Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom

Elegant and sophisticated with a spectacular view of downtown, floor to ceiling windows and two outdoor terraces, the Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom in the Power Center is a beautiful location for your special day.

The wedding reception package is available to university alumni, current students or employees (and their children) and includes:

  • A 5 hour reception beginning with a cocktail reception in the Fides Shepperson Suite

  • An opulant display of stationary hors d'oeuvres for your cocktail reception

  • Modern furniture, dance floor and staging to accommodate a variety of head table configurations

  • Our experienced team will expertly serve your buffet, plated, or station-style dinner, circulate with trays as needed, replenish your cookie display, and cut and serve your cake

  • Tasting and personal consultations with Parkhurst Catering Manager and Chef

  • Basic room set up & clean up services

  • Guest parking in the Forbes Garage (covered by the deposit)

  • A dedicated Event Coordinator & Catering Manager to assist with your reception planning and day-of event execution.

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Wedding Receptions in the Dougherty Ballroom

The Dougherty Ballroom, a large, well-lit banquet hall is arranged for a formal event. Multiple round tables covered with white tablecloths are evenly spaced throughout the room, each set with blue folded napkins, silverware, glassware, bread rolls, and small centerpieces. Dark padded chairs with gold trim surround each table. In the background, a decorative green and white floral arch stands near the wall. Along one side of the room are large windows and a beverage station with stacked cups and drink dispensers.
A cookie table display features multiple tiers of cookies arranged on white cake stands and trays. In the center, a pyramid-shaped stack of frosted cookies topped with colorful sprinkles sits on a raised pedestal. Surrounding it are assorted treats, including chocolate-dipped cookies, sandwich cookies with yellow cream filling, and various iced and decorated cookies in different shapes and colors.
A single-tier round cake with smooth pale frosting sits on a wooden cake stand on a table draped with a dark cloth. The cake is decorated with an arrangement of dried flowers and berries in shades of pink, red, orange, and natural brown, cascading down one side. Next to the cake is a folded pink cloth napkin and a white plate with gold-handled fork and knife.
The Dougherty Ballroom, a bright banquet room, is set for a formal meal with multiple round tables covered in white tablecloths. Each place setting includes a white cup and saucer, water glass, silverware, folded gray napkin, and a small bread roll on a plate. The chairs are dark with gold trim. A decorative lantern centerpiece filled with pink and white flowers sits in the foreground on one table. Large floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall allow natural light to fill the space, and additional similarly arranged tables extend throughout the room, ready for guests.
A long cookie table is set inside the Dougherty Ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city skyline. The table is covered with a pink tablecloth and filled with trays of assorted sweets and finger foods, including cookies, pastries, and small bites arranged on platters. In the center, an ice sculpture spells out the word “LOVE,” surrounded by colorful flowers. Brick columns frame the large windows, and tall buildings and blue sky with scattered clouds are visible outside, creating an airy, celebratory atmosphere.
The Dougherty Ballroom is arranged for a formal event with long rectangular and round tables covered in light-colored tablecloths. Each place setting includes glassware, silverware, folded napkins, and a small bread roll. Gold circular-back rented chairs surround the tables. Tall floral centerpieces with white flowers and greenery stand on slender gold stands above several tables.

Contact Us!

Reception resources available to aid in your planning! Several hotels are within walking distance of or a short drive from campus. When working with local hotels, mention your Duquesne University reception to receive the best price offer.

Affiliated Hotels

Conference and Event Services

Please contact us for available dates and to schedule a tour.

Parkhurst Wedding Package

Parkhurst Catering brings their signature focus on locally grown and produced, high quality foods and uncompromising service to all wedding receptions held at the University. The wedding reception package offers a great variety of foods and presentations with pre-set prices to make it easy for you to decide. Menus can be customized to fit your needs!

Parkhurst Catering Manager

Chapel of the Holy Spirit

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit offer alumni a personal and special ceremony location. Please contact the Chapel of the Holy Spirit directly to make arrangements for your ceremony.

Administration Building