Private Wedding & Event venue Near Worcester, MA

One Beautiful Venue for Life’s Important Gatherings

A private, scenic event venue in Sterling, MA for couples who want a relaxed and unforgettable day.

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Weddings

Baby Showers

Corporate Retreats

Wedding Showers

Anniversary Parties

Celebrations of Life

Proms

Holiday Events

Weddings

Baby Showers

Corporate Retreats

Wedding Showers

Anniversary Parties

Celebrations of Life

Proms

Holiday Events

Creating Unforgettable Moments

The 228 is a private indoor and outdoor venue in Sterling, MA, with a modern-rustic barn, flexible gathering spaces, and a lawn made for weddings, showers, parties, and celebrations.

With indoor comfort, outdoor space, and flexible options for different guest counts, The 228 makes it easy to host an event that feels personal and welcoming.

At The 228 in Sterling, we believe that every wedding is a reflection of the couple’s unique story. There are no “standard weddings” here. Each celebration is tailored to showcase your individuality, ensuring that your special day perfectly embodies your vision.

Two brides hold hands under a tree with white drapery, surrounded by attendants in blue dresses and a person in gray, during an outdoor wedding ceremony in Sterling, MA.
A bride and groom stand at a gazebo during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests admiring the beautiful bridesmaid dresses and lush greenery in the background. An outdoor wedding ceremony in central Massachusetts at a wedding venue.

Craft Your Dream Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at The 228

At The 228 in Sterling, host your outdoor wedding ceremony followed by a reception across our indoor & outdoor spaces.

We have multiple spaces on the property that are perfect for your outdoor ceremony: the tree, the gazebo, the lawn, the wall, and more. See our gallery of outdoor wedding ceremonies!

Picture vows under the iconic tree, cocktails on the patio, dancing in the barn—all tailored to your unique story.

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Why Couples Choose The 228 for Weddings Near Worcester

Couples consistently recommend The 228 as a wedding venue near Worcester that’s beautiful, flexible, and genuinely supportive from start to finish.

A relaxed and beautiful setting, no matter your vision.

From outdoor ceremonies under the trees to cocktail hour on the patio and dinner and dancing in the warm, rustic barn, couples consistently describe our space as “beautiful inside and outside” and perfect for a laid-back but unforgettable wedding.

A team that makes planning easy

One of the most common themes in reviews is how supportive and hands-on our team is. Couples say they were guided through decisions, vendor choices, and details they hadn’t even considered – making the process feel “easy and stress-free.”

Memorable experiences for you and your guests

From firepit s’mores at night to scenic photo spots and spacious grounds, your guests won’t just attend, they’ll remember the experience. We pride ourselves on how smoothly your day runs and always enjoy hearing how much guests loved the venue.

A couple in wedding attire joyfully enters The 228 in Sterling barn venue, with the bride holding a bouquet and the groom raising his hand. They are framed by sheer drapes and decorative lanterns.

Flexible, customizable weddings with convenience

Unlike many all-inclusive venues, The 228 gives couples the freedom to create a wedding that fits their vision. Whether it’s choosing your own vendors, designing your décor, or shaping the flow of the day, couples love the flexibility and personalization. For couples who want extra convenience, onsite decor rental options make it easier to create a styled, cohesive look without sourcing every detail separately.

A venue that delivers real value

With strong ratings for value and flexibility, couples repeatedly highlight how much they get for their investment. We’re often told it’s more affordable than comparable venues while offering more options and space.

No minimum guest count

The 228 in Sterling is available for rent for various event types and number of hours with no minimum guest count.

Why Couples Choose The 228 Instead of a Backyard Wedding

The 228 is like Your Backyard — But Better

Many couples love the relaxed feeling of a backyard wedding, but don’t want to worry about tents, parking, weather plans, restrooms, setup, cleanup, or accommodating a large guest list.

At The 228, you get the warmth and flexibility of a private gathering with the convenience of a dedicated event venue.

