you bring the
vision, we’ll bring
the answers

Just reach out to our team—we’ll let you know what’s open.

We can accommodate up to 250 guests for theater or cocktail style.  Up to 180 guests seated with dance floor.

• Exclusive use of the venue from 9AM to 12AM
• 6000 sq ft of space with 3800 sq ft of event space
• Fully appointed bar and lounge area.  
• Catering prep kitchen
• Private suite 
• Mix of 6 cocktail tables, round and rectangular  dining tables and black wooden willow chairs. 

Half of the rental fee and estimated bar fee is due when you sign the contract and is non-refundable.  The final balance is due 30 days prior to your event.

• Cancel prior to 90 days before the event: 50% of the fee
• Cancel 90 to 30 days before: 75% of the fee
• Cancel less than 30 days before: 100% of the fee
• The deposit is non-refundable.

Rescheduled events are subject to a $500 administrative fee and any applicable rate adjustments based on the new date, season, or year.

Celebrate every moment in one seamless setting — your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception can all unfold at The Hawthorn.  The ceremony fee is $1,500.  Rehearsals on the day prior to your wedding are offered as our calendar allows, or may be secured in advance for $3,000.

All Hawthorn weddings require a professional day-of coordinator of your choosing.

For couples seeking a more comprehensive planning experience, our preferred and highly experienced coordinator, Lindsey McKitterick, begins with an initial consultation early in your planning process to offer guidance and trusted recommendations. Her comprehensive coordination services officially begin 90 days prior to your wedding and include timeline creation, vendor communication, and complete event-day oversight - so you can relax and fully enjoy the months leading up to your celebration as well as the day itself.  Lindsey’s fee is $6000. 

Your venue rental includes six cocktail tables, a mix of round and rectangular dining tables, and our black wooden willow chairs.  For a fully styled and seamless approach, our Signature Wedding Package  includes linens, napkins in your selected color, flatware, glassware, and all tabletop details.

Yes. We can host cocktail hour in the bar and lounge, and then invite guests into the full reception space with a cued curtain reveal, offering  a dramatic first look at your fully styled celebration.

Most hosts  typically designate one of three areas for entertainment, but the layout of the venue is fully customizable to match your vision. Our event team will guide you with recommendations based on your vision, guest count, and floor plan.

Yes, we offer a small private 8x10 suite to prepare, store personal items, or pause for a quiet moment.

Weddings over 70 guests include your choice of one of our three exclusive catering partners — all known for outstanding food and a flawless experience at The Hawthorn. All other vendors may be curated to reflect your personal vision and style.

Event installation may begin at 9AM on the day of the event, unless another time is arranged in advance.

All events in Portsmouth’s west end must conclude by 11PM with the exception of New Years Eve.

Yes, our kitchen has multiple sinks, a commercial refrigerator, two warming ovens, and several portable steel tables.  Caterers can set up additional equipment  as needed.

The Hawthorn offers a fully curated bar experience, with all alcohol and seamless bar service provided in-house. Couples may select from two open bar packages, each featuring signature cocktails, or opt for a cash bar.

Guests may park in the lower lot adjacent to The Hawthorn and in the lot to the left of the building via Albany Street. For larger celebrations, additional private parking is reserved just behind the venue, with street parking also available on Islington, Cass, and Albany Streets.

Many couples choose to arrange shuttle transportation to keep the evening flowing beautifully — from arrival to the after-party and back to guest accommodations.

We do not provide or require security services; however, we’re happy to recommend trusted private companies for your event if desired.

Absolutely. The Hawthorn is an ideal backdrop for even the most opulent event designers.

Yes, within enclosed glass candle holders.

The Hawthorn is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and a full surround sound system integrated with Sonos, ideal for setting the tone with your own playlists. DJs and live bands may also bring their preferred sound systems for a fully customized entertainment experience.

Yes, there’s signage on the building exterior and interior, guiding guests to your event space.  We can also provide you with a stylized digital card that provides directions and parking details.

Yes. The Hawthorn is designed with full accessibility in mind, including an exterior entrance ramp, elevator access to the second floor, an ADA-compliant bar section, and fully accessible restroom facilities.

There are several hotels located within one mile of The Hawthorn, offering convenient access for you and your guests. We invite you to explore our Accommodations blog post, where we highlight a curated collection of nearby properties we love. Some of our top recommendations include:

• AC Hotel
• The Tide House AirBnB
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Hotel Thaxter
• Inn Downtown
• The Sailmaker
• Residence Inn Downtown