Wedding Venues in the Grand Traverse Area

Traverse City, Michigan is a destination with something for everyone and beautiful venues for weddings. From the wine and beer tours, gorgeous views Traverse City has a ton to offer you and your guests. Below are 20 wedding venues in the Traverse City area to create your perfect wedding day.

The Peninsula Room - 13512 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

Ceremonies at The Peninsula Room are held on the front lawn and can hold up to 150 guests. There are also options for smaller ceremonies (up to 50 guests) with Genivieve’s Patio, or their Library. The reception space features an indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pit, and includes private use of their perennial garden lawn and stone patio. They offer house made catering, made with locally sourced food whenever possible.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa - 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Box 404 Acme, MI 49610

Between their indoor and outdoor event spaces, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers options for weddings as large as 500, and as small as 5. Indoor venues include the Michigan Ballroom, Tower Ballroom, Governors’ Hall, 17th Floor of Tower, and the Peninsula/Mackinaw Ballroom. For outdoor weddings, couples can choose between The Plaza, Pavilion, The Private Beach Club, 55th Hole, and The Garvey Family Barn. There’s something for every couple at this Grand Traverse wedding venue!

The Cathedral at Historic Barns Park - 1500 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

The Cathedral Barn is also located at Historic Barns Park. This rustic, charming wedding venue can hold wedding ceremonies of up to 300 guests, and seated wedding receptions of around 200 guests. The Cathedral Barn is available for your wedding on its own, or as mentioned above, can be rented along with the Botanic Garden.

Park Place Hotel - 300 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Park Place Hotel makes wedding planning stress-free by assisting you with the big and small details of your day. Your guests are welcome to enjoy one of their classically decorated rooms, as well as nearby restaurants, shopping, spas, and nightlife before and after your wedding. Park Place Hotel can accommodate up to 450 people.

Starry Night Barn - 2363 N. Jacobson Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Recently renovated, Starry Night Barn has been updated with modern accommodations while maintaining its historic, barn charm. The entire place is yours for the weekend, with the option to add more nights if desired for an authentic, relaxed experience. Committed to protecting the beautiful environment, shuttle services and carpooling is encouraged, and recycling and composting options are available to be coordinated with caterers. Starry Night Barn can host wedding celebrations up to 299 people.

Crystal Mountain - 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI, 49683

With the breathtaking beauty of northern Michigan as the backdrop to your big day, your wedding will be sure to amaze both you and your guests. Whether you’re hosting an extravagant affair for 300 or an intimate celebration with your closest friends and family, trust the dedicated staff at Crystal Mountain to help make your wedding dreams a reality.

Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms - 8629 E Lincoln Rd, Cedar, MI, 49621

Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms is a fourth-generation farm that services the Leelanau County and Traverse City, Michigan area. They offer a wide variety of wedding experiences and special event opportunities for those seeking breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, a gorgeous rustic farm setting, and a beautiful destination wedding or event in Northern Michigan with the grandeur of an elegant farm venue.

Hagerty Center - 715 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Hagerty Center can accommodate up to 300 guests in their waterfront ballroom, that features a view of the Grand Traverse Bay. The bay is also the backdrop of their ceremony location, making the perfect backdrop to exchange your vows. Hagerty Center understands the importance of cuisine at your wedding, and the chefs are available to help create the perfect menu that reflects your signature style.

Timberlee Hills - 10484 S Timberlee Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

A former ski lodge, Timberlee Hills is located among the rolling hills of Leelanau County. Before and after your wedding, there are plenty of activities nearby to keep your guests busy, including wine tasting, a sunset cruise on Grand Traverse Bay, and shopping downtown! For smaller weddings, their intimate space features a fireplace and can host up parties of 70 or less. They also have a larger reception space and covered patio can hold up to 250 guests. A shuttle service is available for your bridal party or guests to the venue, nearby spots for photos, and local hotels.

Blue Bridge Event Center - 1950 Ellis Lake Rd, Grawn, MI 49637

The Blue Bridge Event Center offers not only their ceremony and reception spaces, but options for flowers, decor, DJ’s, and beverages. The Bridge Chapel and The Bridge Centre can accommodate up to 260 guests. This is their largest site, equipped with a spacious dance floor and large TV monitors on the walls (making sure you and your guests don’t miss any dance floor antics). The Blue Chapel and Blue Centre can hold up to 160 guests. Covered with vines and greenery, this space has an up-north feel and is surrounded with beautiful landscaping. With both options, brides can get ready in the bridal suite, while grooms can hang out and prep at the Blue Bridge Tiny House.

