Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara M Haase.
Hi Sara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We purchased the property back in 2012 from a local farmer that was ready to be done farming. We were living 8 miles away from the dairy farm in a house I loved. This property is only 2.5 miles from the dairy, and came with acreage so was a lot more convenient for my husband and late night calls from the barn.
I instantly fell in love with the barn as soon as I stepped inside. Even though it was filled with years of ‘collections’ and hay and all the things, it just held something special. I knew it had to be shared, I just didn’t know how at the time.
Then a little later my cousin called me because her daughter was getting married and wanted somewhere rustic and outdoors. It was all I needed to spur on my vision. It was back in 2015 and though there were some barn venues, it was just starting to gain popularity. So I took the leap with the permission of my husband and what started as just a space for a cousins wedding, quickly turned into a website, and a social media pressance.
Before I knew it we were showing the barn to potential couples while in the thick of renovations. I asked that first year group what gave them the confidence to sign a contract on a space that was very much under construction. They said that they could hear the passion in my voice and they just knew I was going to do what I said I would do.
And so…after a year of renovating and contractors we held our first event in 2016, a high school prom and then 11 weddings. It was amazing. I felt like I finally found something I was passionate about and a career I loved.
Fast forward 10 seasons later, and over 150 weddings and it still makes me smile.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been fairly smooth. I’ve been lucky to have some very amazing couples and families. Some of which have become friends to us after the fact. But of course nothing comes without struggles when starting a business. Including finding out about a month before my first Open House that we had to go before the county board to get a conditional use permit because we were under 1000 feet (997 to be exact) from a body of water, so therefore because of the Federal Clean Water act, had to go through a bunch of hoops to be approved, even though the 5 acre pond that was in question wasn’t even on our property.
In addition to that, there’s been a lot of things at the state level I’ve been advocating for or against. One of which is the push for facilities like mine to obtain a liquor license. Which was signed into law by Governer Evers this last year. So starting Jan 1 2026 we will have to carry a liquor license in order to serve and sell drinks at our events. Up until now, Wisconsins law states that if it’s a private invite only event, you can bring in your own liquor and ‘gift’ it to your guests. But now starting in 2026 clients will have to purchase through us for an open bar, or have a strictly cash bar for their guests. And while it will be an additional revenue stream for us, it’s just not something I wanted to deal with.
But really other than that, it’s been an amazing journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We host events on our working farm. Mainly Weddings, but do many proms, public events, and more.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think to a degree barn weddings will always be a thing. Maybe not as popular as they were in the beginning but the reality is, especially our clients we glean from the twin cities, people love coming out to the country and relaxing and celebrating love. At least once an event someone says “I can’t believe how quiet it is out here.” Or WOW I did not expect it to look like this inside.
I have seen a trend over the last two years of a shift to smaller weddings. 150 and under and even under 100. I think people are enjoying the intimacy of these size events and I also think cost and saving money plays into this as well.
Pricing:
- Starting package pricing is $3,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.croixviewfarm.com
- Instagram: croixviewfarm
- Facebook: croixviewfarm
- Youtube: @croix-viewfarmbarnvenue8142
- Other: croixviewfarmwieventbarn (tiktok)
