Strong Mansion Reviews
Reviews
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4.4 out of 5 rating
4.4
Good
74 reviews
Recommended by 88% of couples
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4.3 out of 5 rating4.3
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Professionalism 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4.2 out of 5 rating4.2
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Cassidy Sent on 06/22/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Magical venue!
We got married at Strong Mansion in May 2024. It is an absolutely magical venue. The staff is awesome and clearly cares about the space. The gardens and grounds are gorgeous, lush, and impeccably landscaped. The house itself has historical interest and character. Our guests were in love with the setting. The tent is perfect for a reception space, and there are tons of unique spots to explore for creative photos. And nearby Frederick is an adorable town for out-of-town guests to visit. We are so happy we chose this venue for our wedding and highly recommend it! -
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Abbie Sent on 05/30/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Stunning venue
Strong Mansion is the most BEAUTIFUL venue! It was absolutely perfect. The scenery was breathtaking, with stunning gardens, historic architecture, and gorgeous indoor spaces that provided a beautiful backdrop for our special day. Jessica was amazing to work with both leading up to and during our wedding. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and we highly recommend this venue for a dream wedding!-
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+5 photos
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Geri Sent on 10/02/20235 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Most magical venue
We got married at Strong Mansion on 9/30 and it was the most perfect day. The mansion itself is beautiful inside and out; the grounds, garden and outside spaces are impeccable and breathtaking. However, the most incredible part are the staff. We worked with Jessica throughout our planning process and she was responsive, caring and so helpful. Day of we had both Ester and Jessica at the property and they made sure the day went smoothly, working with our planner and the vendors. I cannot recommend Strong Mansion for your wedding venue enough. You will have a magical day!!! -
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Janiece Sent on 07/11/20225 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Garden Wedding Dream ✨
What can’t I say about Strong Mansion! You will not find another place that will go above and beyond on your wedding day! Jessica is the BEST! The mansion has even done some upgrades so it looked so beautiful as the sim was shining and even as night fell. Worry free us what you get with the venue. Added plus is that you’re the only bride for that day!-
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+2 photos
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Kyrie Sent on 11/19/20205 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Nothing Short of Phenomenal
We cannot give this venue and the staff enough credit. 5 stars in every category doesn’t come close to the service we were provided. In less than 24 hours, Jessica, and everyone at Strong Mansion, executed the most beautiful wedding celebration. Did I mention that the venue had just had their last wedding of the season the weekend before?
On Thursday, around 9 am, Jessica was contacted and asked if there was any way to pull off a wedding, Friday (yes the day after the inquiry) at 3 pm. Without hesitation, Jessica and Stronghold Inc, sprung into action. Rehearsal the same day, only 6 hours after they were contacted. In addition, Jessica took our numerous boxes of decorations and told us, they would take care of it. Little did we know that they would take every idea I had thought of and more to create the most beautiful wedding.
If you’re looking for a venue that truly wants to make YOUR wedding day dreams a reality, kind, friendly and caring staff, Strong Mansion is your venue.-
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+3 photos
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Mathy Sent on 02/16/20195 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Amazing and breathtaking
Strong Mansion is an amazing, beautiful venue that literally took our breaths away. The strong mansion team really care about their clients and were really helpful and flexible. This place makes the perfect spot for any fairytale wedding. -
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Kimberly Sent on 01/30/20195 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
It is amazing!
I would get married here over and over again. Everyone talked about the venue days, weeks, and months after! I knew this was our place to start forever! Staff was great and the grounds were kept! -
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A Radon Sent on 01/30/20195 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Best wedding venue ever!
The staff at Strong Mansion is second to none--they made sure everything ran on time and perfectly smoothly on my wedding day, and were available to help out with anything and everything I needed! I can't recommend them enough. And the venue is gorgeous--we had the fall leaves changing and the tent was nice and cozy. Strong Mansion is the best! -
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Mimi Sent on 01/28/20195 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Perfection!!!
Amazing!! Our guests were raving about the beauty of the venue, and the staff and whole process was just so incredibly perfect! We are so so so happy, and will cherish our wedding day memories at Strong Mansion forever! -
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Maddie Sent on 01/09/20195 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Beautiful, unique and affordable venue!
Strong Mansion is a beautiful and unique place. They only have one wedding a day, and the amount of time spent there can be adjusted based on your budget. All the staff that work there helped us plan our day to the letter. They answered all our questions in a timely manner leading up to our day, made sure our vendors did everything they were supposed to do the day of, and helped us clean up at the end of the night. We loved getting married at Strong Mansion, and our guests enjoyed their time there as well, everyone gushed about how beautiful it was! We cannot recommend Strong Mansion enough! -
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Jennierose Sent on 11/01/20165 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong Mansion was the perfect venue for our October wedding. It's a gorgeous place with so much history and beauty, and the office staff were delightful.
During the planning, Chris was helpful, friendly and always available to answer any questions that we had about timing, vendors, or anything else involved in planning a wedding at Strong. On the day of, Amy worked seamlessly with our day of coordinator, photographer, and other vendors to give us an absolutely perfect day. The rain held out just long enough for all of our guests to make it from the ceremony space around the pond inside the house, and the ballroom was the perfect venue for our cocktail hour. We were able to add our own little decorations and personal touches, but the Mansion is so beautiful and so well maintained it was almost unnecessary.
