• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Features, Lifestyles, LIFESTYLES -- FEATURE SPOT, News, Russellville, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
     By  Alison James Published 
    8:10 am Monday, January 7, 2019

    A place to say ‘I do’

  • The venue's 12-foot tall double-door entry way provides the opportunity for a grand entrance.

  • The barn is located in Russellville, near Hovater's Metal Works.

  • The rustic structure provides just what many brides are looking for when it comes to ambience, especially for photos.

  • Greg and Kathy Hovater launched Triple H Barn as a wedding venue when their daughter wanted a barn wedding for her own special day.

  • Greg said many couples praise the unique scent of the barn's all-wood interior.

  • Daughter Laurie was the first to be married at Triple H Barn.

  • Triple H Barn has been the site for many Franklin County weddings since it opened in 2014.

  • 🞬
    ❮❯
    FRANKLIN LIVING—For many newly-engaged couples, the first major decision after “Yes, I will” is figuring out when and where to say “I do.” From tiny country churches to grand castle-esque venues, from quiet backyard ceremonies to destination weddings on the beach, the options are seemingly endless – and potentially overwhelming. For Franklin County brides who want to embrace the continuing trend with a barn wedding, however, Triple H Barn might be just the place.

    Greg and Kathy Hovater never had intentions of building and operating a local wedding venue, but that changed in 2014 after a request by their oldest daughter, Laurie.

    “She had asked me the fall of 2013, ‘Daddy, if I wanted to get married in a barn, would you build me an old barn?’ She literally just meant an old barn structure,” said Greg. As a local contractor, owning Hovater’s Metal Works, he figured that was a request he could easily agree to.

    It wasn’t long after that Laurie became engaged to now-husband Adam Mitchell, and the time had come for Greg to make good on his promise. “After that she said, ‘Daddy, when are you going to start on the barn?’ And I said, well, I guess pretty soon.” Greg said he knew he could throw together a basic “old barn” structure for his firstborn, a no-frills place for just one wedding – “or we can do this right.” Ultimately, he decided to construct a nice, solid barn that would stand for weddings in years to come – and Triple H Barn, so named in honor of their three children, had begun.

    “I am a contractor. We do commercial jobs, and I never want to do something just halfway,” Greg explained. “We did some checking around, checking prices, and it just seemed like something that would work.”

    For Kathy, the whole idea was a dream best left in Greg’s capable hands. “I learned a long time ago if he had an idea to just to go with it. I trust him, and I know he will do his best,” Kathy said. “He knew what it would look like when he decided to build it.”

    With Laurie’s wedding slated for Oct. 4, 2014, Greg didn’t have much time to bring his vision to reality. “We were working on it the day of the wedding. We were finishing it that morning – some of the railing, just little stuff,” Greg said. “I thought, ‘We’re going to really mess this up if we don’t have this finished.’”

    But everything was ready for Laurie and Adam’s ceremony, and the Mitchells became the first of many to be married at the Franklin County venue. “During the construction of it, we had people come by, and we had a few weddings booked before we got done,” Greg said. “One was wanting to have their wedding before my daughter’s, and I said, ‘No, we’re not finished, and my daughter’s is going to be the first one.’”

    Since then, Triple H has been the site for about 25 weddings per year – some inside the rustic barn, and some with the barn as beautiful backdrop. “It’s continuing to be better,” Greg said. “As time goes on, hopefully that will continue.”

    With Hovater’s Metal Works’ office just down the road from the barn, the Hovaters are in close proximity to offer showing and talk with interested brides. Their office manager also takes care of booking and other details.

    Triple H Barn has a grand entrance with 12-foot double doors in the front. The exterior is covered in cypress, and the metal roof completes the aesthetic. “It’s the Dutch-style type roof; it has three different roof slopes,” Greg said. A weather vane tops the highest peak.

    Inside, brides are greeted by a large open area in which they can arrange the provided tables, chairs and benches however they like for their ceremony or reception. Wagon wheel chandelier lights cast a cozy glow on the stamped concrete floors. “It looks like old hardwood flooring with the shaker pegs in it and everything,” Greg said. A balcony provides the perfect way to capture unique pictures and can even offer additional seating if necessary. Separate changing rooms are available for the groom with his groomsmen and the bride and her bridesmaids. The entire venue is climate controlled.

    “It’s nearly 25 feet tall in the center. All the walls are covered in wood, so it’s kind of a unique smell, and that always catches somebody when they come in. They say, ‘Oh, it smells so good,’” Greg said. He describes the venue’s atmosphere as comfortable and relaxed. “It’s a little more casual and laidback,” he said. “There’s nothing like it around here in this area. There are maybe some over in the Shoals or other areas, but here there aren’t many places to have a party, gathering or wedding.”

    Greg said the majority of wedding parties will have the wedding outside and have the reception inside. Some smaller weddings have been held inside, with the reception easily accommodated in the same space. “Every wedding is different. It is amazing what you see,” Greg said.

    The Hovaters try to make sure each bride can plan the wedding she’s dreamed of. An old flatbed truck and tractor provide ambience for photos, and brides can bring their own decorations to gussy it up as they desire. Some brides have also incorporated animals in their reception or ceremony – including horses and dogs.

    One consideration is a firm sticking point for Greg. “We do not allow any alcohol, and that’s a deal-breaker for some. I just don’t believe in it,” he said.

    Greg said they hope their two younger children – Morgan, 22, and Jarrett, 20 – will also choose to be married at Triple H. Aside from that, when it comes to looking at the future, the Hovaters plan to ride the barn wedding trend as long as it continues to be a favorite among today’s brides.  “The only thing we might do down the road is something like a covered area outside,” Greg added. “That would be something we might look at down the road.”


    Photos by APRIL WARHURST

    Also on Franklin County Times
    “OLD GLORY”
    Franklin Living
    “OLD GLORY”
    Jeff Johnson 
    July 2, 2025
    Most of my life I have heard the flag of the United States of America affectionately called “Old Glory.” In my imagination I associated that phrase wi...
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    Main, News, Russellville
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    ELECTION
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections. The most hotly cont...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Lifestyles, Russellville
    In the Community
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Bart Moss For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    Franklin County, News, Phil Campbell, ...
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay and Phil Campbell FFA students, along with a Hackleburg member of the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen, earned state-level honors at Alabama’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}{"newsletter":"Newsletter"}
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    Columnists, Opinion
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    July 2, 2025
    “Thank you for your service,” are words I often hear while wearing my uniform in your community. I am grateful to hear those words, but what many peop...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Franklin County, Sports
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Darby is denied parole
    News
    CRIME NEWS
    Darby is denied parole
    Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    MONTGOMERY -- A man serving a 10-year sentence on Franklin County assault convictions was denied parole on June 25, according to records from the Alab...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.The most hotly conte...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Land Transactions
    May 30 • Tim Horton and Charles Moudy to Kimberly Shay Horton and Timothy Chad Horton, survivorship • Mario Cifuentes Tello to Edilsar Noe Edcobedo Ro...
    July 2, 2025
    Teenager struck by lighting
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A 19-year-old woman is recovering after being struck by lightning while talking on a cellphone Saturday. Emergency personnel responded...
    July 2, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    July 2, 2025
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    July 2, 2025
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A young generation of golfers teed off this summer at Twin Pines Country Club, thanks to a local effort to create opportunities for ch...
    July 2, 2025
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times