This past weekend, I married a couple who had booked a gorgeous venue that reflects a growing trend…barn weddings. The specific venue I speak of is Ellis Barn, which sits on the Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg, Michigan.
According to the Oakland County Parks website, Ellis Barn was originally constructed around 1884 on the 78-acre Ingomar Stock Farm in Clarkston, Michigan, owned by Norman J. Ellis. RBI 33 LLC, a real estate investment company owned by former major league baseball players Kirk Gibson and Tim Birtsas, purchased the land in 2001. Realizing the historic significance of the barn and related buildings, the duo donated them to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission along with a $75,000 donation to assist with barn relocation and rehabilitation. Under the planning and expertise of an ex-Amish barnwright, the barn was meticulously inventoried and recorded every beam and board in the barn, which was then moved, reassembled board by board, reinforced and updated and is now in use as a fantastic wedding venue.
In the wedding I just did, the ceremony was held in the lower level, but the upper level can be used for ceremonies also.
Former horse stalls are used as prep and other uses, which lends a very rustic and photo ready environment, with beautiful plank floors.
In the case of this wedding, one stall was used as a dressing room for the bride, then later as the setting for the signing of the marriage license…very cool…
On the upper level, the lofty, open beams and rafters add a magnificent ambiance to receptions, which was the case in this wedding. The barn does not have heat or air conditioning, which limits its useful event season to May through mid October, but large doors can be left open for breeze in summer.
If you get a chance to attend a wedding at Ellis Barn, don’t miss it. You’ll be amazed at the feel of it. If you decide to have your wedding here, I think you’ll always be happy you did…especially if I’m your wedding officiant!
Dr. Stephan J. Smith is an ordained, non-denominational wedding officiant who has been marrying loving couples in Livingston, Genesee, Oakland and surrounding Michigan Counties for more than 10 years. With a calming and caring demeanor, Dr. Smith strives to make his weddings unique and beautiful. His custom ceremonies, attention to detail and the perfect balance of mood creates an environment of serenity and bliss that you’ll treasure for all time. You can contact him for questions and availability by email or phone using the “Contact Dr. Smith” tab above.
