Wedding venue check: Castle vs. Barn

Old wooden beams or historic grandeur—both wedding venues have their charms, but which one is a better fit for your wedding: a fairytale castle or a rustic barn? We’ve put together a quick “Castle vs. Barn” wedding venue guide to help you make a more informed decision.

Team Schloss

• Wedding photos are incredibly important to you.
• Your wedding party includes well over 50 people.
• Your wedding will be organized by a wedding planner, or you'll invest a lot of time in the preparations yourselves.
• You love romance and have a soft spot for history.
• You want a grand entrance, complete with a princess-style wedding dress and a champagne reception in the lavishly decorated castle gardens.
• You want everything in one place and from a single source.

Team Barn

• For you, the focus is on the evening celebration.
• You want a hassle-free celebration that everyone—young and old alike—can enjoy.
• You like simple decorations. You're more drawn to wildflowers than to elaborate floral arrangements.
• You like the blend of the traditional and the modern.
• A dress code isn't your thing; your outfit and those of your guests will be on the casual side.

Of course, these are just guidelines, and you’ll often find a lovely blend of rustic and opulent styles. Still, our tips can help you gain a clearer understanding of your needs. After all, only when you, as a couple, know what you want will you know what your ideal wedding venue should ultimately look like.