Should You Have Your Wedding at a Barn Venue?
Northeast Ohio Edition
Are you considering a barn wedding in Northeast Ohio? Non-traditional wedding venues like a barn or farm can be the ideal setting for a rustic wedding. More small and medium-sized farm owners across the country are reimagining their barns into wedding venues as a lucrative income source that is less strenuous than farming. Several beautiful barns in Ohio have been transformed into wedding venue spaces perfect for photos and hosting your guests.
Before you jump into planning a picturesque barn wedding, there are important benefits and drawbacks to consider. Some barn weddings can be amazing, while others may fall flat.
Read on to learn the pros and cons of hosting a barn wedding for couples, vendors, and the DJ. Keep in mind some of these mention Ohio-specific points, but in general, here are the best and worst things about getting married in a barn.
8 Pros of Barn Weddings in Northeast Ohio:
Check out the perks of hosting your rustic-chic wedding in a barn.
#1. Barns are a blank canvas. Most farms or barns are essentially blank spaces. You can dress them up or down to suit your needs and vision for your big day. Whether you’re having your reception or ceremony (or both) in a barn, there are endless opportunities to alter it into your personal dreamscape.
#2. There are photo opportunities everywhere. Most barns are surrounded by picturesque nature with plenty of greenery that can add charm and appeal to your wedding photos. There are often endless photo opportunities in the barn and the surrounding land.
Northeast Ohio is home to some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the area year-round!
#3. Barns are more private. Getting married in a more secluded area means you won’t have to worry about privacy or deal with heavy city traffic. There are also fewer limitations for the DJ or band. For example, loud music usually isn’t an issue. That said, if your barn is more residential, you may have sound restrictions.
#4. Fewer restrictions with vendors and decor. Barn wedding rules are usually more relaxed. Event halls can sometimes have regulations on which vendors they work with. Usually, couples have more flexibility to select decorations and work with any catering company for a barn wedding. Of course, it’s always important to be aware of things that may be difficult to clean up, like confetti or something that could get knocked over and start a fire, like candles.
#5. Barns are animal friendly. If you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” with your furry family members in tow, a barn will be much more accommodating than a hotel or wedding hall.
#6. Barn weddings are spacious. Barn weddings usually have ample indoor and outdoor space for guests to dance and walk around freely. If you’re having a large wedding, a barn can usually accommodate your ceremony, cocktail hour, vendor space, and dancing. A barn venue is usually a more affordable option if you anticipate many guests.
Of course, every venue will have a limit, so be sure to look up venues in your area that align with your guest list.
#7. There’s no hustle and bustle. Do you want to have a more relaxed wedding day? Barn weddings are ideal if you want a laid-back atmosphere in an environment where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
#8. You can stay overnight. This depends on each specific venue, but some barns let guests stay overnight or for a long weekend on the farm. Usually, barns that offer lodging have space for your family and friends.
8 Cons of Barn Weddings in Northeast Ohio:
While barn weddings are trending, it’s important to consider the disadvantages.
#1. The location may be in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes accessibility is an issue with remote venues. While a barn in the middle of the woods may be stunning, you want to make sure the space is handicap accessible and has handicap-accessible bathroom facilities in place for your guests. Sometimes the bathrooms can also be far away from the actual reception location.
#2. You may need to rent amenities. Not all barns will have the amenities you need to host a wedding, like restrooms, running water, or electricity. You may need to rent portable facilities, which can be pricey. You may also be responsible for renting tables, chairs, food equipment, speaker systems, etc.
Tip: Whoever caters your reception will need access to a kitchen and running water to ensure the proper care of your guests.
#3. Some venues keep you from bringing in outside photographers. Some barns require couples to use the “in-house” photographer to generate more income for the facility. Most wedding experts recommend selecting a photographer you have met, had a consultation with, is familiar with your goals, and is one you trust, rather than having one thrust upon you simply because you decided to use their venue.
#4. Sometimes barns are a little “too rustic.” Does the barn have a dance floor? Dirt floors with dust or hay can be hard to walk and dance on. Finished flooring is a must-have if you want your guests to be able to dance comfortably. Some barns can also be musty, which may be an issue for guests with allergies or asthma.
