golden horseshoe weddings
An all INCLUSIVE SMALL WEDDING AND ELOPEMENT venue
IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF STANARDSVILLE, VIRGINIA
The boutique wedding
golden horseshoe weddings Presents
an all inclusive wedding
for you and up to 70 guests
your wedding just got a whole lot easier!
say goodbye to wedding planning stress!
f 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!
I
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 $995
• Add on an additional Mountaintop photo shoot if desired for $150
• Add on a Wedding Highlight film / Cinematography for $595
*Couples are also welcome to hire the outside vendor(s) of their choice
everything you need is right here amazing and affordable add on's
find incredible value with our add on's
05.
BASE PRICE OF $3995 FOR 40 GUESTS
ADD $50 FOR EACH GUEST GREATER THAN 40
DEDUCT $50 FOR EACH GUEST FEWER THAN 40
20 GUEST WEDDING = $2995
30 GUEST WEDDING = $3495
40 GUEST WEDDING = $3995
50 GUEST WEDDING = $4495
60 GUEST WEDDING = $4995
70 GUEST WEDDING = $5495
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 of the current month for both Saturday and Sunday dates
• 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.
A summer wedding with a dreamy pale blue and sage green color scheme. These two melted our hearts with all their romantic details including a love letter exchange!
see the blog post
katie and max 6.22.19
The most amazing day for the most wonderful couple.
A beautiful October 2019 Boutique Wedding with lots of fun details!
see the blog post
diana and danny 10.19.19
A Gorgeous November 2019 wedding day A candy buffet, a seasonal color scheme of ivory and burgundy. And a "message in a bottle" guest book. Come and see all the fun.
see the blog post
click here
click here
click here
brooke and dustin 11.2.19
real life boutique weddings
take a look at some of our recent real life wedding days
Hey there! We are The Golden Horseshoe Inn. An all inclusive wedding venue where all the work is taken care of by a team of wedding professionals, so all that's left for you is the FUN!
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.
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
The boutique wedding
golden horseshoe weddings Presents
e started out our wedding journey hosting small elopements at a Bed and Breakfast we used to own. But we quickly realized A) We LOVED elopements and small weddings way more than Innkeeping, and B) 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. 14 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!
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About Your hosts
a trusted team to guide you every step of the way
years of experience
14
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 Elegance Elopement 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
$995
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!
$595
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, Veggies and Dip, Cheese and Crackers, Mini Pastries, Mini Sandwiches or Deli spirals, Mozzarella wrapped in italian meats, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Pita chips as well as your wedding cake of course!
what is included in your light refreshments
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?
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
2022 Available Dates
*be sure to refresh your browser to see most recent UPdates
2022
january
FULLY BOOKED
february
Saturday, February 26
march
Saturday, March 5
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
april
may
june
FULLY BOOKED
FULLY BOOKED
july
august
FULLY BOOKED
september
FULLY BOOKED
october
november
FULLY BOOKED
december
FULLY BOOKED
We are currently SOLD OUT for 2022 wedding dates. This includes both weekdays and weekends.
We are very grateful that 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 here as soon as we know it is available. We regret that we are not able to maintain a waitlist. Feel free to click below to see our 2023 Dates!
How does the booking process work?
2024 Available Dates
2023 Available Dates
2022 Available Dates
*refresh your browser to see most recent
2023
january
february
march
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
Saturday, January 7
Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 18
Saturday, March 11
Saturday, March 18
Saturday, April 1
Saturday, April 8
Saturday, April 15
Saturday, May 27
Saturday, June 10
Saturday, June 17
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, July 1
Saturday, July 22
Saturday, July 29
Saturday, August 5
Saturday, August 12
Saturday, August 19
Saturday, August 26
Saturday, September 2
Saturday, September 23
Sunday, October 8
Sunday, October 15
Sunday, October 22
Sunday, October 29
Saturday, November 4
Saturday, November 18
Saturday, December 2
Saturday, December 9
How does the booking process work?
2023 Available Dates
2022 Available Dates
2021 Available Dates
2024
*refresh your browser to see most recent updates
january
february
March
april
may
june
july
august
september
october
november
december
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
coming soon
2024 DATES will be opened for Booking in the summer of 2022
How does the booking process work?
2023 Available Dates
2022 Available Dates
2021 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 for you to 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
Elegance Elopements
-can be booked up to 12 months in advance of the current month for Sunday dates
- Saturday Elopements can be booked up to 12 weeks in advance
- There is no minimum requirement for booking an elopement, short notice elopements are just fine with us
Boutique Weddings / Afternoon Tea Weddings
-can be booked up to 2 years in advance of the current month for Saturday or Sunday dates
-there is no minimum requirement for booking a wedding, short notice weddings are just fine with us.
Simple and easy!
