Our name, Moon Shadow Haven, was inspired by admiring the beauty of the full moon rising over the rippling creek into a blanket of stars. The word Haven is defined as a place of safety that offers favorable opportunities. As the moon began to rise over the creek they felt a sense of peace and excitement that their property would be the site of so many joyful beginnings.

What is your favorite wedding trend right now and why?

To me Our current favorite wedding trend at Moon Shadow Haven is the multi-day celebration, whether spanning an entire weekend or a couple of weekdays. This emerging option significantly alleviates stress and time constraints, fostering a more relaxed atmosphere and allowing for extended quality time with close friends and family. Embracing this trend means the entire wedding party can arrive one to two days before the main event. This provides an opportunity to meticulously decorate both the ceremony and reception sites, conduct a thorough rehearsal, and host a delightful rehearsal dinner party. With multiple gathering spaces and onsite lodging, everyone can immerse themselves in the welcoming ambiance of the Texas Hill Country. On the actual wedding day, couples can focus on personal preparations, partake in a beautiful ceremony, and revel in a joyous reception. This trend resonates with us because we witness our couples experiencing less stress and more meaningful moments with each other and their loved ones. It’s a transformative approach that not only enhances the overall wedding experience but also allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable celebration of love. At Moon Shadow Haven, we take delight in facilitating these extended festivities and creating lasting memories for our couples.

What services do you provide?

Welcome to Moon Shadow Haven, an exquisite wedding venue nestled on 17 acres of picturesque Texas Hill Country land, featuring 1/3 mile of enchanting creek frontage. Choose the magical backdrop of our creekside setting beneath majestic cypress trees for your ceremony, or opt for the timeless elegance of our air-conditioned chapel. Adorned with antique oak pews and cathedral windows that frame the scenic creek, it provides an intimate and beautiful space for your vows. Whether you’re planning an elopement, an intimate gathering, or a grand celebration with up to 250 guests, Moon Shadow Haven caters to your unique wedding vision. Following the ceremony, your guests can relish a delightful cocktail hour on our expansive covered outdoor patio. Complete with an outdoor bar, firepit, and convenient restroom access, it’s the perfect setting for socializing while the wedding party captures those precious moments in photos. The reception unfolds in our majestic Hill Country Lodge reception hall, a masterpiece crafted with genuine timber frame beams and stone. With a soaring 40-ft high ceiling, elegant chandeliers, and a grand fireplace, the hall is surrounded by expansive windows offering breathtaking views of the creek and bluffs. Moon Shadow Haven provides tables, chairs, and linens for up to 300 guests (please note a laundering fee for tablecloths). Your celebration is not just an event; it’s an experience in our timeless and enchanting venue. Our offerings extend beyond the event itself. With an exceptionally generous 14 hours of venue access for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday weddings, and 12 hours for weekday weddings, Moon Shadow Haven ensures you have ample time to create and savor every moment. For those seeking the ultimate wedding experience, our full weekend package allows the wedding party to arrive on Friday. Decorate to your heart’s content, hold a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and then retire for the night in our onsite lodging, accommodating up to 28 guests. Our groom’s suite offers a spacious retreat equipped with comfortable sofa loungers, a large TV, a bar area with a refrigerator, and a private restroom. Meanwhile, our luxurious bridal suite is a haven of natural light, featuring a full wall of mirrors and ample countertop space for hair and makeup. The suite provides plenty of comfortable seating and a private covered patio area known as the Bridal Nook, ensuring that every moment leading up to your big day is cherished and celebrated in style at Moon Shadow Haven.

What is your best planning advice or tip for couples?

