The John Marshall Ballrooms
The John Marshall Ballrooms
The John Marshall Ballrooms
Venue and Full Service Caterer
Weddings & Special Events
Contact: Maria Hall
maria@jmballrooms.com | 804.775.2355
Click one of the links below for a virtual tour of our magnificent property
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Vendors & Set-up
Vendors & Set-up
When can my vendors start setting up (flowers, cake, band, etc)?
Our staff arrives two hours prior to your event but the building has a 24-hour lobby attendant. If by chance the ballroom is not booked the evening(s) prior to your reception, you are more than welcome to come in early to decorate, setup, and drop off items.
Do you allow outside vendors?
We are happy to provide you with a list of recommendations based on our past experiences with bakers, musicians, DJs, lighting, photographers, and more. However, we do not require that you use our recommendations and you will not be charged for outside / new vendors. Homemades by Suzanne is the exclusive on-site caterer for The John Marshall Ballrooms. We do not allow outside catering (with exceptions of cakes and desserts). Homemades by Suzanne has been voted one of Richmond’s Best Caterers by the readers of Richmond Magazine a whole bunch of times!
Can I also have my ceremony at the John Marshall?
Yes, the ballrooms make a lovely site for your ceremony. Our staff will take care of turning the room from ceremony to reception while guests enjoy a cocktail hour in the lobby. Rehearsal time can be reserved the prior evening and we offer a complimentary dressing suite. Please note there is an additional ceremony fee.
What size are your seating tables and how many seats/guests do they accommodate?
We have five-foot rounds that best accommodate 8 guests for a seated dinner and 10 for a cocktail buffet with no place setting. We also have eight-foot rectangular tables for a special wedding party table and smaller four foot and three-foot rounds for the cake and sweetheart tables.
You mentioned house linens were included along with tables, chairs, dishware, and glassware; are there linen options?
Our house linens are a light gold/champagne brocade (floor length with topper), the newly purchased ballroom chairs offer a padded natural color fabric. The dishware & glassware are bone china and crystal, and the flatware is a simply gorgeous Old English style pattern. We can also rent alternate linens, toppers, or chairs at an additional cost or you can supply your own.
How many people do your ballrooms accommodate?
This is a tricky question as every event differs in table, dance floor, and seating needs. The Marshall Ballroom can accommodate 150 for a plated dinner with a dance floor and up to 250 for a cocktail buffet with limited seating. The Virginia Ballroom can seat up to 290 on the main floor with a dance floor and an additional 100 on the balcony (up to 650 for a cocktail buffet with limited seating and up to 360 for a seated dinner without dancing). We want your guests to feel comfortable and not crowded so these numbers offer space between tables for staff and guests.
Parking
Parking
Where will my guests' park?
Being in a business district, there is ample street parking on most weekends and the meters are free after 6 pm Friday through Monday. We can also procure valet service or reserve the parking deck located on the next block (guest pay / prepaid by the host).
Catering
Catering
Do you charge a cake-cutting fee?
That sounds silly! Our staff is skilled and on hand to cut your cake – no fee required. We also have elegant silver and gold cake stands for your use.
What is the average cost per person for a reception?
Including food (passed hors d'oeuvres & dinner), open bar, staffing, taxes, and service charges we would estimate $100-$115 per person depending upon guest count and selections. A full price proposal with a sample menu will be provided once we meet with you.
Do you offer tastings?
Private tastings are scheduled during the week. This is a great time to talk through all of the details of your day and finalize your menu selections.
What are the different types of menu options?
There are three basic types of menus: a cocktail buffet with limited seating is a mix-mingle feel comprised of heavy hors d’oeuvres and action chef stations, a buffet dinner has seating for everyone with waitstaff for salad service, clearing, and replenishing with guests serving themselves to the dinner, and a plated dinner is where our staff serves everything table-side. *Chef action/carving stations can be included in a buffet dinner.
Do you charge the same rates for children?
Anyone under 21 years of age would not be included in the cost of the bar and children too young for the adult menu can be served a fun kids basket with a special meal such as chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and fruit or veggie cup (with a toy of course!!!).
Ballrooms
Ballrooms
BALLROOMS
Marshall Ballroom Dimensions:
59' x 51' ~ Accommodates 150 guests for a plated dinner
and up to 200 for a cocktail buffet with limited seating.
Virginia Ballroom Dimensions:
56' x 86' ~ Accommodations vary,
Dance Floor - 27' x 27', Stage 13' deep x 27' wide, Balcony 1,996 sq ft