Barn weddings have been a staple of American and European culture for as long as people have been exchanging vows and getting married. Back in the old days, couples would be married in fully functioning farms – animals and all! Fortunately for us, today many farms have dedicated part or all of their property to hosting weddings and specials events. That means modern day barn wedding venues are able to accommodate all the trappings of luxury we now associate with weddings, while still maintaining the rustic vibe of yesteryear. I like to call it rustic chic, and it’s a wedding theme that has been catching on over the last few years.
I’m lucky enough to live in the northeast, New Jersey to be specific, where farms are visible as far as the eye can see. This means New Jersey is also rich in barn wedding venues. I’ve compiled some of my favorite barn wedding venues, ranging from ultra rustic to over-the-top chic, and everywhere in between. If you’re looking for a barn wedding venue in New Jersey to hold your special wedding day at, these are the cream of the crop!
Mickleton, NJ
Cecil Creek Farm is an organic farm that sits on 42 acres of gorgeous farmland. This is the perfect barn wedding venue for brides who are environmentally minded, as the farm prides itself on an ethos of farm-to-table ideals. In fact, if you choose to have your wedding at Cecil Creek Farm, your guests will be treated to a taste of locally harvested meal options, all prepared by on-site chefs! That’s a claim not many barn wedding venues can claim.
I reached out to Cecil Creek Farm and they were able to share the following information about what makes the farm such a great place for a barn wedding:
We offer multiple locations on the farm for ceremony from our “ceremony circle” which was created from a former horse training pasture, the perennial garden named for the extensive plantings of perennial flowers marked by our grand “hayzebo” that’s a Gazebo made from an old hay feeder and barn timbers, and lastly the “greenhouse” appointed with living walls brimming with succulents and greenery built from pallets, old galvanized tin and gutters for inclement weather days! One of the other fun fave hangouts is the 8 foot diameter fire pit made from an old steer feeder…as you can gather we like to re-imagine creative ways to repurpose things that no longer serve their original purpose on the farm!
Cecil Creek Farm truly has the community in mind and what better way to celebrate your new life than invoking community?
Photo by Michelle Arlotta
Fredon Township, NJ
Bear Brook Valley is a positively gorgeous barn wedding venue that definitely skews more chic than rustic, but if you’re looking to glam up your barn wedding, Bear Brook Valley is your place. They handle all your wedding needs in-house, meaning you won’t need to worry about booking a caterer or any of the other typical wedding extras that go into the mix of planning a rustic wedding. This is a barn wedding venue that it solely used for weddings, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing!
Naturally, an all-inclusive wedding venue is a perk, and Bear Brook Valley boasts eye-popping backdrops for your wedding photos, highly rated chefs, and the promise of a fabulous wedding with a touch of rustic charm – it is a barn wedding after all.
I was able to speak with someone from Bear Brook Valley and they had this to say about the gorgeous rustic wedding venue:
- Bear Brook Valley has over 40 beers on tap with a huge selection of craft, IPA’s, locally crafted, ciders, gluten free beers, seasonals and more.
- One of our private lounges (grooms lounge) is sponsored by Woodford Reserve and has two TV’s, two PlayStation 4’s, Pac Man, pool table, shuffle board, a bar, a restored antique barber chair (from the tv show American Restoration).
- We have one of the most inclusive wedding packages in the area.
- We have fun food stations like a bacon station, taco loco station, the “grid iron grub station” which is a tailgate-themed station where we decorate the station w the couples favorite sports team and put out things like wings, pigs in a blanket, sliders and more picking food.
- Our ceremony site is located on a large heart-shaped pond <3
- We offer fun end of the night food stations to-go and one is called the Midnight Diner Stop which is breakfast sandwiches like bacon, sausage, taylor ham and cheese with disco fries.
If I weren’t already married, I’d seriously consider having my nuptials at Bear Brook Valley!
