Bennett Barn: So Much Love in This South Dakota Barn Wedding

If you’re looking for the real deal — a genuine, working-history barn with wide open skies, South Dakota sunsets, and the kind of freedom that lets your wedding breathe — you need to know about Bennett Barn in Aurora, South Dakota, just a few miles outside of Brookings.

It’s not polished to perfection. It’s better than that. It’s authentic. It’s rooted in love — which, if you ask us, is a pretty perfect backdrop for a wedding.

The Story Behind the Barn

Mike and Theresa Bennett are the heart and soul behind this venue. When they moved to this land, the barn was in rough shape and they feared they’d have to tear it down. But they didn’t. They chose to save it. They got it cleaned up and in 2012 hosted their first wedding event for a family member right there on their own property. The response from guests? “Can we have our wedding here too?” And just like that, Bennett Barn became a wedding venue.

What You Should Know About Bennett Barn

Tables and chairs available for your use:

19 six-foot rectangle tables
7 seven-foot rectangle tables
18 eight-foot rectangle tables
7 cocktail tables
3 five-foot round tables
275 black folding chairs (including outdoor-friendly options for your ceremony)

A note about the venue:

Bennett Barn has a wonderful loft area that’s perfect for the girls getting ready or as the dance area! They’ve recently updated the lower loft with brand new flooring — so you get that classic barn character with fresh, updated finishes. On a rainy day, the loft also becomes the perfect backup plan for an indoor ceremony. There is a refrigerator in the loft to store your flowers, group lunch, and cupcakes or wedding desserts.

There are two more refrigerators in the main area for your extra food, desserts, or flowers as well. The downstairs barn area is perfect for your buffet line, which leads out onto the most beautiful and quaint patio full of flowers and seating (and an outdoor bar if you wish).

One of our favorite things about Bennett Barn? You have total freedom to roam. The wide-open country land is yours to explore on your wedding day — let your guests wander and take it all in. And those South Dakota sunsets near Aurora? Your photographer is going to be absolutely thrilled. The open sky puts on a show every single evening, and your photos will thank you.

Outdoor games are a wonderful addition to any Bennett Barn wedding (hello, cocktail hour!), and the property is perfectly set up for it. It’s also perfect for families with young children because there is a huge sandbox full of toys to keep them occupied!

They have on-site parking in the grass for all your guests, plus five professionally cleaned porta-potties on-site. There is a running water station too! If you’re looking for a restroom with a mirror and air conditioning to freshen up in, we’d also recommend renting a restroom trailer.

If you’re looking for rustic, flexible, friendly, and accommodating — THIS is your wedding venue!

It comfortably holds 200+ and they allow you to bring in your own food, alcohol. and desserts. Contact Bennett Barn directly to learn about pricing and availability:

Phone: 605-690-3246
Website: bennettbarn.net
Facebook: @bennettbarnsd

Photos of Bennett Barn Wedding Reception Venue Near Brookings, SD

Hitch Studio as wedding planners and wedding decorators for a wedding at Bennett Barn

Take a look!

You know what I loved most about Matt and Kendall’s wedding? How personal everything was! They asked her cousin to sing and play guitar instead of a DJ — and he was the life of the party! They honored Kendall’s late father with many special things that day as well. Kendall had his wedding ring tied to her bouquet, she had a picture of him in a charm on her bouquet, they set out his favorite beverage before the ceremony and invited everyone to grab a Bud Light as we toasted him during the vows. It was really meaningful. And even more special was that I got to be their officiant! I got to marry my friends — and I was so honored!

Their cake was made by a friend and I’m pretty sure they included every cousin to have a role in their wedding also.

Hitch had the honor of decorating the reception tables, the outdoor ceremony, — and then moving the outdoor arch to behind the couple at the head table for a double-use of their beautiful arbor!

Believe me when I say that Kendall had thought of everything on her wedding day. Hitch was there to make sure the pieces all fit together perfectly, helped the photographer scout for next photos ops, made sure the buffet ran smoothly, and kept the timeline on schedule for the night. We decorated the reception and ceremony, then we took down all the decor at the end of the night so they could leave and be married!

If you’re thinking of a stress-free wedding day and one where you can just smile and know that Hitch has it handled, contact us and tell us all about your plans! Interested in learning more about Bennett Barn? Click here!

We’d love to hear more.