Rooted in History, Growing into the Future
If you ask Creative Director Bethany Magley what makes Mustard Seed Gardens so special, she won’t point first to the soaring barn beams or the lush gardens or even the brand-new indoor/outdoor venue that has couples buzzing. She’ll tell you it’s the feeling — an immediate sense of warmth — that greets guests the moment they step onto the historic Noblesville property.
“It’s always been a place where people feel at home,” Bethany says.
This month marks Bethany’s 11th anniversary with Mustard Seed Gardens, giving her a front-row seat to the venue’s evolution from a charming, rustic wedding site to a fully realized, multi-space destination that blends history, modern design and intentional hospitality. With the debut of its newest structure — The Gable, a stunning indoor/outdoor venue — Mustard Seed is stepping confidently into its next chapter.
“Our goal is always to stay fresh and relevant while honoring the character of the venue” Bethany says. “Every year we ask ourselves, ‘What can we add to make next season exciting for our clients?’ The Gable is a big part of that answer.”
Long before it became one of Hamilton County’s most sought-after event venues, Mustard Seed Gardens was simply a family home. Every building on the property dates back to the 1800s, and co-owners — father-daughter duo Mark Skipper and Megan Painter — have worked diligently to preserve that original character while thoughtfully reimagining the space for weddings and events.
The vision began in 2008, when Mark purchased the property with plans to open a landscaping and garden center. Megan quickly saw the venue’s potential for weddings and gatherings, and after months of renovation, Mustard Seed Gardens officially began its next chapter.
“We hosted our first three weddings in 2011, and from there it just took off.”
That might be an understatement. In 2012, the venue jumped from three weddings to 32. By 2013, the number had more than doubled to 73.
“Between 2011 and 2013, barn weddings just exploded, and we were right in the middle of that wave.”
Today, Mustard Seed Gardens remains a single venue with multiple distinct spaces that are all included when a couple books the property. The layout feels like a curated campus — each building offering its own personality and purpose.
• The Farmhouse is a cozy, beautifully restored space where wedding parties typically get ready.
• The Barn is one of the original 1800s structures, filled with authentic barnwood, warm textures and timeless character.
• The Patio & Gardens is an expansive outdoor area ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions under the stars.
• The newest addition, The Gable, offers a modern, airy, weather-protected space with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding landscape.
When clients book with Mustard Seed Gardens, they can utilize any part of the property throughout the day, creating a beautiful flow and variety without ever asking guests to drive to a different location.
The creation of The Gable — completed just a month ago — was driven by client feedback.
“For years, couples told us how much they loved the natural beauty of Mustard Seed — the gardens, the landscaping, the scenic views,” Bethany says. “But planning an outdoor event in Indiana can be stressful because weather is unpredictable. We wanted to give couples the outdoor aesthetic they love without the anxiety.”
The result is a 50-by-100-foot structure with glass and vinyl walls that maintain clear sightlines to the property’s lush surroundings. Designed by Mark and Megan, The Gable feels timeless and deeply connected to the organic setting surrounding it.
Megan helped envision the defining architectural details, including the striking black framing and translucent roofline that floods the structure with soft, natural light throughout the day.
Mark led the design and engineering of the landscaping, patio spaces, and outdoor elements, creating the seamless connection between the venue and its natural scenery.
It’s expansive, bright and airy — an outdoor experience with indoor peace of mind.
Already, The Gable is proving its worth.
“In April, tornado sirens went off before an outdoor wedding,” Bethany says. “We moved the ceremony into The Gable seamlessly. Even with the wild weather, the couple still had natural light and a beautiful backdrop. It was such a relief for them.”
While The Gable’s structure is impressive, Bethany says the magic begins before guests even step inside.
The pathways leading to The Gable are intentionally lush, layered and inviting. The moment guests enter, they are met with a sweeping view through a back wall that’s essentially all glass.
“You’re looking out at this tree line that marks the back of our property,” Bethany says. “It feels warm, grand and connected to nature.”
The addition of The Gable is already transforming the way couples envision their events.
“We recently toured a couple where the groom loved the barn, but the bride wanted something more modern,” Bethany says. “They loved the fact that they can host cocktail hour in the barn and the reception in The Gable. It’s completely customizable.”
Every couple is paired with a Mustard Seed venue coordinator who helps map out the day — ceremony location, cocktail hour flow, dinner placement, dancing and more.
“Creating a wedding day that feels curated and deeply personal is at the heart of what we do,” Bethany says.
The addition of The Gable also expands Mustard Seed’s capacity. The Barn accommodates up to 200 guests, while The Gable can host up to 250, allowing the venue to welcome larger celebrations.
The goal at Mustard Seed Gardens is to help people create a day they’ll remember forever.
One of their brides stated that when she and her fiancé visited Mustard Seed for the first time, it felt like home.
“The beauty of Mustard Seed speaks for itself – stunning in person and somehow even more impressive than photos can capture. What the photos don’t show, though, is the incredible team working behind the scenes to make everything seamless. The staff is what truly set this place apart for us. From the very first time we stepped onto the property, they were completely dedicated to bringing our vision to life.”
The team also operates Iron & Ember, a separate event venue in Carmel, expanding their ability to serve couples across central Indiana.
According to Bethany, some of the most meaningful moments at Mustard Seed are the quieter ones.
“We love stepping back and seeing guests fully settled in, enjoying the space, because everything is flowing seamlessly,” she says.
“It takes a dedicated team working together at every level to create that sense of ease for our couples, and seeing it all come to life is incredibly rewarding,” Bethany says.
Mustard Seed Gardens is located at 77 Metsker Lane, Noblesville, IN 46062. For more information, call 317-776-2300, email hello@mustardseedgardens.com
