Wedding Venue in Spring Lake, North Carolina
North Carolina Rustic Barn Wedding Venue
Barn
Full Alcohol
300
Starting at $4,500
The Carolina Barn in Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a top choice for couples looking for a wedding venue near Raleigh, Durham, or Fayetteville. Surrounded by natural scenery, our venue offers a memorable setting for your special day.We offer both indoor and outdoor spaces that can be customized for weddings, receptions, holiday parties, corporate events, and more. Whether you prefer an indoor ceremony or an outdoor reception, The Carolina Barn has flexible options to fit your needs. Our experienced team is here to help you plan and bring your vision to life, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
The Carolina Barn features a variety of thoughtfully designed event spaces to suit every part of your celebration:
The Main Barn
A spacious climate-controlled building ideal for ceremonies and receptions. With its vaulted ceilings, polished floors, and flexible layout, it can host large gatherings comfortably while offering rustic charm with modern amenities.
The Outdoor Ceremony Site
A peaceful, natural setting with a handcrafted wooden arbor and bench seating—perfect for an outdoor “I do.” Surrounded by trees and open skies, it offers a serene backdrop for unforgettable moments.
The Covered Pavilion
Great for cocktail hours or casual receptions, this open-air space allows guests to enjoy the fresh air while staying sheltered from the elements.
Each area has been designed with convenience and comfort in mind, ensuring a seamless flow throughout your wedding day or special event. Whether you’re hosting a large reception or a small ceremony, The Carolina Barn offers the space and support to bring your vision to life.
Discover More about The Carolina Barn
McCormick Farms and The Carolina Barn is family owned and operated, as it has been for more than 220 years. Now in its ninth generation, the family remains committed to farming and timber. Every activity on the Farm remains rooted in the family’s passion for their cherished land.
When you rent The Carolina Barn, you receive full-day access to the venue from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including use of the climate-controlled Main Barn, outdoor ceremony site, and covered pavilion. The rental includes tables and chairs for up to 200 guests, with setup and breakdown handled by the venue team. You’ll also have access to a built-in bar, a designated catering prep space, and both the Bridal Suite and Groom’s Lounge for getting ready. An on-site venue manager is available on the day of your event to ensure everything runs smoothly. Additional amenities include guest parking, indoor restrooms, and post-event cleaning service. Couples are free to choose their own vendors, and a rehearsal time—typically scheduled the day before the event—is also included, based on availability.
The Carolina Barn is nestled on family-owned farmland in Spring Lake, North Carolina—a property rich in heritage and rooted in tradition. For generations, this land served as a working farm, where the values of hard work, hospitality, and community were lived out daily. What once was acres of pasture and fields slowly transformed as the family envisioned a new purpose: creating a space where others could gather to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Inspired by their own family milestones and the beauty of rural North Carolina, they began the journey of turning the land into a venue that would honor its past while welcoming a new future.
The barn itself was designed to reflect this legacy—blending rustic character with refined elegance to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every element, from the handcrafted beams to the surrounding natural landscape, tells a story of love, care, and intention. Today, The Carolina Barn is more than just a venue—it’s a reflection of the family’s history and their passion for bringing people together. Whether it’s a wedding, reunion, or community gathering, guests become part of the story, adding new chapters to a place that continues to grow with every celebration held within its walls.
PRIVATE & CORPORATE EVENTS
The Carolina Barn is not only a sought-after wedding venue—it’s also a versatile setting for a wide range of private and corporate events. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, family reunion, team-building retreat, banquet, or business function, the venue offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces that can be tailored to suit your event’s size, style, and schedule.
Indoor Amenities:
The climate-controlled Main Barn provides a spacious and comfortable environment year-round. With a flexible floor plan, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and ample lighting, it’s ideal for seated dinners, speaker sessions, networking mixers, and award ceremonies. The built-in bar and catering prep space offer convenience for hosted meals or professional catering services.
Outdoor Options:
The covered pavilion and open-air grounds are perfect for casual social gatherings, outdoor luncheons, or relaxed company picnics. These areas allow guests to enjoy the natural setting while providing space for activities, entertainment, or team-building programs.
