Birmingham’s premier wedding and event address

The historic Donnelly House, an example of Neo-classical architecture, was built in 1905 as the residence of James W. Donnelly. This magnificent Georgian-colonial mansion features over 12,000 square feet of living space and spectacular white marble floors.

The home was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on May 20, 1975. It is also a contributing property to the Highland Avenue Historic District, a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Click above to view a 3-D tour of the historic Donnelly House

Reserving the Donnelly House for an event

Reservation Deposit of $750 is required for all events at booking. The deposit is fully refundable provided there are no damages or uncollected fees within 30 days following the event date. The deposit is non-refundable due to cancellation. 

Reception Only — $4,000

Ceremony and Reception — $5,000

Ceremony Only — $3,000

Rehearsal Dinner Only — $2,000

Additional Event Time

Additional services and event/venue information

Click any topic to read more.
Bar service

The DH handles all bar service. All alcoholic drinks must be dispensed by the DH bartender(s). Bartenders will be handled and scheduled by the DH. Bartenders are $150 per. The number of bartenders needed will be determined by the DH based on guest count and bar menu. 

We do allow the client to bring in their own alcohol. There is a corkage fee of $5 per person (21 and over) to allow this privilege. The corkage fee covers 2 bar setups and bar inventory: bar equipment, ice, acrylic drink ware, stir sticks, and beverage napkins. Glass drink ware is available for $1 per person (wine and cocktail) Add .50 per person for champagne glasses. Client will provide the DH with beer, wine, alcohol, mixers, fruit, soft drinks, etc. at least one day before the event.

We do allow the client to bring in their own alcohol. There is a corkage fee of $5 per person (21 and over) to allow this privilege. The corkage fee covers 2 bar setups and bar inventory: bar equipment, ice, acrylic drink ware, stir sticks, and beverage napkins. Glass drink ware is available for $1 per person (wine and cocktail) Add .50 per person for champagne glasses. Client will provide the DH with beer, wine, alcohol, mixers, fruit, soft drinks, etc. at least one day before the event. All remaining alcohol is returned to client at the end of the event. Bar gratuity is $1 per person based on total guest count of event. All bar service ends 30 minutes prior to event end time

Cake slicing

Information is contained in the catering package. 

Cake stands

Cake stand rental is available at $40 per stand. 

Catering

The DH provides all on-site catering. 

Ceremony site locations

You have a choice of having your ceremony inside or outside. Outside location include: Gazebo garden, back patios, or front lawn. Capacities: Gazebo Garden (325), Back Patios (300), Front Lawn (120). 150 white-wood padded chairs are included.  Additional chairs are $3.50 per chair. Inside ceremonies include 50 Chivari chairs. Additional Chirvari are $4.50 per chair. 

“Day of” event coordination

The DH offers “Day of ” coordination for ceremony only, reception only, and ceremony/reception combos. Coordination fees:  ceremony only $250, reception only $250, and ceremony/reception combo $400

Entertainment

The DH allows DJ’s and Bands. There is a $50 service fee for all entertainment (includes band, DJ, photo booths).  All outdoor entertainment has to end by 9:50 p.m.  All bands and DJ’s are required to contact the DH for all entertainment rules and setup and breakdown procedures. 

Parking

All parking is on-street. The DH can assist you in scheduling Valet service if needed. 

Security — $35 per hour

Security is required for all events. The DH will schedule all security with the City of Birmingham Police Department.  Depending on event size and entertainment, additional security guards may be required. 

Table linens

The DH can provide linens. At this time, linens are $20 per table. We use a commercial linen company that provides the delivery, pick up, placement, and removal. 

Tables and chairs

Tables and chairs are included in venue rental. Inventory includes: 

  • 10 five-foot round tables
  • 4 four-foot round tables
  • 10 6-foot rectangle tables
  • 10 36-inch highboy pub tables
  • 50 Chivari chairs (inside)
  • 75 white wooden padded chairs (patio/outside)

Note: Table and chair setup and breakdown (DH inventory only) is included in DH wedding packages. Setup and breakdown of outside rentals are the responsibility of the client and rental vendor. The DH is not responsible for any damage to outside rentals due to use, mishandling, or weather. Client is responsible for any damage to venue as a result of using outside rental companies.

Tents and outdoor string lighting

All tents and string lighting are provided by the DH. Cost sheet provided upon request. 

Vendors

Client is free to use vendors of their choice, excluding catering, tenting, and string lighting. All vendors contracted by client must be professional and follow DH rules and procedures. The DH has the sole discretion to disallow any vendor. All outside vendors must sign and agree to all DH policies and procedures prior to event date.

