real life boutique wedding Love stories from start to finish
Featured Galleries
Kelsey & Adam
Katrina and Kyle
Hanna and Nick
golden horseshoe inn circa 1827
venue exterior
Built in 1827, this building originally served as a stagecoach inn for travelers crossing the Blue Ridge mountains through the Swift Run Gap. From the historic white columns in the front, to the cheerful side garden, and out back to the wedding deck overlooking the pond - we love it here!
cozy charm to make you feel at home
Venue Interior
Featuring two front parlors for guests to relax and enjoy cocktail hour, two upstairs dressing suites, and a light and airy reception room with original brick feature wall, and twinkle lights in the windows. Come and take a look at each room with us!
your very own wedding inventory
prop inventory
One of the ways we love to serve our couples and help them save money is by offering a prop inventory right here onsite at the venue! Each Golden Horseshoe couple is welcome to use any items in our inventory to help create the wedding look they are dreaming of, without any added expense.
Hanna & Nick
Hanna and Nick shared a beautiful wedding day at the Golden Horseshoe Inn on May 15, 2021. Their bright and cheerful color scheme of Navy and Scarlet was stunning. And the bride and groom slipped away prior to the ceremony to share personal vows on Skyline Drive - so sweet!
katrina & Kyle
This gorgeous wedding had all the special holiday vibes without being "Christmas-y" if you know what I mean. A rich color palette of hunter green and gold filled the venue with warmth and cheer. And we even made it to the mountaintop for some stunning winter wedding photos!
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October 9
kelsey & Adam
Kelsey had so many beautiful and creative ideas for her fall wedding. She made a lot of the floral arrangements herself, from flowers she grew at home. So much autumn beauty here!
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september 4
Alison & Richard
This sweet couple celebrated their late summer wedding in style. Shades of ivory and blue kept things light and airy. We loved the way our bride and groom personalize their ceremony too!
may 30
Amber & Alicia
Alice in Wonderland anyone? This unique wedding day was as beautiful and whimsical as our two brides themselves! Lots of fun details delighted and surprised the guests, including tiny mad hats, hand painted signs and even a Cheshire cat peeking out out from behind the cake!
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february 5
kayley & Nick
An absolutely stunning winter wedding day. A color scheme of hunter green and ivory set the tone for warmth and merriment. Kayley and Nick had a beautiful indoor wedding ceremony.
simple. stunning. stress free
The boutique wedding Experience
If you've discovered that the "idea" of planning a wedding (so much fun!) and the "reality" of planning a wedding (so much time and expense!) are two very different things, we totally understand! After helping plan hundreds of weddings we've learned a thing or two about how to simplify the wedding planning process. Our ALL INCLUSIVE package lets you make all the fun decisions you've been dreaming of - Cake flavors, Flowers, Ceremony script and Color Scheme, and we'll take care of all the rest for you. We've got your back when it comes to Finding Great Vendors, Creating a Timeline, Ironing the Tablecloths, full set up and clean up, and helping your guests feel cozy and welcome! We know you want a fantastic day, that feels like "you", and we know you can't stop your busy life to plan every little detail. If you've been searching for a venue that treats every couple like their only couple, and recognizes that this is a day that can't be done over, if you've been thinking that sometimes bigger isn't always better...an intimate wedding day at the Golden Horseshoe Inn might just be your dream come true! We can't wait to work with you!
your wedding just got a whole lot easier
say goodbye to wedding stress
A wedding experience like no other. Our All Inclusive package means you won't have to spend precious time interviewing vendors, figuring out logistics or stressing over details!
We know you want an amazing wedding day. And we know you're super busy.
Let us take care of putting it all together so you can simply enjoy your day!
The Boutique Wedding
golden horseshoe weddings Presents
leave the planning to us...cake, florals, officiant, dressing suites, linens, floor plan, toast, first dance...we've got it covered with no hidden fees
a thoughtfully created timeline to make the most of your special day
full planning assistance, "Day of" coordinating and wedding day direction
Our whole team understands that what we do is a little different than a regular job. You've trusted us with a dream day, and we promise to be just as excited about your wedding as you are!
designed especially for you
a day that is
We're here to help every step of the way, as you plan and customize your wedding experience. We'll even provide a detailed planning guide so you don't miss a thing!