We would recommend Strong Mansion as a wedding venue to any couple who's looking for a serene, outdoor wedding in the Maryland area. -
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User2491520 Sent on 07/02/20155 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong Mansion provided us the perfect setting for the wedding that we imagined. Both of us wanted an outdoor setting that was classy and offered natural beauty. Strong is absolutely that setting. Couldn't have loved it more. -
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User2198417 Sent on 06/26/20155 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong Mansion was the most beautiful place to have our wedding. I grew up hiking Sugarloaf Mountain and it just felt right that my wedding take place on such a unique and beautiful property that I had known for so much of my life. Our wedding was wonderful, the weather was incredible and the natural beauty of the Mansion and its grounds was literally like a movie. I had so many guests exclaim to me they felt like they were in the Great Gatsby! The wedding rehearsal was a bit chaotic, but the day of ran perfectly smooth. I couldn't be any happier that we chose this venue! Make sure you book early because weekends fill up here fast! We wanted a fall wedding originally and when we inquired in the fall a year before they were already booked, so we opted for a spring wedding in May and the weather (we didnt need to purchase fans or heaters) and flowers in bloom were AMAZING! Also, I recommend the drapery for the tent entirely (drapery provided by separate vendor). It really made the tent look so elegant and beautiful. -
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User1717688 Sent on 02/06/20155 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
My husband found Strong Mansion in a magazine or reading about it online. We were only in town (where I grew up in Baltimore) for a couple days and wanted to find and secure a wedding venue for the next year to start planning our wedding. We drove out to western Maryland and got closer to Sugarloaf Mountain. The peaceful, tree-lined roads leading up to it were exactly what I wanted our wedding guests to ride through on their way to our ceremony. I love forests and wanted to get married outside. This location is perfect because you get to get married atop a mountain, by a beautiful pond, if you choose, and have a remote and private best party of your life surrounded by nature. The solid old mansion is not gaudy, which was a plus for us. It is elegant and peaceful and just a backdrop to the wedding outside. The tent was included in the price of renting the venue -- don't underestimate the value there, because tents of that size typically cost thousands. Strong Mansion staff take excellent care of the mansion and the premises. They are proud of its history and also of their service, which they should be. They were very helpful with advice about local vendors and were welcoming when we asked to take our engagement photos with our photographer there, so he could check it out beforehand. Definitely be in contact with Chris and staff there to set something like that up -- it is private property and you need permission first and to make arrangements if you want to get into the mansion. We didn't have a wedding planner and didn't need one. The venue comes with an organizer who works for YOU (as opposed to your out-of-line bridesmaids/relatives) and will do everything she can to make your ceremony and reception the way you want it and run it so smoothly! We were so thrilled with our wedding there, and many of our guests genuinely told us ours was the best wedding they had ever been to, some of them including their own! My partner and I would love to go back there someday! -
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Samantha Sent on 11/10/20145 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
What a beautiful, serene venue—a complete escape from the city. The mansion is gorgeous and authentic; the grounds are impeccable, natural and unique. It's a wonderful, affordable place to have a wedding. I just love it there. The staff at the venue are really kind and helpful. The value is unbeatable. -
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User1267597 Sent on 08/01/20135 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Absolutely gorgeous venue for our big day. So happy with the service both prior to & during our wedding. The tent is perfect for the reception & the pictures down in the garden are gorgeous. Such a special place. -
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Stephanie Sent on 06/25/20135 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
The entire experience from start to finish was wonderful! This is a beautiful venue with a very professional staff that is truly committed to helping you plan the day you have always wanted. -
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Steph Sent on 05/29/20135 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Gorgeous venue for wedding and reception!
We looked at several sites for my daughter's outdoor wedding. I am so thankful we chose Strong! Strong Mansion is extremely well cared for and managed. Meticulous. I visited 4 times prior to the wedding, and everything inside and out always looked gorgeous, clean, and well manicured. A beautiful spacious Mansion, with formal gardens outside, enveloped by the natural and serene woodland beauty of Sugarloaf.
The mansion is spacious and beautiful, plenty of space/privacy for the bridal party to get ready. Relaxing. Great photo locations inside and out.
Chris, our coordinator was wonderful. She offered great advice and guidance, and brought up things that I would not have thought of. She returned all of my phone calls in a timely manner.
The rest of the staff was very professional as well. Our Day of Coordinator, Trish, was great. She went through everything well at rehearsal, and the ceremony went smoothly thanks to her strong leadership. If I had any questions or needed anything, she would appear from nowhere!
It is obvious to me that the Staff at Strong cares about each and every Bride. Throughout the whole process, they went above and beyond their own responsibility. During set up, If they saw something that didn't look quite right, they would take care of it, even though it was not their responsibility.
The Staff was respectful and caring. They made us, and all of our guest feel welcome.
All of the property is maintained beautifully. I cannot say that about many of the venues that we originally looked at. As your guests begin approach the venue, from the beginning of Strong's property, it is like you are truly approaching a destination.
I have heard from many that this was one of the most beautiful weddings they have ever attended.
And I didn't feel like just a customer; I felt that our important event was their important event. -
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Emily Sent on 08/21/20125 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
I couldn't be happier with our selection of Strong Mansion for our ceremony and reception. Our main criteria was finding an affordable and private venue, but Strong just blew us away. Every part of the venue area was picturesque - from the pond and big green doors, to beautiful structured gardens down the hill. Even the drive to Strong is beautiful - it completely sets the tone for the event. Inside the mansion there is an entire floor for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready, and a separate one for the groom/groomsmen. Chris at Strong was our main point of contact and helped us with some of the coordination on the day-of. She was always very responsive and helpful (although there are a lot of rules to protect the grounds - but rightly so!). It was very hot during the outdoor ceremony, but our guests were all so impressed by how beautiful the venue was. All in all it was the perfect location for us and made the event feel extra special! -
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Carrie Sent on 10/04/20115 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
We absolutely love Strong Mansion and its beautiful surroundings. Kris and Patsy were great to work with. Both Kris and Patsy were very responsive to questions, and helpful with providing advice on caterers and other vendors.
I didn't have a wedding planner and was nervous about how everything would work- much to my relief, that was not an issue- Patsy led the rehearsal as my officiant was not available, was the day of coordinator and put out day of items and got everyone organized and where they needed to be. Patsy also made sure my groom and I had a few minutes of peace after the ceremony and had time to enjoy a few appetizers and drink before seeing everyone again.
Everyone had nothing but positive comments on how beautiful the venue was and this was after a week of hurricane rains!
I will never forget our beautiful wedding at Strong Mansion! I wish we could repeat the day over and over again!
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Karl Sent on 09/27/20115 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Absolutely stunning location! -
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Madeleine Sent on 07/12/20115 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
I had my wedding at Strong Mansion this June...and loved it. It was the perfect backdrop for how I had envisioned my dream wedding to be. Patsy, the onsite wedding coordinator, was wonderful on the day of the wedding and the rehearsal. She was the calming presence I needed and put me at ease...with those last min jitters. She helped make everything run smoothly...it was a great day! She made sure that my husband and I had a quiet moment after the ceremony. She brought us appetizers and drinks in a private setting. We then meet up with our bridal party and joined the guests.
