The Best Wedding Venues in Michigan
Bounded by the expansive Great Lakes and featuring more freshwater coastline than any other state, it is no wonder that Michigan has become a popular vacation and wedding destination in recent years. At the same time, a number of design-forward venues have begun popping up across the state, geared towards couples with a creative and inspired vision for their wedding. Whether you grew up in the Mitten, or are looking to plan a destination wedding in this beautiful state, my hope is that this curated list serves as an aid and inspiration to help you bring your unique and personal wedding vision to life.
Greencrest Manor Estate
Website: greencrestmanor.com
Location: Battle Creek, MI
Capacity: 200
Cost: $7500+
Located on a historic estate near Battle Creek, the Greencrest Manor Luxury Bed & Breakfast is truly one of Michigan’s greatest hidden gems. Upon entering the property through a drive cut through an enchanted forest, you’ll immediately be transported to the French Countryside. Greencrest Manor features elegant, European-inspired indoor and outdoor spaces, gorgeous garden areas, fountains, and more. Now under new ownership who are remodeling the interior and adding spa treatments to make your wedding weekend a truly luxurious experience.
Belle Isle
Website: belleisleconservancy.org
Location: Detroit, MI
Capacity: Varies by venue
Cost: Varies by venue
Belle Isle is a historic, 2.5-mile-long island park, located on the Detroit River. Inspired by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s design in the 1880s, the park was created to provide an urban oasis in Detroit. Belle Isle features a number of historic public landmarks which also serve as wedding venues including Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Boathouse, Belle Isle Casino, and the Detroit Yacht Club.
Sundance Studios
Website: sundancestudiosvintage.com
Location: Millburg, MI
Capacity: 200
Cost: $4000-$5500
With its garden-meets-industrial aesthetic and bohemian details, Sundance Studios fills a unique niche in the Great Lakes market. Ideally suited for creative and intimate celebrations, Sundance Studios is nestled in the ghost town of Millburg near Benton Harbor and just 10 minutes from Lake Michigan. Originally a Blacksmith shop, this re-purposed space includes a European-inspired courtyard and rose garden making it perfect for hosting your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all on one site. (Image by Sundance Studios)
Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn
Website: weddingbarnmi.com
Location: Berrien Springs, MI
Capacity: 200
Cost: $3750-$5750
The grounds of the Hidden Vineyard, with its majestic Catapla tree, make for the perfect, outdoor ceremony location. A true working farm since 1890, the Hidden Vineyard offers a historic barn to host indoor dinning and reception activities, as well as plenty of surrounding forest and fields to explore during your portraits. For an intimate, woodsy celebration, the Hidden Vineyard is one of the best in the state. (Image by Woodnote)
The Blue Dress Barn
Website: bluedressbarn.com
Location: Benton Harbor, MI
Capacity: 280
Cost: $4000-$6000
From the same folks who brought Sundance Studios to life, the Blue Dress Barn has been hosting weddings in its picturesque countryside setting for more than 10 years. The repurposed dairy barn is surrounded by gardens and fields, and includes a lovely outdoor ceremony site. The Blue Dress Barn has been tastefully restored without losing its historic, rural charm, making it one of the loveliest barn venues in the country. (Image by Kelly Sweet)
Planterra Conservatory
Website: planterraevents.com
Location: West Bloomfield Township, MI
Capacity: 200
Cost: $3850+
For a lush, tropical backdrop to your wedding day, the Planterra Conservatory is the premiere venue in Michigan. Comprised of a trio of greenhouses from the 1930's, the site also features a botanical garden building imported from Belgium. Planterra operates as a full-service event space which includes award-winning custom floral design, catering, rentals and valet service. (Image by Planterra Conservatory)
Zingerman's Cornman Farms
Website: zingermanscornmanfarms.com
Location: Dexter, MI
Capacity: 300
Cost: $2950-$10,000+
Distinguished from similar venues by its recently renovated farmhouse, Zingerman's Cornman Farms is an authentic working farm which also boasts a historic barn and garden areas. Ideally suited for an farm-to-table dinner, this farmland lends itself to rustic celebrations, and with the space to accommodate up to 300 guests standing, feel free to invite everyone to join in the party. (Image by Zingerman's Cornman Farms)
Lake Michigan
With the natural beauty of the Great Lakes bounding Michigan, I would be remiss to not mention the lakeshore itself as a location for an intimate, outdoor ceremony and reception. Many of us have a relative or friend who owns a cottage on a lake that could host an backyard wedding. If not, consider an Airbnb rental which is often a very cost-effective option. Finally, if you're considering a eloping in northern Michigan, don't forget the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City, or a celebration on Mackinac Island.