When you think “destination wedding”, you might picture a tropical island or a scenic mountainside. Unfortunately, dreamy locations often come with large price tags or potential traveling nightmares for your guests. The good news? You don’t have to leave Michigan to create a stunning and unforgettable destination wedding experience. With our picturesque beaches, parks, and plenty of beautiful venues, our home state offers countless options that won’t break the bank, a win for you and your guests alike!
West Side
From parks and gardens to beautiful beachside ceremonies on Lake Michigan, Michigan’s west side offers many options to create a fairytale wedding experience.
Central Park Place: Grand Haven’s Premier Wedding Destination
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include ourselves on this list. Central Park Place is one of Grand Haven’s hidden gems!
Central Park Place features beautiful and budget-friendly destination wedding options. Couples can select Central Park or City Beach for their ceremony. Then, they can choose from several rooms, including the Mackinaw Ballroom and Atrium Gallery, depending on the size of their reception. The enclosed outdoor patio provides an excellent, food truck-friendly gathering space with pretty views of Central Park and fountain. Grand Haven itself also features numerous waterfront parks and spaces to create a gorgeous wedding party photoshoot.
Nestled in the heart of Grand Haven, Central Park Place is within easy walking distance of both Downtown and Centertown shops and restaurants. Guests also have the opportunity to walk along the waterfront to the Grand Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse.
Frederik Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids
Located within Grand Rapids, Frederik Meijer Gardens feels like an escape from the city. With an over 150-acre campus, there are numerous gardens to explore, including a tropical conservatory, an English perennial garden, a Japanese garden, and their internationally renowned Sculpture Park. Their wedding package offers options for weddings of all sizes and features an in-house caterer.
Within easy proximity to Gerald R. Ford Airport and downtown Grand Rapids, guests will have travel options and the opportunity to explore the city. With tons of bars, restaurants, and seasonal events, experiencing boredom during their stay will be virtually impossible.
District 5 Schoolhouse – Zeeland
Built in 1908, District 5 Schoolhouse is a charming historical building located in Zeeland. The building, now converted for weddings and events, features beautiful hardwood floors, twinkle lights, a reception and bar/food area, customizable chalkboards, and an outdoor area. Couples can also opt to have photos taken in the school’s old bell tower! Pricing is all-inclusive, and couples have the option to borrow decorations for the Decor Closet onsite.
Located minutes from Zeeland and Holland, traveling guests can easily access accommodations, shops, and restaurants, including local favorites like The Peanut Shop. For those enjoying a longer stay, there are also numerous parks and beaches to explore.
Northern Michigan
Dreaming of a glam wedding experience in Northern Michigan? Look no further! There are plenty of beautiful options both on and off the Lakeshore.
Castle Farms – Charlevoix
Castle Farms features gorgeous gardens and spaces for weddings any time of the year. Originally built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, it served as a dairy farm with buildings modeled after stone barns and castles in Normandy, France. The property now features extensive gardens (you can tour these throughout the year!), a WWI museum, and private collections. Rooms for weddings and events include the King’s Great Hall, East or West Garden Rooms, a chapel, a gallery, and various courtyards.
Charlevoix is nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, with beautiful views of the Charlevoix City Marina. There are numerous local shops and restaurants for guests to explore during their stay!
The Grand Hotel – Mackinaw Island
The Grand Hotel is one of Mackinac Island’s most iconic destinations. As a National Historic Landmark, guests will be able to step back in time surrounded by luxurious rooms and beautiful views of the Straits of Mackinac. The space features an outdoor garden and fountain for ceremonies, horse-drawn carriages, and large indoor reception spaces.
Mackinac Island is routinely voted as a top travel destination. After a short ferry ride from Mackinaw City, guests can experience the magic of the island by visiting Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, and the historic downtown.
Inn at Bay Harbor – Bay Harbor
The Inn at Bay Harbor is a beautiful 4-star hotel featuring luxury amenities (think full-service spa!) and incredible views of Little Traverse Bay. With wedding and event availability year-round, couples can choose from an outdoor ceremony on the Lake Lawn or Bay Harbor Golf Club’s Cart Part or indoor ceremony and reception options with the Sagamore Room, Arlington Ballroom, and Arthur’s 27.
Located minutes from downtown Petoskey and Harbor Springs, there are plenty of unique local shops, bakeries, and restaurants for guests to explore. If your wedding party is enjoying an extended stay, the area also features numerous parks and beaches to explore.
East Side
In search of unforgettable venue options on the East side of the state? Check out these gorgeous options near Detroit!
Meadow Brook Hall – Rochester
National Historic Landmark Meadow Brook Hall is an incredible venue for weddings and events. This venue is the perfect place to create a dream wedding, featuring three ceremony locations, including a climate-controlled garden tent and a two-story gothic ballroom. The mansion, originally completed in 1929, showcases Tudor-revival architecture, and guests can enjoy complimentary property tours as well!
Waterview Loft at Port Detroit – Detroit
The Waterview Loft offers the ultimate urban vibes to create a gorgeous wedding in downtown Detroit. The venue features floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible Detroit River and Windsor Skyline views. Ceremonies take place in their Conservatory, and receptions are hosted upstairs in the loft afterward, with both plated or strolling menu options.
From iconic Greektown and neighborhoods to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Henry Ford Museum, there is plenty to discover in Detroit. Belle Isle’s conservatory recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation as well!
To learn more about weddings at our facility, please visit our Weddings FAQs page or check out our blog for Wedding Planning Tips and more. If you would like to set up a tour, please call us at 616-842-2550 or fill out our Contact Form. We cannot wait to meet you soon!
