When Blake and Michelle Welch hosted weddings for three of their sons in a single year, they discovered something special. Their 50-acre blueberry and cattle farm in Plant City, which the Welch family has operated since 1960, had everything couples were looking for: open pastures framed by majestic oaks, a fountain-fed pond reflecting the Florida sky, and enough room for 299 guests to celebrate without feeling crowded. What started as a family gathering space became Wishing Well Barn, and since 2012, we’ve hosted over 1,500 weddings and celebrations.
A working cattle ranch became Tampa’s most charming wedding venue by turning its natural farm setting, spacious barn, and established family property into a full-service event space. The combination of open pastures, dedicated prep areas, approved vendors, and organized planning support allows large celebrations while preserving the ranch’s original character and atmosphere.
You might spot cattle grazing in distant pastures during your ceremony, or walk through rows of blueberry fields for photos. The working farm atmosphere isn’t staged. It’s the backdrop we wake up to every morning at 4302 Pippin Road.
A Working Ranch With a Wedding Heart
We’re still a working blueberry and cattle ranch. You might see cattle grazing during your ceremony or walk through blueberry rows for portraits. The farm atmosphere isn’t staged; it’s what we wake up to every morning at 4302 Pippin Road.
Spaces That Feel Natural for Guests
Most couples use the farm for ceremony photos, then gather guests in the barn for the reception. The barn seats up to 299 guests and has chandeliers, twinkle lights, and custom farm tables. The way the light catches the wood gives the room a warm finish. Outside, the ranch has blueberry rows, pastures, a lake, and oak trees that feel right for portraits. Full-day access means your wedding party can move between the Bridal Cottage, the Groom’s Tack Room, and the grounds without watching the clock.
The Bridal Cottage seats 16 to 18 guests. It has two salon chairs, a spacious couch and loveseat, a crafting table, steamers, champagne glasses, and natural light that makes getting ready photos easy. The Groom’s Tack Room has a pool table, a poker table, a big screen TV, a private bar, and a full shower. It also has access to two gun ranges and a fishing lake if the group wants a quiet moment before everything begins.
Planning With People Who Care
A wedding designer and an event coordinator stay with you throughout planning. The all-inclusive wedding package includes unlimited planning sessions. That helps couples work through details with a consistent partner instead of switching between vendors. The Wishing Well Barn crew handles setup, guest service, and clean up. On the day of your wedding, the focus is on keeping things organized so you can stay present with your guests.
We treat you like family because that is literally how this place started. Many of our couples say that the ease of working with the staff was one of the main reasons they booked. That is important when you have a guest count that can reach almost three hundred.
From Dinner to Dancing
The all-inclusive wedding package includes your choice from eleven approved catering vendors. You also have access to eight professional photography and videography providers and four bakery vendors. DJ services come from six trusted companies. Glassware, china, linens, and table runners are included. The bartender service, coffee station, lemonade, teas, and ice are covered by the venue as well. Everything is designed to live under one umbrella, so you are not tracking different service levels from different providers.
The bonfire and s’mores option is a small detail, but couples love it. When the fire crackles on a cool evening, it becomes an easy place for guests to gather. It also gives your photographer another natural spot for candid moments.
Everything You Need, Already Included
Full-day access gives you time to settle into the barn, Bridal Cottage, Groom’s Tack Room, and grounds before your six-hour event begins. The venue team handles table linens, runners, glassware, china, centerpieces, and complete décor setup for both the ceremony and reception. Your package includes officiant services, entertainment coordination, approved catering vendor selection, photography, cakes, florals, and full setup and teardown. If you want the bonfire or s’mores station, the team handles that as well. Couples who want to plan less find comfort in knowing these details are already covered.
How the Day Flows Naturally
Most wedding days begin with the wedding party settling into their prep spaces. After a ceremony on the grounds, guests usually head toward the barn where the reception awaits with twinkle lights and custom farm tables. The air conditioning helps keep everyone comfortable. With access to the lake, blueberry fields, pastures, and oak trees, your portraits feel true to the property.
Photo Spots Around the Ranch
Couples gravitate toward the blueberry fields and pastures, but the lake and oak trees are just as popular. The fountain-fed pond gives you another choice for photos that feel tied to the land. These areas are part of what makes the farm distinct for Plant City weddings and events.
More Than Just Weddings
We welcome weddings up to 299 guests along with quinceañeras, showers, birthdays, corporate events, private parties, and celebrations of life. Indoor and outdoor flexibility helps each event find a comfortable layout. The barn works well for receptions, while the grounds offer space for gatherings and ceremonies.
Conclusion:
Every time I walk through the barn before a wedding, I think back to the family weddings that started all of this. Those days shaped how we care for couples now. If you want a place that gives you time, space, and support, we would be honored to host you.
To learn more or reserve your date, contact Michelle at (813) 478-6554 or email wishingwellbarn@gmail.com. You can also visit wishingwellbarn.com.
FAQ’s
How many guests can you accommodate?
We can host up to 299 seated guests either indoors in our air-conditioned barn or outdoors across the property. Our all-inclusive wedding package starts at 100 guests and is expandable.
What’s actually included in the all-inclusive package?
Full day venue access, including the Bridal Cottage and Groom’s Tack Room, complete decoration, complete setup, and teardown by our crew. Shuttle service to local hotels and an optional bonfire with s’mores are also included.
Can we choose our own caterer and other vendors?
You’ll select from our approved vendor lists, which include eleven catering companies, eight photography and videography providers, four bakeries, and six DJ companies. This ensures consistent quality and smooth coordination, while still giving you significant choice in style and approach.
Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes. We’re wheelchair friendly with accessible pathways, restrooms, and our air-conditioned barn. The property has been designed to accommodate all guests comfortably.