Last month, I photographed a BEAUTIFUL Historic Rosemont Manor Wedding. And it was an absolute dream! I loved working with the staff there so much that I knew I had to feature them on my blog!
I know that so many of my brides are going to love learning more about Rosemont Manor and all the exciting things they are planning in the near future. If you are currently engaged, you have to go check them out! Rosemont Manor might just be the venue you’ve been dreaming about for your wedding.
Historic Rosemont Manor Wedding Venue Interview
How did the venue come into being? Tell us more about Historic Rosemont Manor and the history behind the location.
Historic Rosemont Manor was a private residence for almost 200 years before it opened as a wedding venue and B&B in 2010. We have quite the history, but I’ll try to give you an abbreviated version.
In 1811 the first High Sheriff of Clarke County, George Horton Norris, built the manor as a wedding gift to his wife Jane. He named the estate “Rose Mont.” George’s granddaughter later married into the wealthy Tyson family, known for metal production and breeding racehorses. The Tysons added the Grand Portico that features impressive columns. The portico now serves as a backdrop for many wedding photos. During the Civil War, Rosemont’s property was the site of the Battle of Berryville in 1864.
The manor changed hands several times, with each owner updating or making additions to the estate. One of its most well-known owners was U.S. Senator Harry Byrd, who bought Rosemont in 1929. The senator loved entertaining guests, and the manor evolved into a haven for political figures and celebrities. It even served as a landing pad for presidential helicopters. Some of Rosemont’s most notable guests include Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson, as well as physicist Albert Einstein, actor John Wayne and aviator Charles Lindbergh.
When current owner William Genda first saw the property in 2009, he was in the market for a family home. He decided Rosemont had more space than what he needed. But when his daughter, Cammie, looked out at the expansive East Lawn from the Grand Portico she said, “I would love to get married here.” Those words sparked an idea that lead to the elegant wedding venue that Rosemont is today.
And Cammie did get her wish. She was married at Rosemont in 2015.
What makes your venue unique and special?
What truly encapsulates Historic Rosemont Manor as a wedding venue first and foremost is family, drenched and steeped with history which is made new everyday in love, kept in faith and with the hope that every guest will be able to feel as if they are sitting in their own living room surrounded by the people they love. We also strive to make sure not only that our brides, but our guests experience true southern hospitality, grace and the charm of a southern Manor.
How many guests does your venue hold?
Currently we are licensed to hold up to 500 guests on the property. Manor weddings with a guest count of 500 would require a tent for the reception and for dinner and dancing. The average wedding size at Historic Rosemont Manor is about 150. The exciting news is we are in the process of building a new barn called Historic Rosemont Springs which will be able to host a 400-person sit-down dinner that will also include a magnificent water feature for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail party. Our new barn is slated to be open April of 2109.
What services does your venue provide?
Rosemont is one of the most unique wedding venues on the east coast. The services we offer to our Brides and Grooms include, but are not limited to:
Gown Steaming, Alterations and Preservation
Tuxedo Rentals
Design Services
Vintage Furniture Rentals
Complete Wedding Planning
Being able to provide your own spirits with your own ABC permit
World renown Celebrations Catering
Personalized Bridal Shopper for any and all wedding needs
Budget creation help selecting vendors that will suit their budget and wedding vision
Overnight Accommodations that can sleep up to 80 guests on property
Transportation Services
Ceremonial Chairs
Officiant Services
Hair and Make-up studio for Manor Weddings
Bride and Groom’s Suites for Rosemont Springs Weddings
Green Room for Bands and DJs
Elopement and Small Family Weddings
Diversified Planning honoring multiple cultures, ethnicities and couples
What is the biggest question brides ask about venues?
How much time can we spend on the property? Our couples can spend up to 43 hours for a full weekend wedding.
Do you do events as well as weddings? If so, is the venue seasonal or year-round?
There is always something exciting going on year-round here at Rosemont. Several times a month we host three-course afternoon teas that are delightful and delicious. We have three varieties of tea that are each paired with a different food course – savory, scone and dessert. Our teas include our Byrd Blend black tea and Rosemont Blend green tea, both made exclusively for Rosemont.
We also open the manor to B&B guests when there is not a wedding taking place on the property. Our manor features 11 suites and guest rooms, each with a queen bed and private bath. In the morning, our guests are treated to a full, hot breakfast prepared by our chefs. It’s also important to mention that our kitchen can accommodate all guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Rosemont also serves as a getaway for corporate and church retreats. Groups have several meeting spaces available to them and we have more than enough room for outdoor games and team-building activities.
(Kris and Hazel’s Historic Rosemont Manor Wedding.)
Any insider tips on choosing a venue?
The most important tip that I can give is that you must first fall in love with the venue. Once you’ve made that decision, then our team at Rosemont will help you create and work with you on your vision, your budget and your dream! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and most importantly, ask about discounts for military and public servants.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future of the venue?
Currently, we are in the process of erecting our new Amish built Barn, which will seat up to 400 guests for a plated meal. We will have a new Bridal and Grooms suite, Catering Kitchen and possibly a Bridal Salon. We may be adding a floral design center in the future as well!
On April 14, Rosemont will be hosting its 4th annual Bridal Showcase called, “To Have and To Hold” which will run from 12-5pm featuring an assortment of vendors, a bridal fashion show and fabulous door prizes. You’ll be able to visit the Manor, see the property, Carriage House, Hair and Make-up Studio, and the newly finished Barn!
Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
The biggest trend right now while it may be an old cliché… what was old is now new and we’re seeing more brides moving away from low cut and tight gowns. We are seeing a tribute to Audrey Hepburn in fit and flow and more formal black-tie affairs. As far as trends that could be left behind, that would include smashing the cake into each other’s faces.
If you could offer a bride looking for a venue one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to keep it simple, hire a competent wedding planner, enjoy the planning process, and don’t stress over the little things. Keep a smile on your face and you’ll have a day of sheer joy, love and admiration!
