Michigan Waterfront Wedding Venues

Best Wedding Venues on Lake Michigan

If you are hoping to get married at a Michigan waterfront wedding venue, then you’re in the right place! As a Michigan wedding photographer, I’ve spent years discovering the best waterfront wedding venues around the state. I’m even exposing some of my lesser-known hidden gems below!

Check out my list below of the best Lake Michigan wedding venues, and feel free to reach out if you’d like more info!

Camp Blodgett- Loeks Retreat Center

Grand Haven, Michigan

An all-time favorite venue of mine is Camp Blodgett, the Loeks Retreat Center. Sitting on Lake Michigan shoreline, their gorgeous bright & airy venue has amazing views of the water and is perfect for sunsets. You can have your ceremony on the deck, in the dunes, or right on the beach, and their reception space can hold up to 150 seated guests or 200 guests for an open house style event.

The Leelanau School

Leelanau, Michigan

This incredibly unique space has so much to offer. Located on Leelanau Peninsula, The Leelanau School encompasses is surrounded by 42 acres of incredible nature. They also have private beachfront on Lake Michigan! Additionally, they are the closest wedding venue to Sleeping Bear Dunes, named by Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. I highly recommend checking out The Leelanau School for your large or small wedding. They also offer new elopement packages with flexible options if you’re hoping to celebrate with just your favorite people.

Village Suites Bay Harbor

Bay Harbor, Michigan

The cutest small town in Northern Michigan is Bay Harbor Village. Located on Little Traverse Bay with cute boutique shops, restaurants, string light covered streets, and amazing lake views, you’ll feel like you’re in a little European village! The Bay Harbor Village Hotel offers ceremonies on their Sunset Beach, as well as their one-of-a-kind Observation Lookout. For reception venues, they have a beautiful outdoor Marina Lawn and indoor Lake Michigan Ballroom. This is such a special place to get married!

Boatwerks

Holland, Michigan

Boatwerks is located right on Lake Macatawa. It offers beautiful waterfront views on their ceremony patio. Additionally, the courtyard has a retractable wall of windows giving it an open-air feeling for the reception. Plus, your guests will be in for a treat. Boatwerks is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Holland, named by Architectural Digest as the prettiest state in Michigan. Boatwerks can hold up to 400 guests, as well is customize more intimate gatherings for smaller groups.

Boathouse at Bowers Harbor

Traverse City, Michigan

This intimate venue is a true hidden gem in Michigan! I absolutely love this quaint space tucked away on Old Mission Peninsula. You can spend the day wine tasting at the surrounding 10+ wineries on the peninsula. Then, you can say your vows and have a celebratory dinner with 20-30 guests at their renowned ‘farm to table’ restaurant. With one-of-a-kind views of the bay the marina, you’ll be transported to a small fishing town similar to that which you’d find along the coast of Maine.

The Lake House

Ludington, Michigan

Known for their incredible sunsets sparkling over the water, The Lake House is a stunning Michigan waterfront wedding venue in Ludington. Their newly renovated space features a large bridal suite and a separate groom’s suite. Additionally, there are five distinct areas for your guests to explore: The Lawn, The Overlook, The Patio, The Upper Terrace and The Main Event Floor. With the ability to seat 280 guests for the reception, you can have a grand wedding here. Otherwise, choose their new LaPetit Sunset wedding package for a more casual, weekday wedding experience with up to 25 guests.

Mission Point Resort

Mackinac Island, Michigan

If you’re hoping to get married on the historic Mackinac Island, this is the venue for you. This is the perfect destination wedding venue with waterfront views of Lake Michigan. They offer several different outdoor ceremony options and indoor reception ballrooms. In addition there is a full-service spa and salon on site, and a renowned event planning team ready to help make your day as perfect as can be. Additionally, they are pet friendly! One time I captured a wedding at Mission Point and they had a cute golden retriever as the best man! Plus, you and your guests will have the best experience exploring the island. Mackinac is such a treat!

Bay Pointe Inn

Shelbyville, Michigan

Just outside of Grand Rapids, Bay Pointe Inn is a beautiful retreat on Gun Lake.  Their two waterfront wedding venues, the Boathouse Villa and the Lakefront Pavilion, are absolutely stunning! The Boathouse Villa is perfect for smaller weddings of about 100 guests. Meanwhile, the Lakefront Pavilion can hold closer to 200 guests. Both have beautiful views of the lake, and plenty of options for guest accommodations in the resort.

Inn at Bay Harbor

Bay Harbor, Michigan

This luxury resort is located on the shore of Lake Michigan. It has incredible amenities including a full-service spa and salon, experienced event teams, and incredible suite accommodations for you and your guests to stay in. The first time I stayed here, I was in awe!! Their all-inclusive wedding packages make it easy to plan the day of your dreams.

Michigan AirBnb’s

Another great option, is to host your wedding at an AirBnb! I spent hours putting together a list of the Best AirBnb’s in Michigan. Plus, many of these have amazing waterfront options for weddings and elopements!

Just be sure to reach out to the AirBnb host prior to booking. Let them know your wedding plans and guest count.

Best Michigan Elopement Locations

Lastly, if you feel like something more intimate is the right fit for you, then check out my list of the top places to elope in Michigan!

Not only do I capture weddings and elopements, but I also help plan them too! I love to help my couples plan their best day ever, including location recommendations, vendor suggestions, timeline assistance, and more. Here’s a few more articles that I think you’ll love:

• Top Michigan Wedding Venues– a list of my favorite venues across the state (non-waterfront venues that is!)
• Wedding Day Essentials for Brides– a checklist of everything you need in your wedding day bag.
• How to Write your Wedding Vows– a guide on writing personal, meaningful vows for your wedding.

As always, feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat! Happy planning!!