I knew Sam and Terra’s wedding at The Barn on Heron Hill was going to be special from the moment I met them. It may have been a Halloween wedding but the only thing scary about it was how scary beautiful everything was! Sam and Terra’s wedding was such a joy to capture. The love they have for each other was present in every little moment and the details just tied everything together.
Terra surprised Sam when she walked down the aisle in a black dress. Honestly every detail was so them and perfect in every way. And don’t even get me started on the beautiful fall colors
Sam and Terra: Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for entrusting me with capturing some of your most precious memories. Truly, this day was a dream to be a part of – and I hope you love my favorites as much as I do! Enjoy your HONEYMOON and soak up every minute!!!
DID YOU LOVE THIS WEDDING? IT COULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT THE AMAZING TEAM OF VENDORS BEHIND IT!!!
Photographer: Megan Snitker Photography
Makeup: Monica Crowley
Dress: Stylish Brides
Florist: Bee Kind Floral
Venue: The Barn on Heron Hill
DJ: Juice MC
Cake: Marcia Crowley
Cupcakes: Ma’s Bakery
Catering: Austin’s Rushcreek Farms
Tuxes: Holly’s Bridal
Thinking about the Barn on Heron Hill for your wedding?
Tucked just off Highway 128 near Saint Olaf in northeast Iowa, the Barn on Heron Hill is the kind of venue that feels genuinely rooted in its landscape. Iowa farmland stretches out in every direction, the barn itself has that towering roofline that photographs beautifully from just about any angle, and the whole property has an unhurried quality that tends to put people immediately at ease.
I’ve photographed here more than once, and I keep coming back appreciating the same things every time.
The barn and ceremony spaces
The main floor seats up to 300 guests, with additional seating upstairs and outside. There are multiple outdoor ceremony locations on the property depending on what you’re envisioning — the gazebo being the most popular — and you can use the chairs from inside the barn to seat your guests for whichever spot you choose. The barn itself is minimally decorated by design, which means you get a lot of creative freedom to make it feel like you. Tables, chairs, linens, and bar service are all included, with no open flames or candles policy worth noting as you plan your decor.
The getting-ready spaces
There’s a bridal preparation suite and a groom’s lounge on-site, both separate. As a photographer, I’ll just say: having dedicated getting-ready spaces that keep both sides of the wedding party comfortable and out of each other’s way makes the whole morning smoother. The farmhouse bridal suite has been a favorite backdrop for detail shots.
Weekend rental options
One thing I think is underrated about Heron Hill is the weekend package — you can take the venue Friday through Sunday, which means a relaxed setup day, rehearsal dinner on-site, and no scrambling Saturday morning. That kind of breathing room changes the feel of the whole wedding weekend.
What it’s like to photograph here
The evergreens on this property are a gift. Soft, filtered light, real depth and texture in every direction. And when that open Iowa sky hits golden hour, the surrounding farmland becomes a backdrop that doesn’t look like anywhere else. I always try to get couples outside for portraits before the light fades — Heron Hill rewards that every time.
Interested in booking your Barn on Heron Hill wedding?
I’d love to be there. Reach out here and let’s talk about your day.
