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Donnelly House: 8 Must-Know Facts About This Historic Venue

Walk in front of Donnelly House and you’ll immediately realize this is a very special venue. The Georgian-colonial-style mansion dates to 1905, when James W. Donnelly lived on the property. Today, the 12,000 square feet venue towers above wedding guests, with four massive columns in the front. Inside, you’ll enter a home that is part of the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. The historic space boasts a jaw-dropping interior that screams elegance and high class – perfect for your wedding.

But there’s even more…

donnelly house

8 Must-Know Facts About The Donnelly House:

1. The Mansion is 100+ Years Old

Donnelly House is 117 years old, with white marble floors and 12,000 square feet of space to explore. James W. Donnelly built the house. He moved to Birmingham after retiring from Proctor and Gamble. Fun Fact: James W. Donnelly is “the father of the Birmingham Library System.”

2. The Donnelly House Offers Multiple Booking Options for All Budgets

Couples can choose to book the venue using one of four main options:

Reception Only costs $4,000 and offers 3.5 hours of rental time
Ceremony Only costs $3,000 and provides 4 total hours of time
Ceremony and Reception together costs $5,000 and offers 4 hours of event time
Rehearsal Dinner Only costs $2,000 or add it at a discounted rate of $750 if you book the ceremony or reception package

The bride and groom can add additional event time by the hour.

3. In-house Bar Service is Available

Donnelly House provides all bar service, but you must use their in-house bartenders, which makes it easier for you so that you do not have to find your own bartenders. Of course, couples can bring their own alcohol to dispense, too.

4. VIPs Can Book Their Own Security

All events have security, which the City of Birmingham Police Department is aware of. Depending on the event and the couple’s request, additional security may be possible.

5. Vendor Setup Begins 5 Hours Before the Event

The venue requires that vendors set up 5 hours before the wedding. This makes sure that you have ample time to get all the details perfectly together before your guests show up. Vendors are responsible for breakdown immediately following the wedding.

6. Multiple Ceremony Site Locations

The Donnelly House has multiple ceremony site locations, and most of them are outdoors.

The Gazebo Garden can accommodate 325 guests and features a stunning gazebo surrounded by greenery. The stairs leading to the gazebo give brides a stunning entrance. Guests won’t miss a single moment no matter where they’re sitting.
The back patio can accommodate up to 300 guests. The patio has plenty of open space, a fireplace, a fountain, string lights and more.
The front lawn can accommodate up to 120 guests. The home’s grand entrance makes it an idyllic spot to say, “I do.”
The inside ceremony space includes up to 50 chairs (fees for each extra chair).

Each space is beautiful in its own way. The outdoor patio and interior spaces both have fireplaces to create a cozy atmosphere. The front lawn and gazebo locations are ideal for larger weddings.

7. Endless Opportunities for Photographs

With its historic charm and park-like setting, the Donnelly House has endless opportunities to take stunning and romantic photos. Stand in front of the towering columns at the home’s entrance for elegant photos with your wedding party. The outdoor patio is the perfect spot for candid photos with friends and family by the fireplace. Ceremonies under the gazebo are nothing short of a fairytale, with flowers everywhere you turn. The elegant and intimate interior has plenty of natural light, and the fireplace adds to the warm ambiance of the space. The Donnelly House is a gorgeous venue that needs nothing more than a smiling couple to make unforgettable photos.

8. Lots of Extra Services Available

The Donnelly House has lots of extras available so that you can fully customize your experience, such as:

Linens. Fees are per table, and their vendor handles everything (delivery, placement and even removal).
Tents and string lighting.
“Day of” coordination for ceremonies, receptions, or both.
Extra chairs for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cake stands.
Additional event time.

These little extras bring the day together and also can make things simpler for you when you are planning out the details.

Donnelly House brings a touch of old, upscale society and beauty to your wedding. The venue is a masterpiece with sprawling interiors, beautiful marble floors and romance around each corner. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, large fireplaces adorn the walls, and the interior offers an intimate space for close friends and family. Let’s connect and see how I can make your wedding photography dreams come to life. Chat soon!