• Each booked couple receives a personalized planning packet
• We'll help you customize your timeline to optimize your day
• We'll share a library of favorite wedding ceremonies to customize so that your ceremony feels like "you"!
• Join us for a detailed onsite planning meeting to go over details and choose linen colors in person
WE'll create a personalized wedding day timeline just for you!
planning your day
01.
Our well appointed dressing suites were designed to provide comfort, calm and everything you'll need to prepare for your walk down the aisle.
• Designed with beautiful "getting ready" pictures in mind
• Ironing Board, Gown Steamer, Amenities cupboard and restroom
• Wedding assistant ready to help you into your gown if needed
a dressing suite for each partner makes getting ready a breeze
getting ready on the day of
02.
Choose an outdoor ceremony on our wedding deck overlooking our little pond and fountain, or a cozy indoor ceremony in the reception room.
• Ceremony site will be set up with white aisle runner and decor
• Choice of Indoor or Outdoor ceremony location
• We'll provide a licensed Virginia Wedding Officiant (or bring your own)
• Couples are welcome to request specific music for their ceremony
• "Day of" walkthrough provided for each bridal party member as they arrive
offering both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations
your ceremony
03.
Arrive on your wedding day to find the entire reception space already sparkling and set up to your specifications.
• Personalized floor plan, including all tables and chairs
•All dinnerware and glassware included
• Choose from 55 linen colors (overlay, napkin, and ivory tablecloth)
• Wedding staff will clear plates after dinner and provide cake service (cutting and serving of your wedding cake to guests)
a special place to celebrate
your reception
04.
Quality wedding photography can be a budget breaker for sure. We are pleased to offer incredible photo and video services as well as other special touches to delight your guests AND your budget.
• Candy buffet $5 per guest
• S'mores station $199
• Full Day Photography Package $1495
• Add on an additional Mountaintop photo shoot if desired for $150
• Add on a Wedding Highlight film / Cinematography for $995
*Couples may instead hire the outside vendor(s) of their choice if preferred
everything you need is right here amazing and affordable add on's
find incredible value with our add on's
05.
BASE PRICE OF $4295 FOR 40 GUESTS
ADD $50 FOR EACH GUEST GREATER THAN 40
DEDUCT $50 FOR EACH GUEST FEWER THAN 40
20 GUEST WEDDING = $3295
30 GUEST WEDDING = $3795
40 GUEST WEDDING = $4295
50 GUEST WEDDING = $4795
60 GUEST WEDDING = $5295
70 GUEST WEDDING = $5795
YEP, IT'S THAT EASY. And no sneaky hidden fees!
• Exclusive use of the venue on your wedding day
•11am - 6pm for weddings with light refreshments only
•11am - 8pm for weddings serving a catered meal
•Onsite wedding planning meeting to choose colors, props and plan
• Unlimited planning and support via email
• Creation of a personalized Wedding Day Timeline
• Wedding Planner and Day of Direction
• Wedding Event Staff
• All Set Up and ironing of linens and decor
• All Clean Up
• Licensed Virginia Wedding Officiant available to sign your license
• Couple may choose anyone they wish to perform their ceremony, or GHI will provide an Officiant for you
• Personalized Wedding Ceremony tailored to your beliefs
•Choice of Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony Space
•Separate drop off day to unload your decor and alcohol
•Option to hire a caterer and serve a meal (full service catering or a drop off package are both allowed - self catering is not allowed)
• Maximum Guest Count of 70 plus wedding couple
•Children age 2 and over are included in guest count (babies under the age of 2 are not included in guest count)
•$500 non refundable retainer required to reserve your wedding date
• Final Guest Count and remainder of balance due 3 weeks prior to your wedding date
• A 5.3% VA sales tax will be added to all packages and options.
• Prices are subject to change without notice and not guaranteed until contract is signed
• The Boutique Wedding can be reserved up to 2 years in advance
• Choice of Outdoor or Indoor Ceremony Space
• Well appointed dressing suites for both partners
• Arrive up to 3 hours ahead of your ceremony to dress and prepare
• Use of our extensive wedding prop inventory
• 3 tier (6", 8", 10") custom wedding cake
• Custom Bridal bouquet in colors of your choice
• Custom boutonniere in colors of your choice
• Customized floral options for our LGBT couples
• Fresh flowers to garnish your cake
• Sparkling Apple Cider Toast (or bring your favorite champagne)
• White padded wedding chairs
• 60" round wedding tables (7)
• Additional auxiliary tables for gifts, guest book, cake etc.
• Coffee, Tea, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Ice Water for entire event
• Light refreshments to serve during cocktail hour
• All dinnerware, glassware and utensils
• Welcome beverage display for guests on front porch as they arrive
• Sparkler or Bubble Send off
the all inclusive boutique wedding includes the following:
the fine print:
pricing
06.
e started out our wedding journey hosting small elopements at a Bed and Breakfast we used to own. But we quickly realized 1) We LOVED elopements and small weddings way more than Innkeeping, and 2) We wanted our couples to have COMPLETE PRIVACY!!!...with no other non-wedding guests around! We think our couples deserve a distraction free day that is purely about them. That's when we created our business Weddings at the Golden Horseshoe Inn way back in 2009! Heather (wedding planner, owner and photographer) Monique (Assistant Wedding Planner and Officiant) and Stephen (cinematography) delight in the uniqueness of each couple we have the honor of serving. 15 years and over 600 weddings later, we still get teary during the "first look", still oooh and ahhh over the gorgeous attire and sentimental details, and have learned a thing or two about helping our couples "get to the good part" and leave stress and worry behind!
W
About Your hosts
a trusted team to guide you every step of the way
years of experience
15
our joy comes from treating every wedding as if it is our only wedding
Weddings hosted
600+
Quick Facts
By the Numbers
a building that has stood the test of time is the perfect place to wed
the year the GHI was built
1827
our amazing location is right next door to shenandoah national park
miles to skyline drive
3
We know you want a wedding day that is beautiful, personalized, and unique,
while ALSO being affordable, fun and stress free!
We're so happy you've discovered us and can't wait to get started creating the most incredible wedding day for you!
The boutique wedding
golden horseshoe weddings Presents
This
Or
This
You could end up feeling like your wedding day was more of a "performance" than an authentic expression of "you"
You could spend precious hours setting up decor, and cleaning up everything yourselves...
You could spend your time arranging everything yourself, interviewing and coordinating mulitple vendors...
It could be overwhelming...
You could give yourselves the gift of a day that is just for you...no pressure, no expectations, and lots of precious time together.
You could arrive to a charming venue, already beautifully set up just for you, in your own colors and style...
You could have our trusted team take care of every detail & create the day you've been dreaming of...
...or it could be effortless!
rachel and ian - 2020 golden horseshoe couple
"The Golden Horseshoe Inn is truly a piece of heaven on earth! It's hard not to start gushing about how magical our small wedding was, and how genuine, kind and attentive Heather and Monique were throughout the planning process and then on the day itself. The GHI team really is hacking the wedding industry in the most beautiful way!."
McKenzie and Amanada - 2020 Golden Horseshoe Couple
...and that’s exactly what we experienced. We got to choose the fun details like colors and cake flavor while Heather and her team handled the stressful stuff like making sure the florist arrived on time and the baker knew where to deliver the cake. GHI made our dream wedding come true."
"We wanted a beautiful wedding without the stress of planning it"
"The Golden Horseshoe Inn made having a beautiful, memorable wedding as simple and wonderful as it could have possibly been."
colleen and derrick - 2020 golden horseshoe couple
Marlene and gary - 2020 Golden horseshoe wedding couple
"I cannot thank Heather and her team enough. We gave her one inspiration picture and a brief description of what we envisioned and she created the most beautiful, special, personalized wedding day for us. She made the entire process easy and stress free and everything exceeded all of our expectations."
