Highclere Hall
British Charm. Virginia Heart. Appalachian Soul.
Holds ceremonies and receptions
About this venue
Adam Sowder
OWNER/STEWARD
Nestled among 160 acres of rolling pastures, wooded hillsides, and picturesque countryside in Virginia's Western Highlands, Highclere Hall offers a distinctive setting for couples dreaming of a wedding that is timeless, romantic, and wonderfully their own.
At the heart of this working agricultural estate stands our historic 1845 farmhouse. Inspired by the traditions of the British country estate and rooted in generations of Virginia hospitality, Highclere brings together Old World charm and the welcoming spirit of Appalachia.
Gardens, Countryside & Highland Cattle
The estate's formal garden, designed by Jack Turner, a member of the Royal Horticultural Society, offers a romantic setting for ceremonies and portraits. Beyond the garden, couples will discover sweeping mountain views, picturesque ponds, open meadows, historic farm buildings, and our beloved Highland cattle grazing in the pastures.
Your Wedding at Highclere Hall
Highclere welcomes intimate weddings and countryside celebrations of up to 100 guests. Whether you envision a garden ceremony, a celebration overlooking the hills, or a reception in our spacious estate barn, Highclere provides a memorable setting for your special day.
Our wedding experience includes designated estate grounds and gathering spaces, tables and chairs, and overnight accommodations in both guest properties:
The Old Lodge: A charming three-bedroom, three-bathroom country retreat.
The Keeper's Cottage: A cozy one-bedroom cottage offering privacy and comfort.
Beyond the Wedding: The Highclere Experience
A celebration at Highclere can become an unforgettable country-estate getaway. Guests may enjoy leisurely walks, explore the ponds and pastoral landscape, discover the estate's history, or simply relax amid the beauty of Virginia's Western Highlands.
For those seeking something distinctive, Highclere offers traditional British-inspired sporting experiences, including sporting clays and private simulated British shooting parties. These activities may be arranged separately, subject to availability and safety requirements.
An Estate Celebration, Personally Yours
Welcoming only a limited number of weddings each year, Highclere offers a personal approach to life's important celebrations. We believe a wedding should feel like a gathering at a beautiful country home—gracious, relaxed, memorable, and entirely your own.
Located in Craig County, within reach of Roanoke, Blacksburg, and the New River Valley, Highclere offers the romance of a secluded country estate and the warmth of genuine Virginia hospitality.
Discover a different kind of wedding experience, where British charm meets Virginia hospitality and Appalachian soul.
Highclere Hall — Virginia's Western Highlands.
Meet the team
Adam Sowder
Owner/Steward
The Rev. Dr. J. Adam Sowder is the owner and steward of Highclere Hall, a historic 1845 country estate nestled among 160 acres in Virginia's Western Highlands.
A Virginian whose family history reaches back to the colonial and Revolutionary eras, Adam's ancestry includes Virginia patriots who served in the American Revolution, including at Valley Forge. This family legacy of service, perseverance, and connection to the land continues to shape his understanding of heritage and stewardship.
An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, Adam holds a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership, has an academic background in anthropology, and pursued studies in Cambridge, England. His appreciation for British history and traditions, together with his deep Virginia roots, finds expression at Highclere Hall, where British charm meets Virginia hospitality and Appalachian soul.
Alongside his wife, Sandy, Adam oversees the preservation and continuing life of Highclere Hall, from its historic farmhouse and formal gardens to its working pastures and beloved Highland cattle.
For Adam, welcoming couples to Highclere is about more than providing a beautiful setting. It is about sharing a place where history remains alive, hospitality is personal, and life's most meaningful occasions become part of a continuing story.
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Wonderful 250 celebration.
Such a rejuvenating respite here! So many opportunities for both rest and adventure in this tucked-away valley of the Blue Ridge, all at your fingertips. We loved exploring the property, creek-stomping, picnicking with the surrounding views, an...
d the sweet hellos from the highland cows!
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Highclere Hall
Adam Sowder
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Owner/Steward
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