The charm of barn weddings is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why they’re becoming increasingly popular. These rustic retreats offer a unique blend of coziness, natural beauty, and sentimental value. The rough-hewn textures and unpretentious atmosphere create the perfect setting for an intimate celebration that feels truly authentic.
Whether you’re envisioning a laid-back country wedding or something more elaborate, barn venues provide endless opportunities for creativity and personalization – from soaring ceilings to stunning backdrops, lighting, and décor. If you’re considering a barn wedding, we’ve got everything you need to make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are barn weddings so popular?
Weddings held in barns have gained immense popularity due to the unique charm they offer. The rustic, historic settings of these venues evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, allowing couples to express their personalities and bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings. With blank canvases awaiting creativity, barn wedding venues provide endless possibilities for decorations, making each celebration truly one-of-a-kind.
Clever Ways to Decorate Your Barn Wedding Venues
As couples opt for country weddings, they often find themselves surrounded by rustic charm and picturesque landscapes. To create an atmosphere that’s both cozy and elegant, country wedding venues are designed to be utilized as is, with décor ideas flowing from the venue itself. Here’s a glimpse into some of these beautiful décor inspirations:
Use The Ceiling Height
Barn weddings are renowned for their soaring ceilings, which can reach as high as the sky itself. To capitalize on this natural beauty, consider adorning the space with garlands or drapes that flow like clouds, illuminated by twinkling lights to create a whimsical ambiance reminiscent of a starry night. For a truly show-stopping effect, suspend chandeliers from the ceiling to cast a warm glow and draw attention to this majestic feature.
The end result is an atmosphere that’s as breathtaking as it is romantic, perfect for exchanging vows or celebrating with loved ones.
Use The Barn As A Backdrop
For an enchanting setting that exudes romance and whimsy, combine the serenity of nature with the magic of overhead fairy lights. By incorporating chiffon, tulle, or Chantilly lace drapes between these twinkling lights, you’ll create a cozy and intimate ambiance. To further enhance this look, incorporate natural elements such as lush greenery, pebbles, or soft petals to bring warmth and texture to the space.
This harmonious blend of elements will produce a breathtaking backdrop that’s neither too bold nor too understated.
Create Your Own Altar And Aisle – Say “I Do” Outside
Transform your rustic barn venue into an enchanting outdoor ceremony space by incorporating natural elements. Start by saying your vows with your feet firmly planted on the ground, surrounded by the serenity of nature. Add a touch of whimsy by running twinkle lights under the starry sky, which will provide a romantic ambiance as you exchange your vows.
Create a stunning focal point at the entrance by placing an arch or stage against the barn doors and lining the aisle with soft, colorful candles. This unique setup will create an intimate atmosphere that you’ll cherish forever.
Set Up Farm Tables From Your Barn Wedding Venue
Whether you’re embracing a relaxed or glamorous atmosphere, incorporating floral elements can elevate your event’s style. From twisted vines to wildflowers, pampas grass, dahlias, and more, these natural accents can be carefully curated to match your aesthetic. For an added touch of whimsy, consider greenery as flowing table runners. Alternatively, create stunning centerpieces with floating bouquets suspended above slabs of wood or nestled within mason jars, bottles, and cans.
To add an extra layer of sophistication, incorporate exotic tabletop linens in rich pinks and luxurious velvet greens to complete the look.
Lights Decorations
Transform your rustic wedding barn into an enchanting oasis by embracing the magic of lighting. Building upon the natural beauty of the venue, incorporate a variety of lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider suspending string lights above and amidst lush greenery to add depth and visual interest. For a touch of romance, line candles in a mix of colors along the aisle.
To infuse vintage charm, opt for gold or brass lanterns strategically placed throughout the venue, surrounded by lush floral arrangements.
Top Barn Wedding Venues
When considering a barn venue for a wedding, start by examining the logistics offered by the property. This includes evaluating factors such as location, capacity, amenities like restrooms and changing rooms, what’s included in the rental fee, liquor license status, insurance coverage, and curfew restrictions. Additionally, think about weather-related concerns and contingency plans, including whether the venue is climate-controlled.
You’ll also want to investigate vendor arrangements – are you allowed to bring in your own caterers, DJs, or photographers? Furthermore, consider outdoor critter control measures, parking options, and topography of the land to ensure your guests’ comfort and safety during the event.
Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara, California
Nestled in the picturesque town of Santa Barbara, Rancho Dos Pueblos is a centuries-old wedding venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern amenities. This 214-acre property boasts a stunning beach, lush orchards, and unique features like avocados and cherimoya trees – a true gem for couples seeking an intimate beach or country-inspired celebration.
