Barn1890

Barn1890 is a unique and historic stone barn, situated on a picturesque property nestled between the sea and vines of the McLaren Vale wine district. This venue is truly a local hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered. The property consists of 3 acres of stunning natural bush and orchards. Once there, visitors experience a real sense of being detached from the world, making this the perfect setting for your special day.

Brief history

This heritage-listed stone barn was built in 1890 and is set in the vineyards between the stunning coastline of Silver Sands Beach and the rolling foothills of Willunga. From a dilapidated ruin, the Barn was lovingly restored by the owners, stone by stone, beam by beam, for their own wedding in 2014. Barn1890 now offers a large 200-year-old gum tree fringed by rolling lawns and lush gardens to create a natural amphitheatre for your ceremony.

Noteworthy Features and Cost Considerations

At Barn1890, weddings in 2023 will be on held on Fridays (giving you a long weekend to spend with guests who have travelled) and offers cocktail-style events only, for up to 150 guests.

The cost of hiring the venue starts at $8,000 and this includes:

• Exclusive use of the entire property including the lawned Ceremony area
• Outdoor Piazza
• Barn
• Barrel Room
• Two-night stay in the gorgeous, fully restored 1850’s Sea & Vines Cottage with Continental breakfast each morning
• Ceremony set-up and pack down with 30 vintage chairs and signing table
• Reception set-up and pack down with vintage chairs and tables, crockery, cutlery, glassware, wine barrels and stools
• Cake table and gift table
• Use of repurposed, custom-built trough bar
• Tea and coffee making facilities and kitchen area for catering staff
• Your on-the-day wedding coordinator who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly

One of the many benefits of this venue is that you can have your ceremony, reception and accommodation all at the one location. Barn1890 gives you the opportunity to host your ceremony in their beautiful gardens, party the night away at your reception in the rustic barn, and then spend your first night as newly-weds in the romantic 1850s Sea & Vines Cottage.

Onsite Accommodation

The charming two-bedroom Sea and Vines Cottage oozes history and warmth, offering a perfect, romantic option for newly-weds on their wedding night. The front garden of the cottage and surrounding views are spectacularly beautiful, from the neighbouring vines and lush cottage garden right down to the sea. A tastefully renovated bathroom comes complete with a claw-foot bath and all the trimmings you’d expect of this enchanting, rustic-style cottage accommodation.

Wedding Styling

‘Little Love Events’ is Barn1890’s in-house wedding styling and furniture hire company. They offer a wide range of vintage, Bohemian, antique and rustic hire items to help create your dream wedding look. Their unique collection includes items such as character lounges, tables and trunks, Moroccan throw rugs, cushions, lanterns and much more.

Reception Areas

Barn1890 has a large open space downstairs with beautiful natural light, polished concrete floors, generous open fireplace and a mezzanine at either end.  The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting…it draws you in. The light-fall in the Barn provides the perfect, ambient backdrop as it creates a softness against the stone walls and polished concrete floors. The space also features a horse-trough bar built from upcycled materials and there’s an extensive open-air seating area outdoors.  The fireplace and a small loft provide an area where you can set up an atmospheric photobooth. 

The Barrel Room is an addition to the main Barn. This most recently renovated space offers an undercover terrace lined with more original stone walls and rustic timber beams overlooking an olive grove. This space can be used for an undercover ceremony if required, but otherwise it’s the perfect spot for your guests to relax and unwind later in the evening.

The Barn offers you a choice of four experienced, handpicked local catering companies who all provide amazing food. Your chosen caterer will work directly with you to design a custom menu to suit your tastes and budget. These caterers are all fantastic at what they do and most importantly, know and have worked at the Barn’s unique venue and kitchen. They’ll ensure your wedding day catering is a seamless and delicious experience.