Real Events at The 228 in Sterling

  • Rustic event barn hall at the 228 in Sterling, MA with wooden walls and ceiling, decorated tables with white chairs, yellow napkins, floral centerpieces, and soft lighting.
  • Couple standing on steps in front of a red barn with white doors, holding hands and smiling at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • A bride and groom holding hands in the grass at The 228 in Sterling, MA.
  • Outdoor wedding ceremony under the large tree at the 228 in Sterling, MA with draped white fabric. The bride and groom stand in the center, flanked by bridesmaids in dark dresses and groomsmen in suits. Guests are seated nearby.
  • A decorated event tent at the 228 in Sterling, MA with round tables set with beige linens, folded napkins, and floral centerpieces. White chairs surround each table, and string lights adorn the interior.
  • Two brides in white dresses hold hands and smile, entering the 228 in Sterling, MAthrough a decorated wooden doorway with sheer curtains and hanging lights. Each holds a colorful bouquet.
  • Rustic Lawn seating and the Barn at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • A bride and groom toast with drinks while sitting in a gazebo surrounded by greenery at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • A wedding reception table set with white and green dinnerware, red table runner, candle, and floral centerpieces, under a tent with white fabric and string lights at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • A white gazebo with a shingled roof is in a grassy area, surrounded by bushes and trees at the 228 in Sterling, MA. Small plants are arranged around its base.
  • White-draped arch in front of the white fence at The 228 in Sterling with chairs and benches set up for a wedding. The aisle is lined with potted plants.
  • The 228 Barn at night, lit with curtains of fairy lights with firepit and large, flat, private lawn.
  • Wedding in front of the gazebo at The 228 in Sterling with white man in a suit and white woman in a wedding dress in front of the gazebo and guests seated in white folding chairs
  • Red barn front, lit, at dusk at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • Wedding set up outside at The 228 in Sterling with chairs and benches in front of a large wooden moon backdrop. A small table has a chalkboard sign propped up in front of it that is decorated with stars and a moon and says to pick a seat not a side, you're loved by both the groom and the bride.
  • A colorful bouquet of flowers is attached to a white wooden wagon wheel, which is positioned against a red wall at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • Rows of white folding chairs in a tent, facing a podium and decorated stand with draped fabric and plants at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • A bride and groom standing under The Tree with sunflowers at their outdoor wedding ceremony at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • The rustic barn at the 228 in Sterling, MA with steps leading up to it which is perfect for a barn wedding.
  • A wooden table set with beige plates, a white table runner with greenery, and candles in glass holders at the 228 in Sterling, MA. Small name cards are placed by each plate.
  • A hand holds a partially assembled s'more with graham crackers, chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow at the firepits at the 228 in Sterling, MA
  • Sweetheart Table with floral arrangements, and lanterns under a white tent, set up for a reception at the 228 in Sterling, MA. Sunlight filters through the windowed tent walls.
View Gallery

Love Notes from Our Couples

A couple in wedding attire embraces, smiling at the camera, with string lights in the background.
A bride and groom sit on a stone bench outdoors, touching foreheads and smiling, with the bride holding a bouquet of white flowers.
A couple in formal attire dances together indoors. The woman is wearing a white dress, and the man is in a gray suit with a red tie. They are smiling and holding hands.

Discover why customers love their unforgettable event experiences at The 228 in Sterling.

Wedding · non-traditional

“We started with drinks on the patio, had the ceremony outside, dinner in the tent, dancing in the barn, and a fire in the fire pit with s’mores and yard games. Our guests said it was one of the most fun weddings they have attended.”

Emily Gilbreath
Bride · Google review

Wedding · Planning & Day-Of

“Sharon was a dream to work with throughout the entire planning process. She made sure that my husband and I had snacks while we were taking pictures, helped organise our decor on drop-off, and was overall the most amazing vendor.”

Kailey McCarthy
Bride · Google Local Guide

Wedding reception · weather contingency

“A few days before the reception the weather was looking rough, but the staff had a rain plan ready to go. The decor store items and yard games were a huge hit with guests. We received compliments all night about how perfect the venue was.”

Kellie Wheeler
Bride · Google Local Guide

Anniversary · intimate event

“The 228 was the perfect venue for our 50th wedding anniversary. Sharon, the owner, was a delight from start to finish. Patiently answering all our questions and present on the night to ensure everything was perfect.”

Linda Lukason
Anniversary host · Google review
Wedding ceremony at The Tree at 228 wedding venue in Massachusetts

Your Day, Unique and Memorable

Our enchanting venue features multiple interconnected spaces that can be personalized to create the wedding of your dreams.

Whether you envision an intimate ceremony, a lively reception filled with dancing, or cozy moments around a fire roasting marshmallows, The 228 provides the perfect setting for every aspect of your celebration.

Our team is here to handle all the details, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love surrounded by family and friends.

Let us help you craft unforgettable memories on your romantic journey together.

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Venue FAQs

Everything people ask before booking their day at The 228 in Sterling, MA

The 228 is designed for intimate celebrations done beautifully. Our rustic barn comfortably seats up to 82 guests, while our tent can host up to 120. With no minimum guest count, we’re one of the few venues in Central Massachusetts where a 40-person wedding feels just as special as a 120-person celebration. Never lost, never oversized, always perfectly yours.