Cobblestone Farms - 3791 W M-113, Kingsley, MI, 49649

Up North’s most sought after elegantly rustic wedding destination. The farm resides on 10 picturesque acres that includes a charming turn of the century farmhouse, a one of a kind barn, with a beautifully corralled outdoor wedding area to create your up north memories of a lifetime. At the farm, friends become family and the Cobblestone family is there to assist you through your entire journey to create the memories you have always dreamed of.

Chateau Chantal - 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686

Chateau Chantal is a Traverse City venue perfect for intimate weddings with a maximum capacity of 40 guests plus the wedding couple. Your guests will enjoy an overnight stay at the Chateau Chantal Bed & Breakfast, and your ceremony can be held indoors or outdoors with the vineyard as your backdrop. In addition to your wedding, this is the perfect setting for wedding showers, rehearsal dinners and more.

Mission Table - 13512 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

Mission Table, formerly Bowers Harbor Inn, offers an “intimate, romantic setting.” Their ceremony spaces include The Great Lawn and Genevieve’s Patio. Included in the cost for your reception includes everything that you need for your event: Set up and tear down, china, glassware, silver, tables and chairs, and linens. Spirits and wines from their own on-site brewery and distillery are also available. The events director has over 20 years of experience, and can please any clients’ requests.

Delamar Traverse City - 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Delamar Traverse City is prepared to turn your vision into a reality with their personalized wedding planning services. Overlooking the water, the resort located on West Bay is a beautiful spot for your wedding ceremony. The indoor event space can be broken down into smaller spaces, depending on the size of your party with a max capacity of 200. Only the freshest, local ingredients will be used for your handpicked menu. Your guests can enjoy bay views from their rooms, after celebrating at their on-site nightclub.

Botanic Garden - 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

Located on the grounds of the former Traverse City State Hospital, the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and more! The Walled Garden is a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies, and also available are the open-air Pavilion, the Visitor Center meeting room, and a large tent lawn. If you are interested in renting out the entire park, (including The Botanic Garden + The Cathedral Barn) that option is available! Special discounts are available for Botanic Garden Members.

Aurora Cellars - 7788 E Horn Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Aurora Cellars has two options to host your wedding: The Estate (with included Farmhouse) and The Terrace. Spread across two acres, the Estate can hold up to 300 guests. This space features a small barn, a Victorian Farmhouse with a patio, a pond, and is surrounded by black walnut trees. The Terrace offers an “old world” styled tasting room and a patio overlooking the hills of Leelanau County. With space for 40-80 guests, the Terrace is perfect for more intimate weddings, as well as rehearsal dinners.

Brengman Brothers Winery - 9720 S Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

Brengman Brothers Winery is located within 5 miles of Traverse City, and is available for events large or small, indoor or outdoor. The tasting room features hardwood ceiling beams, candlelit chandeliers, and can accommodate up to 98 people. For weddings needing a larger, seated space, there is an outdoor, tented lawn that can hold 200-250 guests. They offer nearby parking with an attendant and shuttle, cellar tours and tastings, and a bartender on-site.

Ciccone Vineyard and Winery - 10343 E Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Voted into the Top 10 Best Winery/Vineyard Venues by Wine Enthusiast, Ciccone Vineyard and Winery can host a small, intimate gathering in their tasting room, or up to 250 guests on the property. They offer special weekday rates for Monday through Thursday weddings.

Fountain Point Resort - 990 S Lake Leelanau Dr, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Fountain Point Resort is one of Northern Michigan’s only waterfront venues. They are open for weddings from May to October, and offer a historic bed and breakfast with antique, charming furnishings. With 19 refurbished cottages ranging from 1-7 bedrooms, this is a perfect location to not only hold your wedding, but spend quality time with friends and family.

Kirkbride Hall - 700 Cottageview Dr Suite 200, Traverse City, MI 49684

At Kirkbride Hall, you can choose to hold your ceremony in a historical, cathedral-like chapel, or outdoors on the front lawn. This venue can hold up to 160 guests for wedding receptions, and ceremonies up to 220 guests. Between your ceremony and reception, choose from cocktail reception options for your guests to enjoy, as well as access to The Village. With over a dozen preferred wedding vendors listed on their website, Kirkbride Hall can assist you in putting together the perfect team for your wedding.

{Baby Bump | Baby Brother E}

{alden, michigan | June 2021}

Carter is getting a baby brother!

I’m so glad I got to meet this cute little family. I actually got in touch with them through one of Michelle’s friends. Michelle was looking for someone to take their maternity photos at their family cabin at Torch Lake, and I was so honored that they chose me. These two are about to have their hands full with two little boys but I know they are super excited. Congrats again to the Erickson Family!

{FAQ: Have You Shot At My Wedding Venue?}

Let me guess, being new to this whole “getting married” thing, you’re not really sure where to start when it comes to researching photographers. One quick Google search for “wedding photography advice” and “what questions should I ask my wedding photographer” and you’re off to the races. You set up phone calls with photographers you like and then when they ask if you have any questions, you list off what you’ve found online - after all, they seem like relevant things to ask, and at the end of the day, wedding photography is a huge investment so you want to make sure your bases are covered.

A question I get asked by couples frequently is “have you shot at our wedding venue before?”

It makes sense, especially since this question is listed in The Knot’s “Important Questions to Ask Photographers Before You Book” and The Knot shares this advice: “Why you want to know: Your shooter should be aware of any lighting needs or issues specific to the space. If they haven’t ever worked in your venue, they should be willing to check it out beforehand.”

Now trust me, I get it: at first blush. it seems like it would be the most ideal to find a photographer who has shot at your venue before because it’s easy to assume they might have some sort of mastery of the space over someone else {hint: it doesn’t.} Here are a few reasons why this question, while it has honest intention, can lead you down the wrong path.

Wedding Photography Advice: Why It Doesn’t Matter If A Photographer Has Shot At Your Venue Before

1. Your Photography Choice Should Be Based On Level Of Connection And The Quality Of Work

Choosing based off of who has shot in the space severely limits you in terms of options. Ask them questions about their approach, their shooting style, how they guide on the wedding day - make sure you connect as human beings and feel connected to their work vs. just where they’ve worked before. Talented photographers move to new cities, work in multiple markets, live in places oversaturated with venues or just live in a place where people get married in nontraditional places - focus on finding the right fit for you, not just your venue.

2. Photographers can have shot at hundreds of venues without shooting at your specific location.

So instead of ask your photographer what makes them qualified them to shoot your day instead of disqualifying them based on a building.

3. Many photographers will offer to walk through a venue with you and your planner or show up early on the day of to location scout.

This isn’t always necessary, but it you had a complicated or super unique venue or a logistically-complex day planned, coordinate with your photographer to do a walkthrough or ask them if they’re available to show up early to your venue to check it out.

4. Venues look different depending on the time of year, the weather and the time of day.

Because of this, I make location decisions along with nearly every other photograph-related choice based on light. True professional photographers know how to approach unknown spaces and shoot it well. What settings I use, where I stand, the angle of my lens, what lens I choose and a dozen other little factors are all things I consider before I take a picture. A wedding in June on a sunny day where the bride gets dressed at 11AM will look completely different than a wedding in November on a cloudy day where the bride gets dressed at 3PM.

5. Being new to the space inspires creativity.

Because I may have not shot at your venue 5+ times, I have the opportunity to see your venue through fresh eyes and approach your day in a unique way. So instead of seeing the same “classic” shots that are always taken at your venue, you’ll also have photos that are reflective of you and your fiancé as a couple.

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SO, all that being said, if you’re hiring a professional, it won’t matter one tiny little bit if they’ve never photographed your venue before. I could shoot at the same venue 10 times in a row and do something different every single time out of both choice and necessity.

If you’re making the decision of who to hire based on if they’ve shot at your venue before, you could be making a big mistake and losing out on both gorgeous images and an incredible experience.

{Puppy Love | Clara + Her Humans}

{kewadin, michigan | october 2020}

I had gotten an email from Krystle back in August asking me to take photos of her and her husband’s puppy Clara for her first birthday. Their first anniversary was around the same time so of course they wanted a couple of them as well. I of course said YES because who doesn’t love cute little frenchies!

We finally got a date set and met at Maplehurst Nature Area. Little did I know that I was going to meet the most rambunctious and sassy little pup! Like I wish I could just put all of the photos on here so you could see some of the faces she was making!

{Baby Bump | Amy + Aalok}

{traverse city, michigan | october 2020}

I had gotten an email from Amy saying that her and her husband Aalok were taking a mini trip up to Traverse City from Chicago before they had their baby. And since they hadn’t really told a lot of people that they were pregnant, they wanted to use this opportunity to take some announcement photos. So we got up super early on Sunday morning and drove up to the Mission Point Lighthouse. It was so peaceful since we were the only ones around. They were both shocked to find out that I was 34 weeks along in my pregnancy. I did have a bigger sweatshirt and a jacket on so it was a bit harder to tell. They asked what I was having and I asked them but they are doing a surprise gender birth. I don’t know how people can wait the whole 9 months to see what gender their baby is. I had a hard time waiting the 14 weeks to find out we were having a baby boy! Props to them and I wish them the best of luck becoming new parents!