Wedding & Special Event Rentals

As Seen on The Knot
weddingwire.com

Create memories in an airy, light-filled ballroom with historic charm

Celebrate weddings, special events, anniversaries, and corporate events in a historic setting—without stretching your budget. The Hanover Arts & Activities Center is an intimate and charming venue in Downtown Ashland, Virginia, the “Center of the Universe.”

Photo by Faith Photography
Bride in white wedding gown with bridesmaids in pink dresses holding bouquets outdoors.
A bride and groom sharing an intimate moment during their wedding reception, standing close with foreheads almost touching, surrounded by decorated tables with turquoise napkins and tall floral centerpieces.
A wedding party walking outdoors on a sunny day, with the bride and groom holding hands in front. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. The groom is in a black suit with a bow tie. Bridesmaids and
Photo by Heather Oaks
A bride and groom stand close together outside in front of a building with white walls and blue shutters, smiling and leaning their heads together, holding a bouquet of flowers.
A newlywed couple kisses during their wedding celebration outside, with two bridesmaids in pink dresses holding bouquets and throwing flower petals, in front of a house with white columns and large windows, on a decorated porch.
Bride's room with vintage furniture, a framed painting, a chandelier, and windows with lace curtains
A bride and groom walking on a sidewalk in front of a white building, smiling and looking at each other. The bride is wearing a white dress with a flower in her hair, and the groom is in a white shirt with suspenders and holding a flower bouquet.
Photo by Heather Oaks
A wedding party with bridesmaids in turquoise dresses and groomsmen in gray suits standing outdoors in a park, celebrating and holding bouquets and glasses.
Photo by Faith Photography
A floral arrangement with holly leaves and red berries in a glass vase on a wooden table, surrounded by decorative dried flowers and nuts on a silver tray.

Wedding Pricing

$4,000 - Wedding Package (Friday starting at noon through Sunday at 10:00 am)

$2,900 - Weekend Wedding (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday 8:00 am through 12:00 am)

$1,900 - Weekday Wedding (Monday through Thursday 8:00 am through 11:00 pm)

Printable Information Page

What is included in the rental fee?

  • Chandelier-lit ballroom

  • Small prep kitchen with a large catering refrigerator

  • Bride’s Room

  • Side Banquet Room (ideal for food service or Groom’s Room)

  • Outdoor space with an arbor

  • 175 white folding chairs

  • 20 six-foot banquet tables (each seats 6-8)

  • 20 four-foot round tables (each seats 4-6)

  • 3 five-foot round tables (each seats 8-10)

  • Guest book stand

  • Display easels

  • AV sound system

Ready to reserve your date? We've made it simple.

Step 1: Check Availability

Fill out the form on this page to see if your preferred date and time are available. We recommend booking early!

Step 2: Discuss Your Needs

Let's chat about your event! We'll walk you through the space, answer your questions, and help you determine how many hours you'll need.

Step 3: Secure Your Reservation

Once you've decided, we'll send you a simple rental agreement and collect a deposit to hold your date.

Step 4: Plan Your Event

The space is yours! We'll provide you with access details and be available to answer any questions as your event date approaches.

We can't wait to be part of your event!

Site Tours

We are committed to helping you create a memorable event. 

Tours are by appointment only.  They may be scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am - 2 pm or during a weekday evening. Tours cannot be scheduled when another event is in progress at the facility or on weekends. Please reach out to the Executive Director at info@hanoverarts.org to schedule your tour.

F.A.Q.s

How many people can the Center accommodate?

The Center can handle 135 at round tables or 150 at family-style tables for a seated dinner. That leaves you a comfortable amount of space for the buffet line, dance floor, and a DJ. The building can accommodate up to 225-250 guests if they are standing, with limited seating.

Can we use our own caterer?

You may use a caterer of your choice. The Center does not have a catering staff.

Can we serve beer, wine and/or liquor?

Yes, you may serve beer, wine, and/or liquor at your event. You must acquire a banquet license from the Virginia ABC Board. A Banquet License application is available ONLINE.

Can we have the reception outside? Can we put up a tent?

You may hold your reception inside, outside, or both. There is plenty of room to put up a tent on the one-acre front lawn if you are worried about rain. Wayfinding and parking signs are allowed.

Can we put up our own decorations?

You are welcome to decorate the Center. A scale diagram of the ballroom, tables, and chairs will be provided to you. There are some limitations to decorations that are stated in the contract.

Do we have to clean up?

Renters (or their designee) must return the Center to a condition as clean as when they took it over. There is a refundable security deposit of $500, provided check-out procedures are met.

How do we reserve a date?

We will email you a digital contract. Once you “accept” the contract and pay the non-refundable reservation fee, your date is secured. Once the contract is accepted, we will email you an invoice with payment instructions. The balance of the rental fee must be paid 90 days before the event.

What is the square footage of available space?

Ballroom Size: 1751 square feet

Stage (adjacent to the Ballroom): 676 square feet

Front Lawn: 45,243 square feet

Decor

  • Tape, nails, tacks, or anything with adhesive properties are not allowed to be used on the walls, windows, or floors.

  • Decorations may be hung from picture moldings located on the walls and the stage using a standard molding hook (found in any hardware store).

  • Loose glitter, confetti, soap pieces, rice, silly string, or sparklers are not allowed inside or outside the building. Birdseed may be thrown outdoors if swept afterward. Artificial flower petals must be picked up before the event ends.

  • Outside decor and/or signage must be approved by the Center 30 days before the event date. Promotional or political signs are not allowed outside.

  • Candles must be enclosed in glass (no open flames indoors).