The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

ho supported my husband and me for our wedding this past November. To start with, if you are looking at The Starting Gate the venue is beautiful and has options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies (outdoor being preferred due to the view). The cocktail area and reception area are fantastic for event sizes big and small. Our wedding was on the larger side with 175 guests, and we felt both the ceremony location and the venue were perfect. The planning process was made easy by Rebecca and the entire staff. We'd recommend if you can book 18 months to 2 years out you have a better shot at the weekend of your choice, Saturdays, or if you prefer a holiday. We booked a year out and did a Sunday on Veteran's Day weekend - which worked for us. Starting Gate will be packed with weddings Friday-Sunday all summer and fall - so plan ahead if you can. One of the perks of the Starting Gate is it effectively eliminates the need for a wedding coordinator - Rebecca Chace and her counterparts will take care of every detail. We were planning from afar (a military couple in North Carolina), and she made the process seamless for us. After signing the initial contract we were able to refine guest lists, meals, add-ons etc throughout the year. We also appreciated breaking up payments throughout the year too which was helpful for budgeting. At the six-month mark we did a phenomenal tasting at the venue, and Rebecca provided my husband and I along with our parents all of the Hors d'oeuvres options and meal options. We reviewed linens, and add-ons (spring for the wine wall - it is worth it), and she answered all of our questions. Then two weeks prior to the wedding we were able to finalize everything which left us feeling good about the day of. Of note, Starting Gate also did all of our menus, table cards, seating arrangements, signage that they set up andf broke down for us – a one-stop shop. For the rehearsal ceremony it was easy and accommodated our large wedding party (10BM/GM each). We were still able to do a rehearsal at a location on site even with a wedding taking place that Saturday, which we appreciated. The day of was a fairy tale experience. The bridal suite was set up and we had great food for the entire morning and afternoon, our attendant was fantastic and assisted the MUA and hair stylists with getting everything set up – I didn’t have to worry about anything, the space is also co-located with the venue which was great for the beginning and end of night. Prior to the first look, Rebecca ensured our entire bridal party was able to get refreshments and see the venue. We knocked out photos outside (even in November the weather held out – so don’t be afraid of booking later!). Rebecca kept us on timeline which was extremely appreciated for each major event. The ceremony was outside in the high 50s, so the staff provided blankets for people if they wanted them. The view from the wedding garden was awesome (pictures included) – you can’t beat the location. The cocktail hour was a hit, filled with little details and fun. For our wedding size the cocktail area gave plenty of seating and places to hang out and enjoy the scenery and sunset. The reception service and meals are the best I have ever had – our guests raved about the food. I would also like to say we really appreciated how Starting Gate customized the menu and accounted for all allergies and dietary needs for us. The venue was perfect for dancing the night away, and the staff made sure everyone was taken care of. On personal note, the staff helped me sew my bussel back together three-times after it broke (thank you!!) and made sure my husband and I were having a blast no matter what. I could go on and on about the service – I would say if you want to have a wedding at a beautiful venue that will effectively do everything for it to meet your vision – this is the place. We highly recommend Rebecca, but also the rest of the event staff is top-notch, you can’t go wrong. 10/10 would recommend the Starting Gate as the venue of choice in the area and think that the price is very fair considering all that comes with it.

y what we envisioned. The food, beverage, ambience, and service are all top notch and many of our guests told us it was one of the most beautiful weddings they’d ever been to. I wish we could do it all again!

so much to have a day-of coordinator included in our package. The venue was beautiful as always and the staff was so professional and accommodating. Our wedding guests had raved to us that this was the best wedding they’d ever been to. The food was to die for, just like the tasting! Everyone was so kind. Even though I brought quite a few decorations and had specific instructions for placement, everything was as I envisioned, and then some. The photos came out absolutely stunning thanks to the absolutely breath taking scenery. Weddings are stressful, but using Starting Gate at Greathorse made it as easy as possible because they handled all of our needs without questions. Thank you to all for an amazing memory that we will cherish forever! (Photo credit to Lemelin Photography)