Choosing a wedding venue is a special and significant decision because it’s truly the foundation of your day’s atmosphere and style. As a wedding photographer serving West Michigan, I always encourage my couples to think about where they feel the most connected. West Michigan offers an incredible variety of wedding venues, from waterfront views, vineyards, gardens, and woodland retreats.
In this wedding venue guide, you’ll learn more about the area’s top rated wedding venue options, including some of my personal favorites to photograph. I’ve also included things to consider when selecting a date, some of my best tips as a seasoned wedding photographer, & more!
Choosing Your Wedding Venue in West Michigan
Before you begin browsing wedding venue options, start by imaging your ideal celebration. Picture the ceremony space, the light, and the details that make the space come alive for you. What are you drawn to? As you explore wedding venues in West Michigan, think about not only what feels beautiful to you but also what aligns with who you are as a couple and the story you want to tell. It’s all about finding the perfect place where you can truly see yourself standing ,surrounded by the people you love, celebrating in a way that feels authentic to you both with your guests.
West Michigan Wedding Venues on the Water
Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms
Located in Traverse City, MI, this venue combines woodsy charm with stunning lakefront views. Aside from lake views, Bay View Weddings also boasts lush surroundings including cherry orchards, vineyards, forests & fields on over 400 acres of farmland. Their generous wedding package includes a day of event coordinator, ambient lighting for the outdoor event tent, and a long list of just about everything you will need for your wedding day. Is your guest list on the larger side? Bay View Weddings can accommodate up to 240 guests, making it ideal for larger wedding celebrations.
The Homestead
This lakeside resort located in Glen Arbor, MI is a favorite of mine because of its gorgeous views, but the perks don’t end there. On-site lodging is perfect for a destination wedding experience! Both you and your guests can relax at the salon or spa during your stay at The Homestead Resort. Whether you’re planning a summer ceremony or a cozy winter wedding, this wedding venue can accommodate you!
Port 393
This upscale waterfront venue located in Holland, MI was designed to cater to a plethora of styles. During the warmer months, Port 393 offers rooftop ceremony spaces, then they move things indoors to the Harbor House for winter. This luxury venue has everything you’ll need for your wedding day on site including in-house bartenders, day of coordination, decor rental, & much, much more!
Outdoor Wedding Venues in West Michigan
Off Map
This picturesque South Haven, MI wedding venue is one-of-a-kind. Nestled amidst dense forestry, the outdoor ceremony space is fitting for a fairytale! The staff at Off Map is prepared to accommodate both more intimate gatherings and larger guest lists, and they also offer a newly renovated event barn– perfect for the reception of your dreams! This venue offers on-site glamping accommodations for up to 50 guests that are equal parts private & close to nature.
The Foxglove Farm
The Foxglove Farm located in Suttons Bay, MI, is a woodsy and modern West Michigan wedding venue with stunning water views. Couples who choose the farm for their wedding get exclusive use of the many amenities (including a wedding suite for getting ready and a fully furnished lounge), the wildflower meadow, the orchard, a bar shed, and the overlook. The property presents a stunning backdrop for your wedding day! For guest lists of 150 or less, The Foxglove Farm is a great choice.
Modern Barn Wedding Venues in West Michigan
Stone House Farm
Located in Bancroft, MI, Stone House Farm is Michigan’s largest barn wedding venue, capable of accommodating up to 400 guests. With lush green grounds and a warm, elegant barn setting, it’s the perfect wedding venue for larger West Michigan weddings.
Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn
You’ll find Hidden Vineyard nestled in the heart of Southwest Michigan. It’s location makes it a very respectable distance from several major cities (including those outside of Michigan), making it a great destination choice. This historic barn wedding venue offers multiple choices for ceremony sites and an additional covered ceremony location just in case. I love this venue because it’s a stunning barn surrounded by vineyards– the perfect backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. The foundations for the barn itself are over 150 years old and lend tons of vintage charm to the space that just can’t be replicated.
Etre Farms
For couples seeking a chic and rustic feel, Etre Farms in St. Joseph, MI is a great option! This all-inclusive wedding venue combines the serene atmosphere of nature with high-end style. From fine-dining and libations for your guests to Pinterest-worthy floral artistry and show-stopping furnishings, they handle it all!
