Best Wedding Venues in Detroit

Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin your wedding planning journey, choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions. If you’re planning a wedding in Detroit, Michigan, you’re in luck! Detroit offers a wide range of wedding venues that can suit any couple’s style and preferences. Before you start looking for venues, here are a few things to consider:

How do you envision your wedding day? What kind of environments do you enjoy being in? Do you want a city wedding in the heart of Detroit, or do you prefer a more natural setting? Likewise, think about the kind of places you and your partner enjoy spending time in. You might find that you don’t have a specific preference and simply just want a fantastic ambiance for your guests.

How far are you willing to travel from home for your wedding? Consider how far you’re willing to travel and how far your guests will have to travel. Also, if you’re planning a destination wedding, you may need to provide accommodations for your guests. I recommend also considering any accessibility requirements for everyone too.

How many people are you planning to invite? When selecting a venue, it’s important to consider your guest list. In fact, the size and layout of the venue will be crucial in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance. It’s also important to invite the people you genuinely want to share your special day with. Leave any obligations behind if there’s a chance the presence of some could negatively impact your wedding day.

Would you prefer a sit-down or cocktail reception? Both options have their advantages, so think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create for your guests.

What time of year would you like to have your wedding? Whether you dream of a fall wedding or a summer celebration by the beach, each season offers advantages and challenges. Considering factors such as weather, availability, and cost, you can make an informed decision on the best time of year. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to ensure that your venue has plans in place for any inclement weather.

How much do you want to style your venue? Firstly, if you have a specific vision for aesthetic and décor, it’s important to select a venue that complements that vision. Secondly, other specific details and features you envision for your wedding day may require checking with the venue beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your requests. For example, with a special horse and carriage exit, a fireworks exit, or even flowers/drapes hanging from the ceiling, your venue will need to allow it on their property first.

How do you want your venue to look in photos? Consider your wedding vision and the photos you’re drawn to when choosing a venue that will provide the right backdrop. If you’re drawn to brighter and well lit images however, maybe a moody venue isn’t the most ideal option.

Are there must-have wedding portrait locations on your list? I highly recommend you consider where you want your wedding day portraits to taken as well when choosing a venue. Think of all of them. Wedding days include photos of the couple, bridal party, and family formals. Do you want these taken on-site or somewhere else beautiful. A lot of my clients love going downtown or to other specific iconic locations.

Do you want to have both the ceremony and reception at the same place? Having both at the same venue can make things easier for your guests and can also cut down on costs.

Do you want to hire a full-service planner or DIY? Above all, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option. So if you’re considering DIY, take some time to think about the amount of work it will entail, and whether you feel comfortable taking on all of the tasks involved. Obviously, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about any aspect of the planning process, it may be worth considering hiring a planner to help guide you through the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

After carefully considering these factors, it’s time to begin your search for the perfect wedding venue! So to help get you started, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best wedding venues in Detroit, Michigan, presented in no particular order:

1. Colony Club: 2310 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. This historic venue is a Detroit landmark and offers a stunning setting for your wedding day. The club’s ballroom features crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and ornate details, making it a perfect choice for a classic wedding.
2. Saint John’s Resort: 44045 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170. Located in Plymouth, MI, is another wedding venue full of history. This classic venue offers a range of elegant indoor and outdoor options. The stunning chapel and atrium ballroom really creates a wow factor.
3. The Detroit Athletic Club: 241 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226. A sophisticated private club that’s been around since 1887. This historic venue is located in the heart of downtown Detroit and offers a stunning setting for weddings. The DAC has multiple event spaces available, including a grand ballroom and a rooftop terrace.
4. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202. A unique and art-filled option, the DIA is a great choice for your wedding. The museum’s Great Hall accommodates up to 300 guests, and the art-filled galleries make for a beautiful backdrop for photos. I personally love the stunning Kresge Court.
5. Meadow Brook Hall: 350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309. This historic mansion in Rochester, Michigan, is a gorgeous setting for your wedding. With beautiful gardens and elegant architecture, Meadow Brook Hall is sure to impress.
6. Planterra Conservatory: 7315 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322. This botanical garden in West Bloomfield offers a stunning indoor garden setting for your wedding. The conservatory has a variety of exotic plants and a beautiful waterfall, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere. The natural lighting makes for some gorgeous photos!
7. Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club: 9085 Big Lake Rd, City of the Village of Clarkston, MI 48346. This golf club in Clarkston is a beautiful outdoor setting for your wedding. With rolling hills and modern buildings, Shepherd’s Hollow is a great choice for any wedding theme.
8. The Madison: 1555 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226. This venue is a modern and elegant event space in downtown Detroit. It offers a variety of event spaces, including a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the skyline.
9. Shinola Hotel: 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Detroit and has a variety of event spaces. The Birdy Room is most known for weddings with its distinctive atmosphere and design.
10. Highlands Detroit: 400 Renaissance Center floor 71, Detroit, MI 48243. This elegant event space is a Detroit landmark and offers a sophisticated and intimate setting for your wedding. The space is known for its soaring ceilings and beautiful architectural details, perfect for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.
11. Lovett Hall at The Henry Ford: 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn, MI 48124. Another historic ballroom located in Dearborn, just outside of Detroit, offers an elegant and timeless setting for weddings. The ballroom features stunning architectural details, including hand-carved wood paneling and a vaulted ceiling with hand-painted murals.
12. The War Memorial: 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236. This stunning venue located in Grosse Pointe Farms, has a variety of event spaces for weddings from intimate to vast guest counts. Th ballroom and courtyard provides a sophisticated and elegant setting for your wedding, with stunning views of Lake St. Clair.

No matter what kind of wedding you’re planning, Detroit offers a range of beautiful venues to choose from. Take your time to consider your options and choose the one that best fits your style and preferences. With the right venue, your wedding day will be one you’ll never forget!

Photographer: Elise Filliccia Photography

Detroit Wedding Venues:

Colony Club, Saint John’s Resort, The Detroit Athletic Club, The Detroit Institute of Arts, Meadow Brook Hall, Planterra Conservatory, Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, The Madison, Shinola Hotel, Highlands Detroit, Lovett Hall, The War Memorial