the GOVERNOR'S PAVILION

the BARN


If you're looking for a wedding venue in the Central Indiana area that is riddled with old charm and historic beauty, The Governor's Pavilion located in Wolcott, Indiana near Lafayette is a no-brainer. This incredible property served as an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding that I was associate shooting (love working with Kylee Hohenstein Photography!) back in the fall of 2024. Saved from demolition years ago and blessed with a new lease on life thanks to a few good men that valued its history, this structure is a meaningful spot to host meaningful gatherings.



A white barn-style building with red trim and a cupola sits against a cloudy sky in a rustic countryside setting.
Rustic red and white building exterior with Tudor-style architectural details and green bushes framing the entrance.

the HISTORY


I'll bet you never would have guessed this barn was originally located 22 miles from its original location. That's right - this monstrosity of a building was moved.

Built around 1896, the barn, or pavilion as it is commonly referred to as, was originally a part of Governor Warren T. McCray's Orchard Lake Stock Farm in Newton County. Mr. McCray was a cattleman among other job titles, and he had an impressive cattle operation from 1865-1936. The pavilion hosted his massively popular breeding cattle auctions that drew buyers from all over the world. Each auction is said to have drawn up to 5,000 people to the Orchard Lake Stock Farm, with some livestock fetching big-time prices. Governor McCray died suddenly in the year of 1938, and his stock was sold shortly thereafter. Sadly, the auctions came to a halt, and the pavilion sat vacant for several years.

Rustic barn door painted in white and red trim with windows above and foliage peeking into frame.

The front sliding doors trimmed in red are a no-brainer location to hang the bride's dress for detail photos.

Mr. Henry Coussens came under ownership of the declining pavilion and struck a deal with a man named Dr. Wagner. Both men were aware of the hefty price tag of the laundry list of repairs that needed done to the barn, yet did not want to see it demolished. Ultimately, they came to an agreement. Dr. Wagner purchased the structure for a mere $1 with the intention of moving it to a different location. The barn was deconstructed bit by bit and meticulously numbered as to replicate the original structure as much as possible. After every window was put back into place and the famous red trim repainted, the building was back to its original glory and ready for a new chapter.

Wedding reception tent with boho decor featuring pampas grass arrangements and soft string lights overhead.

This particular wedding placed the bridal party's table up on the reconstructed auctioneer's platform, which gave guests from all angles a great view. The fast paced auctioneers' voices are now replaced with lively music accompanied with dancing.

the BARN'S INTERIOR


Let me start by saying this - my little photog heart bursted with happiness as soon as I walked in. White walls, white ceiling, windows, and skylights overhead - the inside of this barn is what photographers' dreams are made of. I dare you to try and name a better lighting scenario than this!


This particular wedding I was associate shooting had neutral tones setting off a sophisticated boho theme across the board. Stunning pampas grass floral arrangements warmed up the bright white space as gold accents were sprinkled throughout. If I were planning my wedding, this setup would definitely be on my inspo board.

Elegant wedding venue with white vaulted ceilings and pampas grass centerpiece arrangements on round tables.
Modern boho wedding reception setup with white archways and dried pampas grass decorations in a white greenhouse venue.
Elegant wedding reception venue with dried pampas grass centerpieces and white table settings in a bright, airy space.
Close-up of a formal place setting with gold charger plates and white linens at an elegant event.
Modern wedding decor featuring tall pampas grass arrangements on gold stands in a white barn-style venue.
Light-filled white barn venue with suspended pampas grass arrangements and round dining tables set for an event.
Ornate white octagonal ceiling with hanging dried pampas grass arrangement in light-filled architectural interior space.
Interior of a white barn venue with vaulted ceiling, skylights and round tables set up for an elegant wedding reception.
Elegant wedding reception venue with white cathedral ceilings, string lights, and dried floral centerpieces on round tables.
Beautiful lace wedding gown on display in white room with pampas grass and brown textured wall decor.
An elegant figure in a white lace wedding gown poses near a sunlit window in a bright, rustic-style room.
Elegant white barn wedding reception venue with vaulted ceilings, string lights and modern rustic decor.
A modern white barn-style wedding venue interior with bright windows and couple celebrating on the dance floor.
Black and white photo of a couple dancing at a wedding reception in a rustic venue with high ceilings and windows.
A couple enters their wedding reception in a bright white barn venue with windows and rustic decor.

the BARN LOT


Chippy white paint is my love language, and these incredible old barns out back were definitely speaking it. They provided the perfect, secluded backdrop for a slew of *stunning* bride and groom portraits. If you're lucky, you might even capture a few cows in the background of your photos!

