real life boutique wedding Love stories from start to finish
Kenzie and Andrew
Dawniece and Ahmad
Sydney and Ian
golden horseshoe inn circa 1827
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 front, to the cheerful side garden, and out back to the newly remodeled wedding deck and pond - we love it here!
cozy charm to make you feel at home
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
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.
Sydney and ian
A vibrant and relaxed wedding vibe for a fun loving couple who don't take themselves too seriously. We loved the orange slice details, the whimsical altar decor and the epic mountain photoshoot!
dawniece & ahmad
I joked that I wasn't sure if I was at a super-model meet up or a wedding - everyone and everything was just so GORGEOUS!!! An elegant and classic wedding day with a color palette of black and gold and a simply stunning bride and groom.
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October 9
kenzie and Andrew
A jane Austen inspired event with so many sweet vintage details (the magnifying glass! the wedding boots! the vintage books and brooches!) One of our favorite aesethics of all time!
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claudia and chase
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 personalized their ceremony too!
taylor and tyler
A February wedding day in blushing tones of pink and burgundy! Even a bad weather day can't dull the glow of a Golden Horseshoe wedding. We moved to an indoor ceremony and took outdoor photos on the porch and it was picture perfect in every way!
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Montia and Tyler
A beautiful LGBT+ ceremony for the most beautiful brides. It was the perfect summer day for a vibrant celebration awash in bright colors. Our couple shared a sweet first look before heading to the mountaintop for unforgettable photos!
simple. stunning. stress free
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!
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!
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 and decorations in person
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
• Each dressing suite accommodates 4 people, for a total of 8 wedding party members preparing themselves onsite.
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 wedding party member as they arrive
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)
• Twinkle lights sparkling in all the reception room windows
Your package includes:
You'll provide the following as desired:
Photographer, Guest Favors, Guest Book, Delivery of Catered Meal,
Beer, Wine and Champagne if desired.
You can find recommended caterers on our FAQ page
Continued
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 and Photographer) Monique (Wedding Planner and Officiant) and their team delight in the uniqueness of each couple we have the honor of serving. 18 years and over 900 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!
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 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!."
...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."
"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."
"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"
Gluten Free Bakery
Limo
Andrea's Tie The Knot Updo's
Alicia Taylor Hair and Makeup
Posh Bride VA - Evonne Burns
Cagney Shifflett MUA
Hair and Makeup by Vanda Lee
Bristles Salon
Gohar Makeup
Lilly Styles Beauty
Mission BBQ
Hanks Grille and Catering
Dayton Catering Co.
The Lafayette
Deep Run Roadhouse
Hacienda Catering Company
Lydia Mountain Lodge
The Lafayette Bed and Breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Ruckersville
Double Tree Hotel Charlottesville
Staybridge Suites Charlottesville
Air BNB Stanardsville, VA
Harpist
Local Caterers:
Videography:
Accommodations
CHO - Charlottesville is the closest airport
RIC - Richmond is the closest International
Amtrak Charlottesville
Shenandoah National Park
Early Mountain Vineyards
Barboursville Winery
Horton Vineyards
Montpelier
Greene County Visitors Center
Closest Airports and Train Station
The Lafayette
(great for rehearsal dinner or post wedding brunch)
Jack's Shop Kitchen
The Bavarian Chef
Blue Ridge Cafe
El Jaripeo - Ruckersville
Bearrr Appetite
Things To Do:
Lydia Mountain Lodge
The Lafayette Bed & Breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Ruckersville
Double Tree Hotel Charlottesville
Staybridge Suites Charlottesville
Air Bnb Stanardsville, VA
Places to Eat:
Places to Stay:
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!
Lilly Styles
Andrea's Tie the Knot Updo's
Posh Bride
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). There ARE plenty of great accommodations options close by. Some of the most popular choices are Lydia Mountain Lodge, The Lafayette, and Holiday Inn Express. Find links to these and more accommodations on our FAQ page.
do you offer accommodations
Couples may choose to invite up to 60 guests to share in their wedding celebration. Babies in arms under the age of 1 are not included in the guest count. Guests age 1 and over are included in the guest count. Wedding 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. All events do conclude at 8pm.
can I personalize my timeline
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), catered 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 any photographer they wish.
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 preferred.
can we provide our own officiant instead of using yours
We offer everything you'll need to host an afternoon tea style event. We'll provide Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Ice Water, and Coffee (cream and sweeteners too!) and cocktail hour fare. Most couples then have a caterer drop a meal off for dinner. We include: Seasonal Fruit platter, Veggies and Dip platter, Cheese and Grapes platter, Cannoli's and Italian Cookies platter, 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
No. 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!
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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 2027 Dates!
Saturday, January 9
Saturday, January 23
Saturday, January 30
Saturday, February 6
Sunday, February 14
Sunday, February 21
Saturday, March 6 ***
Saturday, March 13
Sunday, March 14
Sunday, March 21
Sunday, April 4
Fully Booked
Sunday, June 27
Saturday, July 3
Saturday, July 10
Sunday, July 11
Saturday, July 24
Sunday, July 25
Saturday, July 31
Saturday, August 7
Sunday, August 8
Saturday, August 14
Saturday, August 21
Sunday, August 22
Saturday, September 11
Sunday, September 12
Sunday, September 19
Saturday, September 25
Sunday, October 3
Sunday, November 7
Saturday, November 13
Saturday, November 20
Sunday, November 21
Saturday, December 4
Sunday, December 5
Saturday, December 11
Sunday, December 12
Saturday, December 18
*** denotes a date where In House Photography package is not available
*refresh your browser to see most recent updates
Saturday, Febraury 26
Sunday, February 27
Saturday, March 11
Sunday, March 12
Saturday, March 18
Saturday, March 25
Sunday, March 26
Saturday, August 5
Sunday, August 6
Saturday, August 12
Saturday, August 19
Sunday, August 20
Saturday, May 6
Saturday, May 13
Sunday, May 14
Saturday, May 20
Sunday, May 21
Saturday, May 27
Saturday, June 3
Sunday, June 4
Saturday, June 10
Saturday, June 17
Sunday, June 18
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, July 1
Sunday, July 2
Saturday, July 8
Saturday, July 15
Sunday, July 16
Saturday, July 22
Saturday, July 29
Sunday, July 30
Saturday, April 1
Sunday, April 2
Saturday, April 8
Saturday, April 15
Saturday, April 22
Sunday, April 23
Saturday, April 29
Saturday, September 2
Sunday, September 3
Saturday, September 9
Saturday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Saturday, September 23
Saturday, September 30
Saturday, October 7
Sunday, October 8
Saturday, October 14
Saturday, October 15
Saturday, October 21
Saturday, October 28
Sunday, October 29
Saturday, November 4
Sunday, November 5
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, November 18
Sunday, November 19
Saturday, December 2
Sunday, December 3
Saturday, December 9
Sunday, December 10
Saturday, December 16
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
-additional non refundable payments of $500 due 12 months, 6 months and 3 months prior to wedding date
- Your remaining balance 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 or maintain a waitlist
THE BOUTIQUE WEDDING
Can be booked up to 2 years in advance
there is no minimum timeframe requirement for booking a wedding,
we can easily and joyfully 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 published on our website.
Do you have other questions? We're happy to assist.
contact us
Featured In
Magazine May / June 2021 Issue