#5. Climate control is a challenge. The weather is a huge factor if you’re having a barn wedding in Northeast Ohio. Some barns may not have sufficient cooling or heating elements, meaning you’ll fry in a summer wedding and freeze during a winter wedding. You may be financially responsible for fans, air conditioners, or heaters.
Also, there are some barns have leaky roofs, which will damper your big day if it rains.
#6. Parking is only sometimes available. Parking can be a tricky situation for your guests. Some venues only have parking on the dirt or grass off-site. If it rains on your wedding day or the days leading up to it, the grounds can get muddy and difficult to maneuver through.
#7. Barns can be hard for vendors. All vendors must share the facility, including the DJ, caterers, bartenders, florists, and photographers, and old or outdated barns typically need more space or set up to accommodate everyone.
There can be one exit which can create a huge backup at the end of the night when the guests and all the vendors are trying to leave.
#8. You may have to pay for event insurance. If the barn isn’t a wedding-specific venue, you could have to buy insurance and permits to host an event there. These can get expensive depending on where you live. If the venue doesn’t have a license to serve alcohol, you may also have to pay for that. This isn’t an issue for all barn wedding venues, but it’s worth asking before booking.
What About the DJ?
Music is an integral part of your wedding day. Along with the general pros and cons, your wedding DJ may have other hiccups playing in a barn. For example, sometimes, the DJ has to be up in a loft, which creates a detachment from the crowd and the DJ. Also, the sound can be an issue if the speakers aren’t on the floor where your guests are.
Plus, more remote locations can present other challenges for your DJ, like a lack of adequate power for equipment. Most commercial event halls have accessible electricity and amenities for the DJ. Your wedding DJ will also have a lot of equipment, and if a venue doesn’t have parking close to the entrance, it can be a challenge to get all of the supplies safely into your venue – that’s true for your other vendors, too, like the caterers.
The Takeaway
Choosing a venue that’s right for you is the most important thing. Barn weddings have unquestionable perks, like gorgeous scenery and putting your own twist on your wedding day, but also some trade-offs, like additional costs or accessibility.
If you’re considering having a barn wedding, speak to the DJ and other vendors to get a better idea if they can accommodate a rustic wedding. Sometimes a more rural setting is more accessible than a big city gig, and vice versa. Every wedding is unique!
What Barn Venues Should You Consider In Northeast Ohio?
Did you decide to go with a rustic, romantic barn wedding? If so, here are some of the most recommended barns venues in Northeast Ohio. Thank you to DJ Rev Dev and Josh Booth for helping me come with this list.
Tall Oaks Event Complex – Kirtland, OH
Tall Oaks is one of Northeast Ohio’s newest event spaces. The property has a brand-new, state-of-the-art Event Barn perfect for rustic and country-inspired nuptials. Create a one-of-a-kind wedding with expansive valley views, crystal blue ponds, and modern amenities. The venue sits on 14 gorgeous wooded acres, and Tall Oaks offers on-site catering to help plan your big day. The rustic-chic atmosphere is complemented by state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Out-of-town guests can stay on the property in the quaint Carriage House Inn. The Tall Oaks staff handles all aspects of your big day, including the food, decor, and any last-minute details.
Guest Capacity: 350+
Mapleside Farms – Brunswick, Ohio
The Barn at Mapleside Farms is a quintessential country setting. Perfect for larger events, this Northeast Ohio wedding venue combines modern amenities and comforts with stunning, rustic post and beam construction.
Weddings at Mapleside Farms are gorgeous inside and out. Couples can take wedding photos featuring the Northeast Ohio landscape and say “I do” on 120 acres with breathtaking apple orchard views. The venue recently partnered with “A Taste of Excellence,” Cleveland’s premiere caterer. You and your guests will enjoy a unique culinary experience with fresh local ingredients prepared by passionate professionals.
Guest Capacity: 300 (Indoors) and 500 (Indoors & Outdoors)
Running Horse Farm – Geneva, OH
Running Horse Farm is an upscale rustic wedding venue on a historic dairy barn in the beautiful Ohio Wine country. The farm boasts rolling green pastures, pristine riding arenas, and a beautiful stable that is the perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception. Set on 12 acres of scenic farmland, this custom-restored barn is one of Ohio’s more luxurious barn venues. The picturesque, equestrian-inspired venue is handicap accessible, has modern appliances and amenities, a bridal room for hair and makeup, and even comes with a dedicated DJ area with a sound system, laptop, and projector.
