Tuesday 13 May 2025
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions in your planning journey. At Growwild, nestled in the scenic Southern Highlands, couples have the unique opportunity to select between two stunning settings: the rustic barn and the elegant marquee. Both offer distinctive charm and flexibility, catering to different wedding visions. If you're trying to decide which style suits your dream wedding best, this guide will help you compare the two and find the perfect fit.
The Barn: Warm, Rustic, and Full of Character
For couples drawn to a cosy, intimate, and romantic atmosphere, a barn wedding offers the perfect backdrop. Growwild’s beautifully restored barn provides an authentic country setting, blending natural elegance with timeless charm.
Why Choose the Barn?
- The barn offers a naturally warm and inviting atmosphere with exposed wooden beams, ambient lighting, and earthy textures. It’s an ideal space for couples who love a relaxed yet stylish wedding, requiring minimal décor to enhance its rustic charm.
- One of the biggest advantages of a barn wedding is its weatherproof nature. No matter the season, you’ll have a sheltered, comfortable space to celebrate without worrying about sudden weather changes.
- The barn is well-suited for small to mid-sized weddings, creating an intimate and personal environment where guests feel connected to the celebration.
- If you love the idea of a vintage, boho, or countryside-chic wedding, the barn provides the perfect setting with its natural timber interiors and warm, romantic lighting.
Styling Ideas for the Barn
To complement the rustic charm, enhance the space with soft fairy lights, flickering candles, and lush greenery. Long wooden banquet tables with organic floral arrangements create a relaxed, communal dining experience. Dried flowers, eucalyptus, and warm, earthy tones work beautifully with the barn’s natural aesthetic. Live acoustic music or a string quartet can add to the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Marquee: Elegant, Spacious, and Versatile
A marquee wedding is perfect for couples wanting an open-air feel with the protection of a structured space. Unlike the barn, a marquee acts as a blank canvas, giving you full creative control over the layout, décor, and overall wedding atmosphere.
Why Choose the Marquee?
- The marquee provides ultimate flexibility, allowing couples to create a completely customised setting, whether you’re envisioning a classic, modern, or garden-inspired wedding.
- With transparent or open sides, the marquee seamlessly blends the outdoor beauty of Growwild’s gardens into your wedding experience while offering protection from wind or rain. This is particularly beneficial if you want an outdoor-inspired wedding without the unpredictability of the weather.
- For couples with a larger guest list, the marquee provides ample space for dining, entertainment, and dancing, making it ideal for grand celebrations.
- If you’re drawn to modern, elegant, or whimsical wedding themes, the marquee allows you to design an event with personalised touches, including luxurious drapery, hanging floral installations, and statement lighting.
Styling Ideas for the Marquee
The marquee is a blank canvas, making it easy to transform the space into a romantic, elegant, or contemporary setting. Soft draped fabric, festoon lighting, and chandeliers add a dreamy touch, while floral centrepieces and greenery bring in the beauty of the Southern Highlands. Round tables with crisp linens or banquet-style seating create an inviting atmosphere.
How to Decide Between the Barn and the Marquee
A barn wedding is best for couples who:
- Want a warm, intimate, and character-filled venue that doesn’t require extensive decorating.
- Prefer an indoor setting that feels connected to nature.
- Envision a rustic, vintage, or boho-inspired wedding.
A marquee wedding is best for couples who:
- Want a customisable, open-air setting with plenty of space.
- Prefer an elegant, modern, or garden-inspired celebration.
- Need a larger capacity venue to accommodate a big guest list.
Why Growwild is the Perfect Venue
At Growwild, couples don’t have to compromise. Whether you envision a romantic barn wedding or an elegant marquee reception, we offer the flexibility to tailor your day exactly as you imagine.
Some couples choose to hold their ceremony in the gardens, followed by a reception in either the barn or the marquee for a mix of rustic and elegant styles. The venue’s breathtaking countryside and lush gardens provide a stunning backdrop for either setting.
No matter which option you choose, the team at Growwild is available to help coordinate setup and styling to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.
Final Thoughts
The barn is perfect for couples who love charm, warmth, and rustic elegance, while the marquee is ideal for those seeking a grand, customisable, open-air celebration. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal style, guest list, and wedding vision.
Still undecided? Book a tour at Growwild to see both spaces in person and picture your perfect day in our beautiful Southern Highlands setting.