I have hiked Sugarloaf Mt. for years and always dreamt of having a wedding there. When we met with Kris to look at the venue I feel in love with it. Hearing the history of the mansion was really great, now it is a historical site so you have to treat it as such, they have everything listed in the contract of things to keep in mind. We used Canapes catering, which has done a lot of wedding at this site so we really did not have to worry about a thing. Everything was taken care ! It is truly a picture perfect place to get married at. -
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Erin Sent on 10/04/20105 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Patsy was amazing in helping to make our wedding perfect. I've gotten many compliments on the location and it was beautiful! The mansion is perfect for getting ready and there is plenty of space. The grounds are well taken care of and are beautiful. Would highly recommend! -
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Jennifer Sent on 06/03/20105 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Words cannot describe what the Mansion and the Stronghold Inc. staff gave us on our wedding day. Chris was a lifesaver and so much fun to work with over the last year. She was so understanding when some of our vendors would be setting up late or arriving late. She helped us during the rehearsal when our pastor did not show up, and she helped us on the day of with the walk downs. She was fabulous. The venue itself is stunning! The grounds are so well kept and the mansion kept immaculate. The site provided us with a relaxed feeling all day and provided enough shade (it was in the high 80's on our wedding day) for pre-wedding photos. It is too bad that we can only get married once, but I will be back to visit this site, it is so close to my heart now, and I will have nothing but fond memories of Strong Mansion. Thank you Chris for helping to make our day unforgettable! -
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Nyana Sent on 08/01/20085 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
You couldn't ask for a more beautiful place for a wedding. We had a wonderful afternoon wedding in October and it was perfect. Everything was wonderful. We didn't even have to spend money on ceremony flowers and decorations because the place is so pretty it doesn't need any extra decor. Patsy was great, she even put lights around all of the trees as night fell. This was the only venue we even looked at because it was exactly what we wanted. They were very helpful and accommodating and allowed us to bring friends and family to see the site many times. We highly recommend to all. -
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Courtney Sent on 04/02/20085 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
This site was everything we wanted - unique and beautiful, with an outdoor ceremony option, a ballroom for dancing and a tented area for dinner. They were very flexible about scheduling (we added an hour for dancing) and the site coordinator, Patsy, was so helpful! She ran our rehearsal, put out programs, lined everyone up for the ceremony and cued the musicians, took charge of the sparklers, etc . -
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Hanna Sent on 08/24/20174.9 out of 5 rating4.9
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Our wedding at Strong Mansion was more than we could have ever imagined! The venue was absolutely gorgeous for our July wedding (our wedding started at 6:15, which allowed the heat to give way after 30-45 min). The staff, including Chris, were so helpful and accommodating. Even given an early mishap leading to a delay to the ceremony, the staff was incredibly helpful, making sure that we had the time, space, and comfort we wanted during our big day. I could not recommend this place more!! Thanks to everyone at SM for making our wedding unforgettable! -
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Loretta Sent on 11/11/20134.9 out of 5 rating4.9-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
Our entire experience with the professionals at Strong Mansion was wonderful. They gave us fantastic recommendations for our caterer and our liquor provider (without getting any kick-backs) and helped keep our day running smoothly. They made sure my husband and I had the time to take 10 after our ceremony and eat and enjoy our first few moments as a married couple. The grounds are perfectly maintained and they outline all their specifications so you are well informed throughout the whole planning process. They really invest in your event, even providing someone to be there on the day-of to help you set up and make sure everything is just the way you want it. We had several people ask us how we found the mansion and what it was like working with them after our wedding because they were blown away by their experience as guests and were interested in planning their own event there. Amazing! -
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Monika Sent on 06/24/20104.8 out of 5 rating4.8
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Strong Mansion is probably one of the most beautiful venues in the DC metro area because of their exquisite formal gardens. And ironically it is significantly cheaper than comparable venues, though this may be due to their distance from the city (about an hour). They provided the PERFECT setting for our wedding ceremony and reception. As soon as we saw it in person, there was no comparison with the rest of the possible venues. Chris (event coordinator) and Patsy (day-of coordinator) were very sweet and helpful with the arrangements. Since this isn't a hotel, caterering and DJ setup can be more difficult, but it depends on how you want things arranged also. Chris mitigated some of the difficulties by giving our caterers and DJ site visits. We had to book a Sunday wedding because all the Saturdays were taken up in May and June 2010 over a year in advance, so book this place soon if you want it! -
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Alison Sent on 05/18/20104.8 out of 5 rating4.8
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
We had our reception at the Strong Mansion. The grounds are AMAZING, and received rave reviews from all of our guest. Planning before hand Kris, was willing to help us with simply things like were to put the DJ, and how set up the tables. The day of, Patsy was very helpful, and friendly. -
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Gina Sent on 11/16/20164.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
We knew we wanted to get married at Strong Mansion even before we were engaged. So as soon as we got engaged, we set up to tour to mansion and book our date. The booking process was very easy and went seamlessly. I would definitely recommend booking as early as possible, it seems they have a wedding every Saturday and Sunday! The planning process also went well. It is a little inconvenient that the office is only open three days a week and calling them is the best way to contact them, but when it got closer to the date, they were very responsive. The venue is SO beautiful and the staff maintain it very well. We got raves about how beautiful the location was, and I would highly recommend getting married at Strong Mansion and working with Chris and Amy. They were fantastic! -
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Cassie Sent on 10/24/20164.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong Mansion is by far one of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen! It was the second or third venue my husband and I saw and it only took us driving up to the front of the mansion to know it was most likely going to be the one. The grounds and mansion are so incredibly beautiful and well kept! It was a dream and fairy tale to be married there. We chose the pergola site for our ceremony. I loved that the ground was flat and had a focal point.
Carly and Chris were great to work with and answered any questions I had about the venue or day of. We had a different woman for the evening of rehearsal and it was a little testy and stressful. We arrived 10 minutes early and she immediately took me aside into a separate room to ask me a bunch of questions about the ceremony. I was very confused as to why all these questions were being asked at that moment and not well ahead of time (questions like each person in the wedding party name, order walking down the aisle, how many song changes there will be). It just felt very unnecessary to be doing this as rehearsal was about to start.
A few people in the wedding party were lost and trying to find there way.. only about 10 minutes late and also my officiant was running a little behind due to traffic. This person that ran our rehearsal kept hurrying us along saying lets start when they hadn't arrived yet. She informed me that due to the sun going down faster then usual because of the season that rehearsal would be cut down to 5pm-6pm instead of 5-6:30pm.
I was not happy with how pushy she was to hurry and finish early and springing that on my literally as we walked into the venue for rehearsal. It was all just very unnecessary. Also, a lot of this information did not seem to make it to Chris the next day, because the day of the wedding she asked me all the same questions and I got a little frustrated with that.
Other then that everything went smoothly and great! Amazing venue!!
