Find the Best Barn Weddings and Barn Wedding Venues

Barn Wedding Venues:

Everything You Need to Know

Couples across the United States are increasingly interested in barn weddings. The popularity of barn weddings has led to a boom in wedding barn options and venues that cater specifically to this style of wedding. If you and your partner are considering a barn wedding, perusing images from other couples’ rustic barn weddings can provide the inspiration and resources you need to make your ceremony and reception something truly spectacular.

Contrary to what you might think, barn wedding venues can in fact be elegant, upscale locations with all the amenities, or more rustic settings that allow you to transform the space into exactly what you want. Whether you prefer a formal setting or a simple rustic barn wedding venue, there’s a barn wedding venue perfect for your preferences and budget out there–it’s just a matter of finding it.

This guide will discuss the various types of barn wedding venues, how to decorate your wedding barn based on your theme and aesthetic, barn wedding venue prices, and what you might expect from barn wedding venues in locations across the country. We will also offer tips on what to ask when selecting your barn wedding venue and answers to questions like, "What do you wear to a barn wedding?" and"How can I find barn wedding venues near me?" Our library of wedding galleries offers access to photos and videos of real weddings in all types of venues, including exquisite barn wedding venues perfectly suited to your own aesthetic preferences. Whether you are looking for barn wedding ideas on a budget or looking for barn wedding decorations to dress up your chosen location, our collection of real weddings allow you to take an inside look at how other people transformed their barn wedding venues, and get inspiration for your own.

What is a barn wedding?

Barn weddings are usually associated with the rustic and bucolic charms of farm life, and some may even take place on a working farm. Many elegant barn wedding venues, however, are dedicated solely to hosting weddings, and offer all the glamour and sparkle normally associated with more formal venue options. The beauty of barn weddings is that they can be as formal or as casual as you would partner like. This versatility makes barn wedding venues an outstanding choice for all types of weddings, and can help you to enjoy greater flexibility in planning your wedding ceremony and reception.

Why are barn weddings so popular?

One reason for the increasing popularity of barn weddings is the availability of wedding barn venues all over the country, and the relatively low cost for many of these spaces. Country barn weddings can work with many wedding themes, and can be dressed up or simplified to create the most personalized experience for you and your guests. In some cases, an old barn that has been turned into a gorgeous wedding venue can allow you to save on the cost of your wedding, and can help you to create the perfect backdrop for your vows and your reception.

Barn wedding venues are also an outstanding choice for creating indoor-outdoor weddings that are virtually weatherproof. Companies that specialize in wedding rentals for barn wedding venues can help set the stage for your own unique ceremony and reception at a relatively modest cost.

Speaking of cost, country barn weddings and venues can be an affordable choice for you and your partner. Wedding barn prices depend on several factors, including the location of the venue and the amenities provided. Looking at several barn wedding reception venues can often help you to find the most affordable options to help you stay within your overall wedding budget.

Where are barn wedding venues located?

No matter where you live or plan to marry, you are likely to get an affirmative answer to the question, "Are there quality barn wedding venues near me?" Barn weddings in different regions, however, tend to have different settings and backdrops that can significantly impact the look and feel of your wedding. Barn wedding venues in Virginia, for instance, will typically be quite different from barn wedding venues in Texas orColorado. Taking a look at the most popular venues in each area can often help you and your partner decide on the best option for you:

Virginia Barn Wedding Venues:

Barn wedding venues in Virginia may feature elegant gardens, vineyards, or other outdoor attractions. This can often provide added points of visual interest for your ceremony or reception.

California Barn Wedding Venues:

Barn wedding venues in California are also often associated with vineyards or operating farms, particularly in the northern part of the state. Choosing from among the most beautiful barn wedding venues in California can help you to create the perfect atmosphere for your upcoming barn wedding. The California barn wedding options are vast and varied, so take your time exploring the possibilities.

Wisconsin Barn Wedding Venues:

If you are considering barn wedding venues in Wisconsin, you will typically find many of these venues surrounded by farmland in rural locales. Be sure to choose appropriate shoes for these barn wedding venues in Wisconsin—and warn your guests to! However, guests will find the bucolic, authentic surroundings to exude charm.