Photo by Rebecca Shivers Photography
Woolwich Township, NJ
For over 130 years, Rode’s Barn has been a South Jersey farmland institute, so you know you’re getting a genuine barn wedding with a lot of history. The family-owned BBQ restaurant has been feeding South Jersey residents for generations, so you know your catering will be handled by folks who know exactly what people want to eat. Additionally, their grounds are perfect for a barn wedding, complete with a good old fashioned hardwood barn dance floor.
Rose’s Barn is another wedding venue that offers wedding packages, but they prefer to build their packages around your wedding. That means no two weddings are ever alike at Rode’s Barn, and that’s something that really appeals to couples who are looking to have a rustic barn wedding. And it can’t be stressed enough, your guests will eat well!
Holmdel, NJ
Bayonet Farm has deep historical roots in NJ, with the land first being purchased back in 1677! The farm’s previous owner sold Bayonet Farm to the state of New Jersey to help preserve its use as an active farm, but also to provide public resources for bird sanctuaries, recreation, and yes – even weddings!
This is another true blue barn wedding venue that will fit the aesthetic checklist of engaged couples who desire that rugged, rustic look and feel. Sprawling farmland as far as the eye can see (over 140 acres to be precise) surrounds Bayonet Farm. They also boast a traditional, all-American red barn to host your wedding reception. Bayonet Farm is the real McCoy for all brides-to-be who want to bring a little bit of country to their wedding day.
Stockton, NJ
It doesn’t get much more rustic than Stone Rows Farm, located deep in South Jersey. This barn wedding venue offers you a fairly blank slate to work with. You bring the vendors, you bring the decorations, they’ll provide the barn and open farmland. And really, that’s a fair deal when you feast your eyes on the natural beauty of Stone Rows Farm’s property.
This place is a photographer’s dream, and that will likely make for truly breathtaking wedding photos. You’ll have to contact the owners directly, as they don’t seem to have much of an online presence, but it would definitely be worth your while to say your vows and dance the night away in the barn at Stone Rows Farm.
Alexandria Township, NJ
While Sterling Brook Farm has been in business for nearly 40 years, the newly renovated barn is now a premier destination for couples seeking a rustic wedding that’s packed with a whole lot of chic, glitz, and glam. We’re talking 175 acres of farmland surrounding an absolutely elegant barn that is perfect for your wedding (or party, or family reunion – you get the picture).
Sterling Brook Farm has a hard limit on the number of weddings they host per year, so if you want to have your barn wedding here, you better get on their calendar as soon as possible. Just looking at their gallery of previous weddings makes me want to get married all over again! This is one of my favorite barn wedding venues in NJ, and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t yours as well.
Somerset, NJ
If you’re a salt of the earth type of bride and you really want to deliver a homestead style barn wedding picked right out of history, the Hageman Farmhouse is the wedding venue for you! The Hageman Farm House is owned by the Meadows Foundation, a non-profit whose sole mission is to preserve early American heritage historical sites. The fact that they’ve opened the Hageman Farm House up to the public for weddings and events is a gift to any American history buff!
Hageman Farm House also offers you the chance to get married in the Hageman Horse barn, a real life 1800s style horse barn! With that in mind, it has to be stated that this is a genuine piece of history which means there is no electricity, running water, or any of the comforts of home. You’re going to have to bring your own chic sensibilities (or hire a wedding planner with experience) to glam up the rustic barn wedding venue. But it would definitely be worth it to add your own history to a place already steeped in Americana.
Stafford Township, NJ
This may be the most modern and luxurious barn wedding venue on the list, but if luxury is your forte, Bonnet Island Estate is the place for you! Do yourself a favor and just scroll through the photos of the modern barn wedding venue and tell me it’s not love at first sight. This is a plantation-style barn wedding venue that sits on its own island surrounded by water, offering some of the best views in all of New Jersey.
As with many modern wedding venues, barn or otherwise, Bonnet Island Estate is an all-inclusive barn wedding venue. They will handle the catering, but you must provide flowers, entertainment, and any other wedding staples you’d like to have. It might be worth your while to bring a wedding planner or event planner to help with coordinating all the moving pieces of a wedding at Bonnet Island Estate, as this can be a stressful process. However, just think of all the wonderful memories you’ll be able to look back on forever!