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Charlotte Sent on 06/25/20164.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
I recently had my wedding at Strong Mansion, and it was beyond wonderful. I could not have hoped for a better night, and Strong Mansion, of course, is a major reason why. The mansion and grounds are gorgeous and perfectly kept; they look stunning during the day and at night. I can't tell you how many of our guests have told me that it was one of the most beautiful weddings they'd even been to. I think that my only regret from the wedding is that my husband and I didn't take a moment to walk around the pond when it got dark; my mother and the caterer had set up small votives around the grounds and it could not have been prettier.
I've seen some reviews for Strong Mansion that criticize the fact that you can only reach the employees there on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but I don't understand why that is an issue. I had just a few meetings and venue walk-throughs with Chris, and she was able to answer all our questions during that time. I only had to contact them a few times outside of that, and they returned my emails within a couple days. If you are familiar with vendor relationships and managing contracts, and are organized with your own planning and questions, it shouldn't be a problem. There were a couple hiccups here and there, like the coordinator being told a different opening time than we had arranged, but we were able to address those at the rehearsal and it all worked out well. Amy, the coordinator, was perhaps a little brusque with me and our wedding party during the rehearsal, but it seemed as though that was simply because she wanted everything to go smoothly.
Another comment I've seen in some reviews is that there are many rules, but I disagree. Yes, there are some rules, but they make perfect sense given the property and its location (e.g., no open flames).
It went so well and was so beautiful that my parents are trying to concoct a reason to have another event there. I cannot wait to see all of the photos!! -
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B Sent on 09/30/20144.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Strong Mansion is a gorgeous wedding venue for your special day. It is all outside and if the weather is nice you can't beat the beauty of the venue and the grounds. Several areas for pictures including the mansion, ceremony steps, pond, large green doors, wooded alley, and flower garden make this a perfect venue for a wedding. As some other posters have mentioned, contact is all by phone and paper contracts, they are old school so do not use email. The one thing I would recommend them to do is allow the bridal party to use the mansion all day Saturday. Since the venue only does one party per weekend there is not reason to not allow the wedding party to use the mansion before 4PM. -
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User1522896 Sent on 01/30/20144.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
This place is absolutely gorgeous and I had my wedding here this summer. The grounds and ceremony location is unlike any other place I have seen in the DMV area. The butterfly bushes made the ceremony so romantic within the woods and pond - butterflies flying everywhere during our ceremony! Very magical! If you want an outdoor wedding, this is the best venue in the DMV area.
Some tips:
1. Be mindful of the weather - August was a hot time of the year, but luckily it was 80 degrees that day and no rain. No AC in the house either.
2. No wedding petals or confetti on the property
3. You cannot attach things to the outdoor tent (Lights). The outdoor tent is included which saves a lot on the cost.
4. Kris, only worked on Monday and Wednesday (something like that ) and that made it hard to communicate regularly.
Despite those pointers, this was a beautiful and amazing venue to have a wedding!
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Danielle Sent on 06/25/20094.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
Stronghold Mansion is a beautiful location. The mansion and the grounds are extremely well kept and the staff was very helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this location. -
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Julie Sent on 09/06/20084.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
We held our mid-afternoon reception here in early November and could not have had a more beautiful setting for our wedding in 2004. (People still talk about it today!) The staff were responsive to our requests and quite flexible on times, etc. The only issue we had was with the use of confetti which was strictly, not allowed and one of our guests used quite a bit of it anyway...causing us to loose the deposit on the site.
Everything else was so great...extremely picturesque. Perfect fall wedding reception! -
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Sarah Sent on 02/13/20194.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Beautiful venue!
Strong mansion is gorgeous. Loved every minute of it! -
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Leslie Sent on 06/15/20164.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
The guests at my daughter's wedding said the venue looked like fairyland at night, with soft lights and candles scattered in the grounds and around the reflecting pool. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It's outdoorsy but elegant and we loved it. Recommend with no hesitation. -
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Kathy Sent on 12/05/20134.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
We had a fall wedding at Strong Mansion. It was absolutely gorgeous!! We did not want a hotel or banquet hall for our ceremony and reception. This is definitely a unique venue. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and professional during the planning phases and the day of the wedding. I would give 5 starts, except that they "don't really do email", which is a little inconvenient. So, when we had questions we had to call during regular business hours. And needed to mail contracts/paperwork rather than emailing. -
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Jason Sent on 10/25/20134.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
The Strong Mansion is the most beautiful venue in the DMV. The service is great and the value is unbeaten. My wife and I looked at several locations before stumbling on this place and we could not be happier. They are very strict with the time that you reserve the mansion and grounds for, but that is understandable. Their responsiveness is slow, but that is because they only work MWF. Make sure to call, because email is not the best. If you choose this location, you will not be disappointed. -
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Dana Sent on 11/14/20114.6 out of 5 rating4.6-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Strong Mansion is an absolutely stunning reception location; as it turns out, just as stunning in the rain. I was looking forward to a beautiful Maryland fall day on October 1st this year, but got 50 degree temperatures and pouring rain. Prior to the ceremony, we grabbed an umbrella and went outside with our photographer, and ended up with many gorgeous pictures. The ceremony and reception were both held under the tented patio, with additional heaters that we rented (not from Strong), and with 110 guests we had more than enough room. Our guests had a fantastic time (we did too!)
Chris from Strong Mansion handles everything up until the wedding day. She is a great resource for vendors and is very helpful. The only thing I struggled a bit with was her schedule - she is only in the office Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the day, with no evening hours.
Patsy (the day-of-wedding coordinator) was a life-saver on my wedding day. First of all, her priority is the bride. I didn't have a care in the world the whole day, except to talk to my guests and have a good time. She made sure to address any problems before I had a chance to stress out about them. For example, when the reception was about to start, one of the heaters was acting up, so she called the rental company and then went out in the rain to fix it. One of the simplest, but most valuable things she did was to prepare a room for my husband and I to have a few minutes of time alone after the ceremony, and brought us appetizers and drinks. The whole day went by so fast, but I'll always remember those few minutes I got alone with my new husband :)
Overall, I was very pleased with my experience with Strong Mansion.