Emily and Chris - 2020 Golden Horseshoe Couple
"They listen and respond in such a way that you know they love what they do and care about each and every couple that comes through their doors. I loved not having to worry about the cake, the flowers, finding an officiant, setting up or cleaning up"
"Heather, Monique and their team do a magnificent job at making you feel comfortable"
H
We have the unbelievable good fortune of being right next door to Shenandoah National Park. Nothing but sweeping mountain vistas for miles, and the perfect spot for perfectly EPIC wedding photos! We'll help you choose the perfect part of your day to head to the mountain, and our photographer knows all the best locations!
mountain photo shoot
$150
We are delighted to offer a full day, onsite photography package. Beautifully edited high resolution images of your whole day will be delivered within about 3 weeks of your wedding via high resolution download.
Our photographer (and owner of Golden Horseshoe Weddings) Heather Tusing specializes in making our couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and capturing joyful, genuine moments. All photos on this website and our blog are examples of Heather's work
full day photography
$1495
cinematography
A wedding highlight film will capture all the excitement and anticipation of your big day in a fun, sharable format! We know this keepsake will become even more special over time as you watch it together on all your future anniversaries!
$995
for the best day ever
Optional additions
•Candy buffet $5 per guest
•trail mix buffet $5 per guest
•S'mores station $199
•Souvenir toasting glasses pair $25
•Chafing dish rental $20 each
•additional bridal party flowers - varies by item, please inquire
The Boutique Wedding can be booked up to 2 years in advance. You can check out our Wedding Date Availability Calendar HERE
Ready to Book a Date? Please fill out THIS FORM
Do you have questions? CONTACT US
what dates do you have available and how do I reserve one
We have some fantastic hair and makeup providers who would love to help!
Vanda Lee Hair and Makeup
Andrea's Tie the Knot Updo's
Evonne Burns Hair and Makeup Team
Alicia Taylor Cosmetic Artistry
who do you recommend for hair and make up
There are no overnight rooms at the Golden Horseshoe Inn (our historic name is from 1827 when our building served as a Stage Coach Inn). We DO offer an adorable honeymoon cabin about 7 minutes from the Inn - Chestnut Hills Cottage. We also recommend Lydia Mountain Lodge, The Lafayette, and Holiday Inn Express. See links to these and more accommodations on our FAQ page.
do you offer accommodations
Couples may choose to invite up to 70 guests to share in their wedding celebration. Babies under the age of 2 are not included in the guest count. Guests age 2 and over are included in the guest count. Bridal party members are included in the guest count. Wedding couple (bride and groom, bride and bride, or groom and groom) are not included in the guest count. Guest count is finalized by 3 weeks prior to wedding date when final payment is due.
how many guests may i invite
Yes! You can choose your cake flavor, filling, icing & style options. Couples can request a specific color palette for their flowers. Couples may decline our floral package (refund of $170) or cake (refund of $125), and choose to bring their own instead. We don't currently have a baker that provides vegan, dairy free, or gluten free cakes, so couples with allergies are most welcome to provide their own cake if preferred.
can i personalize my cake and flower options
Absolutely! Our wedding planners will help plan your day so that you have time for all the special moments you'd like to incorporate (first look if desired, mountain photoshoot if desired, first dance or parent dances if desired etc). We'll suggest a ceremony time that maximizes great light for your wedding photos. You can contact us to see a sample timeline if you'd like.
can I personalize my timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Couples are welcome to email us links to their playlists, or give us their special songs (First Dance, Processional, Recessional etc.) and we'll take care of playing them at the correct time from our device. Couples who prefer not to curate their own playlists are welcome to use ours, for parts, or all, of their day. We'll take care of making all announcements and introductions, a DJ is not required or permitted. For dancing, each floor plan is customized to the requirements of the couple. For groups of 40 or less, our rear reception room makes the perfect dedicated dance floor space. For groups of more than 40, tables in the rear reception space can be moved after dinner to create a dance floor space. And introverts take note :-) dancing is not required. Lots of our couples choose a more chill vibe and enjoy time hanging out and visiting or making s'mores instead of dancing!
how does dancing and music work
The short answer: alcohol (if desired), full meal (if desired) a wedding photographer (if desired) and guest favors (if desired).