Included Features:
Your rental includes access to tables and chairs (up to 200 guests), setup and teardown services, restrooms, and on-site parking. You’ll also benefit from the support of an on-site venue manager during your event, and the flexibility to choose your own vendors—making it easy to plan according to your company’s needs or event style.
Popular Uses Include:
Holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations
Corporate retreats and team-building events
Nonprofit fundraisers and community events
Birthday parties, anniversaries, and reunions
Product launches, training sessions, and workshops
From casual to formal, The Carolina Barn’s peaceful, scenic setting and professional support make it a unique choice for hosting memorable and well-organized events outside the typical hotel ballroom or conference room.
I Do Details
Our most frequently asked questions.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any inquiries you may have. However, we understand that every wedding is unique, and you may have questions not listed here.
We hope you find the answers to your questions here, but if not, please feel free to contact us directly. We are excited to help make your wedding day an unforgettable experience!
Venue
The Carolina Barn is located in Spring Lake, North Carolina, a charming town situated in the Sandhills region of the state. The venue is conveniently positioned near several major cities, making it easily accessible for guests traveling from surrounding areas. It’s just a short drive from: Fayetteville, Raleigh, Durham and Southern Pines/Pinehurst.
The Carolina Barn can accommodate up to 300 guests comfortably, making it an excellent choice for both intimate gatherings and larger events.
The Carolina Barn offers an Outdoor Ceremony Site & Pavilion:
These areas also support events of similar size, offering flexibility for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and social gatherings under the covered pavilion.
Yes, The Carolina Barn does offer a backup plan for inclement weather to ensure your event goes smoothly regardless of the forecast.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own décor to personalize your event at The Carolina Barn.
Custom Décor Options
The venue allows couples and event hosts to bring in their own decorations to reflect their vision and style—whether that’s rustic, elegant, modern, or themed. You can customize the space with items like:
Floral arrangements
Table settings and linens
Signage and photo displays
Ceremony arches or aisle décor
Lighting accents (battery-powered or pre-approved)
Vendor Flexibility
The Carolina Barn also supports vendor flexibility, so you can work with outside florists, decorators, or rental companies of your choice.
Yes, The Carolina Barn offers comfortable and private getting ready rooms for both the bride and groom. The Bridal Suite is thoughtfully designed to provide a calm and inviting space where the bride and her party can prepare for the day. With plenty of mirrors, good lighting, and cozy seating, it offers everything needed for a smooth and enjoyable start to the celebration.
The Groom’s Lounge provides a separate, relaxed area for the groom and groomsmen to get ready and spend time together before the ceremony. Both spaces are included in the venue rental and are available throughout the day, ensuring that each side of the wedding party has a private and well-equipped place to prepare for the event.
The Carolina Barn features a mix of ambient, practical, and decorative lighting designed to enhance both the functionality and atmosphere of your event.
Inside the Main Barn, you’ll find soft overhead lighting that provides warm, even illumination throughout the space. The barn’s high ceilings are complemented by elegant chandeliers and pendant lights that add character without overwhelming the rustic charm of the interior. These fixtures create a cozy, inviting glow ideal for ceremonies, receptions, and evening celebrations.
For outdoor spaces, the venue includes string lights and accent lighting around key areas like the covered pavilion and ceremony site. These lights help maintain visibility while contributing to a romantic, festive feel as the sun sets. Many couples choose to enhance the look further with additional lighting from their decorators, and The Carolina Barn supports this flexibility, as long as all additions meet safety guidelines.
At The Carolina Barn, the venue team is responsible for the setup and teardown of all tables and chairs that are included with your rental.
This means the staff will handle arranging the provided tables and chairs according to your floor plan before the event begins, and they’ll take care of removing and storing them once the event is over. This service is included in your rental fee, helping reduce stress on your event day and ensuring a smooth, efficient transition before and after your celebration.
If you plan to bring in additional furniture or décor items through outside vendors, you or your vendor team would be responsible for setting those up and removing them at the end of the event, unless otherwise arranged in advance.
The Carolina Barn does not offer on-site overnight accommodations.