Vendor setup and breakdown

The house is opened for vendor setup 5 hours prior to event time. We expect vendors to breakdown immediately at the conclusion of the event. We do not have trash receptacles on site for vendor use. Vendors are responsible for removing all their trash from the property at the end of the event. 

Venue and additional service payment due times

Reception only and ceremony/reception combo venue rental fees are due 120 days prior to event date. For ceremony only and rehearsal dinners, the venue rental fee is due at booking. Additional fees such as linens, catering, security, bar, etc. are due 30 days prior to event date. 

“Loved it!”
“Awesome.”
“It was a perfect day!”

“Roll Tide. The big screen TV in the groom’s room was great to watch the Alabama game before the wedding. I am just glad it ended before the ceremony started; I may have been a little late for the ceremony. Pennie and I just want to thank you and Karen for being great business owners and great people. You hear and read of the horror stories couples have with their wedding site, reception, etc.  We honestly have nothing negative to say with the entire experience. There were no surprises and your service and professionalism were more than we could have wished. It was nice getting to know the both of you before the wedding. You have a great place and hope that others can experience what we did at the Donnelly House.”

— James and Pennie C.

“Our wedding ceremony and reception were exactly what I had envisioned. The outside was manicured and the inside was elegant. Thank you for picking up the champagne that my father forgot. You and your staff made it so easy for us. You where right: all I had to do was to show up and say, “I DO,” eat, party, and ride away. Again, thank you for making our wedding day a great experience.”

— Karen E.

“Thank you for everything regarding the rehearsal dinner. I can’t say enough nice things about your venue and staff. You and Karen were so kind to our guests and us. Thanks again so much. We all had a great time.”

— Dan K.

“You and your staff did a great job with our son’s wedding and reception. You have a great venue and excellent staff. You guys truly understand the meaning of customer service. Again, thanks for the great job you do.”

— Daphne K.

“From the moment we walked into the Donnelly House, we knew that it was the place for us. Aside from the astounding beauty of the mansion, your warmth and compassion won us over. We are so grateful that we spent the best day of our lives there. We were so blessed to work with the sweetest people throughout our wedding planning. You guys made planning fun and so much less stressful. We love the house and we love you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for making our wedding day feel as though we were getting married at a friend’s home (a very nice home). It meant the world to us.”

— Anna and Matt

“Thank you so much for making Cammie’s wedding wonderful. All our friends have commented on how beautiful and clean the house was. Your southern hospitality so impressed the groom’s family. Working with you and your staff was so easy. Please tell your wife thank you helping Cammie the morning of; we don’t know what we would have done without her. Your venue is great, your staff was excellent, and the experience was wonderful for my family and guests. Again, thank you so, so much.”

— Laura T.

“I just want to tell you thank you. It was wonderful for everyone involved. My friends are still talking about the Donnelly House and how much fun they had. Your “McDonald’s Happy Meal” idea was a big hit with the kids. I will definitely use your facility in the future, hopefully for a baby shower.”

— Anna P.

“Brad and I would like to thank you and your staff for a job well done. Could not have asked for a better group to work with. Guests were amazed with the house. The service, food, valet, etc. were outstanding.”

— Linda C.

“What an evening. Just want to tell you and Karen one thing, “WOW.” You and your staff are a machine. Everything was perfect. I know it was warm, but y’all were prepared for the heat. Thank you for suggesting the patio fans and for keeping the inside so cold. I know my father would like to move in. If there is anything I can ever do for you or your family, please do not hesitate to call me. You have an excellent venue and y’all are great people to work with. It meant so much to me that you made my parents feel special the entire evening. Stay in touch.”

— Julie S.

“Thank you for all of your help. Twenty days before our planned wedding day, we get a call from our original venue canceling our date due to problems with the site. We were scrambling at this time thinking we were going to have to cancel the wedding. A friend of mine told me to call the Donnelly House because she had gone to a wedding there a few weeks before. Not being form Birmingham, I did not know about your venue. I called you and you had my date available. I came by the next day to look at the house. After we left that day, my mother and I said there was a reason for the original venue to close, because the Donnelly House was suppose to have my wedding. Hands down, the Donnelly House is the best wedding venue in town. You and your staff make it stress free and simple. You could not have had a more stressed-out bride. I felt so relieved after you and your wife told me that everything was going to be OK and for me not to worry about anything. You did take care of everything. You made the worst news the best day of my life.”

— Julie S.

We’d love to hear from you.

For venue availability, information, or to schedule an appointment to view the Donnelly House, please fill out and submit the form below.

Carl Schoettlin: (205) 369-5772

2838 Highland Ave. South

Birmingham, AL 35205

The historic Donnelly House is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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