Willow Lake Event Center The Hall Vs. The Barn
Willow Lake Event Center is located in North Vernon, Indiana, and my heart. This venue is very special to me and feels like my second home. I always joke that my car could drive there by itself. It’s where I have even referred my family to get married! One thing both spaces have in common is the endless amount of photo-worthy settings. It is a photographer’s dreamland. So let’s dive in and see which space is right for you, The Hall or The Barn.
Highlights: 5,800 Sq. Ft, White Resin Charis, Wooden Farm Tables, Two Dressing Rooms, Two Outdoor Ceremony Spaces, Outdoor Fire Pits, Use of Commercial Kitchen
When you arrive at The Hall you will first notice the iconic building design by Willow Lake, a log cabin-style venue. The perfect vibe for a warm and cozy atmosphere. Next, you will walk behind the building and prepare for your jaw to drop. I have been here countless times and mine does every single time friend. The massive lake is well groomed with flowers that are carefully selected for each season so it always looks its best. I don’t think I have ever seen a dead plant/shrub, like ever. AKA something to think about for your photos.
The Hall offers two ceremony spots, an indoor and outdoor location. Benches are provided for your guest to sit so do not worry about the extra cost of chair rentals. The indoor option is new and provides a wood plank overlay floor and a stone fireplace backdrop! Sounds perfect for those chilly months! The outdoor option is stunning when the sun hits right over the trees as it is setting and a couple declares their vows just makes me speechless. It will give the same wow factor to your family and friends!
I absolutely LOVE that the Hall has two getting-ready spaces. So many times venues will only have one and that can be very tricky if you and your finance don’t want to see each other until the ceremony. Both rooms are spacious and comfortable for any bridal party size. The Bride’s room does have hydraulic chairs and mirrors. The Barn has the same features expect the rooms are cabins.
The Reception space is an open floor plan so you can be in the moment regardless of where you are in the room. I hear a lot of people say they love the fireplaces and I do believe this gives a nice touch in the fall and winter months. The Hall also has a door that can be pushed up for the warmer months making it easy to enjoy the sunset with your guests by the lake.
Highlights: 6,800 Sq. Ft, White Resin Charis, Wooden Farm Tables, Two Detached Dressing Rooms, Outdoor AND Indoor Ceremony Options, Outdoor Seating and Fireplace
The Barn is where I spend most of my time and I want to be very clear about this, The Barn is NOT a Barn in the sense that animals once lived inside and there is no A/C. It is totally the opposite of that! The space is elegant and magnificent. I mean you should see the size of the chandeliers, it’s mind-boggling! I make sure to always take a wide photo of my couples during their first dance so you can see the magnitude of the multiple glass chandeliers carefully placed above.
The Barn has an open floor plan and has a large space off to the side that can be used for a buffet line. I personally love it when they do this so it is out of the way and gives more space for mingling and dancing. Keep in mind the space is 6,800 Sq. Ft. so the room is already huge enough, this is just a personal preference.
With The Barn, you will have two options for your ceremony, outside or in the chapel. This was a BRILLIANT idea if you want the tradition of getting married in a church but still want all your events to take place in one location. The chapel truly looks like a church with window panes but thankfully doesn’t have the really bad red or green carpet you see in many old family churches. And don’t forget friends where two or more are gathered in His name He is in the midst of them! This leads us to my personal favorite the outdoor ceremony. This is the ultimate outdoor wedding spot and friend, I see A LOT! Just take a look at the photos below and you will understand.
Whichever space you pick it will be beautiful and the staff is by far the best. I love them like family and I know you will too.
