An analysis of three Northern Virginia barn wedding venues (Sweeney Barn, 48 Fields Farm, Sylvanside Barn) close to Washington, DC in the stunning Virginia countryside. #barnwedding #virginiabarns #rusticwedding #vabarnvenues #vaweddingbarns #virginiavenues #virginiaweddingvenues #virginiaweddingbarns
I have had the pleasure to visit a number of stunning Northern Virginia barn wedding venues. Right now, all the rage is the rustic barn venue! I have visited three popular venues that are within an hour of Washington, DC and wanted to share my insights for any couples who may be considering these venues! All three are absolutely stunning and would be a great choice for a wedding. However, there are a few things to consider when you book them.
Sweeney Barn (Mannassas, VA)
First, I will start with Sweeney Barn which is BRAND new! It recently just opened and I attended their open house event this past weekend. The barn is absolutely stunning and no event need has been overlooked. The barn has two levels that offer two totally different looks. The first floor is whitewashed and has unique beam details. My favorite part of the barn has to be the spiral staircase inside the silo. It is simply breathtaking and the ideal spot for a beautiful photos. The top floor has a gorgeous curved ceiling and is lined with massive chandeliers that add that “wow” factor.
Pros:
- Stunning event spaces on two levels
- State of the art audiovisual
- Climate controlled
- Indoor ceremony space
- Capacity for up to 220 people
- Includes 120 white folding ceremony chairs
- Warming kitchen
- Guest parking
- Indoor restrooms
- Bridal suite area
- Free lawn games
- Their pricing is in the mid-range for the DMV area. You can check out their pricing here https://sweeneybarn.com/weddings/
Things to Consider:
- Seems a bit commercial and does not have as much of a country feel as it is located amidst corporate park
- Does not include table and chairs for reception (added expense on top of rental)
- Limited scenic views
- Wedding photos would be limited outdoors
- Limited to caterers on preferred vendors list or will be charged fee
* Couples must contract with a licensed Wedding Planner to have your wedding at Sweeney Barn.
48 Fields Farm (Leesburg, VA)
48 Fields is a lovely venue run by a husband and wife team. Kelly is a wedding photographer, and her knowledge of great photo opportunities has definitely been addressed at this venue. There is a variety of different areas to sneak away and capture that perfect shot. Similar to Sweeney Bar, there are two immaculate levels. The first floor is white washed and includes a variety of furniture. This space can be used for the ceremony or for your cocktail hour. The top floor of the barn has a dramatic curved ceiling and beautiful chandeliers to provide a romantic ambient glow. 48 Fields is a more intimate venue and comfortably fits weddings of 125 or fewer guests. They also have a lawn area for outdoor ceremonies and an open air barn behind the venue that can also be used for your cocktail hour or a variety of other functions.
Pros:
- Beautiful, quaint barn with upper and lower levels
- Indoor & outdoor ceremony spaces
- Capacity for 125 people, maybe a little less if you want dancing on the same level as dinner
- Includes 125 white padded ceremony chairs
- Includes 125 mahogany chivari chairs for reception
- Includes round banquet tables & long rectangular banquet tables
- Private “getting ready cottage”
- No required caterers or vendors, but does have preferred list
- Lowest venue price of the three barns analyzed here *Prices not posted on website but this was the case when I visited in October 2018.
Things to Consider:
- No indoor restrooms, they have fancy restroom trailers located outside of the barn
- No running water in the barn (difficult for caterers)
- Small kitchen space for caterers on site with refrigeration but food is not allowed to be warmed or cooked on site so most caterers will need to bring additional supplies in order to cook food (may incur additional cost to you for tenting and equipment)
*Couples must contract with a licensed Wedding Planner to have your wedding at 48 Fields Farm.
Sylvanside Farm (Purcellville, VA)
Sylvanside Farm is a stunning venue located in Purcellville, VA. If you are looking for an authentic farm feel, this is definitely a place to check out. They offer a variety of additional amenities, and I love that they have accommodations onsite so that the bridal party can spend the whole weekend together if they desire. The two barns offer so many options to structure your event in different spaces and locations. The farm boasts real life Clydesdale horses for photos and a stunning assortment of included decorations and furniture. You can really make this venue your own and do something unique and creative. They even have an onsite kennel so that up to two of your well behaved furry friends can join in the wedding festivities as well!
Pros:
- Beautiful, authentic barn venue (this is an actual barn and farm)
- Indoor & outdoor ceremony options
- The largest event barn in the area, can accommodate up to 400 people!
- Two event barns where you can host all the different wedding festivities (too many combinations to name)
- A huge selection of included event supplies check it out here https://www.sylvansidefarm.com/complimentaryofferings
- 250 white padded ceremony chairs
- 250 crossback wooden chairs (very pretty)
- Tons of tables to choose from round banquet and long rectangular banquet
- Assorted couches and lounge furniture (seriously just check out the list!)
- Onsite accommodations available for up to 12 guests
- Clydesdale horses to take photos with!
- Indoor restrooms
- Large warming kitchen with refrigeration
- Ability to rent out the farm for the entire weekend
- They have two majestic dogs onsite. I have no idea whether they are actually there for weddings, but anytime dogs are around I just always rank a venue 3x higher!
Things to Consider:
- Barns are not climate-controlled
- Located down a winding country road, which could be challenging for some guests to navigate.
- This venue is the most expensive between the barns analyzed in this post but they do offer a huge range of included items for your use and the overall venue is stunning. You can check out the packages here https://www.sylvansidefarm.com/packages
* Couples must hire a licensed Wedding Planner to have their wedding at Sylvanside Farm.
I hope you enjoyed my post analyzing three popular Northern Virginia barn wedding venues. Leave a comment below or fill out my contact form with any questions, I’d love to hear from you!