More than you might expect. Every wedding at The 228 includes linens, furniture, ceremony décor, staff setup, tent access, and four hours or more of event time – with no surprise delivery or setup fees. Our à la carte approach means you only pay for what you actually want, and our on-site Décor Store makes it easy to customize without the hassle of coordinating outside rentals.

Picture a renovated red barn with soaring wood ceilings and warm rustic charm, surrounded by 8 acres of gorgeous New England landscape. There’s a covered patio, a fire pit, a pond, a gazebo, a stone wall, and the iconic tree that couples have been saying their vows under for years. It’s elegant without being formal and is the kind of place where guests arrive and immediately feel at ease. Why not browse our photo gallery and see for yourself.

Absolutely! It’s one of our most popular features. Choose from several ceremony locations across the property: beneath the iconic tree, at the gazebo, on the lawn, or by the stone wall. Each spot offers its own character and photo opportunities. Every booking also includes weatherproof backup spaces, so you can commit to an outdoor ceremony without spending your engagement anxious about the forecast.

We’ve got you covered. Literally. Every wedding includes access to our barn as a beautiful indoor backup space, and during peak season, the fully covered tent adds another seamless option. Our team has a detailed rain plan prepared for every single event. We’ve pivoted last-minute more times than we can count, and our couples consistently say their guests never even noticed. New England weather doesn’t scare us.

The 228 has required vendors for food, bar service, and tent/furniture rentals, so those key parts of the event are handled smoothly and professionally. For other details — including photography, florals, music, and decor — you’re welcome to bring in vendors that fit your vision and budget. That balance of support and flexibility is one reason couples describe The 228 as a customizable wedding venue in the Worcester area.

Yes. When you book The 228, the entire 8-acre property is yours. Only your guests, your vendors, and our staff will be on-site. Many couples describe the feeling as celebrating at their own private country estate, and that’s exactly the experience we aim to create.

Yes, our on-site Décor Store makes it easier to create a beautiful, cohesive look without sourcing every detail yourself. The inventory includes farm tables, yard games, specialty lighting, drapery, arbors, chair covers, and more. Standard setup time is included, and we’ll walk you through any items that may involve delivery, setup, or extra décor time. It’s one less thing to worry about.

We’re located at 228 Leominster Road in Sterling, MA, just off Route 190 (about 20–25 minutes northwest of Worcester) and easily accessible from Boston, Leominster, Fitchburg, and the surrounding region. Ample on-site parking is available for you and all of your guests.

We do! The 228 is a popular private event venue in Sterling, MA for a wide range of celebrations including milestone birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, and family reunions. With exclusive use of our 8 acres, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, and an on-site Décor Store, we bring the same thoughtful, personalized approach to every event we host.

If you’re looking for a unique event venue near Worcester, MA, we’d love to help you plan something memorable.

More than Weddings

The 228 Also Hosts

Wedding ceremony at The Tree

Wedding Showers

The event venue features an indoor baby shower setup adorned with pink and white decorations, a charming balloon arch, and tables set with pink napkins. A backdrop reading "Special Delivery" alongside a stork adds to the festive atmosphere.

Baby Showers

Four people stand around a wooden table inside an corporate event venue near Boston, MA. Two women hold plates of food, adding to the festive atmosphere. A partially visible person stands in the background by a sign, capturing the joy of this gathering.

Corporate Gatherings

Anniversary Celebrations

Round tables with white cloths, pink and blue napkins, and cow-print balloons fill a wooden event hall—perfect inspiration for planning a first birthday party.

Milestone Birthdays

A round table with silverware and a picture on it.

Celebration of Life Events

Tell Us About Your Event

Have a date in mind, or still exploring?
Either way, we’d love to hear.

Tell Us About
Your Event

Have a date in mind, or still exploring?
Either way, we’d love to hear.

Find Us Conveniently Located Near Worcester, MA.

Less than 20 minutes from Worcester, with easy access from I-190/Mass Pike. Popular for Central MA couples.

Let us help you create your perfect event.

Get in touch to choose a date.

Tell Us About Your Event

Have a date in mind, or still exploring?
Either way, we’d love to hear.

Tell Us About
Your Event

Have a date in mind, or still exploring?
Either way, we’d love to hear.

Where Dreams Take Center Stage

Your Vision, Our Versatile Venue

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Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Award 2019
Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Award 2020
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award Winner 2022
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