Halifax Wedding FAQs

Shirreff Hall is Dalhousie's premier seasonal wedding venue, meaning that it is only available from May through August of each year. We are currently booking for 2022.

There are four spaces included in our wedding package. Three are indoor (Main Hall, Library and Victorian Lounge) and three are outdoor (three different patios).

Yes we do. You have the option of having your ceremony in the Main Hall, for an additional fee.

You also have a variety of other on-campus spaces (both indoor and outdoor) to choose from; your event contact can help you find the space that's right for you.

The total number of guests we can accommodate varies depending on your set-up. The general rule of thumb we follow is:

• Sit-down dinner: 150 maximum
• Reception-style: 250 maximum

Contact us to get a cost estimate for your big day at Dalhousie.

We will have a dedicated on-site staff member at Shirreff Hall for the duration of your day. In addition, our food service team will be lead by a banquet captain, and a full-time Event & Conference Services staff member will be on-call for the duration of your day.

Absolutely. As part of our wedding package, we offer a one-of-a-kind 48-hour time block. This will provide you, and your family and friends with plenty of time to arrive and place any extra décor items.

Please note that open flame and affixing items to walls is not permitted.

We're constantly investing in our premier seasonal wedding venue; we've installed a cooling system in Shirreff Hall's Main Hall.

Shirreff Hall closes at 1am. Final call at the bar is at 12:30am with the bar closing at 12:45am.

Absolutely! Tours are offered all year long; you can schedule a tour by contacting us.

From September through April, Shirreff Hall serves as a home to over 300 students. For that reason, we ask that you schedule a viewing as opposed to simply dropping in.

To confirm your date in Shirreff Hall, a signed contract and 50% deposit (of the overall package price) is required.

Yes. Each spring and summer, Dalhousie opens various residence buildings to the public. 

We are happy to provide you with a special discounted group rate for your guests.

Yes. Dalhousie Food Services is our exclusive caterer; they would provide all culinary fare as it relates to your big day (with the exception of a wedding cake/confectionary items).

We have a variety of plated, buffet and quick bite menu options available. Don't see anything that satisfies your taste buds? We can work with you on custom menu items.

No. Linen (tablecloth and napkins, choice of black or white), china, glassware, cutlery and service staff are all included in our food pricing.

Yes. While you're able to bring in your own wedding cake (or cupcakes), we're happy to cut/serve your confectionery delights for a nominal fee.

All catering and bar service charges are subject to a taxable 15% service charge.

Once you are confirmed in Shirreff Hall with a signed contract and paid deposit, our team will work with you to finalize your menu.

No. Dalhousie Bar Services holds Shirreff Hall's liquor license; all alcohol must be purchased through them (via our office).

So long as a minimum of $500 (before tax) in sales is made, there are no charges associated with bar set-up. Should sales fall below $500, you will be invoiced for a bar set-up fee ($75) and bartender fee ($18 per hour, per bartender with a minimum of three hours).

No alcohol can be removed from the property. Leftover, open, alcohol at the end of the night is disposed of in accordance with Nova Scotia liquor licensing standards.

Contact us for a list of current product offerings.

In certain instances, we are able to source/price various products not listed on our bar menu with adequate notice.