Gable Hill Venue
This modern barn located in Marcellus, MI is set on 13 acres of lush green countryside and views of treater’s Mill Pond. The barn at Gable Hill is warm & inviting, and can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. With multiple package options & a generous list of included amenities for all events, this venue comes with tons of perks aside from the beautiful aesthetic.
Vineyard + Estate Venues in West Michigan
Tabor Hill Winery
Located in the heart of Michigan’s wine country, Tabor Hill Winery boasts award winning wines and stunning views. A gorgeous ceremony site can be found in between the vineyard at the Estate Tent which holds up to 225 guests. The venue has partnered with White Dahlia Events to assist soon-to-be-wed couples with the planning process. They’ve truly thought of everything!
The Ridge at Verterra Vineyards
This Northport, MI based wedding venue is one you have to see to believe. It’s unique in that it offers both sweeping views of vineyards and Lake Michigan, making The Ridge a versatile option. The reception terrace allows for open and airy views of the property while the wedding lounge provides a luxurious space for getting ready for the wedding of your dreams.
Aurora Cellars
This lush vineyard in Lake Leelanau, MI, is perfect for couples seeking a nature-inspired wedding. Ceremonies can be held under the iconic weeping willow tree and the reception includes use of the venue’s wooden farmhouse tables, Adirondack chairs, and bistro lighting. A two night stay in the property’s 1870s Victorian era farmhouse is included as well. Aurora Cellars has left couples and their guests talking about the beauty of the venue long after the reception ends!
Unique West Michigan Wedding Venues
Ivy House
This Saugatuck, MI wedding venue is one of my favorites to recommend for both its aesthetic and its proximity to nearby accommodations for guests! Ivy House is a beautiful greenhouse with ample natural light (a photographer’s dream!) perfect for couples who want a venue that’s a bit more unique than traditional venues. Their reception space comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need for your big day and they offer packages that include wedding planning & support.
Glasshouse Community
For couples who want an intimate wedding (think a guest list of fewer than 50) and a truly unique vibe, Glasshouse Community is a great choice! This literal glass house is surrounded by lush greenery and the packages they offer include use of the grounds for ceremonies & receptions.
Gypsy Distillery
Located in Petoskey, MI, Gypsy Distillery is a unique distillery venue with a modern touch. With scenic views for outdoor ceremonies and warm, wooden reception spaces, this wedding venue is perfect for couples who want something different with a chic, modern edge. Partnered lodging is available nearby, which makes celebrating your wedding day simple for every guest in attendance.
The Cox Ranch Wedding Venue
The Cox Ranch Wedding Venue in Custer, MI is a modern take on a ranch venue with outdoor and green spaces. Between the onsite accommodations and full use of Eden Woods rental collection, they’ve made things simple and beautiful for couples who choose this venue. The ranch boasts multiple ceremony options with over 3,000 square feet of space, perfect for accommodating 250 guests or more.
Sundance Studios
This Benton Harbor, MI wedding venue was once an abandoned bank, a historical blacksmith shop and farm equipment station until a husband and wife team renovated it into a one-of-a-kind venue. This one comes equipped with tons of handmade features and furniture available for your big day, but its true draw is the garden party aesthetic it offers. Sundance Studios is a charming space that can accommodate up to 200 guests. This is an option you won’t soon forget!
What’s the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Michigan?
When planning your West Michigan wedding, it’s important to keep the seasons in mind. Our weather is beautifully varied, but it can also be unpredictable! Winter here in Michigan is notoriously rough, and spring can either be warm or a continuation of winter (unfortunately!). Summer & fall are typically the most consistent options, but let’s go over the pros & cons:
Summer Weddings in West Michigan
I may be partial, but in my humble opinion, summer is the perfect season for tying the knot in West Michigan! Michiganders live for our summers (it’s why we endure through the awful winters) especially in West Michigan and Northern Michigan. During those few prime summer months we get incredible beach weather, and Northern Michigan’s beaches are some of the best in the world! There’s nothing like a summer wedding here, with warm days, golden sunsets, and that relaxed, “up north” vibe.
Summer perks: greenery, beaches, sunshine, and later sunsets
Fall Weddings in West Michigan
On the other hand, Michigan’s autumn colors are absolutely breathtaking, and the crisp fall air adds such a cozy atmosphere to your day. The jewel tones of autumn can create a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos, but please be forewarned the the temps that time of year can be a bit of a gamble.