Pennsylvania Barn Wedding Venues:

Barn wedding venues in Pennsylvania Dutch Country often feature repurposed or heritage barns, which can reinforce the theme of your barn wedding. Discussing your options with the operators of barn wedding venues in Pennsylvania can often help you to determine the best approach to barn wedding decor for these rustic venues.

Maryland Barn Wedding Venues:

Barn wedding venues in Maryland are typically affiliated with farming operations or offer a stand-alone event venue. If you are looking for barn wedding venues in Maryland, you may be able to find beautiful venues that are close to the water thanks to Maryland's 3,190 miles of coastline. Some exclusive barn wedding venues in Maryland are located in country club venues that can also provide added amenities for your wedding reception. As a result, Maryland barn weddings are a popular choice.

Georgia Barn Wedding Venues:

Barn wedding venues in Georgia can offer views of the mountains and may be located on family farms. You may also be able to find barn wedding venues in Georgia that feature mature Georgia pines, stately plantation settings, or offer waterfront views of one of the state’s 36 lakes.

Texas Barn Wedding Venues:

Many of the barn wedding venues in Texas have a definitively Western flair, or are located on working ranches in the state. When looking for the perfect barn wedding venues in Texas, keeping this in mind can ensure that your venue meshes with your theme perfectly. Texas barn weddings can still be customized with decor, however. Outdoor wedding venues in Texas can allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature during your ceremony while using your wedding barn for your reception.

Colorado Barn Wedding Venues:

If you live in the Centennial State or are looking to marry there, there is definitely potential for dreamy Colorado barn weddings! The Rocky Mountains can serve as a breathtaking backdrop for your Colorado barn wedding venue. Mountain venues with a rustic flair can create the perfect atmosphere for your upcoming wedding.

Finding and working with an experienced wedding planner can help you to find the ideal barn wedding venue wherever you’re looking, that is sure to suit both you and your partner.

How much does a barn wedding cost?

As with most types of weddings, the cost of your ceremony and reception will depend on specific barn wedding venue prices, the decor, and many other factors. For instance, location significantly impacts barn wedding cost, as well as the time of year and number of attendees. Breaking down the budget for your barn wedding can help you to determine how much you can spend on your wedding barn, your decor, and even your barn wedding dress. This can help you to implement your barn wedding ideas on a budget that works for you and your partner.

In the United States, the average wedding cost is around $30,000. In 2020, during the pandemic, that average wedding cost dipped to $20,300, in part, due to smaller events. The average cost of a barn wedding venue can be anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. Most experts estimate that you should allocate about 45 percent of your wedding budget for your wedding venue and catering combined. Of course, if the wedding barn of your dreams is a bit costlier, there are likely ways to make that work by making sacrifices in other facets of your big day. Comparing barn wedding venue prices and choosing an option that is within your price range will go a long way toward managing your barn wedding cost and staying within your budget

Do not forget to include the cost of barn wedding decorations when calculating wedding barn prices for your upcoming ceremony and reception. Other barn wedding rental costs to account for include furnishings, lighting, and bespoke barn wedding decor, which could cost more but is extremely sentimental. You may want to simply add candles, flowers and string-lights, or you may want to go all-out and transform your barn wedding venue into a grand ballroom.Barn wedding prices and packages can vary widely depending on what features and amenities are included. In some cases, your wedding barn venue may offer inclusive barn wedding prices that include decorations, lighting, and other options that can significantly reduce your need for a barn wedding rental company.

Catering is a major cost for all weddings, even informal country barn weddings. Doing some comparison shopping for barn wedding catering can help you stay within your desired price range while ensuring that your guests enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Travel expenses can also be a factor in your overall barn wedding cost. Staying local can help you manage the cost of your barn wedding much more effectively. Depending on where you live, however, looking for the perfect wedding barn locally can be challenging. Our directory of wedding venues is searchable by venue type and location, so you can easily answer the question, "Are there beautiful and affordable barn wedding venues near me?" Most likely, it’s a “yes!”

