Huzzah! You’re engaged and now you are looking for the best Northern Michigan wedding venues, what a dream! I get to live here year round and I know what a special place it is. I have been a Northern Michigan photographer now for 16 years and it just doesn’t get old. I know I am biased, but the beauty that surrounds us is truly unparalleled. We have some absolutely stunning venues, as well. I am going to share about a few of my favorite public venues in the Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Charlevoix area, but if you are considering a wedding at your cottage, private estate, or family property, that is amazing!
Inn at Bay Harbor Makes for the perfect wedding venue in Petoskey
The Inn at Bay Harbor is one of my all time favorite venues because they have it all! Beautiful hotel rooms for getting ready, a lakeside ceremony space, a beautiful reception space, and incredible views for your guests to enjoy and better yet, all your beautiful portraits! It truly is such a gem for a Northern Michigan wedding. One of my favorite parts of a wedding at the Inn at Bay Harbor is the sunset time… guests slowly wander out on to the lawn, everyone’s shoulders drop an inch and their breathing slows, Lake Michigan is calm together with the sunset, they are showing off their colors, its always such a special time where everyone slows down for a moment and connects on a more intimate level. Then after, the dance party is ON!
Weddings at The Perry Hotel
For almost 125 years, The Perry Hotel has been a destination in downtown Petoskey. Their wedding spaces are lovely and full of character. Somehow the Perry has managed to keep the victorian vibe strong without it ever feeling outdated. It’s so lovely inside this hotel. They also have a breathtaking outdoor space with panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Another great option for a wedding as you can have your ceremony and reception without leaving the grounds and lodging is also on site.
Shanahan’s Barn is a stunning venue for a rustic barn wedding
Shanahan’s Barn in Charlevoix is a great spot for a rustic barn wedding. Their property is so beautiful with different options for portrait spots from a field to a golf course, wood barn, and Lake Michigan is a short drive away.
Birchwood Country Club
This next spot is near and dear to my heard and I like to consider myself Birchwood royalty because I was the first baby born to a Birchwood member 😜 nobody else really seems to care about this title but me, but I’m very proud of it. Birchwood Country Club is a lovely spot for a Northern Michigan wedding. The ceremony space is so special on a tee overlooking the big lake, and the reception space is spacious and elegant. Evening portraits are a dream on the golf course with their beautiful landscaping.
Pond Hill Farm
Pond Hill Farm is always a favorite. The most incredible farm to table food, a beautiful ceremony spot, and endless options for portraits. Also a great spot if you are inviting children to the wedding as there is so much there for kiddos to do. My daughter, Birdie, and I spend at least one day per week up there eating pizza, playing on the playground, and petting the animals.
Country Club of Boyne
Country Club of Boyne is such a beautiful spot for a wedding. The ceremony space is under a canopy of garden lights, overlooking golf course with big weeping willow trees in the distance. You can have the reception outside on the patio or inside the country club. Portrait locations are plentiful and lovely. The Highlands has lodging and house rentals on property, so all your guests can stay close by.
The Beach House at Boyne Mountain
The Beach House at Boyne Mountain is suchhhh a dreamy spot. An ivy covered stone building, a big lawn overlooking Deer Lake, an old dock, all of it is picture perfect! A true dream for a wedding venue. The lawn is big enough to hold a large tent and still save room for a ceremony space, so the sky is the limit with this location. Lodging can be found nearby on Boyne Mountain property.
This was just a short list of my favorite Northern Michigan wedding venues. Want to learn about my favorite Mackinac Island wedding venues? Click here!
