Historic Mankin Mansion is beautifully designed to ensure every wedding or event flows seamlessly from one moment into the next. The functions of each space perfectly enhance the history and uniqueness of The Mansion while being decorated with both historic and modern elements. This venue is truly a unique find in the world of Richmond wedding and event venues. Read more for the spaces that we offer and descriptions of each!
Italian Garden Ceremony
Fully equipped with white lawn chairs for guests and an iron arbor that is perfectly sturdy for full floral installations, the garden ceremony takes our breath away every single ceremony. The best part of the ceremony is that our couples and wedding party are up on a magnificent brick stage! This elevation is ideal for photographers and guests to see the lovely couple and the brick is a great neutral for any color scheme. Another design perk is that all the surrounding areas are filled with luscious greenery for perfect backdrops no matter where the photographer is. Even in the spring or fall, the evergreens behind the arbor provide that luscious greenery we all love and adore! Behind and to the left of the arbor is a glorious 100 year old Sycamore tree that has firmly made its home here at The Mansion. It provides a wonderful natural element to the ceremony. Truly, the outdoor ceremony is one like no other!
European Gallery Ceremony
Sia really would love to swing from these chandeliers! The Gallery is the ultimate mix of rustic, modern, elegant and romantic wedding styles. The exposed brick with graceful draping and crystal chandeliers enhance the styles and the gold Chiavari chairs with white chair pads compliment them as a neutral finish. Accompanying the grandiose fireplace are Mankin bricks that bear the Mankin seal. This was a fun way that Mr. Mankin decorated the fireplace! Completely climate controlled, this also pairs as a wonderful rain plan. We all know Virginia and how the weather can be, so The Gallery is always set up and ready to go in case of rain. The Mansion team is all about backup plans, so whether this is Plan A or Plan B, we always have our couples and their guests covered! If the ceremony is offsite, consider using the Gallery as an indoor bar location. Hosting an event? The Gallery is also an elegant area to host a corporate retreat, luncheon, birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower or cocktail style dinner ~ the options for this room are endless!
Social/Cocktail Hour
While the newlyweds, wedding party and family take photos throughout this picturesque Estate, guests can turn to our sought-after lawn and brick patio for cocktail hour under twinkling Italian lighting. Being served drinks out of a brick pergola is not something seen at weddings everyday and guests love this unique feature. Connected by brick walkways, guests can also enjoy the Mankin Maze, giant chess set, brick benches and even adventure into the Rockefeller Room to take a step back in time. More on the Rockefeller Room below! The patio is also the perfect location for a social hour for events ~ all of the Mansion spaces are versatile and with the help of our planning team, we can make any layout work!
Grand Pavilion Tent ~ Reception
Ladies and gentleman ~ The Grand Pavilion Tent! With gold Chiavari chairs, a wide variety of tables, customizable uplighting for dinner and dancing, Crystal Chandeliers and completely temperature controlled, the tent is truly a gorgeous reception space! The tent’s layout is entirely customizable with the planning team to feature a sweetheart or head table and entire guest seating or cocktail style seating. The tent also features grand French Doors that can be opened throughout the evening for an indoor/outdoor flow. The reception can be beautifully decorated by florals or candles as centerpieces, backdrops with neon signs and even hanging flowers! Whether for a wedding or an event, the Grand Pavilion Tent never disappoints!
The Rockefeller Room
The Rockefeller Room is located within the main Mansion house and is open for guests throughout the entire event! Filled with history, the Rockefeller Room used to be Mr. Mankin’s home and featured his own grand piano and a living area. Highlighting a green velvet couch and black velvet chairs, not to mention the grand piano, this is the room to sneak off to for just a few more portraits with your photographer! Trust us, that green couch is photogenic!
The Game Room (Weddings Only)
One of our getting ready areas is an incredible Game Room! Included in The Game Room is a sound bar, TV’s, shuffleboard, foosball, basketball, darts and, of course, is complete with a pool table. It also has great scenery for detail shots! Do not worry, this room is tempting to stay in, but leave it to the planning team to get things moving when the time comes!
The Summer Parlor (Weddings Only)
The other getting ready room we provide is a salon waiting and ready to go for any hair and makeup needs! With low-back chairs that rise and fall, mirrors galore, plenty of space to spread out and complete with radiant chandeliers, it is the perfect place to get ready in. First looks with the wedding party, detail shots, bridal portraits, getting ready photos and so much more, the list goes on and on with possibilities in The Summer Parlor!
