One of the most common things that is overlooked when choosing a venue is the style of how you want it captured. Even though all great professional photographers can make your venue look their own style (mine being light and airy) in photos you, a bride or groom can not make every element in this way so you and your vendors don’t have to try so hard. If I could pick my top venues in Michigan that would be perfect for my photography style these ten would have to be it. It not only makes my job easier but naturally it ties all elements into the same style. Isn’t that the point anyway? With that said I give you the Top 10 light and airy wedding venues in Michigan.
1. Bay Pointe Inn- Shelbyville
baypointeinn.com/weddings/
See a wedding I had the pleasure of capturing. This Wedding took place at the Pavillion side however we were able to do the first look during the shared time at Bay Pointe Woods. This wedding risked having rain but the couple put everything to my discretion to how things would look in the event of that so we had a great back up plan however the rain missed us and it was absolutely gorgeous.
I highly recommend the Boathouse in addition to the Pavilion if you can swing it. It provides a lot of beautiful light and airy coverage outside under the upstairs deck in the event of rain. It makes for great getting ready shots as well as bridal party portraits and ones for the couple.
Something else we found was that a lot of couples choose to do the color blue for their wedding colors and I can see why. When putting together the wedding album for this couple there were so many things from the light fixtures in the woods cabins, to the wall in the hotel suite. Not to mention the beautiful Gun Lake scene that presents a gorgeous blue backdrop. You can’t go wrong no matter which spot of this venue you choose.
2. The Broadway Ave- Grand Rapids
https://www.thebroadwayavenue.com/
The recently renovated wedding venue in downtown Grand Rapids has upscale features that will put you in awe of it’s beauty. From the dark and moody grooms room to the bright light bridal suite upstairs. It’s perfect for getting that bright, light, and airy wedding look. The main area has the most beautiful cathedral ceilings for your ceremony where you can send your guests to enjoy a cocktail downstairs while everything is flipped to your reception space. The food is also to die for. They have their own in house bar and caterer so no need to find alternative vendors when they can take care of it all for you. Everything here is done with excellence so you walk away with beautiful memories.
3. Castle Farms- Charlevoix
https://castlefarms.com/
It’s been over 10 years since I photographed a wedding at this venue and it’s on my bucket list to do it again. I experienced the Kings Room which was a smaller scale however the entire venue is absolutely stunning. My favorite area is the courtyard for ceremonies.
4. The Colony Club- Detroit
https://www.forbesdetroit.com/colony-club.php
I had such a wonderful time at this venue. The couple I worked with had the upper level of this venue which had room for less than 100 guests. It was so much fun getting to travel to the other side of the state to capture this wedding and the bonus was it was pretty close to Comerica park and the Art Institute where we shuttled for wedding party photos.
5. Etre Farms- St. Joseph
https://www.etrefarms.com/
This venue is at the top of my bucket list. I am waiting for the right couple to hire me for this all inclusive venue. They will handle everything for you which is such a relief when you want to relax on your wedding day and let them take over. If you’re looking for a light and airy photographer let me know and I’d love to work something out with you so I can experience this beautiful space with you! Inquire Here.
6. Felt Mansion- Holland
https://www.feltmansion.org/
Such a fun historical place close to my home town. I love the character and they way you feel right out of a period piece movie. This is another location that is on my bucket list so just like the other venue contact be and let’s work something out so I can capture you in this amazing space. Inquire Here.
7. The Grand Hotel- Mackinac Island
Permission of Image/belongs to the Grand Hotel
https://www.grandhotel.com/weddings-celebrations/weddings/
This past year I had an amazing time photographing a wedding at Mackinac Island. As someone who has lived in michigan for 38 years this was my first time to the island and it was an absolute dream. Since then I have the Grand Hotel on my wedding list of most wanted venues. If you look through their brochure you can see that this place is such an amazing spot to celebrate your wedding. Whether it be your main stay, a background for portraits or the venue for your celebration I am absolutely here for it and you wont be disappointed. The island is a fun destination wedding place and I highly recommend it! My favorite spots are the East Front Porch, West Front Porch, Tea Garden, Lilac Room and Lake Terrace.
8. Green Crest Manor- Battle Creek
https://greencrestmanor.com/
Another bucket list venue that’s top on my list. This Bridgerton like venue has given me all the feels. When I tell you I’ve been wanting to photograph here I mean it. I would be in awe of the entire place which would inspire me to no end that I wouldn’t ever want to stop capturing your day. Let’s talk and make this happen because I’m dying to go here. Inquire Here.
9. Meadow Brook Hall- Rochester
https://meadowbrookhall.org/
I can’t imagine a more gorgeous place to have your wedding than this beautiful space fit for a wedding no matter the season (which is convenient for the 6 months of winter we have). There is something about this architecture that sends me into a wedding spiral where I can’t stop swooning over it’s beauty. Check it out. You’ll love it!
10. Venue 3 Two- Kentwood
https://www.venue3two.com/
This venue was absolutely picturesque. You can check out my couple who celebrated their wedding here in July of 2023. See It Here. It ended up raining during the ceremony for this wedding and then became extremely humid upon it’s completion. The conservatory reception space made for an absolutely gorgeous backdrop even if rain wasn’t ideal. There is so much natural light throughout the entire building which makes for stunning imagery.
There ya have it. Some of the most beautiful light and airy wedding venues in Michigan. Do you have any you think should be added to the list? There are so many possibilities but these are some of the photography industry favorites. Thanks for stopping by!