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Bill Sent on 12/14/20104.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong mansion is incredable for its location, view and natural beauty. Kris the event coordinator is very straightforward which can help a lot when you need to know the what can and can't be done at the venue. She has a lot of ties with very good vendors out there and is happy to provide you with some names and numbers for anything you may need. One thing I did not expect was for Kris to be present throughout the wedding to make sure everything went smoothly and we had everything we needed for our day. Be aware that the mansion does not provide anything except for a professional kitchen. Everything you want needs to be brought in from outside vendors so the cost for a wedding can get pricey at this location. Although it is obvious when you find out there is no air conditioning I wouldn't recomend getting your hair or makeup done at the mansion due to how hot it can get inside. If you plan right for things like the heat and having to bring in anything you need to the site the strong mansion can't be beat for an elegate outdoor wedding. -
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G Sent on 10/26/20104.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
visit venue often to see how other weddings are set up -
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Sheri Sent on 10/15/20094.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Strong Mansion and the surrounding grounds are gorgeous. If you have your wedding here, you won't be disappointed. We had the ceremony on the steps which back up to a reflecting pool. There are lots of flowers and green plants, so you don't need to bring any ceremony decorations. We had dinner and dancing under the tent, and took a lot of our pictures down the hill in their garden. It's really an incredible spot for photos.
The rental fee is only for 7 hours and you have to add additional hours for set up and clean up. The rental fee does include a lighted tent, which was a huge bonus. That makes it quite comparable in cost to the county rental properties in VA and MD, but it's such a nicer place! And it's much cheaper than other beautfiul places in the area - I did a lot of comparing.
Patsy, the day of help (she's not really your DOC, but helps with keeping things on schedule, lining people up, etc.) was great. She did an awesome job talking us through our rehearsal, which we had to do under the tent because it was pouring rain the day before the wedding.
It's best to call them to get a response - email communication was sporadic. And book early - we booked 13 months in advance and there was only 1 Saturday slot in September left! -
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Nikole Sent on 09/29/20084.6 out of 5 rating4.6-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Stronghold Mansion is located on Sugarloaf Mountain and is truly a beautiful setting. Chris, the manager for the Mansion rentals, was very good to work with. You might find some of their rules a bit restrictive, however the overall beauty and facility make up for any perceived inconveniences. Patsy who acts as the event coordinator was excellent and returned my calls promptly and answered my questions with lots of detail. I found her to be very helpful and she treated me as if my wedding were the only one! During the event she was there to be sure that all was going well and we were enjoying ourselves.
Please be aware that the Mansion is not air conditioned and is extremely warm on a summer evening. When we inquired about this at the time we booked our date, everyone assured us that the evenings were very comfortable with a breeze because of the location. We were even told they knew just what windows to open and not, to create the cross ventilation. While we didn't expect cool, we didn't expect to be very uncomfortable. It was difficult for me and my attendants to get dressed and ready in the "air conditioned" room - everyone was complaining and make up was running. We blew fuses a couple of times with hair dryers going, etc.
This being said, I would highly recommend this venue. The landscape and setting are simply outstanding and very difficult to find in this area. The staff at Stronghold really worked with us in every way and we had a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. The outdoor terrace and tented area beside the pond with the fountain truly made for a beautiful evening. All of our guests are still talking about our wedding! Stronghold is truly a very special place! We look forward to visiting again and sharing our memories!
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User2206890 Sent on 07/01/20154.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
After looking and looking, we decided on strong mansion because of its natural beauty. Its got so different spaces to enjoy - a garden, tent area, pond, ballroom, and history that really made it special for us. As the bride, I did of things DIY, and to my luck, Chris was absolutely wonderful and helpful. I only met Amy (the day of coordinator) during the rehearsal time, but wish I'd gotten a chance to chat with her before then because of all the moving parts I had.
The office's isn't particularly great using technology (they rarely use email to communicate), but are very helpful and responsive over the phone. I really enjoyed the wedding, and had many compliments from guests on the venue. -
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Camila Sent on 04/28/20134.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Loved the venue - it was absolutely perfect. We received a lot of positive feedback from our guests regarding how beautiful the mansion and the grounds were. Pictures around the grounds turned out beautifully. -
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Kaitlyn Sent on 02/05/20174.4 out of 5 rating4.4
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Strong Mansion provided a great, natural, and serene backdrop for our 4th of July weekend wedding! The property is spectacular, our guests really enjoyed the space, and our photos turned out perfectly. We had a small, 40-person wedding, but the large venue still "fit" our group since we offered a variety of yard games. Amy acted as our day-of coordinator, and she helped keep us on schedule and facilitate the big events of the day. She was a lifesaver, since my family did most of the setup ourselves. We could not have done it without her! If you want a smoother planning process I would recommend using a caterer, DJ, and photographer that are familiar with Strong Mansion. When budgeting, keep in mind that Strong Mansion does not provide tables/chairs/linens, which can make them less affordable than other options. The mountain views and beautiful gardens make them well worth it, though! I would highly recommend to other brides looking for a natural setting! -
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Katie Sent on 09/26/20164.4 out of 5 rating4.4
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
It is a beautiful venue! The only problem I had was at the end of my reception there had been some confusion as to what we could leave and pick up the next day. And what I had to take right away. -
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Shannon Sent on 10/15/20144.4 out of 5 rating4.4
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Strong Mansion was far and away the best venue we looked at. It perfectly fit our style. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and our guests loved looking around the house. My only word of warning is that they can be hard to communicate with. They only answer the phones on M,W, and F and do not use email at all as far as I can tell, which presented a few minor hiccups. It worked out fine in the end, especially because we used a caterer that has done tons of events there and could easily answer any questions we had. Also, while the staff is generally helpful, some of my guests and bridal party found the site coordinator a little difficult. If you are ok with being flexible to accommodate the way they work, Strong Mansion is well worth the effort. -
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Jackie Sent on 06/28/20114.4 out of 5 rating4.4
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
The Strong Mansion is absolutely beautiful. It was just what I was looking for.
I couldn't have asked for a better ceremony and reception. Patsy, the day of coordinator is GREAT. She was very helpful the whole time. Kris, the event coordinator was also easy to work with; but she was very particular about what you can and can't do with the grounds. (you can read most of it in the contract)
Just keep in mind that they don't provide tables and chairs, so that jacks up your catering cost. -
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Laura Sent on 11/28/20114.3 out of 5 rating4.3
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
Stronghold Mansion was the most beautiful spot that we found for a reception venue. The view alone is worth the price, but the mansion and tent made it event better. -
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Stephanie Sent on 07/05/20094.3 out of 5 rating4.3
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
We found Strong Mansion after looking at about ten different venues and fell in love with the site. We also chose the site for its value - the venue included a large tent, many options for the ceremony setting, and ample room inside the mansion for the bridal party to get ready. The guests couldn't stop talking about how unique and memorable the setting was. Patsy, the day-off coordinator at the mansion, was extremely helpful during both the rehearsal and the day of the wedding. We wouldn't have done it without her! She worked well with all our vendors.
