Host Your Event at Hollins University: A Tradition of Hospitality
Make historic Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, the setting for your next meeting, celebration, or special event.
When you hold your event at Hollins, you’ll be part of a unique tradition. Two decades before the university opened its doors in 1842, the campus area was home to Charles Johnston’s Botetourt Springs – the area’s first luxury resort. Placed gracefully at the foot of Tinker Mountain, the resort’s hotel and private cottages were a place of rest and inspiration for many.
Today, we continue that legacy of hospitality. As a nationally recognized university, we are proud to offer our welcoming environment, modern facilities, and professional service for your private events.
Explore our rental options:
Unique room rentals for small, medium and large events
Meetings and Conferences
Unique facilities, spectacular grounds, and exceptional catering are just a few of the reasons why groups choose Hollins for their meetings and conferences.
Discover our room rental options
Make your service as special as your relationship
Weddings and Receptions
We have two indoor chapels, as well as several outdoor options, which can accommodate ceremonies from 25 – 600 and multiple reception spaces (both indoor and outdoor) which can accommodate from 25 – 350.
Fall in love with our wedding options
Fancy or casual, big or small
Meriwether Godsey Catering
Meriwether Godsey started as a catering company pre-1985 and is as focused now on being the area’s sought after caterer as we were then. We specialize in small or big ideas, fancy or casual.
Contact us about catering services
Centrally located and absolutely lovely
The Charm of Campus
A picturesque, tree-covered campus just minutes from downtown Roanoke provides an easily accessible and scenic location for your next event. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, we offer the tranquility of a mountain retreat with the convenience of a city.
View our location and directions
Let our event staff help
make your next event one to remember.
We will work with you on every detail for your event – from selecting the right venue and room layout to creating the perfect menu, our staff is here to make your event planning process as easy as possible.
For more information about our facilities or to inquire on availability:
Christine Powell
cpowell@hollins.edu
(540) 362-6225
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is required to book a date and space?
We will tentatively hold space(s) while you are evaluating the site and working out the details of your event, giving you the right of first refusal should someone else inquire about the space during this time. A signed contract and a non-refundable deposit are required to guarantee your date.
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How many hours does the facility rental cover?
Standard room rentals for special events such as weddings, banquets, and private parties are 4 hours. This does not include time for set up and decorating. Meeting and conference spaces may be requested for half day (4 hours) or full day (8 hour) rentals. Talk with your event planner about your needs and they can help you decide what space and time frame will work best for you.
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Can we extend the event for additional time?
Additional time can be requested and will be approved on a case by case basis, depending on other events that the university has scheduled for that day. Additional catering fees may be required.
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What does my facility rental fee include?
Our facility rental fees include the use of the space on the day of your event as well as tables and chairs for events being hosted indoors. We do not provide tables or chairs for outdoor events – those items must be rented through an outside vendor and their delivery on campus must be coordinated through your event planner. Many of our meeting and conference spaces also include the use of projectors, laptops, flip charts, etc.
When booking a wedding with Hollins, your facility rental fee also includes the use of the facility for 2 hours the day before your ceremony for a rehearsal as well as 2 changing areas on campus for the bride and groom to get ready the day of.
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What is the $100 facility attendant fee mentioned in the wedding guide?
A facility attendant is required to be onsite during the rehearsal and the the day of the ceremony to answer questions and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This fee is paid directly to the attendant the day of your rehearsal.
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Do I have to provide liability insurance for my event?
Yes, all events on the Hollins University campus require a Certificate of Insurance be provided to Hollins University evidencing Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with aggregate limits of not less than $1 million for general liability occurrence and $2 million aggregate and not less than $1 million for sexual misconduct and harassment liability insurance. Hollins University must be named as additional insured. Your event planner can give you a list of recommended providers should you need it.
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What if I need to cancel my event?
Facility deposits are non refundable. Catering cancellation charges are listed in your food and beverage contract.
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Can I use outside catering services or bring in other food for my event?
Hollins is pleased to offer clients everything they need for a successful event, all in one location. We have partnered with Meriwether Godsey catering out of Lynchburg, VA to give our clients outstanding food and beverage services. Through this partnership, we do require all events be catered by Meriwether Godsey.
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Will I need to provide a liquor license for my event?
No, Meriwether Godsey will take care of all the bar needs for your event including bartenders, glassware, and helping you select beer, wine, or spirits for your event.
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Where do we park during events?
Parking is available in various lots throughout campus. View our campus map which shows designated parking areas.