The Stellar Spots for Barn Weddings Just a Bit Further Away

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Now that we've covered having a barn wedding just outside of Chicago, what about those couples that want something just a little further away. For those who shave commitments in the city the day after or for those who want to stay at a bed and breakfast overnight and spend the weekend celebrating with friends and family and antiquing after brunch. Here are two more venues for Barn Weddings but just a bit further beyond the 'burbs - think a peaceful weekend on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.

[Photo: Retired wedding photographer, Kris Noorman]

Two hours from Chicago, just a mile from the teeny tiny Southwest Regional Michigan Airport, The Blue Dress Barn lies in the middle of silence at GPS coordinates N42 07.608 W86 21.906. The Blue Dress Farm, affiliated with Millcreek Barns in Watervliet, MI, features the historic House of David Dairy Barn which is being lovingly restored and day by day. The designer-owned landmark seats 280 in a 4,600 square foot area under a vast open timber roof lit by wrought iron chandeliers. In the gardens are tables beneath shade umbrellas, chairs and benches around fires where you'll be able to hear the crickets on a warm summer night.

If an orchard in Northwest Indiana is more romantic than the shores of Michigan, a fall fixture about 100 miles outside of the City, County Line Orchard is where its at. The venue is really an apple orchard known for cider doughnuts and a large newly-constructed rustic-chic barn. The barn holds up to 1,000 guests and actually employs a wedding coordinator year-round to work with your city-based planner or handle everything locally at the orchard- down to the garnish on the cocktails.

The exciting part about this venue is not that they offer apple doughnut appetizers, but the ceremonies can take place within the orchard itself. Guests are brought out on the field on a special tractor ride and wait to watch the bride and groom exchange vows beneath an arch made of apple tree wood. This means you can wear heels because you'll never set foot on grass.
· All Weddings Week Coverage [Racked]
­ The Best Places for Barn Weddings Just Outside of Chicago [Racked]