The thing to keep in mind is that the cost does add up when you extend the length of time on the day of the event. They are unwilling to budge on overtime costs. -
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Erika Sent on 10/03/20084.3 out of 5 rating4.3-
Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
I fell in love with the site immediately and booked it - make sure you book early because the days go quickly! It is expensive for the site rental, and you only get access to the mansion for 7 hours. Additional hours cost more.
As this is an historic property, they do not want you to move anything on the inside or outside the mansion, so pretty much what we see is what you get. I primarily worked with Chris Kefauver and she did a great job easing my worries and telling it to me straight. She never tried to sugarcoat anything, which I greatly appreciated. Chris responded within a day or two to any phone calls, but I could not reach her through email. She was really wonderful!
The day of the rehearsal and the wedding, Patsy was the coordinator. She worked with the DJ and the photographer to make sure that the wedding party, the bride, and groom were all in the right place at the right time. I greatly appreciated this since I didn't have an official wedding coordinator.
Overall, it was a beautiful site. Everyone who was there thought it was the most elegant location for a wedding. Also, we received our security deposit quite promptly - 4 weeks after the ceremony.
Some things to note: There is no air conditioning in the mansion except on the third floor in the bridal suite. If it's hot on your wedding day, you may need to take several rests upstairs in the cool air. Give EXPLICIT driving directions to all guests.
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Ashley Sent on 08/28/20164.2 out of 5 rating4.2
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
Lets's just get down to it, shall we?
PROS:
- beautiful space with amazing gardens, a polished mansion with high high ceilings and gorgeous windows. A stunning location, hands down. (Also received MANY compliments on the venue from guests)
- Ability to rehearse on the day before, and flexibility with using the fridge to store alcohol and perishables. Our favors were macarons and we needed them to be in the fridge so they wouldn't melt in August.
- Day of coordinator was helpful in that she definitely caters to the bride.
- Free and plentiful parking
- On the Town Limo and Canapes Catering combined with this venue basically equals no worries. They all work in sync with each other.
- Tent comes with the venue, but beware, that beautiful tent lining in photos is an extra $1200 more through a separate company. Air cooling units also rent through a separate company.
CONS:
- No Air conditioning. We were married on the hottest day of the year and it's our fault we didn't chose wiser by booking a venue with AC. They will tell you the bridal suite is air conditioned. Take from an August bride: IT IS NOT. They just have one cooling unit and regular standing/rotating fans in the room. When we left the suite, they turned off the cooling units, so anytime someone went up there, it was boiling hot.
- Limitations with sparklers (can't use them for a send off, so we ended up having no send off photos)
- Limitations with hours. Only open MWF, so if you forgot to ask a question on Monday, yep, you gotta just wait... which isn't great when you're on a timeline and need a fast answer.
Strong Mansion overall is a gorgeous venue. However, if I were to do it over again, I would book with a vendor that had AC. For the cost, it was fine, but with that cost, you just get the space. -
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User1898042 Sent on 10/31/20144.2 out of 5 rating4.2
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
I have to agree with all of these other reviewers. It's all true!
First and foremost, this venue is not only BEAUTIFUL, it is truly a local gem, inside & out!
Other points:
- Use vendors that are familiar with the site. Strong Mansion has many rules & regulations (understandably so!) so it's just a lot easier to go with a vendor who regularly do business there.
- Using vendors that are familiar with the site is also going to help with communication. We really didn't have too many questions for our venue contacts but when you do, you're going to have to ask them well in advance of when you need the answers. But hey, being old school has its perks, and one of them is that the staff is sooooo nice!
- I also wished they let us come to the venue earlier in the day to get ready. It wasn't easy to coordinate getting ready at the hotel/elsewhere because there is nothing less than 15 minutes away from Strong Mansion! Though, I know they schedule tours in the mornings so I'm not really sure what the solution is.
- Finally, having a day-of coordinator was incredibly helpful. Usually you have to pay extra for that kind of thing! And although I appreciated her taking charge on a few things, getting everyone in line, etc. so that I didn't have to, there were many that thought it was a little too much. And again, while I appreciated some of her suggestions, some were excessively pushy (not to mention the fact that I'm sure most brides don't appreciate last minute changes to what they have already thought through and planned out).
But please do not let any of this deter you from having your wedding at Strong Mansion! Just prepare accordingly... -
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Phoebe Sent on 10/02/20104.2 out of 5 rating4.2
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
Strong Mansion is an absolutely gorgeous location and makes for a perfect wedding in a unique location. When you drive up to the space it is a beautiful drive through trees and orchards, and you feel like you are going on a special retreat in some secret garden. The views and the trees in the actual location are just stunning and I would not trade it for anything.
In the planning process Kris from Strong was very helpful and accomodating. I live in Chicago and was only going to be in town on certain days to look at venues. It happened to be the days that Strong was supposed to be closed for visits. Understanding my situation, Kris came in specially for me on a day she was supposed to be off to show me the location. Kris was also very helpful and offered ideas, answered questions and just generally tried to help out with the wedding planning process throughout the entire time. The one area for improvement would have been that she doesn't really "do" email so at times it was difficult to connect through phone because I had to find a time to call during business hours and sometimes leave a message. She would always call back though.
Another thing to keep in mind when booking strong is that they do not have an inventory of tables and chairs. A lot of the other wedding venues that are similar to strong do have this inventory. So at first glance, it seems like Strong is cheaper then the other places, however, the cost goes up since you have to rent tables and chairs. For 150 people, it cost at least $1000 to rent tables and chairs and I made the mistake of comparing apples to oranges when I was considering price.
On the actual wedding day, I couldn't have been more pleased with the location. It was so beautiful. So many guests commented on how beautiful the location was. Even during the ceremony when I would look out at my guests around the lily pond with the mountain in the background, I found myself taken back at how beautiful and perfect it was.
Leading up to the wedding I had been very concerned about the weather because I got married on 8/21 and was worried about the heat/humidity. My ceremony started at 6:00PM and honestly it worked out well. The weather that day was in the upper 80s. It is not as humid up there as it is in the city and did not actually feel that hot. It was only a little hot during pictures, but by the time the ceremony and the reception came around, the weather had cooled down a lot and it was completely comfortable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Strong. You feel like you are on a special wedding retreat, it is so pretty, you get the entire space just for you and your guests... Everything turned out beautifully.
