THE STORY BEHIND
JORDAN VALLEY BARN
The story of the Jordan Valley Barn is one of history, love, and transformation. Originally built in 1887 by sea captain Oscar Blair, the barn and its guesthouse were more then just a farmstead—they were a testament to craftsmanship and beauty, a true showpiece of East Jordan. What began as a dairy farm evolved into a thriving vegetable farm, providing fresh produce to the northern Michigan community and securing its place in local history.
When the Scheer family purchased the 13-acre property in 2012, it was a shadow of its former glory. The house was seen as beyond saving, and the barn—while sturdy thanks to its old-world construction—was in desperate need of care. But instead of letting time win, the Scheers saw potential where others saw decay. Beneath layers of paint, linoleum, and carpet, they uncovered hardwood floors that had once echoed with life. Behind faded wallpaper and crumbling walls, they found solid, hand-hewn craftsmanship—a testament to the care and effort of those who built it over a century ago.
Rather than demolishing the home, they lovingly restored it, piece by piece. They rebuilt the collapsed roof, repaired the barn, and poured thei'r hearts into every detail. The barn, brought back to its original grandeur, became more than a structure; it became a gathering place for joy and celebration. When it opened as the Jordan Valley Barn wedding venue, it quickly became a cherished part of the community, filling its calendar with couples eager to celebrate their love in a place so steeped in history.
Seeing how meaningful it was for families to stay on-site during wedding weekends, the Scheers converted the restored house into a guesthouse. What was once considered a “tear down” now stands as a warm, welcoming space, brimming with stories and memories.
Today, the Jordan Valley Barn is the pride of East Jordan, a shining example of how love and vision can transform a forgotten relic into a place of beauty and purpose. Awarded the Renaissance Award for the most beautiful improvement of a local property, it stands as a tribute to history, community, and the enduring power of restoration.
Our Barn is a great vacation and wedding destination for an unforgettable country farm ceremony and reception.
Jordan Valley Barn is a Northern Michigan rustic wedding barn and event venue that offers you an unforgettable country farm ceremony and reception in a beautiful indoor or outdoor setting.
Jordan Valley Barn was built in 1887 and as a woodsy barn, it is majestic throughout. Chandeliers, string lighting, rustic lighting, and the romantic glow of specialty lights & lanterns create an unforgettable atmosphere for your perfect day.
The barn has three distinct usable areas:
- The 2800 square foot reception area with its massive hand-hewn beams, a gorgeous crystal chandelier, and strand lighting.
- The bar & food service area with beautiful chandeliers and bistro lighting, adjacent bathrooms, two comfortable lounges, DJ stage that overlooks the reception area, and lovely furnishings.
- The amazing outdoor deck and patio area with bistro lighting, which is adjacent to the big barn entrance doors leading directly to our bar/lounges and restroom areas.
Your guest seating floor plan is exactly what you & our wedding coordinator design.
Banquet tables for “farm table” seating, round tables for conversational seating, or a combination of banquet & round tables make your reception uniquely yours.
Jordan Valley Barn provides a beautiful outdoor ceremony site with 50 pews and seating for 250 guests. The 4,400 square foot barn creates an elegant, yet rustic setting, for both your ceremony and your reception.
Amenities
We understand that your wedding day should be focused on creating beautiful memories, not worrying about the little details. That’s why we’re pleased to provide a selection of décor and accessories to enhance your celebration, all at no additional cost.
Our available items include:
• A variety of rustic and vintage serving stations
• Mason jars in assorted colors
• Elegant vases
• Table numbering ensembles
• Silk flowers and ribbons
• Burlap table runners
• Votive holders and lanterns
• Twinkling fairy lights
• Battery-operated votive
and pillar candles
- These thoughtfully curated pieces are designed to add charm and warmth to your special day, helping you create the perfect atmosphere without added stress.
Guest Parking
In addition to the beauty of our venue, we offer two dedicated, fenced parking areas to ensure your guests have convenient and easy access to both the ceremony site and the barn. Should you choose to celebrate your wedding ceremony on-site, our thoughtfully designed ceremony space includes a raised platform, full electrical access, lush garden surroundings, comfortable guest seating, and three stunning arbors. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide a picturesque and seamless setting for your special day.
Accessible Premises
We are committed to ensuring all of our guests feel welcome and comfortable. Our venue and barn are thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind—everything is on one level and fully ADA-compliant, with no steps to navigate. To further accommodate elderly or disabled guests, we provide a golf cart service to transport them to the ceremony site with ease.
Nestled on a breathtaking 13-acre property overlooking the serene Jordan River Valley, our venue offers a seamless and inclusive experience for everyone. And the best part? It’s all included at no extra charge, because your loved ones’ comfort is our priority.
Our Guesthouse is situated on a remarkable property that includes a stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom on-site house, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The upper level boasts four well-appointed suites, each with an attached bathroom. Two of the master suites provide breathtaking views of the ceremony site, overlooking the picturesque Jordan Valley.
On the main level, guests will find a thoughtfully designed layout, including a guest bathroom, a gorgeous dining room with seating for ten, and a spacious farm-style kitchen that accommodates an additional eight diners. The living area and an inviting “wine room” both offer spectacular views of the valley, creating a warm and welcoming space for relaxation and celebration.
The outdoor area features a 700-square-foot patio equipped with dining space and a Weber grill, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco. Additional amenities include a well-equipped laundry room and a beautifully furnished “groomsmen’s garage,” perfect for pre-event preparations or relaxing with friends.
To ensure every comfort and convenience, the guesthouse is outfitted with dual-zone A/C and heating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Cable TV. Staying on-site simplifies planning, decorating, and celebrating, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in an extraordinary setting.