My top planning advice for couples is to consider hiring a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator. You can hire a wedding planner who will be with you during the entire planning process, or you might choose to use a helpful app or website and then have a wedding coordinator help during the last month or so. Either way, this invaluable professional serves as the logistical maestro, orchestrating the details of your special day and ensuring everything runs seamlessly, allowing you to truly savor every moment. (If you wonder why it’s so important to have a planner or coordinator, just ask us. We have stories!) Here’s why a wedding planner or wedding coordinator is a game-changer: Final Arrangements with Vendors: A wedding coordinator acts as the liaison between you and your vendors in the crucial hours leading up to your wedding. They confirm timelines, deliveries, and set-ups, guaranteeing that every aspect aligns with your vision. Detail-Oriented Expertise: While couples meticulously plan every detail, a fresh set of eyes can make a significant difference. A wedding coordinator carefully reviews all your plans, catching any overlooked details and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Wedding Rehearsal Assistance: Navigating the wedding rehearsal can be overwhelming, but with a wedding planner or coordinator by your side, the process becomes smooth and stress-free. They guide the wedding party through each step, ensuring everyone is confident in their roles. Day-of Management: On the big day, the last thing you want to worry about is the logistics. A planner or coordinator takes charge, managing timelines, coordinating with vendors, and handling any unforeseen hiccups. This leaves you free to bask in the joy of your wedding without the burden of managing the details. Peace of Mind for Couples: Perhaps most importantly, a wedding planner or coordinator provides you with peace of mind. Knowing that a seasoned professional is overseeing the execution of your plans allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding day. You can confidently trust that everything is in capable hands. In the whirlwind of emotions and excitement, having a planner or coordinator is like having a dedicated ally ensuring that your wedding day unfolds flawlessly. It’s an investment in tranquility and enjoyment, allowing you and your partner to focus on the love you share while someone else handles the logistics with precision and care.

What sets your company apart from similar ones in the same field?

What sets Moon Shadow Haven apart from other venues offering similar services is our meticulous planning and dedication to crafting an exceptional experience for every couple. Our venue was meticulously designed in consultation with numerous wedding and event experts. We took inspiration from their favorite features at various venues and addressed any areas that needed improvement. Here’s why Moon Shadow Haven stands out: Tailored Flexibility: Moon Shadow Haven distinguishes itself by hosting only one event per day. This unique approach allows couples planning a creekside wedding the flexibility to switch their ceremony location to our air-conditioned chapel without incurring any additional charges. We prioritize your vision and adapt to make your dream wedding a reality. Holistic Wedding Experience: Our philosophy revolves around making each couple’s dream wedding come true. We don’t just provide a venue; we offer a comprehensive wedding experience, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision for the perfect day. Value-Loaded Packages: Moon Shadow Haven’s packages come with an abundance of perks and amenities, all included in the fee. Despite our competitive pricing, we offer more than venues of lower quality, eliminating the need for additional charges for every small service or rental item. Your budget goes further with us, and you still get a top-tier experience. Onsite Lodging and Convenient Options: Enhancing the convenience for our guests, we provide onsite lodging. For those with motorhomes or RVs, we offer free dry camping. Additionally, we extend our services to include transfers for guests staying in Kerrville hotel room blocks or AirBNBs. Your guests can enjoy the celebration to the fullest, knowing that they have safe and convenient options to return. At Moon Shadow Haven, we’ve redefined the wedding venue experience by combining thoughtful design, flexibility, comprehensive packages, and unmatched value. We are committed to creating a memorable and seamless wedding day that exceeds expectations while prioritizing your vision and guest satisfaction.

What inspired you to start this company?

Jim and I embarked on the journey of creating Moon Shadow Haven as our retirement project. Originally, our plan was to retire to the property we purchased in Mountain Home in 2007, envisioning a life filled with travel, pursuing hobbies, and simply enjoying our well-deserved retirement. My professional background involved owning a medical practice that I established in the Woodlands, Texas, back in 1985. Jim was a systems engineer at Compaq Computers. In the course of running my practice, I made the decision to hire an office manager who, unfortunately, proved to be untrustworthy. Over the span of just one year, she managed to financially devastate the practice. We cashed in all of our retirement savings, secured several loans, sold property, and dedicated years to keeping the busy practice afloat and ultimately we successfully paid off all the loans we had obtained. Jim left his other business pursuits, and managed my office for the next 12 years. However, the financial setback meant we were unable to fully replenish our significant retirement savings. At the age of 66, upon my retirement from the medical field, we decided to utilize our Mountain Home property to start a new business venture. After consulting with various experts, we settled on the idea of creating a wedding and event venue. We meticulously planned the venue with the guidance of consultants and experts, channeling our passion into bringing couples’ wedding dreams to life. Operating Moon Shadow Haven has become a fulfilling and joyful endeavor for us, and we take great pride in contributing to the joyous celebrations of each couple that chooses our venue for their special day.

Learn more about Moon Shadow Haven here.