Weddings & Venue Rentals
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens is a charming and unique location for weddings, receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. Built on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, this venue boasts picturesque views of the waterfront and lush, historic gardens that create a magical backdrop for your special day.
About the Venue
Located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia, the Hermitage Museum & Gardens is a historic estate featuring an early 20th-century arts-and-crafts-style mansion, an art collection that spans over 5,000 years, 12 acres of gardens and grounds, and stunning waterfront views. An enchanting venue for special events, the Hermitage offers a unique setting for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds.
History With a Unique Charm
Our goal is to help you fondly remember your special day for generations to come! This historic waterfront wedding venue offers a timeless and unique site for dreamy pictures, intimate moments, and an unforgettable experience with your friends and family.
Areas For Your Event
With a history rooted in artistry and design, the gardens—crafted lovingly by the museum’s founder, Florence Sloane— blend timeless elegance with vibrant seasonal beauty. Venue rentals allow access to several unique locations in our gardens. Whether it’s the lush, colorful blooms of the Rose Garden, or the sparkling waterfront views from the Central Lawn and Shoreline, there’s a space that will set the mood for your special event.
Venue Rentals include access to all of the following areas:
A. Water Tower
B. Sunken Tennis Court
C. Grotto
D. East Garden
E. Millstone Allée
F. Central Lawn
G. Shoreline
H. Rose Garden
I. Parking
J. Millstone Courtyard
A. Water Tower
The historic Water Tower and the Sunken Tennis Court at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens offers a charming and intimate setting, perfect for a romantic wedding surrounded by lush gardens and waterfront views.
Image Source: Unknown
Image Source: Unknown
C. The Grotto
The Grotto’s natural beauty offers an idyllic setting for vows and memorable moments. Escape to the Grotto, relax on the bench by the brick wall, and enjoy stunning views of the gardens, house, and river.
Image: Sarah Street Photography
Image: Sarah Street Photography
D. East Garden
The East Garden is a large circular garden that sits at the edge of the Lafayette River. Its slated patios and cobblestone walkways are surrounded by brick walls and wrought iron fences. Steps on one end lead to a living shoreline, while steps on the other lead to a millstone walkway. This space can accomodate groups up to 250 max.
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
E. Millstone Allée
The Millstone Allée is a stunning, historic garden folly featuring a gravel and oyster shell-lined walkway, framed by preserved millstones and lush greenery. This intimate space offers a breathtaking view of the Lafayette River.
Image: DeLine Photography
Image: DeLine Photography
F. Central Lawn
The Central Lawn is the picture-perfect setting for stunning views of the elegant historic home and the serene Lafayette River. Ideal for events of all sizes, this space is required for gatherings of 125 or more, with a maximum capacity of 250 guests.
Image: Maria Violet Photography
Image: Maria Violet Photography
G. The Shoreline
The Shoreline is popular for its picturesque backdrop and is the perfect area for both ceremonies and receptions. Located directly on the Lafayette River, this area features a uniquely designed slate patio for use as a dance floor. This space accommodates groups up to 100 max tented.
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
H. Rose Garden
The Rose Garden sits directly in front of the museum on the front lawn. The garden features 12 varieties of roses, and a stone pathway that winds around the central fountain. This space can accommodate groups of 30 or less for a ceremony-only rental or a small cocktail reception. Seating accommodations are limited to accessibility needs only.
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
J. Millstone Courtyard
The picturesque Millstone Courtyard features a portion of Florence Sloane’s collection of 105 historical millstones scattered throughout the grounds, creating a charming backdrop for cocktail hour.
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
Image: Justin Hankins Photography
Photography Policies
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