Special Event Rentals

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.”

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Wedding Pricing (effective Dec 1, 2025)

Wedding $3,500 (per day, 9am - 10pm)

Night before setup or dinner $650 (4pm - 10pm)

Hourly Pricing (effective Dec 1, 2025)

$135 per hour, Monday - Thursday (minimum 3 hours)

$165 per hour, Friday - Sunday (minimum 5 hours)

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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.

What is included in the rental fee?

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)
Portable arbor (archway)
Guest book stand
Display easels
Front lawn
Kitchen with catering refrigerator
Bride’s Room
Side conference room (ideal for food service or Groom’s Room)

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).