However, the venue is conveniently located near several towns and cities—including Fayetteville, Spring Lake, and Southern Pines—where guests can find a variety of lodging options such as hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. This makes it easy for both local and out-of-town guests to stay nearby and travel to the venue with minimal hassle.
The venue team is often happy to provide recommendations for trusted local accommodations, and many couples choose to reserve room blocks at nearby hotels for added convenience.
Yes, The Carolina Barn offers on-site parking for you and your guests.
The venue includes a designated parking area conveniently located near the event spaces, making arrival and departure easy for all attendees. This parking area is suitable for both small and large guest counts, and signage or attendants can be arranged to help guide traffic if needed.
Having on-site parking adds a layer of convenience, especially for guests traveling from nearby cities like Fayetteville, Raleigh, or Durham. If you’re hiring transportation services such as shuttles or limousines, the venue can typically accommodate those arrangements as well.
Planning
While we do not provide an on-site coordinator, our venue manager will serve as your point of contact on the day of your event to assist with venue-related needs. However, we do require all clients to hire a professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator to manage the overall flow, timeline, and logistics of the event. This ensures that your day runs smoothly and that all details are handled with care and attention, allowing you to fully enjoy your celebration.
Yes, we do require all clients to hire a professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator to manage the overall flow, timeline, and logistics of the event.
The timeline for planning a wedding at our venue can vary depending on your preferences and availability. We recommend booking your date well in advance to secure your preferred date and allow ample time for planning and coordination.
Yes, the ceremony rehearsal is included in the rental fee. We understand the importance of a smooth and well-coordinated ceremony, and our team will be there to assist you during your rehearsal. Rehearsal dinners or additional events will be subject to charge.
The Carolina Barn does allow music and entertainment, but like many venues, there are a few reasonable guidelines in place to ensure events are enjoyable while remaining respectful of the property and surrounding area.
Music—whether provided by a DJ, live band, or playlist—is welcome, and the Main Barn is well-suited for dancing and entertainment. However, amplified music may be subject to volume limitations, especially during outdoor portions of your event, to comply with local noise ordinances. Typically, music is required to end by 11:00 PM, in line with the venue’s rental hours.
Certainly! You can have a ceremony rehearsal on-site to ensure that every moment of your special day is picture-perfect.
Yes, you can host your ceremony and reception at different locations on our property. We offer versatile spaces allowing you to customize your wedding day to your preferences.
Yes, tables and chairs are included in the rental fee. We provide a variety of seating options to accommodate your needs and preferences.
The Carolina Barn specializes in rustic, elegant, and Southern-style weddings, but its flexible design and neutral palette make it a versatile venue that can be tailored to a wide range of wedding styles.
Couples often choose the barn for its blend of country charm and modern comfort, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that suits both casual and formal celebrations. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic-chic affair with natural wood and greenery, a classic Southern celebration with timeless elegance, or a modern romantic look with soft draping and candlelight, the space can be customized to reflect your personal taste.
Miscellaneous
The Carolina Barn is a pet-friendly venue with some reasonable guidelines in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests, animals, and staff.
Pets are welcome to be part of your ceremony or photos, especially if they hold a special place in your love story. However, pets must be well-behaved, leashed, and supervised at all times while on the property. In most cases, couples are encouraged to designate a handler—such as a friend, family member, or hired professional—to manage the pet before, during, and after their role in the event.
Yes, The Carolina Barn does allow sparklers, but with a few important safety guidelines in place.
Sparklers are a popular choice for grand exits and photo-worthy moments, and the venue welcomes their use as long as they are handled safely and responsibly. Typically, sparklers must be used outdoors only, in designated areas away from structures, dry grass, or flammable materials.
Couples are expected to provide a cleanup plan or sand buckets for safe disposal after use, and it’s often recommended to have someone coordinate the timing and distribution—such as your planner or day-of coordinator.
Bar & Catering
The Carolina Barn does not provide in-house catering services, but they offer the flexibility for you to bring in the licensed caterer of your choice.
This open-vendor policy allows you to customize your menu and select a catering team that fits your taste, style, and budget—whether that’s a full-service plated dinner, buffet, food trucks, or casual BBQ. The venue includes a designated catering prep space to support your food service team, making setup and execution smooth and efficient.
Your chosen caterer will need to be fully licensed and insured, and the venue team is happy to provide recommendations if you need help finding a trusted local vendor.
Yes, you are absolutely welcome to bring your own caterer to The Carolina Barn.
The venue has an open vendor policy, which means you can hire a licensed and insured catering company of your choice. This flexibility allows you to customize your menu, service style, and budget—whether you’re planning a formal plated dinner, buffet, or something more unique like food trucks or family-style dining.
The Carolina Barn provides a designated catering prep space on-site to support your caterer during setup and service. While the venue doesn’t offer in-house catering, our team can provide a list of recommended local vendors if you need suggestions.
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol to The Carolina Barn, but there are a few important policies to follow.
All alcohol must be served by a licensed and insured bartender—self-service or guest-poured drinks are not permitted for safety and liability reasons. This ensures that alcohol is handled responsibly and that your event remains compliant with North Carolina state laws.
You are welcome to provide your own beer, wine, champagne, and spirits, which can help you personalize your beverage offerings and manage costs. Many couples choose to bring their own selections and hire a bar service or catering team to handle setup, serving, and cleanup.
The Carolina Barn includes a built-in bar area as part of the rental, making it easy for your bartending team to operate efficiently.
The Carolina Barn does not have a full-service catering kitchen, but it does offer a designated catering prep space to support your food service team during the event.
This prep area is designed for warming, staging, and organizing meals—not for full cooking or food preparation on-site. It typically includes essential features like counter space, access to electricity, and room for catering equipment such as warmers and coolers. Caterers are expected to bring all necessary supplies, including serving equipment and storage containers.
Yes, The Carolina Barn does offer a preferred vendor list to help you find trusted professionals for your event.
While the venue allows you to bring in your own licensed and insured vendors—including caterers, planners, DJs, florists, and more—they also maintain a curated list of vendors who are familiar with the space and have a proven track record of quality service. These preferred vendors have worked events at the barn before and understand the layout, timing, and flow of the venue, which can make your planning process smoother.
Using the preferred list is not required, but it can be a great starting point if you’re looking for reliable recommendations. Our venue team is happy to share this list upon request and can even offer suggestions tailored to your event style and budget.
Day Of
At The Carolina Barn, you get full-day access to the venue from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the day of your event.
This rental window gives you ample time for vendor setup, getting ready, the ceremony, reception, and cleanup—all without feeling rushed. You’ll also have access to key areas like the Main Barn, outdoor ceremony site, pavilion, bridal suite, and groom’s lounge throughout the day.
While we aim to accommodate your schedule, events must conclude by a set time in compliance with local regulations, ensuring a smooth experience for you and your guests. Let us know your needs, and we’ll help create a timeline that works best for your day!
The Carolina Barn carries its own liability insurance to cover the venue itself; however, clients are required to provide event liability insurance as part of their rental agreement.
This policy is typically referred to as event or day-of insurance, and it helps protect both you and the venue in case of accidents, property damage, or injuries during your event. Most venues, including The Carolina Barn, require that your policy include a minimum amount of coverage (usually $1 million) and that The Carolina Barn is listed as an additional insured.
At The Carolina Barn, all events must end by 11:00 PM.
This end time includes music, entertainment, and guest activities. It aligns with the venue’s rental window of 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM and helps ensure compliance with local noise ordinances and venue policies. Vendors and guests are expected to begin cleanup and departure immediately after, with all belongings and décor removed by the end of the rental period unless otherwise arranged in advance.
If you’re planning a send-off, it’s a good idea to schedule it around 10:45 PM to allow for a smooth and timely wrap-up.
Logistics & Activities
The closest international airport to The Carolina Barn in Spring Lake, North Carolina, is Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). It’s located in Morrisville, about 65 miles away, which is roughly a one hour and fifteen minute drive from the venue. RDU offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, along with rental car services and convenient ride-share options.
For guests flying in from within the U.S., Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is a smaller, nearby option located about 20 minutes from the venue, although it offers fewer flight choices and does not serve international routes.
