Photo by Emma Kinsey
Johnson Family Farm, a 1,800-acre family-run farm in Snow Hill, is a piece of living history, having been continuously farmed by the Johnson family for over 200 years. While its heart lies in agriculture and animal husbandry, a piece of the farm has since become home to a sought-after wedding venue. Named Castle Farm, it blends the authenticity of a working farm with the romantic allure of its picturesque landscape.
Over its history, Johnson Family Farm has worn many agricultural hats. “Throughout its history, the farm has been lovingly maintained by each generation, and acreage is passed from grandparents to grandchildren so that everyone has ownership even though the family members all farm together,” says Catherine Casto, co-owner and venue manager. “We have always rotated grains and cereals, for example, corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and sorghum crops, but also various livestock. My grandfather had poultry, beef cattle and swine, and a very successful dairy cattle operation building the first automatic milking parlor in the state of Maryland. My father raised a herd of Shetland ponies and bred and trained Standardbred racehorses.”
More recently, Catherine and her husband, Darren, built an equestrian estate on 150 acres. “We breed and sell Spanish Andalusian horses, training them in dressage. We offer full care boarding and dressage training, and host dressage shows and clinics with international trainers,” she says. The estate is also home to Micro Mini Scottish Highland cattle, bred by their son, Ryan, who graduated as an animal science major from the University of Delaware and is certified in advanced reproductive procedures in equines and bovines.
Becoming a wedding venue had a serendipitous beginning. “In 2012, a bride knocked on the door claiming she had been stalking the building of the barn and asked us to use the property for her wedding,” Catherine says. “After her wedding planner continued to ask on her behalf, we were hesitant, but agreed. The wedding was very successful, a lot of fun for us, and our venue was born.”
Castle Farm’s authenticity as a working farm sets it apart from traditional wedding venues. Guests are surrounded by the sights and sounds of grazing horses, herds of cattle, and lush green pastures. The farm’s four-legged residents often play a starring role in weddings, too. “We bring in a few friendly Andalusian horses to greet guests as they walk through the barn, we have a mini horse who serves guests beer at cocktail hour, and a mini Highland cow who can walk down the aisle with the flower girl or hang out at cocktail hour for guest photos” she says. “The foals and calves are in pastures behind the barn that guests walk between to reach our reception tent.”
From the charming pastoral setting and timber-framed barn to the delightful animal companions, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to create a magical day for couples and their guests. This venue is a true marriage of love and agriculture.
Hungry for more? Read about a thoroughbred farm. Learn more about horseback riding in Maryland.
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