12 Michigan Wedding Venues For The Non-Ballroom Bride
The first stop on the wedding train is a venue. Pick your date, book ahead, and give yourself (and your guests) ample time to plan. Seems simple right? Unfortunately, this is way easier said than done.
Choosing a venue to host one of the biggest days of your life is an overwhelming task to say the least. Some of you may be finding that you’re not quite a ballroom bride, but not quite a burlap one either. If this is you, then read on and let me offer a helping hand. Below is a list of my favorite non-traditional venues here in Michigan for the brides looking for something a little more natural.
xo Madison
Metro Detroit Gems:
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms - Dexter, MI (300 guests) - If you’re looking for farmhouse chic, this is the venue for you! It’s white, bright, and nestled on a beautiful plot of land. Not to mention the service here is outstanding. And the food? Unreal! Host an outdoor ceremony and a tent reception or utilize the barn space for chillier wedding dates. You’ll love this place!
Planterra Conservatory - Bloomfield Hills, MI, (200 guests) - This venue can be summed up in one word - enchanting! This modern greenhouse space is covered top to bottom in big, lush greenery. The tablescapes are accented in gold and ivory, and when all the candles are lit at night it’s nothing short of a fairytale!
Shepherd’s Hollow - Clarkston, MI (150 guests) - This venue has the coolest outdoor ceremony site nestled under hundred-year-old pine trees. The entrance to Shepherd’s Hollow is a long, winding path that totally sets the mood for a private ceremony in the woods. The venue also has an amazing, wrap-around porch that can be used for all kinds of beautiful photo ops!
Cushing Field House - Holly, MI (150 guests) - I like to describe this venue as “Michigan organic”. Its rustic charm and all natural details are perfect for outdoorsy couples. The venue is located on a spacious, open field decorated with native floral and fauna, and the reception buildings are built from reclaimed barn wood. Plus, the barn is heated or air conditioned to keep your guests comfortable during any season.
Pine Knob Mansion - Clarkston, MI (150 guests) - For those who enjoy a good period piece on Netflix (Peaky Blinders, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, The Crown…) then this charming, historic venue will totally sing to you! A recently renovated bridal suite is the cherry on the pie of this 1927 English Manor equipped with an outdoor ceremony pavilion and 140 acres of rolling hills and beautiful garden beds. There’s even an outdoor dance floor option for those warm, summer nights. It’s a wonderfully romantic step back in time for your wedding nuptials.
Weller’s Weddings - Saline, MI (200 guests) - Between you and me this website needs a makeover, but I’ve photographed beautiful weddings here so believe me when I say this place is worth a tour! There are two natural and outdoor ceremony sites right on the property, and don’t even get me started on the garden landscaping! This venue is surrounded by trees, decorated with colorful garden beds, and there’s even a huge bonfire pit to wind down after dancing the night away!
Weekend Getaways:
Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks, MI (350 guests) - This is the venue for the craft cocktail connoisseurs. Their Featherbone Factory blends modern conveniences with rustic charm. The Mad Men vibe is perfectly pulled off with handcrafted spirits and locally-sourced ingredients. Journeyman has three vintage industrial venues available with an updated, modern aesthetic perfect for that moody ambiance.
Creekside Acres Event Barn - Goodrich, MI (200 guests) - This farmhouse inspired venue is chock full of all your wedding day amenities for a very affordable price. A sort of “do it yourself” venue that provides the flexibility to cater your day exactly how you’d like it. Creekside is a barn venue located on 12 acres of land that will give you and your guests a wonderful sense of solitude. Plus, the barn is heated or air conditioned to keep your guests comfortable during any season.
The MillCreek Wilde - Watervliet, Michigan (250 guests) - My brother is getting married here and I am thrilled! As you approach MillCreek you are surrounded by rolling fields, fragrant orchard blossoms, fruiting trees, and beautiful working farms all of which set the stage for your day. In fact, MillCreek Wilde is noted for offering one of the most private and secluded wedding day experiences. For all the bohemian dreamers out there, this venue is for you.Not to mention, if this space is booked on your date, there are two other venues you could choose from under the same ownership. Check out The Blue Dress Barn and Sundance Studios.
Greencrest Manor - Battle Creek, MI (200 guests) - Real talk - this is my dream venue! I have a deep love for historic “estate and garden charm”, and this venue encapsulates that perfectly. On their website they describe the manor as: “A blissful slice of Europe nestled in Southwest Michigan.” Pinch. Me. Please.
The Pine Tree Barn - Flushing, MI (200 guests) - This is a newer venue built in 2014, and they are blowing up! This barn-style venue is on 20 acres of pristine mid-Michigan land covered in an abundance of Pine, Birch, Oak, and Maple trees. Say ‘I do’ at one of the three outdoor ceremony sites, one of which is overlooking a beautiful pond. Barefoot, bohemian brides behold this amazing outdoor venue!
Downtown Market Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids, MI (200 guests) - No need to stress about the weather at this open and airy greenhouse venue! The beautiful glass ceilings allow for the feeling out an outdoor ceremony even on the rainiest of days. Host your ceremony in the large Greenhouse Room or the more intimate Garden Room, and customize your dream reception aesthetic in the on location Banquet Room. This modern venue in the heart of Grand Rapids is the perfect place for a controlled, garden inspired wedding.
