Brides & Weddings Magazine
By Katrina Wilson | Sponsored by Fairfax County Park Authority
You always dreamed of a storybook wedding, and now you stand in front of guests inside Laurel Hill Golf Club’s banquet room with your dream décor. You look forward to your photo session with the venue’s golf course as the backdrop to your day.
The club is 9,400 square feet and their banquet room can hold 150 people. The event director has worked to help you reach your dream wedding day.
Marisa Devin, event director at the club, said that the venue has scenic qualities and an awesome food and beverage manager.
Scenic Qualities
“Another unique thing is the different overlooks we have. There’s countless spots around the golf course to capture one-of-a-kind photos with gorgeous scenery all around,” Marisa said.
The chic venue is surrounded by an alluring landscaped 18-hole championship golf course and scenic rolling hills. An additional unique piece of the venue is the lake on the course.
“It is definitely one of our most common locations to take photos. Our 18th green is located right off of the back of our patio which is also connected to our banquet area,” she said. “Guests are able to step outside only taking about 20 feet or so to have that beautiful lake in the background – which definitely adds to the pictures.”
According to Emme Porter, golf brand manager, the proximity of the banquet room to this area is also beneficial so the bride and the bridal party do not have to walk a great distance to capture their wedding photos. Guests can also observe from the outdoor deck while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Marisa said because the banquet room’s patio is right there, a lot of the guests are able to relax and observe the photos being taken by the lake. She said the sun sets right over those trees by the lake.
“Having the sunset in view provides a spectacular backdrop,” she said.
The club can be utilized for weddings and receptions. According to Marisa, occasionally weddings are hosted on the golf course; those are usually small and intimate with just immediate family. Then a reception with more guests is inside the club.
Food and Beverage
“One of the things that we offer is how customizable our food and drinks packages are. We are able to work with the client to fit their needs and budget,” Marisa said.
She said they hold food tastings to get it right for the client’s big day.
“We have a great food and beverage manager,” she said. “For weddings you want the food to be just right. With our menu, if there is something the client wants that’s not necessarily on our menu, we’ll work with them and our food beverage manager to offer something to cater to their needs.”
There is an hourly discount if the client utilizes the club’s catering services.
The staff asks clients to inform the chef of any food allergies or religious restrictions upon selecting the menu. This allows the chef to adjust a menu to the client’s specifications.
If the client brings in their own food, they must go through an insured caterer.
Outside alcohol is not allowed inside of the venue. However, the client can bring non-alcoholic drinks in for the reception.
Dream Decorations
Marisa said clients may bring in their own decorators. She has had decorators evaluate the space for decorations. There are some restrictions on what can be on the walls, but clients can have photo booths, different backdrops and other decor.
Clients can put Marisa directly in contact with their decorator to coordinate and provide more information.
“Recently, we just had a visit where the decorator came with the client so we could discuss everything together.”
The club has certain procedures for deposit, payment, and a final guest count. Menu selections must be submitted at least one month prior to the wedding.
To request a quote or schedule a tour, you can contact Marisa at Marisa.Devin@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 493-8849. Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, Virginia.
Laurel Hill Golf Club History
The golf club was once a correctional facility where inmates farmed. It was in operation for over 90 years when it closed in 2001. The golf club opened in 2005. There are still eclectic items still on site like a historic silo, an old mill and the old nursery grounds where the inmates worked.
In 1965, Frank Sinatra performed at the prison for 3,000 prisoners.
Katrina Wilson is a contributing writer for Brides & Weddings.