The long answer: Couples can provide their own alcohol and we'll provide the wineglasses, ice, beverage tubs and bar to display it on. Couples may hire the caterer of their choice if serving a meal (we'll provide the buffet tables, linens and all dinnerware). Full service catering or a simple drop off package are fine! Couples may hire our in house wedding photographer, or any photographer they wish. *Our photographer and cinematographer only work with each other. Couples hiring an outside photographer should hire an outside videographer and vice versa.
you include so much...what do i need to bring, buy or hire
Sure thing! We have a licensed Virginia Wedding officiant available onsite to sign your wedding license (which makes you legally married in Virginia!). This gives our couples the extra freedom to choose anyone special to them, to perform their wedding ceremony. If providing your own officiant, that person (and one companion) is NOT included in your guest count and is welcome to stay and enjoy the festivities.
can we provide our own officiant instead of using yours
We offer everything you'll need to host an afternoon tea style event. Guests will be greeted with a welcome beverage upon arrival. During cocktail hour we'll provide Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Ice Water, and Coffee (cream and sweeteners too!). Most couples use our light refreshments as their cocktail hour fare and then have a caterer drop a meal off for dinner. Other couples choose to host an afternoon event, which concludes before dinner time, in which case our light refreshments will become the sit down fare. We include: Seasonal Fruit platter, Veggies and Dip platter, Cheese and Crackers and Italian meats platter, Mini Pastries Platter, s as well as your wedding cake of course!
No. In the spirit of making your wedding day as amazing and stress free as possible, we do not include pets as part of the ceremony or reception. If you would like to have your pet brought to the venue for 30 minutes on your wedding day to take part in photos, you are welcome to arrange that. Many couples doing this will choose pet friendly accommodations at the nearby Lydia Mountain Lodge (about a 10 minute drive from the venue).
what is included in your light refreshments
Is the venue pet friendly - can we include our dog
Tours are available by appointment Tuesday - Sunday on most days that we are not hosting a wedding! We can take a look around the venue together, you'll be able to browse our portfolio books from past weddings, and we can answer any questions you have! Just send us an email and let us know the days and times that work best for you, and we'll let you know our next available appointments! Planning from long distance or short notice and can't make it for a venue tour? No problem! A tour is not mandatory, you are welcome to reserve a wedding date at any time!
is a venue tour required prior to booking a date
Yes! We think this is a great way to save money. An ABC license is not needed unless you are selling the alcohol to your guests (eg: a cash bar). Your event is considered a private party by invitation only. We offer a drop off day, ahead of your wedding day, so you can unload any beverages you are providing. We'll provide the ice and beverage tubs. Guests can self pour, or you may hire a bartender through your caterer.
can we provide our own alcohol
We know your time is valuable. And we know this is a BIG decision.
That's why we've shared EVERYTHING right here on this page!
No "call for pricing", no hard sell, no tricky hidden fees.
You've found the perfect partner, and we hope you've just found the perfect venue!
We can't wait to hear from you!
The boutique wedding
golden horseshoe weddings Presents
How does the booking process work?
2025 Available Dates
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
*refresh your browser to see most recent UPdates
2023
january
fully booked
february
fully booked
march
fully booked
fully booked
Sunday, April 23
Saturday, May 27
april
may
june
fully booked
fully booked
july
august
Sunday, August 13
september
fully booked
october
november
fully booked
december
fully booked
We are grateful so many couples have chosen
Golden Horseshoe to host their wedding day.
Cancellations are rare, but should a cancellation happen, we will post the date above as soon as we know it is available.
We regret that we are not able to maintain a waitlist.
Click below to see our 2024 Dates!
How does the booking process work?