Guest Capacity: 150
White Rose Barn – North Lawrence, OH
White Rose Barn is a beautiful indoor/outdoor country wedding venue in North Lawrence, OH. The gambrel-style barn is ALL WHITE from the inside out. The stark white walls, floors, and ceilings create an elegant blank canvas for an elevated rustic-themed wedding. The venue was built in 2019 and comes with all the modern necessities to keep guests comfortable no matter what time of year you’re getting married. Some of the biggest selling points are the barn’s whitewashed wood finishes, high ceilings, and an open layout plan that you can customize to be as bold or subtle as you’d like.
Guest Capacity: 250
The Barn at the Meadows – Orrville, OH
Do you want to get married in a historic 1820s barn? The Barn at the Meadows has been restored and updated but still has a rustic feel. The venue is located in a very private country setting and is only open from May to October.
Couples can host an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and the event arranges the decor for your big day. You’re responsible for organizing a caterer and alcohol, but the venue will provide a bar area with an ice machine and a caterer prep area.
Tip: The Barn at the Meadows is not handicap accessible.
Guest Capacity: 300
Red Run Bison Farms – Marshallville, OH
Host a contemporary country affair at the Red Run Bison Farm in Marshallville, OH. This country-French barn overlooks miles of farmland and lush pastures. Your wedding guests have to travel around half a mile of farmland where hundreds of buffalo roam to get to the venue. Once there, they’ll reach a gorgeous, rustic barn outfitted with modern amenities.
If you’re looking for a more authentic farm-style wedding, look into the Red Run Bison Farm. Peace and quiet out in the countryside can make for stunning scenery, but keep in mind the venue is far away from the city center.
Guest Capacity: 450
Century Farms – Carrollton, OH
The Barn at Century Farms is a newly renovated multi-level barn from the 1930s with rustic features and modern conveniences. Whether you’re hosting a small weekday wedding or a mid-size weekend farm affair, the barn is fully climate-controlled and has indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception. This venue has on-site accommodations, including private villas, making it a good fit for out-of-town wedding guests who want to stay the night.
Tip: The Barn at Century Farms only does one wedding per weekend, so book early!
Guest Capacity: 250
The Barn & Gazebo – Salem, OH
This one-of-a-kind wedding venue is nestled between 40,000+ pine tree forests and plenty of lush greenery. The Barn & Gazebo in Salem has an outdoor gazebo where couples can host their wedding ceremony and a rustic barn with vintage, country vibes for the reception. The Barn is heated and air-conditioned. Originally built in 1880, The Barn & Gazebo was fully restored and renovated by the current owners. The three-level barn has plenty of space for your guests and has essential modern amenities like on-site bathrooms and a kitchen.
Guest Capacity: 350
Brookside Farms – Louisville, OH
Brookside Farms is a picturesque wedding and event venue in Louisville, Ohio. Surrounded by rolling hills and acres of greenery, this countryside wedding venue dates back to the 1800s. Brookside Farms has a charming red barn, multiple outdoor ceremony sites, and a spacious reception area.
Some couples exchange vows in the charming chapel before hosting a lively reception in the large, air-conditioned barn. The intimate lighting, exposed beams, and rustic decor create the ultimate country affair with a sophisticated twist. The staff at Brookside Farms is on hand to help you plan, organize, and work out all the details of your big day.
Guest Capacity: 275
The Barn at Hart’s Grove – Windsor, OH
The Barn at Harts Grove is a charming and rustic wedding venue in the heart of Ohio’s rolling countryside. The venue is surrounded by lush green pastures and over 550 acres of picturesque farmland. There’s a chapel with stunning scenic pasture views. The reception barn is a modern black and white colonial-themed 19th-century barn that’s been fully restored and renovated to provide all the modern amenities you need for a perfect wedding day.
Couples can also host indoor or outdoor ceremonies depending on the time of year. The venue’s experienced team will work with you to create a tailored wedding experience that reflects your unique style and vision.
Guest Capacity: 200
by Sarah Makhluf in consultation with Ivan Moore from Synapse Entertainment. Sarah is a freelance content writer. She works closely with B2B and B2C businesses providing digital marketing content that gains traction. When she’s not writing, she is most likely playing her pup, Summer.
