Can I rent the Valentine Room without being a member?↓
Yes! Click "Book the Studio" at the top of the site and you'll have the option to book as a non-member for a rate of $50 per hour.
What is your rescheduling + cancellation policy?↓
Any rescheduling request made more than 14 days in advance will be approved at no additional cost. Requests made within 14 days or less will incur a rescheduling fee of $50.
Any cancellation requests made more than 14 days in advance will result in a refund of 50% of total scheduled session cost. No refund will be issued for requests made within 14 days or less of scheduled session.
Members of The Valentine Room may reschedule their session at any time. Member sessions cancelled within 72 hours or less will result in a forfeiture of those member hours for the month.
*For all sessions booked on/after 12/13/2021
How does parking work?↓
We are located at One Washington Center in the heart of downtown Dover, in a recently renovated mill building that has six 2-hour visitor parking spaces at the front of the lot.
For members, also happily provide a Main Street pass for either you or your client if you're working with one; you will need to come up to the studio in order to snag the pass off the ledge inside the studio door and then dart back down to put the pass on the dashboard of your vehicle. Remember to bring it back up at the end of your session! There's a $25 replacement fee if it's not upstairs for the next visitor in the studio.
Lastly, there's a 15-minute unloading parking spot located on the left past the middle entrance to the mill building. If you're bringing up equipment or props for a session or workshop, take advantage of this spot before you move to your official parking space!
May I arrive early to set up?↓
We understand that sometimes setting up and breaking down a photography session or event can take more than a few minutes. This is why we have a minimum booking time of 90 minutes, rather than one hour.
We also accommodate a 15-minute window to bring your equipment up to the fifth floor hallway where it can be staged outside the studio door prior to your session, but please be cognizant to break down and depart the studio at your scheduled end-time, so that we have time to sanitize the space before the next booking!
How much notice do you need for a booking?↓
All booking is done online, so as long as the time you are hoping to use the studio has not already been booked, you can book the space with less than 24 hours' notice! Click or tap on "Book the Studio" to see if the time you are hoping for is available.
I want to host an event in your space and I need a photographer. Do you provide photographers for such occasions?↓
While we don't have "in-house" photographers, we do have a list of Preferred Vendors you can use to find the photographer, caterer, or florist that's right for your event!
Where are you located?↓
We are right in the heart of downtown Dover! Our suite is on the 5th floor of One Washington Center (1 Washington Street if you're using Google Maps). Our suite number is 5142.
You'll enter on the north side of the building. There are 3 doors on this side, and the entrance you'll want to use is the one in the center, the only one with double-doors. It's wheelchair-accessible and directly in front of the elevator.
IS THERE ELEVATOR ACCESS?↓
Yes. In addition to the passenger elevator that’s accessible from the main lobby, there’s a freight elevator that’s useful for bringing large or multiple items up to the studio. The freight elevator is best accessed via the loading dock which can be found on the backside of the building via the second parking lot entrance.
When you're done unloading, don’t forget to move your vehicle from the loading dock so it's free for others to use.
Are there restrooms on-site?↓
Yes! There are two right down the hall from the studio. When you exit the double-doors from the studio, turn immediately right, and take the hallway down until you see the restrooms on the right. If you see the kitchenette, you've gone too far!
Is there Wi-Fi in the studio?↓
Yes, there is complimentary wi-fi throughout the building. Network names and passwords will be provided to you prior to your session.
Can the furniture and props in the studio be moved?↓
While we ask that you do not remove anything from the studio, you're certainly welcome to move the furniture and props within the studio to suit your needs. Because the wooden table and couch are quite heavy and will damage the floor if slid, we ask that you use the furniture moving pads provided. If you do move anything, we ask that you return it to its original location at the end of your session.
If you need to maximize the full 780 sq. ft. for your event and would like our furniture and props removed prior to your session, we’re happy to coordinate this for you. There is a $150 fee for removal.
Are there any restrictions?↓
Glitter, confetti, sparklers and loose flower petals are prohibited in the studio. Wax candles can be used but must be in glass containers to contain wax spillage. Please do not use nails, tacks or any tape that could remove paint or leave residue on the walls.
How many guests can the studio accommodate?↓
Normally, the studio accommodates 65 people standing, 40 people sitting in a presentation format and up to 24 people seated at tables. However, for the safety of our clients during COVID-19, we currently have a maximum capacity of 15 people for all events.
Are children permitted in the studio?↓
While children are welcome in the studio, we ask that they be closely supervised as some of the furniture pieces are expensive and easily damaged.
Does my rental fee include cleaning?↓
Your rental does not include a cleaning fee. For that reason, we ask that you leave the studio as you found it and suitable for the next guest. If you need a broom or other cleaning supplies, you’ll find them in the cabinet.
Are pets/animals allowed in the studio?↓
At this time, pets and other animals, except service animals, are not allowed in the studio.
What covid-19 protocols do you have in place?↓
Currently anyone entering the building and using the elevators or stairwells is required to wear a mask upon entry. When you are in the studio having photos taken, you'll want to work with your photographer directly if you'd like them to wear a mask in your presence. After every booking we are coming through and sanitizing all the items in the studio, including but not limited to the doors handles, bathroom key, tables, and in-house photo support equipment.