The Farm at Rocky Top

What The Farm at Rocky Top does

The Farm at Rocky Top is a privately held wedding and event venue operating on a 339-acre property in Salem, Alabama, minutes from Auburn/Opelika. The business originated in 1973 as Rocky Top Farms, a working family cattle farm established by Robert and Faye Parkman, and was converted to a hospitality venue in 2015 when their daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Joel Lawrence, constructed a 7,000 sq ft rough-cut pine barn on the property. The venue's core offering is three rental packages: a Wedding + Reception package at $5,500, a Reception Only package at $4,000, and a Non-Wedding Event package, all inclusive of tables, chairs, setup, parking attendants, and a built-in bar with beverage and wine coolers. Additional on-site facilities include the Farmhouse (bridal preparation) and the MeatHouse (groom's party and rehearsal dinners).

Beyond private rentals, the venue operates three seasonal event programs that generate ticket and booth revenue across the calendar year: the Pumpkin Patch (autumn weekends, $14 general admission), Country Christmas (November-December weekends, $14 admission, $9 seniors), and Rocky Top Market Days, a bi-annual arts and crafts festival charging $5 admission and $75-$150 per vendor booth. Field trip admissions ($11/student) and birthday party packages ($12/guest) extend the programming into institutional and group segments. The company employs 11-50 staff, sells exclusively direct-to-consumer through its website, phone, and email (no third-party distribution), and markets through organic Instagram and Facebook presence plus a Flodesk newsletter. A related entity, Rocky Top Farms Conservation Group, LLC, owned by the same family, provides adjacent land and farm maintenance services to Lee County.

Name

The Farm at Rocky Top

Legal name

The Farm at Rocky Top

Website

https://thefarmatrockytop.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Farm at Rocky Top is a family-owned wedding and event venue on a 339-acre property in Salem, Alabama, serving couples, families, schools, and artisan vendors with year-round private rentals and seasonal events including a Pumpkin Patch, Country Christmas, and Market Days festival.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wedding and Event Venue Services

NAICS

Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailers (44424), Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailers (444240)

SIC

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply (5200)

akta.pro primary industry

Wedding & Bridal Shows (MPAGAFAK)

Keywords

• Wedding venue rentals
• Event venue services
• Seasonal farm attractions
• Arts and craft festivals
• Private event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

Salem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Wedding & Private Event Venue Rental: The primary revenue stream comes from renting the venue for weddings, receptions, and private events. Packages range from $4,000 (Reception Only) to $5,500 (Wedding + Reception), with additional fees for add-on services such as coordinators, bartenders, and rehearsal dinners.
2. Seasonal Attractions (Pumpkin Patch): Revenue from ticketed entry to the Pumpkin Patch event featuring rides, games, and attractions. General admission is $14 for ages 2-64, with additional revenue from food concessions, pony rides, and birthday party reservations.
3. Seasonal Attractions (Country Christmas): Revenue from ticketed entry to the Country Christmas seasonal event featuring Christmas tree sales, train rides, Santa visits, and various holiday attractions. Admission is $14 for ages 2-64, $9 for seniors 65+.
4. Market Days Vendor Fees: Revenue from vendor booth rentals at the Market Days arts and crafts festival. Booth fees range from $75 for a single 12'x12' space to $150 for double booths or food vendor spaces, plus additional electricity fees.
5. Field Trip Bookings: Revenue from school and group field trip bookings to the Pumpkin Patch. Student admission is $11 per person with teachers admitted free.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Farm at Rocky Top rents its 339-acre farm property, anchored by a 7,000-square-foot rough-cut pine Barn, as a venue for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and other private events. Wedding packages range from $4,000 (Reception Only) to $5,500 (Wedding + Reception) and include tables, chairs, setup, teardown, and parking attendants. Beyond private events, the venue hosts ticketed seasonal attractions including the Pumpkin Patch, Country Christmas, and Market Days arts and crafts festival.

