Situated on a private racehorse training farm in the heart of Ocala “Horse Capital of the World”, Protea Weddings and Events is a one-of-a-kind historical venue built around a surviving hand-hewn beam barn that dates all the way back to 1850. The white barn’s elegance and honey colored beams are like no other. In fact, it is the only hand-hewn Historic barn in Florida open for weddings and events.

The fully climate controlled space at Protea Weddings and Events offers a large reception hall with three of the most beautiful iron chandeliers you ever did see. Farmhouse wood tables and matching wood cross back chairs are included to accommodate up to 200 guests, along with a matching farmhouse cake table that sits amongst Protea’s old Chicago brick walls. The bar windows and patio doors all stack open for an amazing indoor/outdoor feel on a cool night.

The groom and his groomsmen love the birds-eye-view from up top in the loft while they enjoy a good game of Poker and compete against one another on the arcade game machine, with over 200 games to choose from. They also have the best view of the horse track and can watch the racehorses being trained for their upcoming races. The bride and her bridesmaids are tucked away in their bridal salon and bridal lounge, which boast natural light and elegance.

Protea has many beautiful ceremony sites situated on the property for couples to choose from; whether they want their ceremony backdrop of 500 year old Granddaddy Oak trees, a beautiful white barn, or maybe a gorgeous Jasmine wall amphitheater location. Protea’s Day-Of package or All-Inclusive package can be customized to fit exactly what the couple needs, making their wedding a dream come true.

This unique, historic “Swing-Beam” barn was built in the 18th century in Canada using only hand-hewn timber. These rare “Swing-Beam” barns have a large-depth beam in a middle bent that extends from wall post to wall post. They came into use in the mid-1800’s to allow a clear span in the middle of the barn with no vertical center posts blocking the threshing floor. This main “Swing-Beam” is tapered on the ends, Protea’s being 17 inches at its smallest width and 22 inches at its widest. Forming such a clear span in the middle of the barn allowed for a farmer to tether an ox in the center of the barn and walk him in a circle threshing out grain, thereby eliminating the need for flailing grain to free the grain kernels from the heads.

The exposed beams in the building are made of hemlock wood, a lovely, golden honey-colored wood evoking a vintage style, while modern amenities, accessibility, and other features bring a touch of class and sophistication.

Moved to Ocala in 2019, this barn is the only original barn venue in Florida, making it a truly one-of-a-kind location for couples to host their celebration.