Visions of an entrancing escape to Loudoun County, Virginia, conjure images of charmingly situated barns and rustic structures set amidst rolling hills and sumptuous forests, verdant and thriving. Shadow Creek, located just outside of Purcellville, fits this ethereal vision perfectly. Beautifully constructed, the post and beam equestrian-style barn exudes a sense of pastoral chic sophistication. From the Bridal Suite to the Groom’s Lounge, the venue is a comfortable choice for an elegant- or even garden-style- affair.
With a lovely ceremony site, fabulous set up for a reception and plenty of room for lawn games and fire pits, Shadow Creek makes entertaining a cinch. Owned and operated by the Carlyle family, guests and clients quickly sense the air of effortless hospitality that pervades the property. Brides and Grooms even have the opportunity to have one of the Carlyle’s gorgeously-groomed quarter horses in the outside stall for photo opportunities or for a romantic carriage ride across the expansive property.
In an effort to offer our Loudoun County couples the most insightful information possible, we’ve chatted with Shadow Creek’s own Lori Carlyle for all the tips and tidbits a couple should know about wedding or hosting a reception (or both!) at the exquisite Shadow Creek estate.
It's a family affair! The Carlyle family owns and operates Shadow Creek with great pride and joy.
LW: What makes Shadow Creek Unique?
LC: Shadow Creek was specifically built for couples looking for a wedding venue that perfectly blends rusticity with elegance. Shadow Creek is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the rolling countryside, where you’ll often see our family’s cows and horses grazing in the distance. Although Shadow Creek was built to replicate an equestrian barn on the outside, the inside is whimsical, romantic and chic. Hardwood floors, stunning chandeliers, twinkle lights, a French country inspired bridal suite, a manly groom’s lounge, and outdoor lawn games are just some of the things that make Shadow Creek so unique!
LW: What do you wish discerning brides knew about Shadow Creek?
LC: We are beyond grateful for the men and women who defend our country, and keep our communities safe everyday. Therefore, we proudly offer a $500 discount to any firefighter, police officer, or military personnel.
LW: How did you come up with the idea to open this lovely property up as an event venue?
LC: When our oldest daughter got engaged, she was in search of the perfect venue. She had a large guest list, wanted to be able to be married outside, but if there was inclement weather, wanted to be able to easily move the ceremony indoors. She did not want to get married under a tent, at a winery, or at a hotel, so as you can imagine this was quite a challenge! She ended up selecting a venue outside of the county, and that is when the idea was dreamed up! Years later, at a family dinner, the topic came up again, and we decided it would be a great venture to fill the niche for a large venue in Loudoun!
LW: What is your favorite aspect of the property, personally?
LC: I have two. First and foremost, the awesomeness of the massive oak beams and the woodsy aroma that permeates the air inside Shadow Creek. Second, the panoramic views of the rolling meadows that surround the property, and the breathtaking view as you round the corner to the ceremony site.
Ceremony and Reception sites at the Shadow Creek property present exceptional vistas. Floral designed by Holly Heider Chapple.
LW: What locations on the premises do you have available for the wedding ceremony?
LC: We have two outdoor ceremony sites. One is a large cobblestone patio that overlooks beautiful farmland, and a view of the creek. We also have a grass ceremony area, which also overlooks the beautiful rolling hills, and can accommodate 300 guests. The ceremony can easily be moved indoors pending inclement weather, or for a dreamy winter wedding.
LW: What locations are available for the reception?
LC: Receptions can be inside, outside on the lawn, or under the covered portico.
LW: What is it about Shadow Creek that generally makes your couples choose you over other venues in the area?
LC: The views, and the exposed wooden beams are what most couples say they love about Shadow Creek! However, one of our biggest assets is our size, being able to seat 300 guests with a dance floor. Our space can also be transformed to cater to smaller, more intimate weddings as well!
The post and beam style equestrian barn offerns a backdrop for countless renditions of wedding day glamour. Floral designed by Holly Heider Chapple
LW: Tell us how you came up with the name for this gorgeous venue.
LC: To be honest, I was just driving by one day, and the name popped into my head. It stuck, I liked it, my family liked it, and so it is! There is a beautiful creek that runs along the base of our property and after coming up with the name, we noticed that the large trees that are situated alongside the creek, casting picturesque shadows over the entire area, so the name was meant to be!
LW: Are there any traditions that you observe at Shadow Creek that are exclusive to the property? (For instance, a specific spot all couples have their photo taken, or, all couples have a romantic ride in a horse drawn carriage, etc.)
LC: Yes, we had a gate put in the fence, so our couples can access all of the property. The couples are allowed to walk or drive through the fields for their pictures, even down to the creek, if they like. This seems to be a favorite
LW: Tell us about one of your favorite events that has been held at Shadow Creek.
LC: A wedding… The bride’s brother had been in a very serious accident the year of her engagement, and it wasn’t sure if he would even survive. After the accident, he was wheelchair bound for several months, not knowing if he would ever be able to walk again. As part of his rehabilitation, he took months of dance lessons, from the prospective groom’s parents, who lived in another state, as an innovative way to help him with his motor skills. One year later, every heart pounded with joy as this bride and her brother took to the dance floor!
Visit Shadow Creek Weddings & Events for more information.