Five Charming New England Barn Venues for a Rustic-Chic Wedding
Complete with lush garden backdrops, hay bales, and grazing cattle.
The Barn at Gibbet Hill / Photo by Dan Aguirre
Longing for a venue with a dose of pastoral romance? Gibbet Hill’s verdant barn-side ceremony space offers views of rolling green hills and grazing cattle. Cozy up for cocktails on the barn’s heated and covered deck—available year-round—before moving up to 220 guests inside for dinner and dancing under the glow of grandiose iron chandeliers. In addition to the barn, Gibbet Hill offers a hilltop area (aptly named Top of the Hill) as a second option for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions. There, say “I do” in front of the ruins of a stone hunting lodge built in 1906, then host your reception under a soaring tent with views of Mount Wachusett, Mount Watatic, and Mount Monadnock. The venue can also supply additional rentals including garden arbors, farm tables, and lawn games.
61 Lowell Rd., Groton, 978-448-3233, barnatgibbethill.com.
Smith Barn / Photo by Solare Photography
Antique signs and twinkle lights dress up this apple barn turned event space, built in 1904 and currently owned by the Peabody Historical Society. The 240-seat barn, which accepts bookings between mid-April and November, also features a cocktail hour-ready second-floor mezzanine. The barn sits amid 250 acres of working orchards and conservation land, so there’s no shortage of photo ops. Plus, for an extra fee, you can host an outdoor ceremony in front of an enchanting arbor at the Peabody Historical Society’s Woodland Gardens, located across the street.
38 Felton St., Peabody, 978-204-6345, peabodyhistorical.org.
The Barn at Bradstreet Farm / Photo by Britt Perkins Photography
For a rustic wedding with centuries of character, look no further than Bradstreet Farm. The property was originally deeded to Humphrey Bradstreet by King Charles I in 1635, making it the second-oldest continually operating farm in the country. Its current owners bought it from the town of Rowley in 2012 and started booking farm-to-table weddings there this year. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the working farm grows produce and flowers on seven acres of land, and also plays host to sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and a pig named Petunia. The centerpiece of the venue, however, is the 18th-century post-and-beam barn with original haylofts and grand sliding barn doors. In addition to this 125-seat reception space, the property offers an outdoor ceremony spot in front of a handmade wooden arbor, and a picturesque patio for cocktail hour. For a larger barnyard bash, the farm can also execute a tented celebration for up to 800 guests.
239 Main St., Rowley, 978-380-8156, barnatbradstreetfarm.com.
Smolak Farms / Photo by Sarah Jordan McCaffery
With sprawling orchards and a farm stand that serves up handmade apple-cider donuts, pies, and ice cream, Smolak Farms offers undeniable charm just 45 minutes north of Boston. Exchange vows on the lawn in front of a white wooden gazebo, then head inside the farm’s antique white barn for a cocktail hour. Afterward, it’s back outside to a three-peaked tent surrounded by an heirloom apple orchard for your reception. For added farmyard fun, choose a cocktail hour add-on, such as hayrides for guests or a seasonal pick-your-own-fruit romp through the orchards. The farm’s wedding package also includes a bridal suite, an event coordinator, and your choice of four local caterers.
315 S Bradford St., North Andover, 978-682-6332, smolakfarms.com.
Harrington Farm / Photo by Joe Dolen Photography
This weddings-only venue, located on the edge of Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, comprises 60 stunning acres of gardens, ponds, and greenery—not to mention three distinct venue options for your celebration. The first, a renovated 18th-century barn that features oak floors and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, welcomes up to 220 guests for a ceremony, a cocktail hour, and/or a reception. Other options include the farm’s grand Sperry tent (a prime spot for an elegant outdoor cocktail hour) and a patio surrounded by lush greenery and gardens. Additional perks? An onsite four-bedroom, three-bathroom inn; tasty farm-to-table fare from executive chef Steven Sprague; and a team of planners who can help choose vendors, consult on your tablescapes, and more.
178 Westminster Rd., Princeton, 978-464-5600, harringtonfarm.com.
For more venue inspiration, take a peek at our guide to New England’s top celebration spots.
