Wedding Planning

Say “I Do” at the Craddock Terry Hotel

After a recent romp around town and the best in southern hospitality offered by Craddock Terry Hotel –  we’ve discovered quite a few reasons to say I Do in the state for “Lovers.”  Home to Liberty University, a year round ski center, and jaw dropping mountain scenery – its no wander why the city’s recent resurgence has travelers gawking at it’s charm. From frequent hello’s from strangers to a hometown farmer’s market to random brightly colored painted pianos on every other street corner – your wedding guests are sure to classify Lynchburg  as a refreshing mix of new and classic with an artisanal twist.

Our accommodations at the Craddock Terry Hotel had sole, literally. The luxury boutique property, was converted from one of the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation’s historic shoe factories. With 44-rooms atop a restaurant and full service event space – it makes for the perfect wedding destination. With the shoe theme kicking throughout – your guests will notice door signs in the shape of classic shoes and wall paper resembling authentic shoe leather – a piece commissioned especially for the quaint abode.  Guest suites are warm and welcoming, with views overlooking the railroad and mountains below – while the high ceilings and custom Kingsdown mattresses polishes off the sleeping experience. Upon arrival – your wedding guests will be hypnotized by the warm scent of green clove and aloe, the hotel’s signature scent. Dog Lover’s will enjoy hanging with Buster Brown the hotel’s doggy mascot and lead concierge. Friendly and super snuggly – Buster can be taken for short walks by willing guests  or be spoiled with a quick belly rub.

Wedding guests will be wowed by the hotel’s exquisite detail and the big personality of the wedding spaces. With Craddock Terry – nuptials are a one stop shop. Couples can achieve an outdoor fall foliage wedding on the upper level terrace or curate a white tent experience on the Shoemaker’s Restaurant patio terrace, all while incorporating an elegant indoor cocktail hour and reception. The event spaces are built alongside the surrounding mountain – exposing natural granite and maintaining the original exposed beams. Weddings of 150 guests or less are a perfect size, and a favorite of local couples and couples whose families are based in the north and south east, and want to meet in the middle. The Craddock Terry team even has plans in the works of expanding their property further exposing the mountain inside of the event space and recently updated their carpets to fit their expansion.

If the look and feel of the hotel haven’t gotten you laced up with excitement – the continental breakfast served each morning in an old-fashioned wooden shoe box will do it. Guests looking to indulge in locally made blueberry muffins from Lorraine’s Bakery, fruit, yogurt and juice, just place their box outside the door before 2am and wake up to a delightful morning treat. To add to the shoe theme – guests can have their leather footwear shined, overnight. Just place your shoes outside your door – and the next morning, wallah, freshly shined shoes.

We promise we left the hotel to enjoy what else Lynchburg had to offer, but only after enjoying a Mediterranean Steak served at Shoemaker’s American Grille, Craddock’s upscale on property restaurant. Ideal for wedding and corporate functions, be sure to book your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.  With menu favorites such as a classic caprese salad, crab cakes and juicy filets, your bridal party will indulge in the decadent flavors while exchanging high school stories in the private rooms of the restaurant. Book the wine cellar in advance for maximum bridal bliss.

The hotel sits at the far end of the town – just off of mile long walkways and mainstreets leading to Downtown Lynchburg. Have a few minutes to live like a member of the Royal Family? Pop into Ploughcroft Tea Room for a quick tea-time. The quaint tea room, offers authentic english fare like savory pastry’s and pies and an extensive list of teas served in colorful teapots. Trot through town stopping in boutique stores full of knick knacks and locally made keepsakes like candles made of natural beeswax, sweet treats, and jewelry. We of course spent some time searching for all things weddings – stumbling across Bowen’s – a family owned and operated jewelry store based in Lynchburg since 1933.

Send your wedding guests on a Downtown Lynchburg scavenger hunt to check out historic  sites like the Quaker Meeting House or Historic Sandusky. Piano playing couples will love walking the streets of Lynchburg, where full sized pianos are strategically placed throughout the city, as a part of the Hill City Keys piano program. Players are encouraged to stop and hit the keys – while passerby’s admire the sounds. 

To fill out the remainder of the wedding weekend – couples can arrange tours of local wineries all within a forty minute drive, frequent the Riverfront Park to enjoy summer concert series, and take a trip back in time while visiting the Historic Gardens and Thomas Jefferson’s summer home, Poplar Forest.

For more information about Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, VA or to book your stay – please visit http://www.craddockterryhotel.com.

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