Tucked away in the quiet town of Spencer, Massachusetts, you'll find a charming event space: Fern Hill Barn, a rustic and intimate wedding venue that has been hosting celebrations for over two decades. This beloved local landmark, owned by Peter and Lynn Zukas, was formerly called Zukas Hilltop Barn and is now known as Fern Hill Barn by Wedgewood Weddings after the family partnered with America's favorite event company. Our teams are now united in delivering high-quality events at this Massachusetts venue for decades to come.
Originally purchased by Peter’s grandfather, Zukas Hilltop Barn functioned as a working dairy farm where they milked cows, baled hay, and worked the surrounding fields. The stately barn was central to day to day life.
When their children were young, Lynn Zukas began doing catering out of the family's basement. She catered events offsite for 11 years, gaining a reputation in the local events industry. Eventually, they sold their dairy cows and found themselves with a vacant barn. Catering clients eager to host events on-site were the original inspiration. “Clients were asking, why not have our event at your place?” Lynn shared. With a vacant barn and client demand, the idea struck to repurpose the space into an event venue. The couple brought in an architect to carefully convert the charming barn into an event space, keeping the rustic charm while accommodating modern gatherings.
In the early days, friends, family, and community members flocked to Zukas Hilltop Barn for their own celebrations. As word spread, it became popular for weddings and events. Lynn considers it the ultimate compliment that many of their friends and family have returned time and time again to host milestone celebrations, as well as the team who keeps coming back every year and feels like family.
The venue’s new name; 'Fern Hill Barn' is a homage to the lush fern forest that Peter Zukas planted leading up to the entrance, which is one of the couple’s favorite photo ops on the property.
Since the last 1990's, Zukas Hilltop Barn has hosted hundreds of weddings, graduations, reunions, and community events. Its rustic setting and sweeping vistas make it a coveted venue for couples looking for a romantic pastoral backdrop. There’s no shortage of scenic spots on the property, perfect for gorgeous wedding photos.
“My favorite part of the venue is the frog pond that Peter and our son installed,” Lynn said. It creates a peaceful spot for photos and quiet reflection. When asked what his favorite part of the venue was, Peter laughed, “Helping build it!” His handprints are visible across the venue, from the barn itself to amenities like the swing his father hung for their children.
Some of the top photo opportunities at Fern Hill Barn include the vibrant dahlia gardens that bloom each spring and the lush “fern forest” at the venue’s entrance. the ferns flourish in the shade of towering trees. The secluded surroundings make Fern Hill Barn popular for couples looking for a private, rustic chic affair with plenty of scenic backdrops onsite. Conveniently located near major cities like Boston and Providence yet tucked away in the quiet former mill town of Spencer, the venue appeals to college sweethearts returning to Massachusetts to tie the knot.
While Fern Hill Barn stays busy hosting weddings, Peter and Lynn look forward to establishing this new legacy with Wedgewood Weddings. They’re excited to spend more time with family, including their new grandchild. They won't have much time to rest though, as Peter still maintains the hay fields onsite, and Lynn’s love for gardening will continue as she tends to the 133 varieties of vegetables, flowers & plants grown on the property. Though the name has changed, the heart and soul of this family-built venue remain the same.
If you're considering Fern Hill Barn for your rustic wedding or special event, call or text 602.926.7693 for more details on hosting your celebration at this beloved New England venue.