Users

Space only

Up to 250 guests

Avg. venue rate

Rate info

$1.6k - $8.5k


LightningThis venue has been favorited 15 times


Room blocks

Room Service by Venue Report

Need accommodations nearby

Search group-friendly stays and request rates in one place, or let our complimentary concierge team handle it for you. Group rates? Handled. Guest lists? Tracked.

The Covered Bridge Inn offers the perfect setting for your upcoming dream wedding, gathering, or retreat.

Your vision will become a reality set against the backdrop of hundreds of acres of preserved lush pastures, ponds, barns, and our historic farmhouse Inn. The mix of classic country charm, history, and elegance will provide a one of a kind event that your friends and family will marvel at. We pride ourselves on offering a genuine stress-free and inclusive event experience.  We will care for your every need, and help you design your customized wedding, event, or retreat.

The Lowdown

Venue use

Space only

Best for these Occasions

Adventure Travel

anniversary

baby shower

Bachelor / Bachelorette party

birthday party

bridal shower

charity event

corporate event

engagement party

Family Reunion

group getaway

holiday party

Product Launch

Retreats: Corporate, Spa, Wellness, etc.

Reunion

wedding reception

Workshops: Creative, Photo, etc.

Venue type

Banquet Hall / Event Facility

Barn / Farm / Ranch

Bed & Breakfast / Inn

Historic Building

Views

courtyard

forest

historical monument

landscaped grounds

Skyline

lagoon/Pond

meadow/Field

Farm View

Style

Rustic

Vintage

Classic

Country

Romantic


Venue Settings

Every love story should be historic. The Covered Bridge Inn offers the perfect setting for your upcoming dream wedding, gathering, or retreat;  blending history and scenic landscapes.  Your vision will become a reality set against the backdrop of hundreds of acres of preserved lush pastures, ponds, barns, and our historic farmhouse Inn. The mix of classic country charm, history, and elegance will provide a one of a kind event that your friends and family will marvel at. 

We pride ourselves on offering a genuine stress-free and inclusive event experience.  We will care for your every need, and help you design your customized wedding, event, or retreat.

The Dairy Barn Event Center stands alone in Sussex County, DE; in a special world of vast unspoiled farm splendor, yet minutes from the destination coastal towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.  You and your guests will breathe in the country air and experience graceful, bucolic romance.

Come and share in our chic country charm. 200 years have been preserved in history, few things are lovelier...  The farmland at the Covered Bridge Inn is a canvas to create your unique event. The Covered Bridge Inn is truly a special place.

Capacity

250

Seated

250

Buffet

250

Standing

Fees

(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)

Venue price range

Does this include catering fees?
No

Additional charges
Catering, Tables, Chairs, linens, photography, DJ, desserts, florist, event planning services additional but offered on site. Tables/ Chairs/ Linens are included with small gatherings. 

Insurance

Additional insurance may be required depending on the event

Connect with this Venue

Explore availability, walk the space, and get tailored pricing.

Amenities

Event Logistics

Essential logistics and amenities for a seamless, memorable event.

Celebrations hosted here since
2016
Curfew
11 PM
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Onsite Accommodations

This modern farmhouse is included in the Wedding Weekend package and Retreats. All 4 individually designed guest rooms have private bathrooms & Direct TV. The Farmhouse has a dining room, 2 fireplaces, and an exquisite salon. With Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen, you will have everything you need for comfort, style, and relaxation throughout your stay. The Farmhouse is what sets us apart. Exquisite design, exceptional comfort, and an inspiring historical landmark.  

Catering
Client must select a caterer from the list provided by the venue
Alcohol
Licensed Server is Required
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Pet-Friendly Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
other
Yes

Onsite Amenities

Wifi

Ample Parking Onsite

Onsite Restrooms

Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite


Venue Features

The scene

Our venue is almost 200 years old, and has the authenticity and beauty that is perfect for any event. Our historical research shows that the oldest section of the house was constructed in the 1830s. The farm has stayed in the Hopkins family since 1867 and has transferred to family members six times. In 1925, the Dairy Barn and milk house were built and in 1936, when a larger dairy barn was needed the large block barn was added. It is distinguished by its bell-shaped roof created by its innovative flitch-arch construction technique, which was unique in Sussex County at the time, and termed an O’Neil Barn after the contractor and designer, Rodney O’Neil of Laurel. There were only 10 such barns made in Sussex County due to the unique skilled craftsmanship of Rodney O’Neil. Only a few of those barns remain standing today. The featured Covered Bridge was constructed in 1985 over an irrigation channel leading to what we now call the reflection pond which makes for a picture-perfect spot.

The Covered Bridge Inn has stood the test of time and it will be here for all to enjoy for another 200 + years.

Standout venue features

Whether you are planning a Retreat or an Event, The Covered Bridge Inn includes event management services and a refined list of our favorite experiences and tourism professionals. Up to 10 guests will enjoy laid back yet luxurious accommodations on the farm and close proximity to endless beaches, restaurants, breweries, bike trails, and adventure. All four bedrooms have modern bathrooms with DirecTV and Wi-Fi. We offer ample free parking with parking attendants and a covered golf cart shuttle. You can also sit back and relax next to our firepit with endless firewood. Every retreat will receive a one hour guided tour of our working Dairy Farm with the owner, Ingrid Hopkins. We happily provide ice cream to our guests from our Hopkins Farm Creamery and a jar of Hopkins Honey. Not to mention, the farmhouse also provides a beautiful full modern kitchen, a laundry room, and two working fireplaces.

Extra perks

When you book your Wedding Weekend with us you receive, event management services, 4 designer bedrooms with modern bathrooms that allow for 10 guests to stay on the farm for the weekend, a chic farmhouse salon, lounge for the groomsmen, free parking with parking attendant and covered golf cart shuttle service, a fire pit, 2 corn hole games, and 2 restrooms located in the historic Milk House. Wedding Weekends allow for flexibility with vendor delivery & pick-up, ample time for you to set up your design and décor items, and for assembly of DIY items on the property. We also offer the option to host your rehearsal dinner and Sunday brunch right here with no additional fee. For gatherings tables and chairs for up to 50 people are included in addition to standard white linens. Event management services are also included!

For Retreats, the Covered Bridge Inn includes event management services and a refined list of our favorite experiences and tourism professionals. The Inn provides Luxury accommodations for up to 10 guests in the newly renovated 1800's Farmhouse.


Awards, Notables & Events

Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 & 2019

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018

Featured on My Eastern Shore Wedding