45 Minutes from South Bend
Cross the State Line Into Something Special
Just across the Michigan border lies a wedding venue unlike anything in Northern Indiana. Ancestral Acres offers South Bend and Elkhart couples a private 445-acre estate, a stunning white-interior barn, and the kind of full-weekend experience that makes the short drive more than worth it.
Worth the Drive
Why Indiana Couples Come to Us
A Barn Like No Other
Our white-interior barn with 32 skylights offers something rare — a bright, airy space that photographs beautifully day or night.
The Whole Weekend
Not just Saturday — Friday through Sunday is yours. Host your rehearsal, your wedding, and your farewell brunch all in one place.
Real History
Our 1880s Queen Anne mansion is on the National Historic Register. That kind of character and craftsmanship is hard to find.
Bring Your Team
Your South Bend caterer? Your Elkhart florist? Bring them across the border. We welcome any licensed vendor — no fees, no restrictions.
The Weekend Experience
More Than a Venue — A Wedding Retreat
When you drive 45 minutes for your wedding venue, you want more than a few hours. Our Queen Anne mansion lets your closest family and wedding party stay on-site — turning a single event into an unforgettable weekend together.
- Historic mansion sleeping 22 guests
- Friday arrival through Sunday departure
- Full gourmet kitchen for group meals
- Ballroom for rehearsal dinners
Just Across the Border
Easy Access from Northern Indiana
South Bend Area
- South Bend (45 min)
- Mishawaka
- Granger
- Osceola
- Notre Dame
- Niles, MI
Elkhart Area
- Elkhart (45 min)
- Goshen
- Middlebury
- Bristol
- Shipshewana
- Lagrange
Also Nearby
- Sturgis, MI (20 min)
- Coldwater, MI (15 min)
- Angola, IN
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Three Rivers, MI
- Constantine, MI
Indiana Questions
What Hoosier Couples Want to Know
About 45 minutes northeast via US-12. It's a scenic, easy drive through Michigan countryside. Many couples tell us the drive helps them transition into "wedding weekend mode."
Also about 45 minutes via US-20 and US-12. Elkhart couples often appreciate that we offer something different from what's available locally — a true destination feel without a long journey.
Absolutely. We're completely DIY-friendly. Many South Bend and Elkhart caterers, photographers, florists, and DJs have made the trip. No required vendors, no commissions.
Your wedding party can stay on-site in our mansion (22 guests). Other guests typically book hotels in Coldwater or Sturgis — both 15-20 minutes away with several affordable options.
We've hosted many couples with Notre Dame connections — alumni, students, faculty, and fans. Our barn accommodates 330+ guests, perfect for those bigger Fighting Irish celebrations.
The combination you can't find locally: 445 private acres, a white-interior barn, on-site mansion lodging, full weekend access, and complete vendor freedom. Indiana couples tell us it's exactly what they were searching for.
Make the Trip
45 Minutes to Something Special
Indiana couples have been crossing the border for our venue since we opened. Schedule a tour and discover why the short drive is just the beginning of your wedding weekend adventure.