How to Plan the Perfect Michigan Wedding
Maybe I’m biased (well, most definitely biased), but I truly believe Michigan has some of the most stunning landscapes and environments when it comes to wedding destinations. Sure, it might not be as warm and tropical as Hawaii, or have mountains as high and expansive as Yosemite, BUT the amount of beauty and diversity in Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas is not to be overlooked. From stunning lakeshores, to charming towns, expansive forests, and bustling cities, there is truly a venue for everyone planning a wedding in Michigan. Deciding which of these venue locations YOU value is the first most important step.
Best Time to Get Married in Michigan: Seasons and Tips
Michigan has a unique advantage that some other destination locations may not: four separate seasons that each offer beauty in their own way!
In the springtime (usually April-May), Michigan suddenly bounces back to life. Flowers begin to bloom, animals come out of hiding, and the rivers unfreeze. While the cons might mean a chilly breeze, or sudden rain on the forecast, the beauty of spring in Michigan is something to admire. Imagine a light, bright, and bold color palette to match the all the new leaves and celebrate the sky being blue once again. OR, a soft pastel palette to match all the beautiful flowers around you.
Summer weather (usually June-September) in Michigan has the most versatile options, by far! The days are hot and long, and there is plenty of daylight to get every photo your heart desires. Summer weddings work great for a more spread-out timeline and to get those dreamy & glowy golden hour portraits. Plus, you have the options to have your entire wedding outdoors, from ceremony to reception. The Great Lakes and all of Michigan’s inland lakes offer beautiful backdrops. Cons include possible humidity, sunburns, and (of course) that pesky unpredictable Michigan weather, but really, when is that NOT taken into consideration? Just make sure you have enough umbrellas for your guests! In my humble opinion, the pros of having a summer wedding far outweigh the cons.
My absolute FAVORITE type of weddings happen in the fall (late September-mid November). You simply can’t beat the GORGEOUS colors that Michigan offers. The peak of fall colors happen within mid-late October, so if you’re hoping to get that beautiful palette in your color scheme, make sure to plan accordingly! Although autumn can get chilly, you have so many options to combat this and work it into your big day. Plan on wearing a long-sleeve dress or accessorizing with a fuzzy shawl (BONUS: you can wear socks under your dress and no one will know! I did)! You can also have an outdoor OR indoor ceremony, and then party the evening away indoors with a hot chocolate bar, cider bar, you name it.
Winter weddings (mid November-March) in Michigan have a unique aspect to them. Although they are probably the least popular due to the holidays and unpredictable snow, you can use this to your advantage. MANY vendors will have lots of availability, so you won’t have to fight for your date! Some venues and caterers offer off-season discounts as well. You’ll most likely only have to brave the cold for photos. Once that’s over, you can stay cozy and warm in your ceremony/reception venues! Imagine the beautiful winter wonderland photos that you could obtain from having a winter wedding, as well as the options for a color palette- you could choose frosty blues, bold reds, or a Christmas/holiday themed wedding. Or, a cozy, indoor, intimate wedding would have such a fun vibe too!
Top Michigan Wedding Venues: From Barns to Lakefronts
There is a huge variety when it comes to venue options. Determining your priorities before choosing your venue will help.
For country or rustic-themed weddings, the Mitten has no shortage of options. I’ve seen the most rustic barns with original 1800’s wood, to updated white barns with big chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Even within the barn scene, there is a lot of variety. Something to consider when looking into having a barn wedding is bathroom access! Many do have bathrooms within the venue for your guests, but a few have porta potties stationed outside. Make sure to take this into consideration!
Lakefront venues are some of the most popular locations for summer weddings, and for good reason- nothing beats the vibes of a beautiful, sunny, airy wedding with a view! Consider Lake Michigan for the sunsets- there is nothing like it. While eloping on the lake is different than a traditional weddings, it deserves to be mentioned due to it’s simple, intimate beauty.
If you’re into urban venues, there are so many hidden gems within Michigan that deserve to be recognized! While there are plenty within Michigan’s tourist hotspots like Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Traverse City, there are always options nestled in the smaller cities as well that offer that same downtown-city feel.
If you’re outdoorsy (like me, may I add), embrace Michigan’s natural beauty and go with a forest or garden venue! There are some EXQUISITE greenhouses that really capture a whimsical garden vibe. There are also plenty parks and recreation areas that include ceremony options on the premises that have that foresty “Twilight” vibe if you want to feel like a woodland fairy on your wedding day!
BONUS: The Upper Peninsula has attractions that the Lower Peninsula wishes it has, such as waterfalls, mountains, and cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. While these may not have enough room to accommodate many guests, planning an elopement or micro wedding (15 or less people) could be a FANTASTIC option if you’re adventurous and love a good view!
BONUS BONUS: While this is a very niche location, Mackinac Island offers a truly unique destination wedding experience. If you’ve never been, the island is a small historic location in between the upper & lower peninsula, only accessible by ferry. And the catch is, there are NO cars allowed! You get around by horse & carriage or bike (or snowmobiles in the winter months). The historic charm is like something you’ve probably never experienced. Destination weddings here are popular, and for good reason. The landscape is unique and breathtaking in every aspect!
Why Hiring Local Wedding Vendors in Michigan is Essential
Your wedding vendors can make or break your wedding. I said it.
That’s why choosing vendors you admire, trust, and have good reviews is extremely important! There are good vendors and bad vendors everywhere, but something to consider when figuring out your wedding plans is hiring locally. Local vendors are important because they know the area and the industry in their little corner of the world better than anyone else! Planners and coordinators will have a network of other vendors they recommend in the area, as well as tips and tricks to make wedding planning seamless depending on where it’s located. Florists & bakers will know the BEST places to source their products from. Photographers and videographers will know the prettiest photo spots, especially if they’ve shot at your venue before! (Little plug: because I’m based in Central Michigan and travel in any location, I have plenty of knowledge surrounding different venues & locations spread across the Mitten!)
How to Plan for Michigan’s Unpredictable Wedding Weather
I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth adding a section to highlight the importance: Michigan’s weather can be…unpredictable, to say the least.
While I’ve only had a few weddings that have had to act on their contingency plans, it’s good to have one in place regardless! Outdoor weddings should have backup options such as tents, gazebos, or nearby indoor spaces. Maybe plan to rent or buy cheap umbrellas as another option!
If you’re planning a winter wedding, travel can be an issue for out-of-town guests. In your wedding website or invitations, advise them to travel a day early in case of any weather mishaps. You never know when a blizzard will hit!
It’s a good idea to stay flexible when planning, especially when it comes to weather. I know that’s MUCH easier said than done- I get it! You are investing so much time and money into this big day. But truly, the best advice I can give you is to stay calm and remember that at the end of the day, all that matters is that you + your boo thang have those rings on your fingers!
Final Tips for Planning Your Dream Michigan Wedding
So, in conclusion, Michigan offers SO much when planning out your big day. There is a perfect setting for EVERY type of wedding. Whether you are passionate about the location, type of venue, or season, there is not a shortage of options when it comes to our beautiful Mitten State!
As you’re in the midst of planning, I completely understand how overwhelming it can be. Please remember that there are so many options and different ways of doing things. There is by NO MEANS a one-size-fits-all approach to wedding planning. It all depends on you, the love of your life, and what you both value and want to represent your love.
If you need more wedding tips or are in the market for a photographer, I’m your gal! Contact me here:
