Briar Barns Event Space, we believe every celebration should feel magical, personal, and timeless. Nestled in Sparta, Michigan, just a short drive from Grand Rapids, our beautifully restored 1870s barn estate is the perfect blend of rustic heritage and modern elegance.
From the moment you step onto our grounds, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping fields, towering trees, and the warm character of our historic buildings. Whether it’s your dream wedding, a milestone birthday, or a once-in-a-lifetime family reunion, our venue offers an unforgettable setting for every chapter of your story.
Discover more about our venue:
🏛 The Barn – Historic beauty, modern comforts.
💍 Weddings – Your perfect day starts here.
🎉 Special Events – Celebrate life’s biggest moments.
Our story begins in the mid-1800s when Joseph and Diana English, pioneers from London, made Sparta their home. Their son, Richard English, born in 1843, built the farmhouse in 1879 after marrying Caroline E. French of Rockford.
Over the decades, the property evolved—from being the heart of a thriving logging operation to becoming the Stout Dairy Farm—always serving as a place for hard work, family, and community gatherings.
When the Denham family discovered the estate in 2015, it had stood empty for years. With nine months of careful restoration, they transformed it into Briar Barns, opening in 2017 to host weddings, events, and celebrations that honor both heritage and happiness.
Explore our story and past celebrations:
Our mission is to keep the soul of this 1870s treasure alive while making it a place where modern love stories and special occasions can unfold in unforgettable ways.
We do this by:
Protecting and maintaining our original pioneer-era barns.
Offering a warm, personalized planning experience.
Connecting you to our trusted vendors.
Being fully transparent with our pricing and availability.
At Briar Barns Event Space, we’ve designed our services to make your planning process simple, stress-free, and exciting. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, hosting a milestone celebration, or planning a corporate gathering, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Step inside The Barn and experience the perfect mix of 1870s history and modern amenities. From high wooden beams to open floor space for dining and dancing, our venue is ready to transform for weddings, receptions, reunions, banquets, and more.
Say “I do” in a setting that feels like it’s straight from a fairytale. Our Weddings services include outdoor ceremony spaces, a charming bridal loft for getting ready, and a grand reception area inside the barn—plus endless backdrops for breathtaking photos.
Every celebration deserves a stunning setting. Our Special Events packages cover birthdays, anniversaries, showers, holiday parties, and fundraisers—all set against the timeless charm of our historic estate.
No hidden surprises—ever. Our Pricing page lays out all of our rental packages in detail, so you can plan your dream event with confidence and clarity.
We make it easy to lock in your date. Visit our Availability page to check open dates and book your event before someone else does.
We’ve handpicked the best in the business for you. Our Vendor List features trusted photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs who know our venue and can help your event run flawlessly.
Need ideas? Our Galleries showcase real weddings and events at Briar Barns—perfect for sparking inspiration for your own celebration.
🌟 Why Choose Briar Barns for Your Special Day
Choosing the right venue is more than just finding a beautiful space—it’s about discovering a place that feels like yours. At Briar Barns Event Space, we blend historic elegance, modern convenience, and personalized service to create an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration.
🏛 Authentic 1870s Heritage
Our barns are not replicas—they are genuine 19th-century structures built by the pioneering English family who founded Sparta. This rich heritage gives your event an atmosphere that can’t be manufactured. Every beam, wall, and detail carries more than a century of love, laughter, and community tradition.
🚗 Convenient Location
Located just 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids, we offer the perfect balance between serene countryside charm and easy access to urban amenities. Your guests can enjoy peaceful rural surroundings while still being close to hotels, restaurants, and weekend activities.
💬 Personalized Service
We pride ourselves on our warm, attentive approach. From your first inquiry to the moment the last guest departs, our team supports you every step of the way. We answer all your FAQs, help you choose from our curated Vendor List, and make sure your day is seamless.
🎯 Versatile Event Spaces
From the open-air beauty of our grounds to the refined rustic charm of The Barn, our property is adaptable to your vision. Whether it’s a romantic ceremony, a lively reception, or an intimate gathering, we have the ideal setting for your celebration.
📞 Contact Us – Let’s Start Planning Your Event
We would love to hear your story, your vision, and how we can help bring it to life at Briar Barns Event Space. Our doors (and inbox) are always open for you.
📍 Visit Us
Briar Barns Event Space
693 10 Mile Rd NW, Sparta, MI 49345
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📞 Call Us
Reach our team directly at +1 (616) 205-5703.
📧 Email Us
Send your inquiries to briar...@gmail.com and we’ll respond promptly.
🌐 Book Online
Ready to secure your date? Use our Online Booking Link to reserve your event instantly.
📲 Connect with Us on Social Media
Follow us for inspiration, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments: