Melanie Walker
With so many venues, picking the perfect one for your wedding can be challenging. After an initial online search, you quickly discover countless options, each claiming to offer something special.
Ultimately, you’re looking for a venue that aligns with your vision and creates an unforgettable experience for you and your guests — ideally, a place that makes the planning process seamless and enjoyable.
When couples research and find Zion Springs, they often compare it with Shadow Creek and Stone Tower Winery. It's not uncommon for these venues to be the top contenders, and after all, it's the three of us among the highest-rated wedding venues in Northern Virginia. We’ve created this comprehensive comparison—to help couples explore their options and choose the perfect venue for their special day.
Couples evaluating these venues have typically decided that a barn setting with a rustic theme and picturesque scenery is the most important for the setting of their big day. Many couples opt to have their wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue, especially when they can take advantage of sweeping views and picturesque settings.
In this article, we’ll cover exclusive use policies, services, typical clientele, pricing, additional resources, and real couple reviews for each venue. By the end, you should have a clearer picture of what each venue offers and which might best fit your wedding.
Stone Tower Winery
Stone Tower Winery is a sought-after wedding venue in the heart of wine country. Known for its breathtaking views, elegant spaces, and exceptional service it is a perfect choice for weddings of any size.
Services
At Stone Tower Winery, you get a beautiful wedding venue and the flexibility to customize it to your heart's content. They provide essential coordination and support to keep things running smoothly.
Their services include:
- Day-of coordination
- Outside vendors - preferred vendor list
One great feature of Stone Tower Winery is its exclusive use of venue wines at a discounted rate. Couples can bring their beer and liquor for a personalized touch.
Note: Your venue coordinator’s focus will be slightly more geared towards the venue itself; making sure that the venue is prepped and ready to go, that your vendors are set up properly, and once again that things are running smoothly to ensure that the venue is meeting all of your wedding day needs.
Amenities
Stone Tower Winery provides a variety of amenities to enhance your wedding experience, ensuring comfort and convenience for you and your guests.
- Rehearsal dinner venue options
- Stunning cocktail & reception spaces
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Multiple ceremony sites
- Wedding/dressing suite
- Furniture for ceremony
- Reception tables & chairs
- On-site accommodations
- Wheelchair access
- Liability insurance
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
Pricing
Prospective couples can submit a quote request on Stone Tower Winery’s website to receive detailed pricing for the services offered.
The typical cost for a wedding at Stone Tower Winery starts at $10,000. Various packages are available to suit different budgets and needs.
Related: What are DIY Pros and Cons
Additional planning resources & inspiration
Stone Tower Winery has various resources and events to assist couples in planning their perfect wedding. Regular wine-tasting events and tours provide a delightful experience for couples and guests.
The winery’s website features a wedding brochure to help couples navigate every aspect of their wedding planning process. Informative content covers ceremony sites, cocktail and reception spaces, on-site accommodation options, and a list of preferred vendors.
Additionally, the Weddings Gallery showcases beautiful weddings previously hosted at the venue, providing ideas and inspiration for couples.
What couples say
Stone Tower Winery has received high ratings based on client feedback and satisfaction, cementing its reputation as a top wedding destination.
There’s no doubt that Stone Tower Winery delivers outstanding experiences for couples. Here is a 5-star review from Google:
"We truly cannot stress enough what a flawless experience it was working with Stone Tower, specifically with Olivia and Halley. This venue is absolutely stunning, regardless of the time of year. So many of our guests made comments about how beautiful the view was and how unique the tank room was. Olivia and Halley really made everything as easy as it could have been. We cannot recommend this venue enough!"
They have a 5.0 rating on The Knot.
Expectations for event staff
Stone Tower Winery has a dedicated wedding coordinator to oversee the venue during your event. For the complete event management—setup, breakdown, vendor management, and guest coordination—you'll need to bring in an external wedding planner.
Note: Keep in mind that Stone Tower Winery is an active winery, which means there could be multiple events happening simultaneously. Be sure to check that their rental hours align with your schedule.
So, who is Stone Tower Winery a good fit for?
Stone Tower Winery is perfect for couples dreaming of a vineyard wedding and those who appreciate the charm of rustic, barn-style venues. If you love vineyards and wine and are budgeting upwards of $10,000 for your wedding, this venue is an excellent choice. It attracts nature enthusiasts seeking an outdoor celebration surrounded by beautiful landscapes and those desiring a sophisticated yet rustic wedding experience.
Stone Tower Winery caters to large weddings with extensive guest lists, intimate small weddings, and elopements. With reliable indoor options, it is suitable for year-round celebrations, providing beautiful settings regardless of the season. Additionally, it's ideal for couples seeking a tailored wedding experience with customized vendor options.
More reading: How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Shadow Creek Wedding Venue
Shadow Creek is a romantic equestrian barn wedding venue on 200 private acres in Northern Virginia. It is situated in Loudoun County wine and horse country and offers a blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance, making it an ideal setting for weddings of any size.
Services
All yours for the day: Shadow Creek gives you the run of the place, letting you plan your wedding day without any interruptions. With various helpful services, your celebration will glide effortlessly from start to finish.
Their services include:
- Day-of coordination
- Setup and cleanup
- Outside vendors - preferred vendor list
Amenities
From flexible indoor spaces to beautiful outdoor areas, Shadow Creek has a range of amenities to keep you and your guests comfortable and happy.
- Sophisticated cocktail & reception spaces
- Ceremony altar/arch
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Numerous ceremony sites
- Wedding/dressing suite
- Furniture for ceremony
- Reception tables & chairs
- Lighting and sound
- Dance floor
- Fire pits
- On-site accommodations
- Wheelchair access
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Climate-controlled indoor space
- Catering kitchen
- Pet-friendly facilities
- Commercial generator for power backup
- Multi-day event options
- Bar rental
- Liability insurance
One standout feature of Shadow Creek is its provision for outdoor games during cocktail hour, including horseshoes, cornhole, and croquet, adding a fun and interactive element to your wedding.
Pricing
Prospective couples can submit a quote request on Shadow Creek’s website to receive detailed pricing for the services offered. The typical cost for hosting a wedding at Shadow Creek starts at $7,500, which includes exclusive use of the property for 12 hours.
Various packages are available to suit different budgets and needs.
Additional reading: How Much Does a Wedding Cost?
Additional planning resources & inspiration
Shadow Creek's website features an inspirational gallery showcasing real weddings. This gallery provides couples with personalized ideas and a glimpse into how their wedding could look.
It helps couples navigate every aspect of their wedding planning process, including detailed information on ceremony and reception spaces, layout, and on-site accommodation options.
To get a real feel for the place, couples can tour the venue, see the spaces firsthand, and get answers to any questions, helping them plan their perfect wedding day.
What couples say
Shadow Creek has received glowing reviews from couples who have celebrated their weddings there, highlighting the venue’s stunning beauty and exceptional service.
"Nestled amidst lush greenery, Shadow Creek Weddings & Events is a gorgeous wedding venue. Its beautiful outdoor space was an ideal choice for our wedding ceremony. And, the rustic indoor barn space was perfect for our evening reception. What adds to the beauty and charm of Shadow Creek as a wedding venue is the thoroughness and professionalism of its owners and staff! Right from the venue tours to the actual day-of venue coordination, we were provided with excellent guidance and service. We are so glad we chose Shadow Creek for our special day and recommend it wholeheartedly!"
There’s no question that Shadow Creek is a great wedding venue. They have more than 250 5-star WeddingWire reviews.
Expectations for event staff
On your wedding day, an on-site venue manager will greet you and oversee the event, including setup and breakdown, while providing support throughout the celebration.
So, who is Shadow Creek a good fit for?
Shadow Creek is ideal for couples dreaming of a romantic barn wedding in a picturesque countryside setting. It blends rustic charm with sophisticated elegance, attracting those who appreciate the countryside's beauty and equestrian themes. The venue is perfect for large weddings with up to 300 guests, offering flexible indoor and outdoor options for large celebrations and intimate gatherings.
Popular with couples seeking a customizable space, Shadow Creek accommodates multi-day events and provides a seamless indoor-outdoor wedding experience. Starting at $7,500 for weddings in the off-season, it offers excellent value year-round, with beautiful indoor spaces, your wedding will be stunning regardless of the season.
Zion Springs
Zion Springs is the only truly all-inclusive venue in Northern Virginia, dedicated to turning your wedding dreams into reality. Our beautiful 24-acre farm sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable celebration with everything you need on-site.
Zion Springs offers personalized wedding planning, stunning ceremony and reception spaces, and cozy on-site accommodations for up to 42 guests. Our friendly team takes care of every detail, so you can relax and focus on enjoying your big day.
With over 450 weddings hosted, we’ve become a favorite wedding destination in Virginia, known for our excellent service and breathtaking landscapes.
Services
Zion Springs provides personalized wedding planning and coordination services. We work closely with you to understand your vision and bring it to life, covering everything from decor and layout to vendor management and timelines.
- Full-service wedding planning
- Catering and menu customization
- Photography and videography
- Bar and beverages
- Decor and styling
- Accommodations
- DJ & MC
- Transportation
- Wedding website
- Invitations and guest communications
- Florals
- Rehearsal dinner
- Tasting menu
- Lighting and sound equipment
- Waitstaff
- Bartender
- Setup and cleanup
Amenities
- Dressing suites
- Ceremony seating
- Altar/arch/pergola
- Reception tables, chairs, linens, and settings
- Fire pits
- Multi-day event options
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair access
- Liability insurance
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
For an in-depth look at these features and to decide if they suit your wedding plans, visit: Top Reasons to Choose Zion Springs for Your Wedding.
Pricing
Prospective couples can complete a budget estimate on Zion Springs’ website to receive immediate detailed pricing for the services offered. The typical cost for hosting a fully catered wedding for up to 100 guests at Zion Springs starts at $22,000, which includes exclusive use of the property.
We provide a range of packages to suit different budgets and needs. Our comprehensive options include everything from staff, flowers, photos, and videos to wedding planning, catering, bar services, decor, and styling.
For more details, visit our website and explore the options to find the perfect fit for your special day.
Additional planning resources & inspiration
Online resources: Access our educational blog articles, planning guides, and checklists to help you with every step of your wedding planning journey.
Real weddings gallery: Get inspired by browsing through photos of real weddings hosted at Zion Springs, showcasing a variety of styles and setups.
Tasting menu: Our all-inclusive packages include a tasting menu, where couples can preview and adjust their wedding day dishes. Held close to the wedding season, these tastings let couples refine their menu selections based on their tastes and preferences.
Events: Zion Springs regularly hosts an Alumni Dinner, where previous couples are invited to enjoy a dinner and party, reconnect with the venue, and celebrate their shared experiences.
What couples say
"The grounds of Zion Springs are just gorgeous. It was exactly what we were looking for but my favorite part of Zion Springs is the fact that the families and the bridal party can stay there. So having all the important people there all weekend made for such an awesome ambiance. Nobody had to scramble with traffic or worry about drinking and driving, so it just felt so easy and fun!"
"We initially were planning on getting married in Italy - so we were going for a rustic setting. When we visited Zion Springs, it immediately reminded me of my father's hometown in Italy - the beautiful vineyards, the rustic barn, the gorgeous trees and flowers surrounding the whole venue. It was just perfect! "
Expectations for event staff
At Zion Springs, couples can expect a dedicated full-time team of experienced professionals, including a wedding planner, audio-visual technicians, designers, and support staff. Each team member has specialized roles with expertise in catering, decor, floristry, and logistics, handling every aspect of your wedding with care and precision.
The personal attention provided by our staff addresses all your needs throughout your special day.
So, who is Zion Springs a good fit for?
If you’re looking for a blend of elegance and rustic charm, Zion Springs is the perfect setting. Our venue combines sophisticated amenities with a charming countryside atmosphere.
Zion Springs can accommodate large guest lists of up to 230 people, making it ideal for all-weekend big celebrations. We also cater to smaller, intimate weddings and elopements, with various packages to suit different needs and budgets.
For couples with many out-of-town guests, Zion Springs provides on-site accommodations, allowing everyone to stay close to the celebration. This makes it easier for guests to relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about travel logistics.
From the first steps of planning to the joy of your celebration, our all-inclusive services provide a hassle-free and unforgettable wedding day experience.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue
At the end of the day, Zion Springs, Stone Tower Winery, and Shadow Creek each have a proven track record of hosting successful weddings. The deciding factor is what you’re looking for in a venue.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive venue that handles everything from planning to execution, Zion Springs might be the perfect fit. It offers comprehensive packages with on-site accommodations and personalized planning.
If a picturesque natural environment is important, Zion Springs and Shadow Creek both offer stunning rural landscapes. Shadow Creek adds a touch of equestrian charm, while Stone Tower Winery provides a vineyard setting perfect for wine lovers.
If you have a large guest list, Shadow Creek can accommodate up to 300 guests; ideal for big celebrations. Zion Springs can host up to 230 guests, and Stone Tower Winery offers flexibility for large and intimate weddings for up to 250 guests.
If you’re concerned about the weather, all three venues offer reliable indoor options and are known for their adaptable indoor-outdoor setups.
For those who prioritize straightforward pricing, Zion Springs leads with its transparent models, giving you a single invoice that covers everything for your event.
Shadow Creek and Stone Tower Winery also provide various packages but use vendors to fill in the gaps. Each vendor has its prices and level of service. Requesting detailed quotes from these venues and vendors is important to understand what’s included.
We always encourage our prospective clients to choose three to four venues to compare and then schedule a visit to help you envision your dream wedding, as it helps give you a good perspective on what will work for you.
If you’re wondering which venue suits you best, consider these questions:
- Do you prefer an all-inclusive, stress-free service, or do you want flexibility with preferred vendors?
- Are you looking for a specific scenic setting, like a vineyard, equestrian barn, or countryside farm?
- How many guests will you invite, and does the venue comfortably accommodate that number?
- What is your budget, and how transparent is the venue about pricing?
It all depends on your specific needs, budget, and the experience you envision for your wedding day.
Before making your final decision, visit the venues, ask plenty of questions, and gather as much information as possible to make an informed choice. Your wedding venue sets the tone for your special day, so choose the one that best aligns with your vision and expectations.
For a closer look, take a virtual tour of Zion Springs and experience the beauty of our venue from the comfort of your home.
