Smith Barn Peabody — Wedding Venue Guide (2025)
- Spaces & flow Woodland Gardens → lawn/cocktail → barn reception gardens are across Felton St.; very short walk
- Portrait plan Barn facade, apple orchards, stone walls & woodland paths
- Timeline Build 10–15 min buffers; target golden‑hour portraits
- Rain plan Move ceremony inside the barn; use covered entries for portraits
- Second shooter? Recommended over ~125 guests or with split‑location prep
At‑a‑Glance captions (paste into each row’s right‑hand field)
Capacity — ~240 seated
Season — Mid‑Apr–Nov
Ceremony — Gardens across Felton St.; or barn
Includes — Tables, chairs, bartenders; 5–6 hrs
Bar — Venue bar; open/cash; last call −30m
Fees — Sat $5,500 (Sep/Oct $7,000) · Fri/Sun $3,200 · Mon–Thu $2,000 · Gardens $800
Access — Parking on‑site; 1st floor accessible
The Smith Barn is considered one of the best barn wedding venues in Massachusetts. 250 acres of orchards and conservation land surround the historic Smith Barn, which is perched on a charming hilltop making it one of my favorite venues for wedding photography. The Smith Barn, which is part of the Felton-Smith Historic Site and is close to Peabody's Brooksby Farm. This North Shore MA wedding venue, is rich in beauty and significance, reflects more than three centuries of the history of the area and is the location of various historical landmarks.
The Smith Barn wedding venue is a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization, the Peabody Historical Society does not receive support from the federal, state, or local governments. The Felton-Smith Historic Site, which is close to Peabody's Brooksby Farm, is home to the idyllic Smith Barn, which is rented out by the Society in exchange for kind donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. The Smith Barn is also supported by a large number of devoted volunteers and members.
Is Smith Barn Peabody right for your wedding?
You want understated New England character: historic red barn, orchards, and warm wood interiors.
Guest count up to ~200–240 with dining + dance floor.
You’re planning spring blossoms, summer light, or peak‑foliage fall.
You prefer on‑site bar service and vetted caterers (no outside caterers).
Pro tip: If you expect 175+ guests or complex logistics, add a second photographer for complete coverage.
Where do ceremonies happen at Smith Barn?
Most couples choose the Woodland Gardens (behind the Nathaniel Felton Jr. House, directly across from the barn) for a tucked‑away, green backdrop. If it rains or by preference, the barn interior works well as an indoor ceremony site.
Pro tip: Stage family formals at the garden’s edge for even light, then walk back for cocktail hour on the lawn.
Considering photo and video for your wedding check my hybrid coverage.
The Woodland Gardens Wedding Ceremony
The Peabody Historical Society's Woodland Gardens, nestled behind the historic Nathaniel Felton Junior House (just across the street from the Smith Barn), is a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony. The serene beauty of the Woodland Gardens is seen all through the year, from the rich hues of the fall leaves to the perennial blossoms in the spring and summer. The Woodland Gardens can be rented for $800.00 only if your reception is to follow at the Smith Barn.
Reception inside the barn — layout, lighting, and guest flow
Weddings at the Smith Barn are available from April through November, The renovated Smith Barn boasts a beautiful rural ambiance and contemporary vibe. Dine and party in the barn ample space, which easily fits groups of up to 240 people. The barn is comfortable during any season of the year with their air‑conditioning and heat system. The venue’s string‑light ambiance pairs nicely with a warm color palette and wood tables. Keep clear sightlines from toasts to first dances to prevent crowd pinch‑points. The Smith Barn weddings on a Saturday cost $7,000 Weddings on Sunday and Friday can be rented for $5500. If you are considering a weekday wedding at the Smith Barn it can be yours for $2,000. The rental of the venue includes tables, bartenders and chairs
Pro tip: Place the sweetheart table facing the barn doors for flattering, directional light at dinner.
Curious about my photography pricing, get a quote here.
Food & bar — caterers, bar service, and last call
Smith Barn requires one of the preferred caterers (Vinwood, Off the Vine, or Vincent Bianco’s). The venue supplies the bar (open or cash); no wine bottles on guest tables; last call ~30 minutes before event end.
Pro tip: Ask your caterer to stagger dinner release by table clusters so we can sneak you out for a 10‑minute golden‑hour photos.
Vinwood Catering
Vinwood Caterers is continuously acknowledged as the preferred caterer on the North Shore. For more than 4 decades, they have been preparing meals for couples' weddings. Their business is anchored by Vinwood's Signature Style and flawless service. Vinwood caterings beliefs are straightforward. Offer the best possible seasonal, fresh food, and serve it with grace and unmatched care.
Off the Vine Catering
Off the Vine Catering is known for its outstanding cuisine, imaginative presentation ideas, flawless service, and attention to every last detail. Their secret to success has been to inject innovation and originality into every one of their catered events to provide a really unforgettable experience. The establishment of Spitfires BBQ and Clambakes as a subsidiary has contributed to the ongoing expansion of Off the Vine Catering's business.
Vincent Bianco's Catering
The cuisine at Vincent Bianco's Custom Catering is rooted in history, developed by pride, and presented with consideration. The cornerstone of Vincent Bianco's company is their love of food and the way that it brings people together. They provide a wide range of services in addition to weddings, such as personal chef experiences in your home kitchen, polished business lunches and corporate events, or backyard barbecues customized to your guests, environment, needs, and preferences.
Photo locations & timeline — orchard light, golden hour, and rain plan
See pricing details for coverage at this venue here
Best photo locations at Smith Barn Peabody: apple‑tree rows, the barn facade (sunset side), stone walls, and woodland edges. If rain hits, we pivot to covered barn areas and doorways for soft, directional light; the indoor ceremony site doubles as a portrait plan B.
Pro tip: Maximize your time with your guest, but consider doing a first look before your wedding and capturing all your family photos at that time. Click here for an example timeline for a first look at The Smith Barn Peabody.
The Smith Barn Peabody History
The Smith Barn is a preserved, working‑farm barn cared for by the Peabody Historical Society. The weathered beams, orchard views, and clapboard red exterior bring classic New England character, while the restored interior adds modern comfort with air‑conditioning and heat. With ceremonies in the Woodland Gardens just across Felton Street and a one‑event‑per‑day policy, the property feels like it’s yours for the night.
Smith Barn Booking & logistics — availability, deposit, parking, accessibility
Season: Typically mid‑April through November.
Deposit: A non‑refundable 50% deposit (including Woodland Gardens if applicable) reserves your date with the Peabody Historical Society (35 Washington St., Peabody, MA).
Timing: One function per day; typical 5‑hour reception (6 hours if ceremony on‑site); venue opens 3 hours before start and remains 30 minutes after.
Parking & Access: Ample parking; first floor is wheelchair accessible
Smith Barn Peabody FAQ
Quick answers: Capacity · Ceremony sites · Season · What’s included · Garden fee · Caterers · Bar & last call · Parking & access · Photo spots · Booking & deposit
How many guests can Smith Barn host?
Where are ceremonies held at Smith Barn?
What months is Smith Barn available?
What does the rental fee include?
How much is the Woodland Gardens ceremony site?
Do we have to use preferred caterers?
What are the bar options and last call time?
Is there parking and is the venue accessible?
What are the best photo locations on property?
How do we book and what deposit is required?
Helpful Wedding Planning Guides
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