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Danielle Sent on 06/16/20094.2 out of 5 rating4.2
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
Stronghold Mansion is a beautiful venue. There are various ceremony sites that they offer and are flexible with what you want to do. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. It is an expensive venue and you need to rent all of your tables, chairs, etc. elsewhere or through a catering company. I would highly recommend the site. -
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User2050509 Sent on 02/24/20154.1 out of 5 rating4.1
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
When the weather is cooperating, this place is absolutely breathtaking. You really want to be able to enjoy all the outdoor aspects of this venue. In any case, this venue is well prepared for any weather. The fact that this place comes with a tent included is a very important detail. Another important detail is that caterers cannot cook on-site. They will have to pre-cook a lot of your food before they can bring it to Strong Mansion. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may also require a tent extension. Depending on the weather, you will also have to pay extra for heaters or fans. Finally, the location of the venue can be a double-edged sword. It is absolutely beautiful but it is also remote. Transportation costs will have to be factored in when setting your wedding budget. Finally, the only issue I would say that we had with the staff is that they don't generally communicate with email. They're very old school so you have to reach them by phone or not at all. Otherwise, the staff was great. -
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Carment Sent on 01/28/20194 out of 5 rating4.0
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Beautiful ceremony. Gorgeous weather. Staff helpful
All our guests said it was a wonderful venue and are still talking about it today. Beautiful ceremony. Staff tended to the needs of bride and groom. Helpful to guests as well. -
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Melissa Sent on 10/31/20164 out of 5 rating4.0
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
When I first saw Strong Mansion, I instantly fell in LOVE with the venue and could not wait to tell my fiancé! We knew we wanted a mostly outdoor venue and Strong Mansion was perfect, especially with their tented terrace! The grounds are absolutely beautiful and so well taken care of and the mansion itself is beautiful on the inside and out. The ample parking was also a plus. Not to mention, it was so convenient having the caterer on their own floor with their own entrance/exit.
My husband and I got married on the steps by the pond which offers a beautiful backdrop for photographs. The only downside to getting married on the side of a mountain in the summer, are the bugs. It was a little distracting during the ceremony but otherwise, everything was perfect, including the weather. We also did not put any bug repellent on so that is something to consider.
The booking process was fairly easy/straight forward and the staff was very helpful throughout the whole process. I do recommend calling versus emailing because I did not initially get a response and just called everytime there after if I needed anything. Otherwise, we set up multiple tours with different family members in which Mark was a wonderful tour guide. The final walk through with Chris was stress free and she strives to help achieve the wedding day you envision. Also, the rehearsal the day before with Amy was a success and she was very helpful with her recommendations/suggestions.
I do, however, feel that the time provided (7 hours including 2 hours of set-up and 1 hour clean up leaving only 4 hours for the ceremony/reception) is not enough and is quite pricey. With that being said, there is the option to book more hours. We ended up booking an extra hour which I feel helped immensely, but again, increased the cost.
In the end, I do feel it was worth it because we had a beautiful ceremony/reception and our guests loved the venue. Our wedding day was truly a day to remember. -
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Courtney-Rose Sent on 09/09/20134 out of 5 rating4.0-
Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
The Strong Mansion was by far the most beautiful site we visited in our search for our venue.
The grounds are immaculately cared for, the mansion is beautiful and the history of the Strong family who built the mansion is rich. We jumped at the chance to book it.
Leading up to the event there were a few communication snafus with the Strong Mansion team -- they are only in the office three days a week and they do not like to use email -- so it can be tricky to get in touch with them.
They are very strict on what you can and cannot do on the site, but I believe that's because they care so much for the property and want to maintain its beauty.
Patsy was our site coordinator on the day of our rehearsal and wedding. She WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL! And a huge comfort to my new husband and I. We really liked her laid-back approach and she worked well with our day of coordinator.
We will never forget the amazing memories we created at the Strong Mansion.
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Silje Sent on 08/17/20163.9 out of 5 rating3.9
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Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
When my husband and I first visited Strong Mansion we both knew we wanted to get married there. We even changed our date to get married there since our intended date had already been booked by someone else.
Strong Mansion is nothing short of stunning. If you're looking for a garden/outdoor wedding, this is as good as it gets. It has 3 different ceremony site options, the outdoor reception area is tented (included), and the gardens are magical; the pond, all the flowers, the outdoor lighting, the garden, the old horse carriage doors.. The photo ops are endless! Unfortunately for us, there was a thunderstorm the day of our wedding that started an hour before our ceremony was scheduled to begin and that ended two hours before the end of the night. Luckily, the tent is beautifully lit and several of our guests told me the rain actually made for a more intimate feel as the sides of the tent came down. The insides of the mansion is very well maintained as well and the furniture definitely has a regal and historic feel to them. This was obviously a huge plus since we had to take all our photos inside. Since it rained so heavily thought the wedding, Kris and Amy at Strong Mansion said we could come back during a sunny weekday to take photos outside - that's very thoughtful and generous. Amy and Kris made me feel like I had two additional coordinator at times; they even helped bustle my wedding dress train.
My only recommendation to Strong Mansion is that they invest in ways to keep the mansion cool. The third floor is dedicated to the bride and her girls and let me tell you, it was hot! There was an A/C of sorts up there but unless you stood right in front of it, it did nothing. The groom said their room on the ground floor was cooler. Heat travels so that's probably why it got super hot on the 3rd floor.
Sure, it's a little pricey but it is by far the most gorgeous wedding venue I've ever seen! Worth every dime, even if it rains :) -
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Tikisha Sent on 01/19/20143.8 out of 5 rating3.8
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Professionalism 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Value 4.5 out of 5 rating4.5
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Flexibility 4 out of 5 rating4.0
Love the venue but there were too many things that didn't work for our out of town guests and even for us. -
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User1474820 Sent on 02/14/20133.8 out of 5 rating3.8
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 2 out of 5 rating2.0
In the begining I found it a little frustrating that the event staff and grounds keepers do not like to communicate via email, it makes it hard to keep a record expecially when there are multiple vendors you are dealing with. We also seemed to go through many hands and didn't meet our day of coordinator until the night before the wedding. Our florist was also a bridesmaid and my now sister-in law and we were told that if our wedding was on a Sunday we could bring the floral supplies anytime after 10am we just wouldn't have access to inside the building. The staff was so rude to our florist when she brought the supplies only 2 hours before our start time and charged us for the extra time out of our deposit. They also yelled at our elderly grandpa for walking on the grass around the pond. They seemed more concerned about the grounds than providing a good event space.
