Stuffy indoor weddings are a thing of the past. With its cascading waterfalls, lush gardens, and expansive lakes, Michigan is full of natural settings to serve as idyllic backdrops for saying “I do.” The state is not only gorgeous in warmer months but picturesque when covered in a blanket of snow, making it the perfect year-round locale.
A typical Michigan-based wedding with a guest list of around 50 people ranges from $350 to $45,000, which opens a span of options for budgets large or small. So if you’re looking to break from the mold, celebrate your love in one of these delightful outdoor wedding venues in Michigan’s natural beauty for memories that will last a lifetime.
Castle Farms
Accented with soaring Rapunzel-esque turrets, this award-winning venue in Northern Michigan guarantees a storybook wedding. The stone castle, nestled in a romantic setting on 45 acres, was built in 1918 and modeled after the architecture of Normandy. Today it’s one of the Midwest’s most popular outdoor wedding venues.
Romantic from every angle, the extensive grounds feature manicured, beautiful gardens, fountains, serene ponds, stone arches, and entrancing views—ideal for snowy nuptials or a sun-bathed ceremony. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres while strolling along the Reflection Pond to catch a glimpse of rainbow trout or wandering the old-world gardens surrounded by topiaries, sculptures, and sunlight.
Price Range: Starts at $5,680
Capacity: 350
Find Castle Farms on Facebook and Instagram.
Detroit Princess Riverboat
With no shortage of flair, this private charter is perfect for couples who dream of a low-stress, all-in-one wedding day. The boat boasts five stories and is 65 feet high at its top deck. As vows are exchanged on the upper level, the panoramic Detroit skyline and Ambassador Bridge come to view while the boat sails into the sunset.
After the ceremony, guests are invited to meander into the ornate dining room for a catered dinner and drinks on the bow while cruising the river. Plus, attendees can dance the night away to DJed music as the golden hour turns into a moonlight cruise that will be raved about for months to come.
Price Range: $4850 to $5350
Capacity: 300+
Find Detroit Princess Riverboat on Facebook and Instagram.
Bay Pointe
This dreamy Nicolas Sparks-inspired setting, with its varying landscapes, is a wedding day heaven perfect for every season.
Offering 3,000 square feet of lawn space, the Lakefront Pavilion showcases an outdoor fireplace, sweeping views of the sparkling lake, and a covered patio with string lights. Those who might opt for a bit of exploring during the reception will enjoy walking the docks or sipping a cocktail while discovering the many seasonal flowers.
The Boathouse Villa, with its rich history and charming exterior, is one of Bay Pointe’s most popular wedding venues. Not only does the three-level villa have 5,000 square feet of event space, but also a private dock, floral arbor, and peaceful Gun Lake views. A guest favorite? The end-of-day vista from the home’s quaint white veranda provides a glimpse into its 1886 origins.
Are you not sold on the lake scene? Bay Pointe Woods provides an enchanting atmosphere for water-free nuptials with its deep green surroundings and vibrant botanicals. The lawn, a hidden gem of Bay Pointe, features the makings of a whimsical ceremony, including landscaping, fire features, and an outdoor arbor that doubles as reception space.
Price Range: Starts at $4,550
Capacity: 100-300
Find Bay Pointe on Facebook and Instagram.
Orchard Beach Campground
Are you under the impression that campgrounds are all about tents and fishing? Think again! The park’s main sandy cliff, a popular space for ceremonies, overlooks Lake Michigan and is the ideal view for a nature-based wedding. The area is also close to a selection of beautiful landscapes, including piers, forests, dunes, and a lighthouse—perfect outdoor ceremony sites for the indecisive bride who can’t decide on a wedding day photo spot.
After the ceremony, guests can make their way up to the bluff’s main shelter, available for rent and adorned with draping lights. Plus, it’s not a campground wedding without the classics like a fire, s’mores, music, and dancing to keep the festivities lasting the whole evening.
Price Range: $150+
Capacity: Flexible
Find Orchard Beach Campground on Facebook.
Roostertail
Perhaps one of the most infamous venues in Michigan, this classy destination has hosted the likes of Tony Bennett, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John. It’s the ultimate full-day wedding spot, with a covered deck, second-level patio, and three glass-enclosed indoor reception areas ranging from large to small.
Roostertail has direct marina access, free parking, LED lights, and impressive views of the Detroit skyline. While grand, the venue also has many romantic elements like 40-foot water fountains, an ascending dance floor, and inviting fireplace areas to suit any guest, whether avid partygoers or those looking for a moment of quiet to take in the experience.
Price Range: Starts at $6,546
Capacity: Up to 800
Find Roostertail on Facebook and Instagram.
Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn
Tree lovers, rejoice! This scenic vineyard, venue, and the rustic charm of an operational farm are home to towering trees straight out of a fairytale. Even better, the destination currently hosts the second largest catalpa tree—with beautiful, trumpet-like flowers—in the state.
The visuals at Hidden Vineyard are unparalleled, featuring a wildflower meadow, indoor/outdoor barn, treescapes wrapped in florals, and a 10-acre vineyard. The light wood of the barn and fencing also add a modern, chic element to the rustic setting.
Every evening, the sun sets behind the treeline, so many barn wedding-goers stay for the entire event to enjoy the golden conclusion to a special day.
Price Range: Starts at $4,250
Capacity: Up to 150
Find Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn on Facebook and Instagram.
Red Riding Hood Stables
Book a wedding at this working thoroughbred farm for country charm at its finest. The property feature 57 acres of rolling green hills and pastures, and it is a mere hour from Lansing and Detroit—making it an excellent choice for those with out-of-town guests. Even better? The venue is just one mile from the historic Holly Hotel, which handles hotel stays, catering, and rentals for the big day.
Couples can book a beautiful wedding under the canopy of ancient oak trees, take bridal photos with beautiful horses and breathe in the lush green surroundings best enjoyed from May through October.
Price Range: Starts at $5,450
Capacity: Up to 250
Find Red Riding Hood Stables on Facebook.
Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site
Couples with a penchant for history are invited to step back in time with this unique venue option. A tree-lined boulevard opens up to 17 acres of land and a selection of 1928-designed buildings and automobiles that are ideal backdrops for lovers of all things vintage. Couples can even rent a classic Packard car for their ceremony entrance or as a display/photo op throughout the day.
The historic site is perfect for those who want a fully customized day, as the venue allows couples to bring in their own decor, seating, caterers, and alcohol. Plus, winter weddings can be moved into the cozy Repair Garage with heating and ambient lighting.
Price Range: Starts at $6,000
Capacity: Up to 300
Find Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site on Facebook and Instagram.
Spring Meadows Country Club
This beautiful outdoor venue offers much more than golf amenities. Built in 1955, the country club is the definition of picturesque with its emerald fields, dreamy tree groves, and surrounding water. It features a variety of outdoor photo and romantic ceremony spaces and a reception tent with string lights. Dance the night away with the fireflies, and enjoy the vibrant evening colors while celebrating on the green.
The wedding venue offers onsite caterers, bartenders, and courteous staff for a stress-free wedding day experience that is perfectly modern and dreamy.
Price Range: Starts at $2,392
Capacity: Up to 200
Find Spring Meadows Country Club on Facebook and Instagram.
Bedrock Detroit
Now touting the 2021 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, this 7,000 square foot rooftop is nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of Detroit, the century-old venue offers a welcoming yet sophisticated option for the modern couple.
The wedding rental fee includes 12 hours of access to the rooftop area, furnished lounge and cocktail spaces, indoor event rooms, and an onsite event manager and facilities tech complete the list of modern conveniences.
With a full view of Comerica Park, the rooftop frequently hosts an intimate wedding day celebration—with a covered catering area, full-service bar, wraparound balcony, and dance floor.
Price Range: Starts at $7,320
Capacity: Up to 180
Find Bedrock Detroit on Facebook and Instagram.
