Destination weddings are so trendy that TLC, the cable channel that airs several popular shows for brides, has published a list of ‘Ten Beautiful Destination Wedding Locales.’ Luray, Virginia, is number two, just behind Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
According to the TLC website, “a lot of the places on this list were chosen for their scenic beauty. And Luray, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley certainly has that in spades, what with being seated at the foot of the Blue Mountains.”
Though the list specifically cites the underground Luray Caverns as a venue, in recent years the area has seen tremendous growth as a wedding setting. The choices range from the rustic to the romantic, with a variety of options for flowers, food and entertainment.
John Shaffer, director of public relations at Luray Caverns, explains the popularity of their site, “Since before the turn of the last century (1900,) Luray Caverns has been a unique setting for over 450 weddings. Most have occurred in the Ball Room, renamed the Cathedral in 1957 upon the completion of the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument, now recognized in The Guinness Book of World Records.”
In the surrounding pastoral countryside, brides find the scenic beauty to be a stunning backdrop for their special day.
Leith Campbell swears he had nothing to do with Luray’s recent designation. Natives of the area, Leith and his wife Linda raised their four daughters at Khimaira Farm, a working 60-acre goat farm, which has become a popular nuptial venue with a panoramic view of the exquisite Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. While most families save for years to hold their weddings in the valley, two of the Campbell’s daughters married on the farm.
“Our clients tell us that they chose our farm as they are looking for a ‘green’ venue and that it offers them an opportunity to truly enjoy the beauty of our backyard (the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park!) in a peaceful outdoor setting,” Linda shares.
“We try to offer a relaxed barn venue with the essence of country life so that our visitors can experience the beauty of a pastoral setting. They can dance under the stars, gaze at the colorful sunset and then watch the moon rise. With every wedding, we bring two more children into our family, and plan to start a tradition of having a ‘wedding family reunion’ picnic to invite all of the couples back to visit each year.”
In town, Tom and Anita Potts cater to a different style of bride and groom at their elegant bed and breakfast, South Court Inn.
“TLC got it right,” Tom says. “Luray is a fantastic destination for couples wanting to get married. We are a small bed and breakfast that caters to couples seeking quality time together and the natural beauty of the town and area has brought us elopement and small wedding couples from as far away as Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, New York and Boston.”
The inn offers five different elopement/small wedding packages…everything from come-exchange-vows-and-go to all-inclusive wedding/honeymoon packages – all very elegant and at very reasonable prices.
Planning a wedding, vow renewal or anniversary? See the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce website and find out more about the area at www.LurayPage.com.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].
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