Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Maine Barn Wedding Venue
New England barn weddings have become increasingly popular for their charming, rustic ambiance and picturesque settings. But, picking the right barn venue is critical to making your wedding day perfect. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the ideal barn venue for your wedding whether searching in Maine or elsewhere.
1. Location & Guest Accommodations
The location of your barn wedding venue is one of the first things to consider. Ensure the venue is easy to get to for the majority of your guests. Is it rural or reasonably nearby to major access roads/highways? Are there guest accommodations on site or very close by?
NOTE: If the barn venue does not have guest accommodations available on the property, you may wish to consider arranging transportation for your guests to and from the hotel to the venue on the wedding day.
2. Accessibility
To ensure an inclusive wedding experience, it is imperative entire wedding property will be easily accessed guests of all ages and physical abilities. Are there stairs? Is the parking lot and/or arrival area paved or it is dirt which could be bumpy (and muddy) in some seasons. Are the restrooms, ceremony space, reception area, and dance floor all on one story, easy to navigate without risk of tripping or falls? Remember, uneven flooring or grounds, and/or unexpected step ups or downs, can pose even more of risk when wearing heels, particularly after a few celebratory cocktails!
3. Capacity and Space
Barn wedding and event venues come in many sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that will comfortably accommodate your planned guest list. Consider both the indoor and outdoor spaces the venue offers. Ensure there is ample space for your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any additional activities you have planned, such as dancing or games.
4. Venue Amenities
When touring potential barn venues, be sure to ask about the included amenities. Some Maine barn wedding venues come fully equipped with modern conveniences, wedding coordination and all-inclusive wedding packages, while others simply provide raw space. Remember, in the case of raw barn space, you’ll be required to organize multiple vendors for everything from equipment to catering, and/o hire a wedding planner to do so.
Key barn wedding venue amenities to consider include:
Accessible, attractive restrooms
Heating and cooling system
Electricity and lighting
Onsite catering; or kitchen facilities or a catering area for an outside caterer
Private Bridal / Wedding Suite (Hint: one with a private restroom is a huge plus!)
5. Weather Considerations
Weather can be unpredictable, so having a contingency plan is a must. If you are planning a ceremony outdoors, ask the venue about options for an an indoor ceremony and/or covered ceremony, cocktail hour and reception in case of bad weather. As well, ensure the barn has proper heating and/or air-conditioning to keep your guests comfortable, regardless of the weather or season.
6. Decor Needs and Flexibility
One of the joys of a barn wedding is the ability to personalize the space to fit your theme and style. But, not all barns are alike. Some have darker wood and few windows and require more decor and lighting. Others have lighter wood, ornate chandeliers, fireplaces and other built-in design elements which may minimize the need to “dress it up.”
As well, check with the venue about their policies on decorations. Some barns may have restrictions due to fire hazards or preservation concerns. For example, are candles allowed? Some barn event venues prohibit lit candles altogether, others simply have stipulations such as enclosing candles in a hurricane or lantern. Knowing these guidelines in advance will help you plan your décor accordingly.
7. Acoustics and Sound System
Barns can have unique acoustics which can affect your ceremony and reception music. Ask if the venue provides a sound system or if you’ll want to plan to hire a DJ or bring in a band with their own equipment. Test the acoustics during your venue tour to ensure your vows and speeches will be heard clearly by all your guests, or ensure the preferred entertainment vendors provide mics and other equipment needed for this purpose.
8. Vendor Recommendations & Flexibility
Some venues recommend their preferred vendors, while others require you use them. If you have specific vendors in mind for catering, photography, or entertainment, confirm that the venue will accommodate them.
9. Budget Considerations
Wedding barn venues can vary widely in price, depending on their location, amenities, and popularity. Determine what is included in the venue rental fee or inclusive packages and what additional costs you might incur. If the barn venue is a basic rental, you’ll want to be sure to consider the additional costs of renting equipment such as tables and chairs, catering, hiring additional staff, or obtaining necessary permits. As well, you will want to be sure to consider any costs or time associated with wedding coordination / planning if those services are not provided on site.
10. Guest Experience
Think about the overall experience you want to have, as well as provide for your guests. Having a Maine barn wedding can offer a unique and memorable setting, but it should also be comfortable and enjoyable. Consider amenities such as a designated jacket or coat closet, attractive and spacious restroom facilities, comfortable seating, shelter from the elements, and entertainment options to keep your guests comfortable, happy, and engaged. And, if catering is done on site, learn as much as you can about the quality of the food. Reading the venue’s reviews is a great way to learn what others are saying about about the food.
11. Visit and Compare Multiple Venues
Before making your final decision, visit multiple barn venues to compare what each one offers as well as what makes each venue unique. Take note of the pros and cons of each location, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and read the venue reviews on their website as well as on wedding platforms such as Wedding Wire, The Knot, Zola,, and Eventective. Seeing and reading others’ feedback on different barn weddings will help you determine which one is the best fit for your particular wedding day vision and needs.
Choosing the perfect barn venue for your wedding involves careful consideration of various factors. By keeping these key points in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding a venue that provides a beautiful and memorable setting for your special day.
Enjoy the journey and let us know how we can support you!