Having said all that, our day was magical and the weather and setting was absolutly beautiful. We wanted a place that we could bring our own vendors and create a romantic setting so in this respect Strong Mansion was perfect. The ceremony options, tent (reccomend the liner) and photo op spots are breathtaking. We still feel we made the right choice and had an amazing day. They unfortunatly just didn't make it any easier for us as I feel a service industry company should. -
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Lynda Sent on 12/15/20113.8 out of 5 rating3.8
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
There may be other places that have great "spots" for wedding photos, but having visited many of them, Strong Mansion stands out as a place that is simply surrounded by beauty. They are very strict with their rules which can be oppressive--no sparklers, no throwing flower petals, etc. However, maybe that's why it is so beautiful there. -
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User1780703 Sent on 08/25/20143.7 out of 5 rating3.7
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Quality of service 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Value 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
The venue was beautiful. Our only complaint is the property manager was a little too involved in our wedding and wasn't very nice to many of our guests. -
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Christi Sent on 06/04/20093.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Quality of service 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 3.5 out of 5 rating3.5
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 2 out of 5 rating2.0
The location is amazing! It is by far the best around. However you have to do everything yourself unless you hire a wedding planner. Also, the rules are very rigid. My caterer had to clean many of the rooms that we did not even use. The people running the mansion were not overly helpful. And I found out after the wedding that the women at the mansion the day of the wedding, was very rude to some guests. Overall the location was perfect and everyone had a great time. But, I felt like we had to go the extra mile to please the people running the mansion. If I had to do it over again I would not change the location, but I would have hired a wedding planner sooner. -
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User1200022 Sent on 06/12/20133 out of 5 rating3.0
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Quality of service 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Average response time 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Professionalism 2 out of 5 rating2.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
This was by far the most beautiful venue we looked at and booked right away. They can be a little difficult to get in touch with as email is not a main form of communication so you have to call and they have particular hours. We had a great walkthrough with the main lady from Strong Mansion. However, I had a new representative to run my event the night of the wedding. This person did not seem equipped to organize and manage an event. Our flowers for parents, grandparents, etc were messed up. Two people we ordered flowers for never got them. She had very poor communication with me the night of the wedding. Our ceremony was set to start at 5 and yet at 4:50 she had not yet done any of what she said she would do at the rehearsal such as help let guests know to be seated, get bridal party and parents organizes for entrance. She was in a meeting and when we asked for help she said she wasn't able to just then.
I don't think this is the norm, just our luck of having a new person. Venue is beautiful and I look forward to our pics. They have some odd rules, but understandably come with the age and historical status of the property. One of the only vendors who's price included a tent to use during the reception which was great, and the tent had a floor. -
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Mp Sent on 10/22/20192.2 out of 5 rating2.2
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Quality of service 2 out of 5 rating2.0
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Average response time 2 out of 5 rating2.0
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Professionalism 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Value 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
Way over priced for a view
Brides do not get married in October or November unless prepared to supply lots of forced hot air into the tent or tell guests to bring winter coats, remember your are in the mountains. The bathroom was overflowing with discarded waste paper towels, there was no one to clean up the unisex bathroom. Also if you have grandparents, hire a golf cart to get them up the mountain, and ladies bring sneakers to wear at the end of the reception so you can walk down the mountain without falling while wearing heels. In fact, find a park and save yourself the $3,000 - $3,700 venue fee. -
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Harvey Sent on 10/17/20110.6 out of 5 rating0.6
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Quality of service 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Average response time 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Professionalism 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Value 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Flexibility 0 out of 5 rating0.0
This is a beautiful place for a wedding. But, I have to say - my daughter got married there in June, 2010 and a friend's daughter just got married last Saturday. The only problem we had was with the wedding coordinator - Patsy. She is a wedding NAZI! She will follow you around with "looks" and has nothing but negative to say when all is over, i.e., "you went 15 minutes over - I will have to tell Chris - you will be charged" =- and "we have a problem, there are tire tracks on the grass" (probably made by the catering truck) - and just very rude attitude. Think twice before booking because if you do not stick to the very MINUTE of the schedule - Patsy will hound you. They need to hire someone much more friendly. It can ruin the atmosphere of the most important day of your life!!!!! -
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User2574830 Sent on 04/12/20160.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Quality of service 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Average response time 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Professionalism 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Value 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Flexibility 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
I wish I could say more about this venue, but it’s hard since I haven’t even seen the venue. After talking with Kris, the event coordinator, I have removed them from my list of venues. She was cold, short, and not friendly. I think she’s in the wrong field, and should consider a career change.
She wanted to know my wedding date before arranging a tour. I told her, we are "looking" at Spring 2013, but we are open to other times/seasons. She said there is only one date available, but didn’t provide me with the actual date. She then asked if I was still interested in a tour since they don’t have any dates available. On the voicemail she left, she mentioned there were other appt scheduled for this coming Saturday. Apparently, all those appointments must be for 2014 and beyond, because they only have 1 Spring date available in 2013. Seriously, don’t flatter yourself!! It’s Strong Mansion, not the WHITE HOUSE, or Ritz Carlton!!!
Not only am I a bride, but I am also an event planner with MANY MANY contacts and vendor friends. I will definitely pass along my experience. Please REMOVE from your potential sites. It's Chris way, or the highway!!!
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User1900452 Sent on 01/15/20150.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Quality of service 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Average response time 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Professionalism 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Value 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
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Flexibility 0.5 out of 5 rating0.5
Strong Mansion is a beautiful wedding venue, but if you are considering it for your wedding please be aware that the venue staff can be extremely difficult to deal with. They can be very abrasive and not flexible. I highly recommend using the venue's recommended catering company, Canapés which the venue staff holds in high regard and allows them to do most if not all of the day of items. This reduces the amount of interaction you have with the venue staff.
Also be aware that their day of site manager is extremely abrasive and can be rude at times. I was very surprised how I, my family, and friends were treated during the wedding rehearsal and at the conclusion of our wedding when it was time to pack-up. We were spoken to very harshly and even yell at during different points.
If you select this venue, I hope you will go into it knowing how the staff is. If you can find ways around this (e.g. using recommended outside vendors), the house and the location are a beautiful setting. Ultimately our wedding was very nice and we were surrounded by friends and family. I just wish we could have had a different experience with the venue staff or avoided them all together. -
Quality of service
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