Photo courtesy of Renee Nicolo Photography
Princeton, NJ
Updike Farmstead is located in Princeton’s historic district and comes with all the trapping of a historical New Jersey farm. Everything from a farmhouse, windmill, garden, and even a barn wedding venue are on the farm’s meticulously maintained 6-acre grounds. The barn itself was constructed in 1892, but has been completely redone to accommodate weddings and other events. In addition, the farmhouse makes for a perfect bridal suite. Even the grounds themselves are practically built for outdoor weddings and photography.
This is a barn wedding venue that strikes a perfect balance between rustic and chic, with the newly renovated barn pairing nicely with the natural beauty of the Farmstead itself. Updike Farmstead is extremely popular for weddings, so you’ll want to contact them sooner than later to reserve your special day!
Cranbury, NJ
The Parsonage Barn may be the only barn on the list that was dismantled, moved to a new location, and then completely rebuilt using its original timber. The beautiful red barn is a picture-perfect spot for a barn wedding and the intimate size is ideal for smaller guest lists. Since this is a literal barn, weddings and events are only held through spring, summer, and fall as the barn is not heated to accommodate winter weddings. The Parsonage Barn is also only available as a barn wedding venue for the wedding itself and will not accommodate a wedding reception in an effort to preserve it for years to come.
Among the many features of this historic barn are the following:
Allentown, NJ
The Ashford Estate is owned by the same company who operates the Bonnet Island Estate and applies the same luxurious sensibilities here as they do there. You have the option of being married in the barn chapel and then moving the reception around to the grand ballroom (and I do mean grand) that offers incredible views of the farmland estate through a glass back wall. The entire Ashford Estate is really a feast for the eyes, but it may also be a feast for your overall budget.
Engaged couples are given the option of renting the Ashford Estate for just the ceremony and reception or rented for ceremony, reception and use of the suites for overnight stay. That opens up a lot of options for you, should you want to customize your dining options with an outside vendor. But it’s almost a guarantee that any barn wedding held at Ashford Estate will be one that your guests will talk about for the rest of their lives.
White Township, NJ
Jack’s Barn once served as a feed mill throughout the 1800s but has since been restored to accommodate modern wedding and events while maintaining the rustic look and feel of the past. With all its old world charm, The Loft at Jack’s Barn ticks off every box for brides who want a rustic barn wedding with all the modern day amenities hidden behind the curtain.
Stockton, NJ
Priding itself on being unique, Wood’sEdge Farm goes above and beyond to deliver a custom wedding for every couple who chooses to get married there. Sitting on 90 acres of scenic beauty, the farm allows you to pick and choose your vendors from a curated list of companies that have proven themselves to be top shelf throughout the years. This all but guarantees a great wedding experience, but they also offer something a little extra: sustainability!
That’s right! Wood’sEdge Farm is a green, fully functioning farm. What’s more, unlike many barn wedding venue, Wood’sEdge Farm can hold over 400 guests! But whether your guest list exceeds 400 or is an intimate affair with your nearest and dearest loved one, this is an excellent rustic chic setting for folks who have a flair for that sort of thing.
I asked the folks over at WoodsEdge Farm what sets them apart from other rustic wedding venues and they were happy to oblige!
- WoodsEdge Farm was the first breeder of alpacas in New Jersey.
- At WoodsEdge you can have your wedding day photos taken with our herd of super friendly llamas!
- WoodsEdge is one of the few working farms that also hosts weddings, special events and agritourism events.
- Our resident and most popular wedding guest is Larry the Llama.
- We raise over 150 llamas, alpacas & Tibetan yak and each year they get a hair cut. WoodsEdge Farm Store sells products made from the fiber harvested.
- Our Farm Fresh wedding & party favors are always popular and include our super warm ‘No Cold Feet’ Alpaca socks or our ‘Thanks for Beeing With Us to Celebrate’ honey. All raised at WoodsEdge!
