who we are

About Sugar Barn

Sitting on a 45 acre ranch with a sugar cane field that will soon be used to distill our own rum, we invite you to come discover our what makes Sugar Barn such a sweet option for your wedding day.

Who we are

Hello! We are Bill and Julia Whidden and we've been married for 30 years and have been residents of Lake Wales, Florida, for almost 7 years, after raising our three children in the Orlando area. We've been a significant contributor in the event industry for over 25 years, and designed and developed event decor used around the world, at major sporting events, award ceremonies, the White House and all over Disney World.

Together, we have an extensive background in weddings and directing all areas of events, thus turning our passion into a premier event venue here on their beautiful property at Flying Osceola Ranch. We look forward to meeting you and hosting your special event here in Central Florida..

Our Property

The Sugar Barn is located on a 45-acre Ranch in Lake Wales, in Central Florida’s Polk County. The Whidden’s purchased the ranch in 2005 and have been developing the perfect location for your barn wedding, celebration, or corporate event.

This unique venue is not an old converted barn but a beautiful new Douglas Fir structure with the warmth and character of a rustic setting, but with all the commercial amenities you need for a successful, comfortable, elegant event. The barn has been built with soaring 45-foot ceilings and a stone fireplace, beautiful crystal chandeliers, a catering kitchen, and an oversized 1200 sq ft bridal suite.

Your guests will walk along the 120-foot bridge across the stocked pond to the Wild Orange ceremony location, which also features a restroom facility and a bachelor’s cottage. The orchard next to the barn grows sugar cane, thus lending to the name The Sugar Barn.

The Sugar Barn is located only an hour south of Orlando, 30 minutes from Winter Haven and halfway between Tampa and Melbourne, so its location is an ideal gathering place.You will love celebrating your special day under the moss-covered oaks here at The Sugar Barn.

Reviews

What our couples say

Had our wedding at the Sugar Barn this past weekend!!! The property is beautiful and we received endless compliments on how pretty everything was. It is a great family owned business. We wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding weekend. Thanks Bill and Julia!!

Brooke C.
08/19/2023

Beautiful setting, very professional and proficient owners that go above and beyond. We were looking for an all-inclusive package, which they offered. It made the event hassle free and it flowed seamlessly. Food was unbelievable! Would highly recommend.

Patricia M.
08/04/2023

The Sugar Barn staff made sure our day was everything we ever dreamt of! They treated us like family throughout the entire process, and I will forever recommend everyone I know to this venue! The bridal suite was a dream come true with natural lighting, plenty of space for hair and makeup, an in suite bathroom, and plenty of space for everyone!

Lexi B.
11/26/2022