Where do you get barn wedding ideas?

From rustic to elegant, barn wedding ideas are as unique as the couples who choose them. You can often find inspiration for barn weddings by seeing photos of how other couples have transformed their barn wedding venues. When you search our wedding venue directory, you’ll be able to see exactly how each couple took a unique approach to making each barn wedding venue their own—and directly get in touch with the local wedding vendors who made it happen.

Movies can also be a great source of inspiration when choosing decorations for barn wedding venues—or for any other type of venue, for that matter. Country barn weddings can mirror themes from your favorite films, or can feature ideas for barn weddings that are uniquely your own.

When you dream up unusual barn wedding ideas that are completely custom and personal to you and your partner—with your barn wedding decorations, lighting, and music choices—it creates an atmosphere that is unforgettable and feels distinctly you. By searching for barn wedding venues that suit your style and price range, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to come up with clever barn wedding ideas on a budget that still feel personal and festive.

How do you find barn wedding decor?

Coming up with creative barn wedding decor can be a challenge, only because the spaces are so versatile We’ve discussed how helpful viewing photos of other couples weddings can be when looking for barn wedding ideas, but professional wedding planners and designers are also amazing resources for unique inspiration that you haven’t seen a hundred times.Your barn wedding decorations should make the overall theme of your wedding come to life. Keep in mind that if you select a more barebones barn wedding venue, you’ll have more work to do to transform it into an elegant space. This will ultimately have an effect on your overall barn wedding cost. Here are a few components to keep in mind when designing the decor for barn wedding venues:

Existing Decor: Some wedding barns already have decor in place, like wagon wheel chandeliers, or plants and flowers around the exterior. Check to make sure that the theme of your barn wedding works with the existing decor—which can end up saving you time and money if you don’t have to go to great effort to completely transform the space.
Complimentary Decorations: Many venues that host barn weddings have a small collection of decorations—like string lights or farm tables and benches— that you can choose to use, which are often included in any quoted barn wedding prices. It is up to you whether you want to opt for the decor provided with your barn rental or you’d prefer to source your own decorations. But using the wedding barn’s complimentary items will certainly help you stay within your price point.
Rental Furniture: In order to transform barn wedding venues into opulent ballrooms, garden oases, or any other barn wedding ideas, sourcing distinct rental furniture will go a long way in making that transformation happen. Most barn wedding venues will have standard furnishings on-hand to streamline the process that is included in the price of the barn rental. But if your budget allows for extra customization, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to barn wedding decor!
Rental Lighting: As most weddings last past sunset, ample lighting is essential for both your ceremony and reception. While many barn wedding venues do provide lighting, you may want to customize the lighting to show off your dress, flowers and decor. Lighting for barn weddings can range from elegant chandeliers to strings of lights that provide a festive glow for your celebration.
Flowers: Depending on your personal preferences, flower arrangements for barn wedding venues can either be more rustic and informal than those used at more traditional venues, or they can just be lush, voluminous blossoms everywhere. It’s up to you!Asking your wedding planner or florist for ideas can often help you to make the most appropriate and attractive choices for enhancing the beauty of barn wedding venues. They might even be able to make a hanging floral installation or flower chandelier to complement your wedding theme.
Tablescapes: When you’re looking for barn wedding ideas, you’ll probably see many photos of decorative table settings and centerpieces. These floral table decorations can coordinate with your wedding bouquet, and can create an elegant look for classic table settings or antique and rustic tableware at country barn weddings.

What do you wear to barn weddings?

Choosing a wedding barn is only the first step in the design of your unique wedding style.Once you’ve selected your venue and established the aesthetic of your wedding, it’s time to pick your wedding apparel—including finding the perfect barn wedding dress! Barn wedding dresses and other attire for your wedding party can go a long way towards establishing your own unique style for your wedding barn ceremony and reception.

