FAQs

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

What is your capacity for wedding weekends?

180 guests, including the bridal party. 

What does the Weekender Package™ include? 

Please visit this page for more details.

How many guests can stay overnight for the Weekender Package™?

A total of 21 guests can stay overnight.  Derry House can accommodate 13 and the Owl’s Nest Cottage sleeps 8.  

When are the payments due?

At contract signing, 50% of the total deposit is due. Nine (9) months prior to your wedding, we require the next 25% deposit, with the final 25% deposit due sixty (60) days prior to your event. A refundable $1,500 security deposit is also collected at the sixty (60)-day payment period. We will return the security deposit after the wedding provided there are no damages to the property. 

What type of payment do you accept?

You can make payments by check or credit card.

How do I reserve a date? 

Prior to booking a date, we hope you are able to come out for an in-person tour!  You can book at tour here, but an in-person tour is not required prior to booking a date. Dates are reserved on a first-requested basis.

To reserve your date, please email us at weddings@heightorrestate.com, letting us know that you are ready to book. We will follow up with a few questions and then forward a DocuSign contract for your review and signature.

Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?

As we are a private property, tours are by reservation only. Please reserve your tour here.

Will there be another wedding the same day?

At Heigh Torr Estate, you will enjoy exclusive use of the entire property for the entire day. We have chosen to host only one wedding per weekend to make sure each couple's event is special and receives our full attention. 

PROPERTY DETAILS, PLANNING AND RAIN PLANS

Do you offer a wedding day coordinator?

We do not offer a wedding day coordinator, but have a preferred vendor list for event planners.

A Heigh Torr team member will meet with you and your wedding planner throughout your planning process including on your Weekender Package check-in day:

• Initial Site Visit: Six (6) months prior to your wedding, our team leader will walk the property with you and your wedding planner and answer any questions (setup, access, parking, catering, etc.)  This is a great time to begin setting vision, strategy, and design for your Weekender…

• Thirty-Day Visit: Thirty (30) days prior to your wedding, our team leader will meet with you, your wedding planner, caterers and any additional vendors or family members you would like to attend (e.g., DJ, bartenders, florist).  At your 30-Day Visit you’ll begin to see all of your hard work begin to come together, meet your vendors in person and get to show off Heigh Torr!  We’ve found that this visit eases any concerns and builds excitement for the big day!  

• Day-of Check-In:  Our team leader will check you in to the property and make sure your wedding planner fully understands the layouts and nuances of all the homes, buildings and properties. In addition, our Facilities Manager will remain on site for four (4) hours.  You’ve worked so hard and it’s finally here!  Congratulations!

How many cars can park at the Heigh Torr Estate?

100 cars

Do you allow dogs on site to play a part in our wedding day?

We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations. Dogs are allowed (with pre-approval) at the ceremony and pictures. Animals, other than service animals, are NOT allowed inside the buildings or near food. Dogs must be on a leash, and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.

What happens if it rains?

We provide two rain options for your wedding ceremony. 

The first is The Barn at Heigh Torr (the large red barn), which can seat 180 guests for your ceremony. It has two bathrooms, a stage, twinkle lights, and a Yamaha sound system. It is an intimate and special space with wonderful acoustics.

The second option is the clear-top reception tent. At 30’ x 90’ (i.e, 2,700 square feet) it can seat 180 at round tables and is a great option as your guests can stay out of the weather and remain in one location with beverages nearby as our team members clear the center aisle for you. 

Can we have fireworks on the property?

Fireworks are not permitted, however, we do have amazing vendors who can assist you with COLD sparklers, which of course, are permitted!

What time does the music need to end?

Loudoun County, VA noise ordinance is 11pm quiet time.

We are using a rental company. Can they drop items off or pick them up outside of the rental period? 

All deliveries must take place during your rental period. Please advise your vendors of this policy.

What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?

You will have access to the venue at the time listed on your contract. Please plan accordingly!

What is the event clean-up process?

Caterers are required to remove all of the trash and food from catering. Overnight guests can place their garbage from the Derry House and Owl’s Nest Cottage in the marked trash cans in the detached garage.

Are candles allowed?

Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a candle holder. Tapered candles and any type of hanging candles will not be allowed for safety reasons.

How far in advance do you need our final headcount and details?

Two weeks in advance, please!

OTHER QUESTIONS?

How do you pronounce Heigh Torr and what does it mean?

Heigh Torr (pronounced “hi-tor”) is Scottish and roughly means, “high place,” or “high rocks”. It’s named after the granite outcropping at the top of the property at the peak of Short Hill Mountain. There are trails leading to the top. The views are gorgeous and overlook the valley across the Shenandoah Mountain Range.

Can we fish and hunt on the property?

We allow fishing in the spring-fed pond with valid fishing licenses. We do not permit hunting or firearms on the property.