- WoodsEdge began hosting agritourism events in 1976. Livestock seminars as well as fiber spinning and dyeing classes were taught on the property.
- Just because WoodsEdge is a farm and events take place in the barn does not mean that it’s your typical farm wedding. WoodsEdge’s provides a unique experience for each and every client to create the vision that they have imagined for their wedding or special event.
Andover, NJ
Perona Farms has been in the wedding business for some time now, hosting three separate rustic wedding venues on their premises, but The Barn at Perona Farms is undoubtedly their premiere spot if you’re looking for a barn wedding venue. The Barn at Perona Farms is what you see when you close your eyes and picture a classic American farm with silos on either side of a long, old fashioned barn. And since they’re a seasoned host of weddings for many years, they have everything you can imagine as far as accommodations go.
Want to have an indoor wedding? No problem. Want to get married outside in a pasture? Done. And for the reception, I can think of few barn wedding venues as gorgeous and as decked out as the inside reception hall of the Barn at Perona Farms.
Stockton, NJ
Prallsville Mills promises a magical experience, should you decide to have your barn wedding there. The Mill sits on the Delaware River and offers incredible scenic views, as well as several rustic venues to host your wedding ceremony, wedding reception, and even your rehearsal dinner. My favorite building is the old grist mill which captures the look and feel of a real barn wedding venue, right down to the bright red exterior.
I was able to speak with a representative for Prallsville Mills who shared the following info that details the Mills’ rich historical roots:
The Prallsville Mills is a unique collection of 10 buildings, some of which date back to the 1800s. Drawing on the abundant waterways — which today make for lovely picture taking opportunities — the early settlers of the area first built a grain (or grist) mill on the property in 1710. The Mill that stands today dates to 1877 and still has two massive millstones as well as the headway where water continues to flow through the building. Many other artifacts from the era are in the mill, allowing for a truly authentic old school industrial feeling. Other properties include a fully restored sawmill building that many couples use for their wedding ceremonies, noting that it has the grace and feel of a small scale church. We also have a 1794 residential stone home that backs up to a stunning quarry pond, another favorite spot for wedding ceremonies. Another part of our complex hosts a home that originally served as the quarry office that now hosts artists and a 200-person capacity tent for parties of all types. All of this is part of Delaware and Raritan Canal state park, with beautiful trees and easy access to the Delaware River. As such, we’re a unique mix of industry and nature that easily goes from black tie to country hoe down and everything in between.
Couples who choose to have their wedding at Prallsville Mills will be delighted to know that they’ve paired with an exclusive catering company, Crave Events, so their guests will not only experience a genuine rustic chic wedding but also be fed some of the finest food in New Jersey! What more could you ask for in a rustic chic wedding?
Jobstown, NJ
If you’re the kind of bride who likes having multiple options open to you, The Barn at Locust Hall is the barn wedding venue for you. They offer four spaces for you to hold your rustic chic wedding ceremony and reception, all with their own unique old world charm. The ceremony lawn, stone barn, farmhouse mansion and breezeway barn are all great options for a barn wedding. And if you want to mix and match locations for ceremony, cocktail hour and wedding reception – that’s on the table as well!
The Barn at Locust Hall also works with an elite list of approved vendors which are all listed on their website. This means you don’t have to spend hours and hours of your time researching caterers, florists, and wedding planners (ahem!).
Woodbine, NJ
The Woodbine Equestrian Center may not immediately bring to mind wedding bells and bridal gowns, but this South Jersey rural setting is the perfect spot for a true barn wedding. By day, the Woodbine Equestrian Center operates as a training ground for folks who want to learn to ride and care for horses. But on the weekend, it’s time to party, as you can see from the Equestrian Center’s photos on Facebook.
Like I said, this is a true barn wedding, dirt floor and all! But with a beautiful natural setting littered with farmland and horses, the Woodbine Equestrian Center is sure to be the perfect barn wedding venue for couples looking for that 100% authentic country wedding vibe. What’s more, they’re located 20-30 minutes from the Jersey Shore!