2024’s Best Cities for Barnyard-Themed Weddings

What are three important considerations for couples considering a barnyard as their wedding venue?

1. Is the barn purpose-built as an event facility? While many couples seek the rustic feel of a barnyard wedding, barns are often not built with that purpose in mind.

   Infrastructure such as air conditioning, lighting, speakers, and even bathroom facilities may not be already available, which could cause additional expenses for the couple or sacrifice the comfort of the guests.

2. What is provided with the venue rental? This is a question that all couples should ask at all venues, but the nature of a barnyard venue may require additional vendors to be enlisted.

   Tables, chairs, linens, candles, arches, stages — are these things included? Are they available for rent through the facility? Are there vendors who will provide their services at that particular venue? What is being provided and the physical location of the venue in relation to the physical location of the vendors must be considered.

3. Is the barnyard accessible to individuals with mobility issues? While Grandma might be fully capable of being escorted down the aisle in the wedding processional, is she able to traverse safely across the uneven ground to get to the barn? Would a guest on crutches or in a wheelchair be able to move easily from the wedding to the reception? The comfort of our guests is important, but safety and inclusion are paramount.

What are the top three benefits and top three challenges that might come with a barnyard venue?

Benefits:

1. Uniquity

2. Interesting photo opportunities

3. A relaxed ambiance.

Challenges:

1. Cost

2. Transportation

3. Insects.

How can you ensure safe transportation for guests from a rural venue back to their accommodations?

This is one of the biggest challenges with rural weddings and becomes increasingly problematic if alcohol is being served. Generally, guests will need to drive long(ish) distances on rural roads to reach a barnyard wedding or the couple will need to provide transportation to and from the venue.

• Transportation can be provided through car services, shuttle services, or via Uncle Ted who has a CDL and is willing to drive a (rented) bus.

Not only is transportation to and from the venue an important consideration, but the couple may also need to think about transportation from the parking area to the ceremony and/or reception area. Weddings in rural locations are less likely to have paved parking lots directly beside the venue. Likely, guests will need to park in areas that may be dusty, muddy, or full of gravel and walk to the site of the ceremony.

• Golf carts and trolleys can be helpful with transporting guests across the barnyard, but once again, will create extra expenses for the couple.

What are three important considerations for couples considering a barnyard as their wedding venue?

1. Rustic charm. A barnyard offers a unique and charming setting for a rustic-themed wedding. The exposed beams, weathered wood, and natural surroundings create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. If a rustic-themed wedding is not what you are looking for, you may want to steer clear of this type of venue.

2. Outdoor options. Barnyards often have ample outdoor space, providing the opportunity for an outdoor ceremony or reception. This can be especially appealing during warmer months when couples want to take advantage of the natural surroundings.

3. Logistical considerations. Couples should consider the logistics of hosting a wedding in a barnyard, such as:

• Accessibility for guests.
• Availability of amenities like restrooms and electricity.
• Potential weather contingencies.

It’s important to have a plan in place to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all guests.

What are the top three benefits and top three challenges that might come with a barnyard venue?

Benefits:

• Charm and rustic beauty. Barns can provide a charming rustic backdrop for weddings and events. Details like burlap, hay bales, and wooden beams give charming rustic character. They make for stunning photos too.
• Cost. Sometimes, but not all the time, barnyard venues could be a more affordable venue rental option, especially compared to hotels and resorts. If keeping costs down in this economy is a priority, then a barnyard wedding venue may be the right way to go.
• Unique atmosphere. A barn can provide an undeniably unique, memorable atmosphere you can’t replicate. Guests remember the eclectic, fun vibe of a barn wedding or event.

Challenges:

• Weather issues. Some barns provide little to no climate control. The unpredictability of weather can quickly dampen an outdoor event. Securing backup tenting or indoor options may need to be considered if choosing a barnyard location with limited indoor spacing and no climate control options.
• Odors and cleanliness concerns. With part of the charm of a barnyard location being the outside aspects, one may find that certain smells or muck may be present and detract from a special event, especially on a windy day. If not properly managed ahead of time there may also be debris or trash that gets blown into the area and detract from the ambiance of the event. Careful planning is key.
• Noise factors. This isn’t always an issue as many barnyard venues are located in secluded areas or are tucked away from the main travel routes. However, if it isn’t secluded enough, one may find that audio issues like hearing the ceremony may become difficult. Also, depending on the venue spacing the DJ, music, and other aspects that require people to hear what is going on may be drowned out depending on noise in the area or the vastness of the open space causing sound not to travel well. Strategic planning to deal with this type of issue is key. Timing and sound equipment can help overcome background noise problems if they are present.

How can you ensure safe transportation for guests from a rural venue back to their accommodations?

Helping guests get back safely to their hotel or other local accommodations after your countryside barn wedding should absolutely be a priority. Many options exist to assist:

1. Hired bus or shuttle service. Hiring a bus shuttle for a large guest count, or even smaller shared van shuttles for transport back and forth, is perhaps the easiest solution. It keeps the transportation consolidated and professional while allowing guests to enjoy themselves without driving.

2. Designated driver programs. For smaller weddings, recruiting designated drivers who abstain from alcohol, rewarding them with small gifts, and providing good directions back to accommodations can work. Having drivers commit ahead of time and making announcements limits confusion.

3. Ride-share partnerships. Partnering with ride-share services like Uber or Lyft provides codes and/or discounts guests can use for trips to and/or from the rural venue and hotels. Have a helper assist guests without smartphones.

4. Taxi service numbers. Researching any specialized local taxi service or livery companies that service the rural area and providing guests with their direct numbers is key. They may be limited, so advanced outreach helps.

No matter the size of the guest list, formal transportation coordination is a must for barn weddings. Maintaining safety should be the number one priority while letting guests relax and celebrate. Please let me know if there are any other specifics I can help plan around with guest travel and accommodations for your special day.