Your barn wedding dress is an essential element of your wedding’s style. The perfect barn wedding dress can help you feel more confident on your big day, and should feel like a reflection of your personal style as well as your wedding theme. Barn wedding dresses can range from elegant and traditional to down-home country. When looking for barn wedding dresses, it is usually a good idea to keep conditions at your barn wedding venues in mind. For example, a long train that trails behind your barn wedding dress could create problems for outdoor ceremonies or more rustic barn wedding venues that may have mud. Simple and streamlined barn wedding dresses can create the perfect look for your special day.

Choosing your barn wedding dress and finding beautiful barn wedding dresses for your bridal party and family members can be a chance to bond with those closest to you. Inspiration for the most beautiful barn wedding dresses can be found online or by discussing your options with your wedding planner, friends, or the members of your wedding party. By coordinating bridesmaid dresses for your barn wedding, you can create a unified theme. Some couples opt for a mix-and-match bridesmaid dress look for their barn wedding. It’s a good idea to check out both simple and sophisticated makeup options when planning barn weddings to create the perfect look for your special day.

If you have already selected your barn wedding dress, taking a photo along when checking out barn wedding rental options and other parts of wedding planning can help you to create a cohesive and unified look for the entire event. By coordinating all elements of barn weddings, you and your partner can ensure that your wedding will look terrific in the photos you’ll look back on for years to come. In addition, you can give your attendees a dress code so the barn wedding dresses for guests add to the look and feel of your pictures.

How do you make barn wedding venues work for any theme?

Even if you are not planning a rustic event, barn wedding venues can often be transformed to suit your own theme and preferences. The versatility of barn wedding venues ensures that these locations can lend themselves to all types of weddings—but it can take a lot of planning. Working with a wedding planner or designer is one of the best ways to come up with practical ideas for transforming the wedding barn to fit your theme. These professionals can help you to create a mood board that will allow you to prioritize your must-haves in barn wedding venues. This can help you and your partner to determine the best types of barn weddings for your specific needs.

Creating barn weddings with unique themes can be quite the undertaking, which is why having a team of professionals to help is essential. Once you have narrowed down your top barn wedding venues, think about these ways to bring several different themes to life at barn weddings, and consider which venue may make it the easiest:

On-Theme Barn Wedding Venues

Considering barn wedding venues that are already in line with your theme is the best way to reduce the effort for most barn weddings. If you are planning an elegant wedding, choose a wedding barn that is part of an estate property and is surrounded by formal gardens in order to create a black-tie look in a bucolic setting.

Customizable Barn Wedding Venues

Rather than choosing a venue for barn weddings that already has decorative furnishings and lighting in place, you can often find wedding barn options that will allow you to work from a relatively blank slate. While this will sometimes increase the cost of renting decorations and lighting for barn weddings, it may balance out with lower costs for the wedding barn itself.

Flowers for Barn Wedding Venues

Flowers always dress up a space, but the type of flowers you choose can help convey the style you are going for. The right style of floral arrangement to reinforce your theme for barn weddings. For instance, bouquets of sunflowers are ideal for country barn weddings, whereas tight bunches of calla lilies are a better fit for more formal, modern weddings.

Attire for Barn Wedding Venues

Your wedding dress and the formality level that you set for guest attire can also help transform the space (ie, if you are doing a Gatsby theme for a vintage wedding, that will feel very different from country style barn weddings). But If you are planning a very formal ceremony and reception, it is important to let your guests know in advance so they aren’t surprised when they show up at the wedding barn!

Our gallery of real weddings offers you a look at real-life barn weddings complete with venues, vendors, and all other elements of a successful wedding. Taking a look at the barn wedding venues and the beautiful and practical ideas from real-world weddings can help you make a real impression on your own big day.

What are the next steps for planning a barn wedding?

If you’re ready to plan your own barn wedding, we can help by providing you with access to photos of real weddings and venues from across the country. You can search our wedding library by region, type of venue, or type of wedding to ensure that you find the perfect inspiration for your own very big day. Visit our library of wedding galleries to begin creating the barn wedding of your dreams today.