Wedding venue · Spearfish, SD · reviewed since 2019
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%79+43.1Reliability 24%71+17.2Value 14%80+11.3Replies to reviews 7%85+6Craft & service penalty77−2.3Experts Score= 75Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.75SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#192 of 201 photographersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 5%
4.8★★★★★195 Google reviews · 24 photos
90%five-star reviews
4.89★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5.7%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate the venue 4.8 out of 5 based on 195 reviews, with the owner responding to 97% of feedback. Clients frequently praise the scenic views, organized staff, and clear communication during planning, noting that remote coordination was often facilitated through video calls. However, recurring criticisms involve the lack of a full liquor license, which leads to high beverage costs, and occasional issues with indoor climate control during hot weather.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 195 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 195 Google reviews (152 with written comments, 29 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 97% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 20, 2026.
Service: Photographer serving Spearfish, South Dakota.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other photographers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
The Barn at Aspen AcresPhotographers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.B
79
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 71/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.B
71
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 77/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
77
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
80
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Barn at Aspen Acres: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 62.A
85
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
195 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars17690%
4 stars95%
3 stars32%
2 stars32%
1 star42%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 152 written reviews
93%praise
Praise15793%
Complaints127%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6538%
Would recommend3219%
Quality & results1911%
Speed & response1911%
Communication1911%
Price & value95%
Honesty & trust64%
What customers talk about
We read 152 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They were organized, kind and communicated every step of the way.”
“UNPROFESSIONAL -This venue, for whatever reason, cannot acquire the appropriate liquor license, so the Owner, has her employees, on foot and in a golf…”
“I highly recommend getting the full wedding package they offer.”
“We cannot recommend the Barn at Aspen Acres enough!”
“…business event, the team approaches each occasion with genuine care, attention to detail, and a commitment to making memories that last.…”
“The next day they had all our gifts, decor we brought, ect all packed up for us and ready for us to pick up.”
“Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned.”
“The Barn is beautiful and so affordable for the place you get.”
“Its a nice place, but pricey.”
“…lebration, or business event, the team approaches each occasion with genuine care, attention to detail, and a commitment to making memories that last.…”
People customers mention
Tia30 reviews
Hills12 reviews
Hall5 reviews
Natalie5 reviews
Dan4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Paige5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
What an incredible venue! The barn was absolutely beautiful, and Tia and her staff were amazing to work with from start to finish. I cannot recommend The Barn at Aspen Acres enough!
Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned. Their…
Carrie5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Tia and the team at The Barn at Aspen Acres are amazing! They were organized, kind and communicated every step of the way. The venue is beautiful with views of the black hills on all sides. Thank you to Tia and her crew!
Gracyn2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We had the best experience with Tia & all of the staff at the Barn at Aspen Acres! We truly couldn’t have asked for better people to work with throughout the entire process. Our wedding day was better than we could’ve imagined thanks to everyone at the Barn!
Savannah5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We recently got married at The Barn at Aspen Acres and could not recommend it enough! Tia and her staff were amazing and so helpful through the whole process. We do not live near the venue and they were so helpful in many facetimes and pictures as we planned decorations and set up from a distance! On the wedding day…
taylee4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Highly recommend the barn! So fun and easy to work with. Very attentive and they pay attention to every detail. Tia is amazing and the bartenders were also awesome! Made our wedding the best day ever. Beautiful venue and very well maintained!!
Adreana3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Tia and her team helped make our special day seamless, and absolutely beautiful! The venue itself is stunning but their recommendations for vendors also helped make our wedding day perfect! Thank you to the entire team that made this beautiful day stress free and organized!
The Barn at Aspen Acres has hosted Northern Hills Training Center's Annual Chili Feed Fundraiser for Adults with Disabilities for 6 years now. In these last 6 years our event has ran smoothly because of the dedication and determination of the team at The Barn. This event is largely a success because they have covered every detail. Bringing in crowds of 400-600 people in a two hour span, in addition to 17 businesses providing chili at the venue is no small undertaking. The setup and logistics itself of 45 tables/chairs/patio, 34 roasters pulling at the electrical panel, a cash bar, massive parking situation, DJ booth, ticket area, etc. would be a mere miracle to pull off but The Barn does so with ease. The amount of behind the scenes work they do is immense, but they do so with a smile on their face and a full heart knowing they are helping this community.
Nestled just outside of Spearfish this venue is much more than four walls and a gathering space. It is a place where every event feels special because of the people behind it.
Family-owned and operated, the venue has built its reputation on going above and beyond for every guest who walks through its doors. Whether it's a wedding, fundraiser, community celebration, or business event, the team approaches each occasion with genuine care, attention to detail, and a commitment to making memories that last.
What truly sets this venue apart is its exceptional team. No task is too small, and no challenge is too big. From the first conversation to the final cleanup, everyone works together to ensure each event runs seamlessly. Their dedication extends beyond business; they are deeply invested in the community, regularly supporting local organizations, charities, and events that bring people together.
We are so proud to call The Barn a Partner and Tia a friend. Her and her team have set the bar high for making moments matter at the most beautiful venue in the Black Hills.
