From a boat arrival at a Leland inn to gorgeous ceremony views from Old Mission Peninsula, here are 10 uniquely Northern Michigan wedding venues to help you and your guests enjoy the natural splendor of the north.
ONE | The Riverside Inn in Leland
302 E River St., Leland | Riverside Inn Website
Ever dreamt of arriving at your nuptials by boat? A picturesque nautical entry could be your wedding day reality at The Riverside Inn in Leland. The inn is available for wedding ceremonies, either before your reception at the inn, or prior to your event at another location. And whether you’re picturing an intimate dinner (up to 30 guests) or a larger reception, Riverside will be able to accommodate your unique vision in one of their two stunning dining rooms.
TWO | Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City
7354 Horton Bay Rd. N., Boyne City | Lavender Hill Farm Website
Those seeking a bit of whimsy on their wedding day should look no farther than Lavender Hill Farm, where your ceremony takes place among rolling fields of purple lavender, and couples and their guests (up to 150) can dance the night away under the chandeliers of a beautifully restored 1920s barn. This venue is ideal for couples looking for a peaceful, secluded spot to host their loved ones in late spring, summer or early fall (enjoy fields of sunflowers later in the season!).
Related Read: From romantic proposals to finding the perfect venue, view our Northern Michigan Weddings page to start planning your big day!
THREE | Trillium Creek in Ludington
3232 W Conrad Rd, Ludington | Trillium Creek Website
Trillium Creek offers soon-to-be-weds the perfect mix of rustic charm and elegance year-round. With peonies, lilac bushes and apple trees scattered throughout the property, there are plenty of scenic spots to choose from for your open-air ceremony. A century-old, 30-by-45-foot barn decorated with glowing string lights draped above the dance floor makes for a magical reception venue, while large sliding doors allow couples to let the outdoors in and enjoy the scenery. The barn doors also connect to a classic high-peak tent (complete with chandeliers) for additional guest seating.
FOUR | The Peninsula Room in Traverse City
13512 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City | Peninsula Room Website
Situated on Old Mission Peninsula and adjacent to the beloved Jolly Pumpkin, The Peninsula Room’s front lawn boasts a quintessential Up North view—a sparkling West Grand Traverse Bay framed by a lawn speckled with majestic trees. Host your rustic-chic wedding on the lawn (which holds up to 150 guests) or have a more intimate gathering on Genevieve’s patio (up to 50 guests). The Library can also accommodate up to 50 people inside Mission Table. Come reception time, stay outside and cozy up around the outdoor fire pit, or enjoy the Peninsula Room’s indoor fireplace while sipping cocktails and sampling their locally-sourced cuisine (the room holds up to 150 guests).
FIVE | New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park & Museum
4500 E. Grand Lake Rd., Presque Isle | Presque Isle Lighthouse Website
Looking for a uniquely Michigan way to wed? Consider an outdoor ceremony with a historic lighthouse as your backdrop. That’s what you’ll find at Presque Isle, an enchanting must-see locale for lighthouse lovers. Choose from two historic lights for your outdoor nuptials—New Presque Isle Lighthouse, circa 1870 (your guests will love that this is the tallest light on the Great Lakes they can actually climb!), or Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, circa 1840, one of the oldest lights in the region. Bonus: New Presque Isle offers a dining hall and covered pavilion on-site with views of Lake Huron.
SIX | Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center
33494 S. Maxton Rd., Drummond | Drummond Island Website
Nestled on the largest freshwater island in the U.S., Drummond Island Resort features an array of indoor and outdoor options for your dream Northwoods wedding. Say “I do” at a romantic outdoor chapel surrounded by nature (with seating for 70+ guests) or re- cite your vows with Lake Huron as your backdrop at the Martini Deck (seating for 200+). Head to the lodge for your reception and choose from the Bayside Restaurant & Lounge with breathtaking views for up to 100 people, or the Annex, which provides a cozy log cabin feel for up to 50 people. You can also rent a tent (300+ guests) or the Brooder House (120+ guests).
SEVEN | Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry on the Straits of Mackinac
7451 Lake Shore Dr., Mackinac Island | Shepler’s Website
We’ve covered entrances by boat, but for those who can’t get enough of the Great Lakes State, why not exchange your vows on the water? Shepler’s ferries can accommodate up to 180 guests, making them the perfect private charter for a ceremony or re- ception. Friends and family can choose to hang out on the cov- ered lower deck or up top to enjoy the view of the Straits and the Mighty Mac. Plus, a built-in sound system will encourage guests to dance the night away as the sun sets over the lake.
Related Read: Up North Wedding Proposal: Top 5 Places to Get Engaged.
EIGHT | Watervale Inn in Arcadia
1244 Watervale Rd., Arcadia | Watervale Inn Website
From simple ceremonies during spring’s lilac season to celebrations among the early colors of fall, weddings have been a tradition at Watervale Inn since Vera Kraft married Vernon Noble in front of the fireplace of the Cecelia cottage in 1938. Since then, Watervale has hosted an array of weddings, from formal affairs to casual receptions and intimate dinners. The lakeside terrace, which seats 150 guests and overlooks Lower Herring Lake, is the ideal spot for an outside ceremony, while the historic Casino cottage (which housed Water- vale’s general store and post office after it was built in 1892) offers an inside option that seats 120 with a view of the lake.
NINE | Blue Sky Barn in Elmira
11369 M-32, Elmira | Blue Sky Barn Website
This Jordan Valley venue is what rustic wedding dreams are made of. In addition to a beautiful outdoor ceremony site (with seating for up to 250 guests), Blue Sky’s 4,400-square-foot barn creates an elegant and bucolic setting for your reception (or indoor ceremony). Couples can also choose to stay on-site in a 4 bedroom/4 bath guest house, making planning, decorating and celebrating stress-free. This charming country farm setting is made complete with décor like rustic and vintage serving stations, lanterns and fairy lights (all offered at no extra charge).
TEN | The Rockwell Lake Lodge in Luther
3943 N Skookum Rd., Luther | Rockwell Lake Lodge Website
Are you envisioning a serene lakeside wedding surrounded by Northern Michigan forest? How about a cozy winter ceremony in the warmth of a lodge? No matter the season, Rockwell Lake Lodge has both indoor and outdoor spaces to gather with your loved ones. Couples often choose to have Rockwell Lake as their backdrop during a scenic ceremony on the Lake View lawn. In the colder months, the Great Room inside the lodge is a favorite with wide windows, exposed beams and an elegant stone fireplace.
Related Read: Red Hot Best 2021: Northern Michigan’s Top 7 Wedding Venues.
