explore the expansive mansion with the pink bouquet in windows

Intimate outdoor weddings can take place in The Gardens. This place truly feels like a fairytale! Surrounded by hedges interrupted by a low stone wall, you can have a romantic microwedding with your closest friends and family. 

If you would prefer an indoor wedding, you are going to adore The Ballroom. Truly, there is no place like this! The 2,400-square-foot features high ceilings accented with wooden coffers and wrought iron chandeliers. The grand fireplace at the front of this room originates from the shores of Scotland. It will be the perfect backdrop as you exchange your vows. 

A bride and groom stand and cuddle together on the grand staircase at Dover Hall

Dover Hall Wedding Venue Cocktail Hour And Beyond

For your cocktail hour, you will be able to choose from several spots. Outside, the Bluestone Terrace will be the perfect place for your guests to unwind with a signature cocktail. Inside, you can use the Terrace Bar on the Lower Level. This is right outside The Ballroom with a full-sized bar where your guests can order whatever they’d like. 

A bride lounges under ornate chandeliers in a flower dress

Once it is time for your reception, your guests can head inside into The Ballroom. This grand space is ready to host a truly legendary party! The attached covered porch will give your guests the perfect way to head outside and catch their breath before heading back in. This room is truly prepared for hours of parties! 

Newlyweds dance and kiss in front of the grand Dover Hall fireplace

Photography Opportunities

With the Dover Hall wedding venue, you are going to have some pretty exceptional spots for your wedding pictures. Both of the get-ready suites are perfect for candid pictures with your party. The bridal room gets lots of natural light, giving you ample opportunities to show off your gown. Once you are done here, you can head to the staircase, where you can show off your gown. The gardens outside are ideal for both couple’s portraits and group portraits. I also recommend using the grounds in front of the house for a picture with your partner. The manor in the background will make it look as though you’ve stepped straight out of the pages of a regency novel! 

A bride lays in a pool with floating flowers around her A bride lounges in her getting ready suite in a collage at her Dover Hall wedding

Wedding Details

In addition to providing you with an exceptional setting, the Dover Hall wedding venue will make sure you have everything you need for your perfect wedding day! The venue has a partnership with Bartizan, a nearby restaurant. They offer this spot as a place to host your reception dinner during your wedding week. For your wedding weekend, the venue allows you to rent out rooms for up to 10 guests. If you choose to do this, you will be able to wake up right on the property for a restful start to your day. The employees will be on hand throughout your celebration to ensure everything continues to move smoothly. 

Details of a Dover Hall wedding reception set up with pattern linens and florals

Their culinary team will be on-site at the Dover Hall wedding venue, creating decadent meals that will elevate your wedding day. In the months leading up to your celebration, they will work with you to create your perfect menu! The venue will also handle all the bar services throughout your event. The venue is going to handle all the set-up and clean-up, plus they can provide you with event rentals to make sure you have everything you need! 

Newlyweds look down from a balcony to their reception set up at Dover Hall

A bride looks over her shoulder in the luxurious Dover Hall reception

You Will Step Into Luxury At Your Dover Hall Wedding

With the Dover Hall wedding venue, you are going to have an unrivaled spot for your romantic manor wedding. With grand ballrooms and private gardens, your dream wedding is just waiting to become a reality! 

Once you find your wedding venue, it’s time to find your photographer. If you are looking for a documentary approach to your portraits, I think I might just be the one for you! I adore working with couples to capture all the meaningful moments that matter the most throughout their celebration. I would love to have a conversation and tell you all about my sessions so you can decide if I’m the one for you. Send me a message today to find out more!

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Journalist. Documentarian. Artist


As a documentary wedding photographer, my photography style embodies connection and draws couples with a deep love for family.