Capacity level: 200+ people
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Thank you, Janci and Northern Hills Training Center, for trusting The Barn at Aspen Acres for the past six years! ❤️ We are so proud to host your Annual Chili Feed Fundraiser and support the incredible work you do for those with disabilities throughout our community. From the behind-the-scenes logistics to the smallest details, our team loves helping bring meaningful community events to life at our family-owned event venue just outside Spearfish, South Dakota. We are so grateful for this partnership and for the opportunity to be part of such a special tradition in the Northern Hills community!
Paige Voltz5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Paige has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
What an incredible venue! The barn was absolutely beautiful, and Tia and her staff were amazing to work with from start to finish. I cannot recommend The Barn at Aspen Acres enough!
Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned. Their attention to detail made everything seamless and stress-free, allowing us to simply enjoy our special day without worrying about the little things.
They truly brought our vision to life, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out! A huge thank you to Tia and the entire team at The Barn at Aspen Acres for helping make our day so perfect. We are beyond grateful!
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you so much for the kind review, Paige! 🤍 It was such a joy to be part of your wedding weekend here at Aspen Acres. We loved helping bring your vision to life through our day-of coordination and making sure all the little details came together seamlessly. Our goal is always to let our couples relax, be present, and truly enjoy every moment of their day, so hearing this means so much to our team. Thank you for choosing The Barn at Aspen Acres as your Black Hills wedding venue and allowing us to be part of such a special chapter in your lives! Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness!
Carrie Donovan5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Carrie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Tia and the team at The Barn at Aspen Acres are amazing! They were organized, kind and communicated every step of the way. The venue is beautiful with views of the black hills on all sides. Thank you to Tia and her crew!
Capacity level: 100–200 people
Outdoor spaces: Patio
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you for the kind review, Carrie. We’re so happy to hear you felt taken care of throughout the process and enjoyed the beautiful Black Hills views!
Gracyn Reynoldson2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gracyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had the best experience with Tia & all of the staff at the Barn at Aspen Acres! We truly couldn’t have asked for better people to work with throughout the entire process. Our wedding day was better than we could’ve imagined thanks to everyone at the Barn!
Capacity level: 100–200 people
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Thank you, Gracyn! Your day will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your special day!
Savannah Fortney5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Savannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We recently got married at The Barn at Aspen Acres and could not recommend it enough! Tia and her staff were amazing and so helpful through the whole process. We do not live near the venue and they were so helpful in many facetimes and pictures as we planned decorations and set up from a distance! On the wedding day it all went wonderfully because of the great staff! Would highly recommend!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for the kind words! It was such a joy to be part of your wedding day! We know planning from a distance can be challenging, so we’re so happy we could help make the process easier and be there for you along the way. It was truly a beautiful day, and we’re so grateful you chose The Barn at Aspen Acres to celebrate such a special moment! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!
taylee flanders4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews taylee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Highly recommend the barn! So fun and easy to work with. Very attentive and they pay attention to every detail. Tia is amazing and the bartenders were also awesome! Made our wedding the best day ever. Beautiful venue and very well maintained!!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words Taylee! It truly means a lot to know that you had such a wonderful experience with us. Being part of such an important day is something we never take for granted, and we're so grateful you chose to celebrate with us. We appreciate your thoughtful compliments about our venue and our team, and we're so happy we could help make your wedding day so special. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and beautiful memories together!
David BarnesLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I would have given this place 5 stars, but the day we were there the air conditioning either wasn't working or couldn't keep up. It was 104°F outside, and we were there for a class reunion. Unfortunately, it felt just as hot inside the building as it did outside.
It became so uncomfortable that many of us ended up sitting in our vehicles for most of the afternoon until it cooled off in the evening. As someone who has nearly died from heat exhaustion in the past, I found the conditions especially concerning.
The building is a steel A-frame with large west-facing windows, and it only appeared to have one small AC unit mounted high near the ceiling. It just wasn't enough for a day that hot.
Because of that experience, I have to give it 3 stars instead of 5. If they can improve the cooling system for summer events, this would be a fantastic venue. Aside from the massive cooling issue, everything else was great.
Prairie & Wild10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Prairie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was so impressed with not only the spectacular view and facilities at Aspen Acres, but also the people. Everyone that works there was so kind, attentive, and helpful. They really to the extra mile to make everyone feel at home. Very thankful to have gotten to photograph at one of the most gorgeous venues in the Midwest.
Revised Review:
I tried to leave another review but google would let me. I have more to say! I recently had a wedding here again and was blown away. Tia was the wedding planner and I don't think I have seen anyone better do the day of coordinating. She was 10 steps ahead on everything, brought the bride, vendors, family waters before we even knew we were thirsty, took care of anything (small or big) that came up, her communication skills were unmatched, you can tell she truly cares about everyone that steps foot on the property. She works extremely hard and goes above and beyond what I have ever seen done at any other venue. Grateful to have gotten to work with her! Wish I could give more stars!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thanks for your kind review! It is always such a joy to have new photographers in our space, and see how they capture our couple's special day. From the sneak peeks we've seen, you did a stunning job with Ashley + Devon's celebration! We hope you get to come back to Aspen Acres in the future!
jeff shaferLocal Guide · 69 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Tia and her team helped make our special day seamless, and absolutely beautiful! The venue itself is stunning but their recommendations for vendors also helped make our wedding day perfect! Thank you to the entire team that made this beautiful day stress free and organized!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for the kind words, Adreana! Your wedding day was perfect, and we’re so grateful to have been a part of it. We love when couples trust our recommendations. It always helps create a smooth, enjoyable day for everyone involved!
