Where is Ancestral Acres located?
Ancestral Acres Lodge and Barn is located in Branch County at 1063 Holmes Road, Bronson, MI 49028. The property is within driving distance from Sturgis (16 min), Coldwater (19 min), Angola (37 min), Battle Creek (45 min), Kalamazoo (70 min), and South Bend (75 min).

What buildings are at Ancestral Acres?
Ancestral Acres includes the Lodge, the Barn, and acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and ponds. The Lodge operates as an inn, event space, and preparation space for wedding parties. The Barn operates as a reception space for weddings, wedding receptions, and other events.

May we tour Ancestral Acres in person?
Absolutely! We’d love to show you around.

Are the buildings handicap-accessible?
The Lodge, which is an 1880s historic-designated building, is not handicap-accessible due to stairs entering the building. The Barn is handicap-accessible, and we can provide handicap parking.

Do you allow pets?
We do not allow pets inside of the Lodge or the Barn. Pets are allowed on-leash for outdoor ceremonies and events. We kindly request that owners pick up after their pets.

How many people can stay in the Lodge?
The Lodge has six bedrooms and sleeping space for up to 13 guests. One of the parlors can be converted into a temporary seventh bedroom to house 2 additional guests. We allow up to 22 guests to stay overnight in the Lodge.

Is there Wi-Fi in the Lodge?
Yes

How many people can the third-floor ballroom accommodate?
The Lodge ballroom can accommodate up to 80 guests (10, 8-person tables).

Can we prepare food for events in the Lodge?
The kitchen is not a commercial kitchen, and its use is generally limited to the overnight guests staying at the house. The Lodge kitchen may be used for catering a smaller event (40 or fewer guests), but prior approval is required.

How many people can the Barn accommodate?
The Barn can accommodate up to 352 guests (44 8-person tables).

Does the Barn have heating or ventilation?
The Barn has heat for colder weather events and large fans for warm-weather occasions. The Barn also has 12 large sliding doors that can be opened for increased ventilation.

Does the Barn have lighting?
The barn has 12 pewter chandeliers and 32 LED can lights on the second floor. All of our lighting can be dimmed.

If we choose not to rent the Lodge, would you rent the Lodge to a different group of people?
Generally, not. We try to reserve the use of the Lodge for the wedding party and your out-of-town guests.

If we decide not to rent the Lodge for the weekend, can we still use it to get ready?
We require a minimum of a one-night rental to use the Lodge.

Do you allow decorations in the Barn?
Decorations are generally allowed, but we do not allow decorations to be attached in a manner that will permanently affect the walls or interior of the Barn. We kindly request that guests seek approval before attaching decorations to walls, railings, or other fixtures. We do not allow open flames. All decorations must be removed entirely at the end of your event (usually Sunday at 10 AM).
We do not allow guests to throw rice, glitter, or artificial flower petals outside. No fireworks or sky lanterns are allowed on the property. Unless the region is under a fire watch, sparklers are allowed for a 15-minute “send-off” period. Children must be assisted by an adult if using sparklers.

Where are ceremonies held?
There are many areas on the property that would make for a beautiful wedding site. The most commonly selected sites are the lawn in front of the Barn, the lawn in front of our large pond, and inside the Barn (which also serves as an alternative in inclement weather). We recently completed landscaping work on an additional lawn and pond located directly behind our barn that would make for a lovely wedding ceremony site. Each site offers a unique backdrop and ambiance.
Click here to view our various ceremony locations

What is the backup plan for rain or inclement weather?
The Barn serves as a wonderful alternative when the weather is unfavorable for an outdoor wedding.

When do we have access to the Barn and property?
Except for the specific hours of special events and non-weekend weddings, the property is rented for a Saturday wedding from 12 PM (noon) on Friday for decorating and rehearsal dinners until 10 AM on Sunday for cleanup and breakdown. All decorations must be removed by Sunday at 10 AM when the property is vacated. Additional set-up/tear-down time can often be accommodated at an additional charge.

Where can we get ready?
For those renting the Lodge, the entire house is available to get ready, and how you divvy up the Lodge is up to you. Typically, the bride and bridal party get ready in the Lodge ballroom, and the groom and groomsmen get ready on the Lodge first floor.

Is there parking?
Parking is available for up to 150 cars. Please inquire about additional parking if it is likely to be needed.

May we serve alcohol?
Yes, you may serve alcohol, but we require host liquor liability insurance. We recommend that you have a bartender who will supervise the serving of beverages. If you will be selling alcohol, you are required to have a licensed bartender. No one under the age of 21 can drink alcohol on the premises.

Do you require event insurance?
Yes, we require event insurance for all events. Generally, event insurance costs from $120 to $175. If you will be serving alcohol, we also require host liquor liability insurance.

Do you require us to use certain vendors?
No, we do not require you to use certain vendors. We provide a list of vendors who are well-regarded by previous clients. We do not require you to use vendors from our list, and there are many other excellent vendors in the area from whom you may choose. We are open to other vendors as long as their credentials are verified.

Do you provide catering?
No, and the cost of the catering service is not included in your rental contract. We recommend multiple caterers on our Vendors page. Any licensed caterer may be used as long as they are acquainted with our venue and that we have confidence that they will treat our property with respect.

Is there a designated area for caterers to prepare?
Caterers typically prepare in the southwest corner of the barn, which can be draped off. The Lodge kitchen may be used for catering a smaller event (40 or fewer guests), but prior approval is required.

May we self-cater?
Yes, self-catering is allowed for events held in the Barn, but you will need to bring your own food preparation equipment. The Lodge kitchen may be used for catering a smaller event (40 or fewer guests), but prior approval is required.

Do I need to rent tables and chairs for our reception or event?
No, use of the tables and premium white folding chairs is available for all receptions and events.

Are linens or silverware/plates provided?
No, linens and other items can be rented locally. Several of our vendors have extended an Ancestral Acres discount. Our customers usually rent linens from A Grand Occasion in Coldwater or from their florist.

Do you allow same-sex weddings?
Yes, we celebrate all love, and the LGBTQ+ community is no exception.

What is required to hold a date?
To secure your event date, we require a signed contract, a security deposit, and 25% of the reception fee. Payments may be made by money order or check. The final payments (25% each) for the reception are due 120, 90, 60 days prior to your event. The fee for the Lodge rental is due 60 days prior to your stay.

How much does it cost to rent the Lodge or the Barn? Are there any packages?
The Lodge and Barn can be rented separately or together. Please see our Wedding & Pricing page for details.

Does the deposit(s) count toward the overall rental cost?
No, the deposit(s) is separate from the rental cost and functions as a damage security deposit. (Separate deposits are required for the use of the Lodge and the Barn.) The deposit(s) will be returned within 14 days after the event minus any damages that occurred to the property due to your event. Cancellation of your event, depending upon the timing, may result in forfeiture of all or part of the deposit.