The venue offers three distinct locations to choose from, each offering its own unique charm and varying price points.
The ocean bluff and beach setting provides breathtaking views, while the barn and historical Casa Grande Estate’s lawns and gardens offer picturesque backdrops. These spaces can accommodate up to 350 guests, making them ideal for small to medium-sized weddings.
Prices start at around $10,000 during peak seasons and $8,500 off-peak, providing flexibility for couples with varying budgets.
As an on-site venue, you’re free to hire your preferred vendors, although the team at Rancho Dos Pueblos has a curated list of trusted professionals to make planning easier. Additionally, the property is wheelchair accessible and offers shuttle services, ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the celebration.
The Barn of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
If you’re dreaming of an ultra-romantic wedding surrounded by nature’s whimsy, look no further than The Barn of Chapel Hill. This family-owned flower farm and barn sprawls across 22 acres, offering a serene atmosphere as you wander through fields of blooms. The climate-controlled barn also features a greenhouse, gardens, and a beautiful space perfect for your special day. Packages start at around $8,600, which includes tables, chairs, and access to two separate dressing areas.
Plus, enjoy personalized chalkboard art and custom floral design inspired by your unique taste and budget. Keep in mind that a 3% administrative fee is added to the package. While catering isn’t available on-site, The Barn of Chapel Hill does offer a list of trusted vendors to help make your day run smoothly. Note that they do require clients to purchase flowers starting at $4,500 minimum. This stunning venue comfortably accommodates over 300 guests.
Kelley Farm in Bonney Lake, Washington
Imagine exchanging vows amidst rolling hills, lush greenery, and rustic charm at the breathtaking Kelley Farm. Spanning 200 acres of serene landscape, this picturesque venue offers an idyllic setting for your country wedding. The property boasts ample space for guests, a charming bridal cottage, patio, garden, and expansive barn for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
With modern conveniences like heated floors, advanced audio-visual equipment, and cozy accommodations, you’ll find everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.
With a capacity for 300 guests, the venue’s private park-like setting offers a unique and romantic backdrop for your celebration. The rental fee ranges from approximately $2,000 to $9,500, with an additional $200 per hour for events exceeding 10 hours. A refundable deposit of $500 is also required.
While there are some restrictions in place – including the requirement to use their preferred vendor list and ban on certain types of confetti – the venue’s comprehensive package covers all your needs.
The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park in Evergreen, Colorado
Experience the unbridled beauty of nature at its finest as you exchange vows with your loved one at The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park. This 100-acre private ranch, a haven for adventure-seeking brides, boasts rolling meadows, restored cabins, and an array of wildlife such as geese, muskrats, coyotes, horses, herons, elk, and more. As you immerse yourself in the natural splendor, you’ll have a picturesque backdrop to cherish memories with your guests.
This extraordinary venue is famous for its Lewis buffalo herd, a functioning chapel and columbarium, six gardens, and five old barns, each with its own unique character. The main barn features antique stained glass windows and large picture windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a 48-acre-feet working reservoir.
Wedding packages at The Barn start from $2800 to $5700, depending on the day, hours, and season.
With a capacity for up to 200 guests across three levels, this venue offers ample space for an unforgettable celebration. The rental fee includes a one-time setup, trash supplies, field usage, table, chairs, food prep area, and buffet counter, leaving you free to focus on the finer details.
Rating: 10/10
The White Sparrow Barn in Quinlan, Texas (near DFW)
As the sun rises over the rolling hills of Texas, The White Sparrow Barn comes alive, exuding a sense of rustic charm and vintage elegance. Nestled among oak trees, flower gardens, and lush greenery, this picturesque venue is an idyllic setting for any couple looking to tie the knot in a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.
Standing at 45ft tall and spanning over 7200 square feet, the barn itself is a stunning canvas waiting to be filled with memories.
With natural wood floors and a vaulted ceiling that stretches towards the sky, this space can accommodate up to 275 seated guests or 300 standing ones. The venue’s many amenities include a banquet hall, cocktail area, kitchen, bathrooms, office, and patio, as well as a cozy couple’s housing quarter with modern conveniences.
Renting this enchanting barn for 12 hours will set you back between $6500 to $9500, inclusive of an on-site coordinator but exclusive of catering.
However, if you do decide to bring in your own catering, there may be an additional fee applicable. Regardless, The White Sparrow Barn is a unique and unforgettable setting that will leave your guests in awe.
One thing that sets barn wedding venues apart from others around the world is their inherent natural beauty. While it’s tempting to make changes to these charming spaces, we’ve shown you how to elevate them without altering their essence.
For those still searching for a country wedding venue that embodies romance and charm on a budget-friendly scale, our previous tips and recommendations are sure to inspire.