2025 Available Dates
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
*refresh your browser to see most recent UPdates
2024
january
february
march
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
Saturday, January 13
Saturday, January 27
Saturday, February 10
Saturday, February 17
Saturday, February 24
Saturday, March 2
Saturday, March 9
Saturday, March 16
Saturday, April 6
Sunday, April 7
Saturday, May 18
Sunday, May 26
Saturday, June 8
Sunday, June 9
Sunday, June 23
Saturday, June 29
Saturday, July 6
Sunday, July 7
Saturday, July 13
Sunday, July 14
Saturday, July 20
Saturday, July 27
Saturday, August 3
Sunday, August 4
Saturday, August 17
Saturday, August 31
Saturday, September 7
Saturday, September 14
Sunday, September 22
Sunday, September 29
Saturday, October 5
Sunday, October 6
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, October 20
Sunday, October 27
Saturday, November 16
Saturday, November 23
Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
Saturday, December 21
How does the booking process work?
2025 Available Dates
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
2025
*refresh your browser to see most recent updates
2025 Dates Will BE OPENED FOR BOOKING
In SUMMER OF 2023
PLEASE CHECK BACK
How does the booking process work?
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
2022 Available Dates
the booking process
Wedding dates are booked on a first come, first served basis, when a contract and retainer are returned for a date.
When you are ready to book, fill out our READY TO BOOK A DATE FORM and we'll confirm your date is available.
We'll immediately email over a secure link where your retainer can be paid, and a Contract you can each sign electronically.
Once both your contract and retainer have been received by us, your reservation is complete.
We'll email over a receipt and a detailed wedding planning packet so we can get started helping you create an amazing day!
A few things to note:
- A $500 non refundable retainer is required to book your date
- This retainer fee is deducted from your final amount due
- Your final payment is due 3 weeks prior to your wedding date
- Dates are booked on a first come, first served basis
- Due to the number of couples considering a Golden Horseshoe Wedding,
we regret we are not able to "hold" dates
THE BOUTIQUE WEDDING &
THE AFTERNOON TEA WEDDING
Can be booked up to 2 years in advance
there is no minimum requirement for booking a wedding,
we can easily host short notice weddings
"I cannot thank Heather and her team enough. We gave her one inspiration picture and a brief description of what we envisioned and she created the most beautiful, special, personalized wedding day for us. She made the entire process easy and stress free and everything exceeded all of our expectations. In addition to being an amazing wedding planner, she is an incredible photographer! Her pictures are magazine quality and we are so thankful that we will have these memories to cherish for years to come. For any brides who have had to rework their weddings due to COVID or are considering a smaller wedding even in non-COVID times, I would HIGHLY recommend GHI. -Colleen and Derrick
We truly couldn’t have asked for anything better. Having the all inclusive feel takes the stress out of planning a wedding. From the delicious cake to perfectly designed flowers, to in-house photography and cinematography..., as well as a provided officiant that made our ceremony extra special…. we really couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. If you’re questioning having a smaller, intimate ceremony…. Look no further!!! The GHI is the place for you". - Kayley and Nick
If I could rate Golden Horseshoe Inn 50 stars it still wouldn't be enough. From the planning to the day of, everything was just so effortless. Every detail, every moment, and every aspect of the entire day was, for lack of a better word, perfect. Weddings can often be stressful but that was not the case for us... we had FUN. Our cheeks hurt by the end of the day from smiling and laughing so much. Our photos are simply breathtaking and we will cherish them for the rest of our lives. I could go on and on about all the amazing things that should make you chose GHI but there is no reason better than the folks that come with it. My husband and I felt completely at home with Heather and Monique and you just can't put a price on that. Not one single regret. - Skye and Sam
"We found GHI and it was like all of our wishes had been granted. Getting married with GHI was the absolute best decision. The team at GHI is truly a dream team. We gave them a vision of what we were thinking and they made it come to life. The decor was beautiful. Our cake was delicious, really pretty too. Between Heather & Monique, the day moved very smoothly and there was never an awkward moment of “what’s next”. All of our family and friends felt very welcome. GHI is very LGBT+ friendly. My wife and I felt very supported and the GHI family was genuinely happy for us. Choosing an all inclusive wedding was the best option for us. We wanted a beautiful wedding without the stress of planning it and that’s exactly what we experienced. - Amanda and McKenzie
Words
Kind
Pricing, Available Dates & Package Details are RIGHT HERE on our website.
Do you have other questions? We're happy to assist.
contact us
Featured In
Magazine May / June 2021 Issue