Fall perks: colorful foliage, cozy atmosphere
Winter Weddings in West Michigan
Winter weddings can be cozy and stunning, but you’ll want to ensure your venue is equipped to keep everyone comfortable if you go this route. Many of the venues listed in this guide have options for heaters in outdoor reception tents & the like, but you’ll need to be 100% sure. Travel may become difficult for any out of town guests, but if you’re dreaming of winter wonderland nuptials, don’t feel pressured to choose a spot or date based solely on guest convenience!
Guest Lodging for Your Michigan Wedding
TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Tips for Planning Your Wedding in West Michigan
Plan A Weekend Wedding in West Michigan
Many people travel from afar to vacation in West Michigan in the summer. If you have a lot of guests traveling in, consider venues that offer onsite accommodations or nearby lodging. A Friday welcome dinner, Saturday wedding, and Sunday brunch is a great way to make the most of a wedding weekend! (P.S.- We can create a custom package to capture any and all parts of the weekend if this sounds your speed!)
List Your Must-Haves in a Wedding Venue
There’s so much more to a wedding venue than just its look. It’s also about how well it supports the flow & logistics of your day. Start by thinking through the full experience you want from the morning prep to the last dance. Does the venue offer a beautiful, comfortable space for you and your wedding party to get ready? Is there a ceremony location you love? Make sure it aligns with your vision and accommodates your guest count comfortably.
Consider Logistics for Guests
Especially if guests are traveling, the location of your wedding venue is worth considering. A venue near an airport or hotels can make it easier for everyone. If you’re looking to make a full weekend out of it, some venues even have onsite lodging, which can be a huge plus for you and your guests to relax and celebrate together over several days.
Michigan Wedding Timeline
When I create a timeline, I make them unique to each couple. Things can vary depending on their vision, goals, what package they pick, and other variables. Below is a sample of what a couple could expect to see for a 10-hour wedding package with me.
Sample Timeline for a 10-Hour Michigan Wedding
12:15pm | detail photos – dress hanging, vow books, rings, bouquet, invites, venue, b-roll shots, etc.
1:00pm | bride getting ready (dress on, shoes, perfume, jewelry, etc.)
1:30pm | groom final getting ready (suit jacket, cufflinks, cologne, etc.)
1:45pm | first look with dad or bridesmaids
2:00pm | first look for couple
2:30pm | wedding party portraits
3:15pm | immediate family photos
3:45pm | couple hideaway before ceremony
3:45pm | pre-ceremony moments as guests arrive
4:00pm | ceremony
4:30pm | additional / extended family portraits
5:00pm | cocktail hour coverage, candids of guests
6:00pm | enter reception, begin dinner service, initial reception events
6:30pm | dinner/ reception (toasts, first dances, etc)
7:30pm | golden hour photos of couple
8:00pm | continued reception coverage ( cake cutting, open dance floor, etc)
10:00pm | grand exit
10:15pm | photography coverage concludes
West Michigan Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Olivia, a wedding photographer based in Grand Rapids, MI. For me, it’s more than just snapping photos. I don’t just want to capture your wedding day – I want to document this whole season of life, with all the laughs, tears, and those little moments that make your love so real. I aim to keep things easy & fun for my couples, letting the authentic and candid moments unfold naturally. No stiff poses– the goal is for your photos to feel true to you and your story.
When you hire me as your photographer, you’ll have access to someone with tons of wedding experience—I’ll be a resource to help you think through all the details that go into your day. Here are just a few ways I can help:
- Timeline planning to ensure a smooth and stress-free day.
- A wedding guide that goes over all the key parts of the day so you feel well-prepared and confident.
- Vendor recommendations to help you find the best local professionals to bring your vision to life.
- Location scouting for engagement sessions to find that perfect spot.
- Organizing family photo lists to make sure no one’s missed and things go quickly and efficiently.
- Posing guidance so you feel natural, relaxed, and genuinely yourself in front of the camera.
Ultimately, I’m here as a resource and guide to make planning easier and your wedding day as fun and relaxed as possible. Do we sound like a match? Your day deserves to be remembered– let’s talk about how we can craft the tailored wedding package of your dreams.
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