A couple poses together by a rustic white barn and wooden fence during a sunset wedding photoshoot.
A romantic sunset photo of a couple posed against a rustic wooden fence and white barn in warm golden light.
A romantic rustic wedding portrait of a couple embracing by a white barn at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces in front of a rustic white barn during a golden hour wedding photoshoot.
Rustic country sunset scene with couple embracing by weathered white barn and wooden fence.
Intimate black and white portrait of a couple embracing outdoors by wooden posts at dusk.
Romantic couple embrace in front of rustic white barn and wooden fence at sunset.
A romantic couple poses against a rustic white barn and wooden fence during golden hour on a farm.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment against a rustic white barn wall at sunset.
Black and white rustic wedding photo of a couple embracing by a wooden barn fence.
Bride in flowing lace gown poses with partner by weathered white barn and wooden fence during sunset.
A couple stands together against a rustic white barn and wooden fence at a countryside wedding venue.
Couple embracing by weathered white barn wall during outdoor countryside photoshoot.
A couple poses together in front of a rustic barn and silo during golden hour on a scenic farm path.
A couple in white attire walking down a rural path at sunset with a silo in the background.

the CEREMONY SITE


Picture this - guests are gathered out on the front lawn, the DJ's music fills the surrounding air with soft instrumental music, and the colossal barn doors open to a bride stepping out in her gorgeous gown. Everyone stands, and the groom is overcome with emotion as he sees his bride for the first time in her dress. Sun leaks through the tall shade tree overhead as the couple vow their love for one another. Sounds like a dream, right? If this is right up your alley, you'll definitely want to consider this venue.

A tender wedding moment between a couple standing under a large tree at golden hour in an open field.
A loving couple shares a romantic moment under a sunlit tree during their outdoor wedding ceremony.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and a fabric-draped arch under a large tree beside a cotton field.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs on a lawn in front of a large red and white barn-style building.
Groomsmen stand in line wearing light beige suits under a fabric-draped wooden arch at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
An outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree with guests seated on white chairs in a sunny field.
An outdoor summer wedding ceremony takes place under a large shady tree with white chairs set up on grassy lawn.

the BRIDAL SUITE


Skip booking a cramped hotel room and take advantage of this charming farmhouse to get ready in for your big day. Between the dresses, hair and makeup tools, lunch, luggage, etc. that take up a bunch of space, you're going to want to spread out with ample elbow room. We all know it takes a village to pull a wedding together, and sometimes that means multiple people are going to be coming in and out throughout the day. Keep your squad (and you!) comfortable with access to a newly remodeled space, full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and bedrooms with the cutest wrought iron beds for getting ready photos.

Vintage sepia-toned photo of a traditional white two-story farmhouse with covered porch and evergreen tree in foreground.
Two people in casual clothing sitting together in a bright home interior with wood trim and vaulted ceilings.
Behind the scenes black and white photo of bridal preparation with ring light and photographer in home setting.
Ring light setup in home office with wood flooring and chandelier lighting.
A person in a white robe reads while sitting on a bed near a window with natural light streaming in, captured in black and white.
Person relaxing on a grey couch in a cozy living room with natural light from window and warm wooden accents.
Top-down view of a cozy living room with people gathering on floor cushions around a coffee table.
Overhead view of a dining room table with people gathering for a meal in a modern home interior.
Two friends in white sleepwear share a cozy moment while sitting on a bed with rustic decor in the background.
Five friends in matching sleepwear sit together on a bed, sharing laughter in a warmly decorated bedroom.
A black and white photo showing a group laughing together on a bed with artwork and lamps in the background.
Black and white photo of friends in matching white outfits sitting together on a bed with botanical artwork on wall.
Group wearing matching pink satin robes and white pajamas sitting on a bed with botanical artwork in background.
Candid moment of joy shared on a bed with botanical prints and wreath hanging on wall behind.
Sunlight through window blinds creates dramatic shadows on figure in white lace dress standing in bedroom.
A wedding party in white suits and coral dresses poses together in front of a white and coral farmhouse on a sunny day.

How amazing would it be to become a part of the Governor's Pavilion's history? From auctions to weddings, this place could tell a lot of incredible stories.


Is your story next to be told?

LINKS

Wedding photography | Kylee Hohenstein Photography (Woods + Co. Photography associate shooting)

Venue | The Governor's Pavilion - Wolcott, Indiana near Lafayette