If you’re planning a wedding or event at The Carolina Barn, there are plenty of nearby activities and attractions for your guests to enjoy during their stay in Spring Lake and the surrounding areas. Whether they’re looking to relax, explore nature, or experience local culture, there’s something for everyone within a short drive of the venue.
Nature lovers can visit Carvers Creek State Park, located right in Spring Lake, where guests can hike scenic trails, explore historic sites, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting. Just a bit further out, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve offers more trails and birdwatching opportunities in a beautiful longleaf pine forest.
For golf enthusiasts, the world-renowned Pinehurst Resort, located about 40 minutes away, is a must-visit destination with championship courses and charming village shops. History buffs may enjoy spending time at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in nearby Fayetteville, which offers engaging exhibits honoring military history.
In Fayetteville, guests can also explore the revitalized downtown area, featuring local restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops. Those looking for a family-friendly outing might consider a visit to Cape Fear Botanical Garden, which offers beautiful grounds and educational exhibits.
If guests are coming from Raleigh or plan to explore the Triangle area, they’ll find endless options for dining, museums, entertainment, and nightlife just over an hour from the venue.
There are several scenic hiking options near The Carolina Barn in Spring Lake, North Carolina, offering a mix of peaceful nature walks and more active trail experiences for guests looking to explore the outdoors.
One of the most convenient options is Carvers Creek State Park, located right in Spring Lake. This park features easy-to-moderate trails through longleaf pine forests, along with a scenic millpond and the historic Rockefeller House. It’s a great spot for walking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a quiet morning outdoors.
A short drive south brings you to Cape Fear River Trail in Fayetteville, a well-maintained paved path that runs along the river for over five miles. It’s ideal for both casual walks and more extended hikes, with beautiful views, wooded areas, and informative signage about local wildlife and history.
Further out, about 40 minutes away, is Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines. This area is known for its gently rolling terrain, rare plant species, and shaded pine trails. It offers a peaceful, immersive experience in one of North Carolina’s unique ecosystems.
Yes, you can absolutely schedule a tour of The Carolina Barn. The venue welcomes prospective couples and event hosts to visit the property, explore the spaces in person, and ask questions about the layout, amenities, and booking process.
Tours are typically available by appointment only, to schedule your tour, you can visit fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, or reach out directly via phone or email.
Booking & Payments
To reserve a date for your wedding at The Carolina Barn , simply reach out to our team to check the availability of your desired date. Once confirmed, we will guide you through the booking process and assist you in securing your chosen date. Our dedicated staff is here to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish, helping you every step of the way as you plan your special day. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Yes, a 35% retainer is required to secure your wedding date at our venue. This retainer serves as a first payment and ensures that your chosen date is reserved exclusively for your event.
The retainer is due at the time of booking or shortly thereafter to secure your wedding date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the payment process and timing.
Yes, there are additional fees associated with hosting your event at The Carolina Barn. These fees are outlined in detail in our contract and may include:
- Day-of-Event Insurance: Couples are required to purchase day-of-event insurance to ensure coverage for their wedding day. The cost of this insurance varies depending on the provider and coverage options selected.
- Administrative Fee: An administrative fee is charged, which is a flat fee based on the package you select. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with coordinating your event and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Add-On Hours: If you require additional hours beyond the standard rental period, we offer add-on hours for the venue or bridal suite.
Our team is happy to provide more details and help you understand all associated costs as you plan your special day.
The final payment for your wedding is typically due 30 days before your event date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the final payment deadline and the payment process well in advance, ensuring you have ample time for preparation. We’re here to make the financial aspect of planning as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories on your special day.
Celebrating Love: Heartfelt Testimonials
Can’t say how perfect my wedding was by having The Carolina Barn as our venue. Every detail the owners have put into this venue make it so worth it! So thankful for all the memories made here. The owners/employees are so kind and willing to answer any questions you may have! I highly recommend this venue.
Jordan Phillips
Happily Ever After
If this sounds like your dream wedding, take the next step.
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? Our expert team will guide you and ensure every detail is handled, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Contact our team to ask questions, check date availability, and see our pricing. See the magic for yourself and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
