The Space
The Desmond Malvern is a family-owned hotel and wedding venue that opened in 1993, with roots in the larger Desmond family business whose first property opened in Albany in 1974. The hotel is currently managed by Michael Chain, whose father Michael Sr. ran the original Albany location. In 2017, The Desmond partnered with Hilton as a DoubleTree by Hilton while maintaining its private family ownership and hospitality philosophy. The $5 million renovation resulted in the property ranking 1st among DoubleTree hotels in North America in 2025 and in the top 5 globally, earning Hilton’s prestigious Make It Right Award for highest guest satisfaction scores.
The 4,000-square-foot ballroom features an oversized dance floor measuring 26 feet by 24 feet, adjacent to a 3,500-square-foot glass-enclosed conservatory and garden room flooded with natural light. An outdoor veranda designed for up to 150 guests includes an overhead awning, gentle lighting, and ceiling fans, surrounded by lush greenery and woods. Three on-site restaurants serve regional American cuisine: Fork and Bottle for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Fox and Hounds Pub for small plates and entrees; and Sunset Grille for seasonal outdoor dining with live entertainment.
Capacity & Layout
The ballroom seats 276 guests and offers the 26-foot dance floor for wedding receptions and dinners. The 3,500-square-foot glass conservatory and garden room serves as the cocktail hour space with natural light and garden views. The outdoor veranda seats 150 and is ideal for ceremonies or receptions in mild weather, with an awning and overhead lighting for evening events. A fireplace in the ballroom provides a focal point for ceremony or intimate moments. The Presidential Parlor and adjoining guest rooms are available as a getting-ready suite for the bridal party.
The multi-space design allows couples to move between ceremony in the gazebo or conservatory, cocktails on the terrace, and dinner in the ballroom, with each space feeling distinct and purposeful.
Amenities
The hotel provides 195 guest rooms and suites, with some featuring balconies and suites offering separate living areas. Wedding packages include a Desmond Wedding Specialist, menu tasting for the couple and two guests, overnight suite for the couple, discounted room block for guests, fresh floral centerpieces with linens, custom wedding cake, and a one-year anniversary overnight stay as a thank-you gift.
On-site catering and a full bar are included in packages. The Fox and Hounds Pub is available for after-parties. ADA-compliant facilities include main entrance, restrooms, and accessible parking near entry. Ample free parking is provided on-site. Amenities on the surrounding corporate park grounds include an indoor pool, fitness center, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and walking/jogging trails, available for guests to enjoy before or after the celebration.
Location & Getting There
The Desmond Malvern is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, just one mile from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 320 and 35 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport. The Great Valley Corporate Center setting means easy highway access and proximity to the greater Philadelphia market. The grounds overlook woods and open space, giving the venue a resort-like feel despite its proximity to major transit. Getting there from Philadelphia takes roughly 45 minutes via the Turnpike westbound.
The 4,000-square-foot ballroom with hard flooring and high ceilings provides excellent acoustics for a DJ. The 26-foot dance floor is generous and will project the music clearly across the room. The glass conservatory has hard surfaces (glass and likely tile or stone flooring) that reflect sound well. The outdoor veranda is semi-open but sheltered by the awning, requiring assessment of wind direction. The surrounding wooded landscape absorbs ambient noise, keeping outdoor spaces acoustically calm.
Why Couples Book Dow Oak Here
You only get one reception at this venue, so it should be run by a team that already knows how to make a room like it work:
- We have actually performed at this venue, so we plan for its sound, layout, and flow instead of guessing on your night
- One team for your DJ and MC, photo booth, and custom lighting, on a single plan and one contract
- Backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team
- An online planning portal plus a planning call before the day
- More than 3,000 five-star reviews on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and just $400 reserves your date
Wedding DJ FAQ
Have you performed at this venue before?
Yes. Every venue in our directory is one we have actually worked, so we already know how to set up, light, and run the room for a wedding, from ceremony sound to the last dance.
How much is a wedding DJ?
Your price depends on your date, your area, and add-ons like a photo booth, uplighting, or ceremony sound. Pick your date on our pricing page and you will see your exact price, and just $400 reserves your date.
Do you provide lighting and a photo booth too?
Yes. One team handles your DJ and MC, color-matched uplighting, and a modern photo booth on a single plan.
What happens if our DJ has an emergency?
We always have trained backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team, so someone can step in seamlessly.
How do we book you?
Check your date using the form on this page. We confirm availability, send your pricing, and a $400 retainer reserves your date.
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- Backup DJs & photo booths on call 24/7
- Just $400 reserves your date
- Free setup and teardown, every time
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