Sheds As Event Spaces: How Hotels Are Innovating With Outdoor Venues

In recent years, the hospitality industry has seen an exciting shift in how event spaces are conceptualised and utilised. As guests seek unique, memorable experiences, hotels have transformed unconventional spaces into bespoke event venues. One of the most notable trends is using sheds as versatile, charming outdoor event spaces. From rustic weddings to laid-back corporate retreats, sheds are an innovative and appealing choice. Here, we explore how hotels are reimagining sheds and why they’re becoming a valuable asset in outdoor venues.

The Appeal of Sheds as Event Venues

Sheds, often seen as simple, one-dimensional buildings, have quickly become blank canvases for creative hotel venues. Unlike traditional ballrooms or conference rooms, sheds provide an intimate, relaxed, welcoming, and visually appealing atmosphere. Hotels are capitalising on this rustic charm by outfitting sheds with everything from vintage-style décor to sleek, modern interiors, allowing guests to enjoy a venue with character and class.

Beyond aesthetics, sheds offer a cost-effective solution for hotels. Constructing a shed-style venue is typically less expensive than building a conventional event space, yet with thoughtful design from experienced shed builders, they can deliver just as much impact. For hotels, this means the ability to host more events at a lower investment while still providing an experience that feels exclusive and carefully curated.

Another major advantage of sheds is their flexibility. Unlike fixed interior spaces, sheds can adapt to many event formats, including weddings, family gatherings, team-building activities, and product launches. This adaptability allows hotels to cater to a wide variety of clientele, making shed spaces a versatile addition to any event strategy.

Transforming Sheds into Boutique Event Spaces

To elevate a shed from a simple structure to a boutique event space, hotels are pulling out all the stops in terms of design and amenities. Many hotels approach shed transformation by tailoring each structure to reflect the brand’s aesthetic. This might mean rustic wooden walls and fairy lights for a countryside retreat or minimalist, Scandinavian-style furnishings for a more modern, urban property.

Beyond interior design, hotels add all the essentials for a comfortable, functional event venue. Lighting systems, sound equipment, and climate control are common enhancements, ensuring that these spaces can host events comfortably, day or night, in any season. Additionally, outdoor landscaping often plays a crucial role. By situating sheds in gardens or near scenic areas, hotels add natural beauty to the venue’s charm, with flowers, greenery, or even nearby water features providing an elegant backdrop.

For hotels with the means, some are building sheds with eco-friendly materials, using reclaimed wood or sustainably sourced metal roofing, furthering their commitment to green practices. This not only appeals to environmentally conscious guests but also contributes to the hotel’s own sustainability goals.

Benefits for Hotels

Embracing sheds as event spaces offers numerous advantages for hotels. Firstly, it creates a new revenue stream. By offering unique venues, hotels can attract a broader clientele looking for something different from the usual event spaces. Sheds allow hotels to host events during off-peak times, effectively filling occupancy gaps and increasing overall revenue.

Moreover, guests value the sense of choice and novelty that the venues bring. For visitors, a hotel offering a rustic shed by the lake or a charming garden hideaway can be the deciding factor in their booking. These venues enhance the guest experience by providing options beyond the conventional.

Eco-friendliness is also a significant factor. As hotels increasingly prioritise sustainable practices, sheds offer an opportunity to construct small, low-impact structures with eco-friendly materials. This minimises environmental footprints and aligns with the values of many eco-conscious guests, further strengthening the brand reputation.

Success Stories: Hotels Leading the Way with Shed Venues

Several hotels have taken the shed trend to heart, turning simple structures into headline-making event spaces. For example, a luxury countryside hotel in the Cotswolds offers a beautifully designed barn-style shed with reclaimed wooden beams, vintage lanterns, and panoramic windows overlooking the rolling hills. This venue has become popular for weddings and intimate gatherings, with guests raving about its rustic charm and picturesque views.

Another example comes from a coastal resort with repurposed boat sheds for seaside ceremonies and sunset receptions. These sheds retain their original charm but have been outfitted with contemporary seating, outdoor heaters, and even retractable glass walls for uninterrupted ocean views. Such innovative use of sheds has allowed these hotels to attract new clients while adding a unique edge to their services.

Challenges and Considerations

As appealing as shed venues are, they come with their own set of challenges. One of the main obstacles is the impact of weather. In regions with unpredictable climates, maintaining guests' comfort in outdoor or semi-outdoor sheds can be difficult. Hotels often need to invest in weatherproofing measures and heating or cooling systems to ensure year-round usability.

Permits and regulations are another consideration. Some regions have strict zoning or noise regulations that affect where sheds can be constructed or how they’re used for events. Additionally, while rustic charm is part of the appeal, hotels must balance this with guests’ expectations for luxury. This requires a thoughtful interior design to ensure that sheds feel cosy and inviting without compromising quality.

Tips for Hotels Considering Shed Event Spaces

For hotels embracing shed event spaces, catering to the accommodation needs of corporate guests in Melbourne can further enhance their offerings. Providers like Corporate Keys specialize in corporate accommodations in Melbourne tailored for extended stays, making them a preferred choice for business travellers who may attend corporate events at these shed venues. By partnering with corporate accommodation providers, hotels can ensure guests experience comfortable, high-quality lodging that meets the demands of longer stays, adding convenience and value to their event offerings. Hotels should also consider offering event planning services tailored to shed venues. This might include curated décor, catering options, and dedicated staff to manage the unique requirements of an outdoor or semi-outdoor setting. By providing comprehensive support, hotels can make it easy for clients to envision and execute events in these spaces, enhancing their appeal.

Finally, tapping into local culture can enhance the authenticity of shed venues. Hotels can collaborate with local artisans or use native plants in landscaping to lend a regional flavour to the space. Such touches allow hotels to connect strongly with the area, giving guests a more meaningful experience.

Conclusion: The Future of Sheds as Event Spaces in Hospitality

The trend of using sheds as event spaces is more than just a passing fad; it reflects changing guest expectations and a growing appreciation for personalised, flexible spaces. As hotels continue to innovate, shed venues offer an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market, appealing to guests who value character, uniqueness, and adaptability.

Whether it’s for a wedding under the stars or a corporate event in a serene garden, sheds as event spaces allow hotels to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. For forward-thinking hoteliers, investing in these outdoor venues can enhance their offerings, attract new audiences, and ultimately transform the guest experience.