Product overview

The Farm at Rocky Top is a wedding and event venue offering three core rental packages: Wedding + Reception ($5,500), Reception Only ($4,000), and Non Wedding Events (contact for pricing). The venue spans 339 acres of rolling pastureland and woodlands in Salem, Alabama, featuring The Barn (7000 sq ft, capacity 300), The Farmhouse for bridal party preparation, and The MeatHouse for groomsmen and rehearsal dinners. Beyond weddings, the venue operates three seasonal events: Pumpkin Patch (autumn weekends), Country Christmas (holiday weekends), and Rocky Top Market Days (spring and fall arts/craft festivals). An affiliated company, Rocky Top Conservation Group, provides land and farm maintenance services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wedding + Reception Package Full wedding and reception rental package priced at $5,500 including use of the Barn for rehearsal and event day, FarmHouse for bridal party preparation, MeatHouse for groom's party, tables, chairs, parking attendants, and built-in bar with beverage and wine coolers. For couples seeking an all-inclusive rustic wedding venue.
• Reception Only Package Reception-only Barn rental at $4,000 including use of the Barn from 8am-10pm on event day, 25 round tables, 200 reception chairs, setup/take down, and built-in bar access. For couples who hold their ceremony elsewhere and only need a reception venue.
• Non-Wedding Event Package Rental package for non-wedding private events from 10am-10pm with the Barn, farm access for photographs, rectangular tables, and built-in bar. For families and groups hosting reunions, corporate events, milestone celebrations, and other private occasions.
• Pumpkin Patch Seasonal Event Ticketed seasonal autumn event with $14 general admission (ages 2-64) including wagon rides, inflatables, animal barn, games, and mini zip line. Additional paid items include concessions, pony rides, and face painting. Birthday party reservations available at $12/guest. For families seeking fall seasonal entertainment.
• Country Christmas Seasonal Event Ticketed holiday event with $14 admission (ages 2-64) and $9 for seniors 65+, including Santa visits, train rides, inflatables, animal barn, photo opportunities, and a Christmas market with Christmas tree sales. For families seeking traditional Christmas experiences.
• Rocky Top Market Days Festival Semi-annual arts and crafts festival with $5 admission (ages 11+). Vendor booth rentals range from $75 for a single 12'x12' space to $150 for double booths or food vendor spaces, plus $15 electricity add-on. For local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors seeking festival sales opportunities, and for visitors shopping handmade goods.
• Pumpkin Patch Field Trips Group booking program for schools and homeschool groups visiting the Pumpkin Patch at $11 per student, parent, chaperone, or sibling. Teachers and lead homeschool parents admitted free; entire group must be paid in one transaction. For schools and educational groups seeking fall field trip destinations.
• Pumpkin Patch Birthday Parties Birthday party reservation package at the Pumpkin Patch at $12 per guest, including 2-hour party tent rental with 3-6ft picnic tables. Birthday child and two adults admitted free. $100 non-refundable deposit required to book. For families hosting children's birthday celebrations during the autumn season.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Rocky Top Conservation GroupminorOthersSeparate but related entity (Rocky Top Farms Conservation Group, LLC) that provides land and farm maintenance services to Lee County and surrounding areas, including land clearing, pasture fencing, house pads, gravel roads, deer plots, decks, dog runs, and disaster cleanup. Owned by the same family network as The Farm at Rocky Top.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Cielo Farms: Cielo Farms is a vineyard/farm wedding venue with rustic-elegant ceremony and reception spaces. Comparable as a rural wedding venue with multi-event calendar and similar capacity/pricing tier.
• Pursell Farms: Pursell Farms is an Alabama-based resort and wedding venue on a working farm offering multiple event spaces, on-site lodging, and seasonal activities. Directly comparable as a Southeast farm-venue with wedding packages plus auxiliary recreation.
• Ivy Hall: Ivy Hall is a Birmingham, Alabama wedding and event venue offering elegant indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. Comparable as a regional Alabama wedding venue competing for the same Auburn/Birmingham-area bride segment.
• Windwood Equestrian: Windwood Equestrian is a rural Alabama wedding venue with equestrian grounds, gardens, and barn spaces. Comparable as a Southeast farm/equestrian-style wedding venue targeting similar rustic-elegant brides.
• The Barn at Twin Oaks: The Barn at Twin Oaks is a rustic barn wedding venue in the Southeast United States. Comparable product offering (rustic barn venue with all-inclusive wedding packages) for a similar bride demographic.
• Chestnut Hill Wedding Venue: Chestnut Hill is a farm-style Alabama wedding venue with on-site lodging and event spaces. Comparable as an Alabama-based rural wedding venue targeting brides seeking rustic-elegant settings.
• The Kelley Farm: The Kelley Farm is a rustic barn wedding venue offering all-inclusive packages similar to The Farm at Rocky Top. Directly comparable as a mid-tier farm wedding venue with similar pricing and service model.
• Strawberry Creek Ranch: Strawberry Creek Ranch is a ranch-style wedding venue offering rustic outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Comparable as a rural wedding venue with similar target market and pricing tier.
• Barr Mansion: Barr Mansion is a Texas-based farm-to-table wedding venue with organic gardens and historic barn spaces. Comparable as a rural farm wedding venue with emphasis on in-house services and seasonal event programming.

Regional players

• The Ridge at Patrick Farms: The Ridge at Patrick Farms is a Mississippi farm wedding venue operating in an adjacent Southeast state. Comparable offering but does not directly compete within the Alabama market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thefarmatrockytop
• Instagraminstagram.com/thefarmatrockytop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-farm-at-rocky-top

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Farm at Rocky Top