We had so much fun talking with Ian Sherwood — the visionary, the innovator, and (along with his remarkable wife Theresa and his wonderfully spirited mom Val) the heart and soul behind RiverView Barn in Franklin, NJ.
And what a story it is.
RiverView Barn isn't just a wedding venue — it's a labor of love, generations in the making. Tucked into the rolling hills of northern New Jersey, this sweeping, lovingly restored historic farm property is the kind of place that leaves you breathless the moment you arrive. Picturesque and serene, romantic and utterly unique, it manages to feel both grand and deeply personal all at once — which, (actually) is exactly what a wedding should feel like.
Close enough to New York City and New York State to be genuinely convenient, yet blissfully removed from the noise and pace of it all, RiverView Barn is, a destination wedding without a passport. You get all the magic of somewhere special — without the jet lag.
Ian brought so much warmth, humor, and genuine passion to our conversation. You can hear it in every word he says about the property — the care that's gone into every restored beam, every manicured vista, every thoughtfully curated detail. This is a family that didn't just create a venue; they've created an experience. One rooted in hospitality, creativity, and a deep belief that every couple deserves a wedding day that feels completely and authentically theirs.
Their artistic vision is evident everywhere you look — from the breathtaking barn itself to the surrounding landscape that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Every corner of RiverView tells a story, and on your wedding day, it becomes the backdrop for yours.
And then, of course, there is the Beer Donkey.
Yes. The Beer Donkey.
We're not going to spoil it entirely — you'll just have to listen to the episode for the full, glorious story — but let's just say that if your family happened to own a stunning, historic farm property in the hills of New Jersey, and you also happened to have an enthusiastic Beer Donkey on the premises... well, naturally, you'd want to have your wedding there. And by the end of your celebration, surrounded by the warmth of the Sherwood family and the magic of everything they've created, you'll feel as if you practically do.
RiverView Barn is the rare kind of place where elegance and joy coexist effortlessly — where the setting takes your breath away and the people behind it make you feel completely at home. Ian, Theresa, and Val have built something truly special in Franklin, NJ, and we are so grateful they took the time to share it with us.
Hit play. You're going to love this one.
Join the conversation. We love your questions, comments, and requests! We also love guests! Past brides, grooms, vendors, and venues contact us!
We offer host read advertisement as well.
Contact us for more information! Email us at [email protected]
We offer host read advertisement as well.
Contact us for more information! Email us at [email protected]
Contact us through social media: Facebook, Instagram or website all are titled: New Jersey Wedding Podcast
Listen for free wherever you get your Podcasts.
Links to this week’s vendors:
Our intro music is by @jonathanrusso_guitarist
Andrea Purtell www.forthisjoyousoccasion.com @weddingofficiant
Celia Milton: www.njvowsnow.com @njvowsnow
The Riverview Barn https://www.theriverviewbarn.com
@theriverviewbarnnj
