The recent Detroit revival has brought with it an enviable culinary scene, refurbished artistic world, and a newfound appreciation for its storied history. Glamour, grit, and automobiles once defined Motor City and it remains just as tough and shiny today. A unique blend of authenticity and opulence, Detroit takes pride in its residents and visitors, especially when it comes to their celebrations.
Best Big Guest List Venues
The Fisher Building
Architect Albert Kahn built the Fisher Building in 1928, and it’s considered a true landmark of Detroit. The Fisher Building was originally built as an ode to the people of Detroit, their work ethic, and artisan backgrounds. As the building took on more significance over the years, it became a beacon for transformation. The city experienced massive growth in real estate, but the Fisher Building maintained its historic integrity and served as the perfect gathering space for weddings. This unforgettable space will highlight the wedding day of your dreams, with grand ceilings, marble and granite, and the Art Deco style. Many generous spaces are available for your customization, with up to 100,000 square feet of available space to accommodate up to 400 guests. You can bring in your favorite outside caterers and decorators to make sure your dream comes to life exactly how you want it!
Meadow Brook Hall
Matilda Dodge Wilson built Meadow Brook Hall to entertain heads of state, captains of industry, and the cream of the social world. Whether you prefer a picturesque garden ceremony or to exchange your vows in our stately mansion, you can choose between the best of both worlds! Give your guests an unforgettable experience here, with activities beyond just “normal” wedding things. Your day will be full of happiness and fun, with exquisite dining and dancing to tours of the estate for you and your guests. Their spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces, four-star cuisine, and world-class service make this venue so amazing. Your big guest list will love the venue, and you’ll have enough space to mingle with everyone.
Best Garden Venues
Planterra Conservatory
If you’re a flower fanatic, Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is sure to delight with its lush flora and impressive glass building. It’s an ideal setting that evokes old, charming Victorian décor surrounded by nature and life. Cascades of flowers will surround you as you say “I do,” take romantic photos, and chat with your guests. Then, enjoy stunning sunsets and stargazing through the magnificent glass ceiling; no matter how cold it is outside, you’ll stay warm! For you and up to 180 guests, the full-service event team is there to meet your every need — its award-winning floral design team, beautiful cuisine, and lovely wine selection will blow you away. The venue can also help you outsource things like photography and entertainment by tapping into their preferred vendor network. With bright and beautiful botany, Planterra Conservatory brings with it a timeless sense of magical wonder for your special day.
Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This romantic venue is bursting with blooming gardens, stately pines, and sweeping lawns that offer exciting seasonal displays of color and choices galore for your formal or casual event. Opt for a lawn ceremony, cocktails on the terrace, and dancing in the Pavilion in the summer, relishing the warmth and happiness. If it’s cold out, choose a celebration inside the stunning Conservatory, a tropical destination wedding without the jet lag! You’re free to mix and match wedding sites: whether you choose the historic Chapel, Conservatory, Bluestone Terrace, Grand Lawn, Masco Pavilion, The Pines, or a combination, the amazing staff will help guide you in creating the ideal day for you and your guests.
Best Intimate Venues
The Atrium in the Inn at St John’s
The Inn at St. John is highlighted by its Atrium, a meticulously maintained outdoor courtyard area, providing a refreshing atmosphere for mingling, cocktails, and photos. Accommodation is taken care of for the guests: the romantic 118-room AAA four-diamond hotel makes for a restful stay without the drive. The dedicated and experienced wedding planners and talented and detail-conscious culinary team are committed to creating the wedding of your dreams and providing excellent service, with incredible food and decor!
Cafe Cortina
A beautiful restaurant nestled in a former apple orchard — what more could you want? As guests stroll through the lush grounds, they’ll feel transported to the tranquil Italian countryside. Exchange vows in front of a rustic fireplace, followed by a reception on a twinkle-lit patio, or in one of the Mediterranean-inspired dining rooms. Many ingredients featured in the hearty regional Italian dishes like radicchio, basil, rosemary, sage, peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and more are grown right on-site and have been since the restaurant’s founding in 1976. The food will blow you and your guests away, and the setting is perfect for your elegant and intimate wedding.
Best Affordable Venues
The Rust Belt Market
This funky public market in downtown Ferndale, just outside of Detroit, is home to artists and vintage vendors during the day and incredible private events at night. The Rust Belt Market’s high ceilings and industrial architectural details come together to create a space that’s perfect for your engagement party, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, or all of the above. A wooden chevron wall and archway provide a visually striking backdrop for photos and decor, and the open-concept event space is easily customized to fit your ideas. The twinkle lights, exposed ductwork, tree-branch light fixtures, and neutral tones create an eclectic and modern, yet warm, ambiance. Access to the Revel Bar makes it easy to get the party started. This full-service bar is adjacent to the main room, and craft beer is included with all bar packages There’s also a catering prep kitchen and convenient parking for your favorite food trucks!
Red Riding Hood Stables
Red Riding Hood Stables in Holly, Michigan offers an elegantly rustic venue for your celebration at a reasonable price! A beautiful 60-acre working thoroughbred farm located within minutes of the Holly Hotel, Red Riding Hood Stables is Oakland County’s best-kept secret. With exclusive catering options from the Holly Hotel, furniture rentals, and decorating services at your disposal, Red Riding Hood Stables creates the perfect backdrop for your special event. Celebrate your most momentous occasion surrounded by magnificent horses and rolling grounds. Take advantage of the setting and tour the stables with your guests, and even go for a ride!
Best Countryside Venues
Greencrest Manor
In enchanting woods outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, and centrally located between Chicago and Detroit, lies the breathtaking Greencrest Manor Estate. The moment you drive through the wrought-iron gates and up the tree-lined drive, you will be transported into a 17th-century French countryside château. Adorned with cascading ivy, sprawling formal gardens, and an atmosphere that radiates warmth and historical opulence will have your guests talking about your wedding for ages. The team makes you feel like family, enveloped by an extraordinarily tranquil escape from the hustle of day-to-day life in the city. A cocktail in hand and a breath of fresh air will welcome you to the magic of Greencrest Manor Estate!
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
Cornman Farms is a multi-award-winning wedding venue and culinary destination nestled into the countryside outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. With sprawling fields, gardens, and historic buildings set on 27 acres of pastoral beauty, our estate offers a warm and inspiring atmosphere for your special day. Whether the wedding of your dreams is indoor or outdoor, intimate or grand, the Farm has stunning spaces that will provide the perfect backdrop to your celebrations. The Farmhouse was redesigned to create the perfect suite of rooms with all of the essential elements for you and your wedding party to get ready: the upper level features a bridal suite, lounge area, hair and makeup room, and full bathroom. The lower level includes the library with a wood-burning fireplace and living rooms to welcome your family and wedding party throughout the day. Then, move to the Red Barn for your reception. An elevated American icon, the lovingly restored and modernized Red Barn was built in 1837 and featured a stunning gabled roof. It exudes rustic elegance and features heating and air-conditioning, wood-burning fireplaces, a built-in bar, elevator, and restrooms. The lounge, located on the lower level, features leather seating, a double bar, men’s and women’s restrooms, and an outdoor patio. The rustic atmosphere provides an ideal space for cocktail hour, dessert, and photos. The upper-level loft features beautiful high ceilings with a gabled roof and large open area for dancing. If you want a tented wedding, you can also use their gorgeous tent. The venue offers both bespoke and all-inclusive wedding packages for 2 to 300 guests, providing you with exceptional service and ensuring you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your special day!
Best Unique Venues
The Henry Ford Museum
Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of “the country’s best Museums”, The Henry Ford hosts award-winning luxury weddings in national historic landmark venues featuring magnificent American architecture, impeccable grounds, and garden courtyards. Treat your guests to once-in-a-lifetime experiences including horse-drawn carriages, Model T’s, and locally sourced menus all with award-winning service. Choose from three gorgeous spaces: the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation makes a dramatic first impression for your guests. Start with the grandeur of timeless architecture, before moving to the museum, surrounded by national treasures that provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your wedding. Imagine dancing the night away under the outstretched wings of a soaring DC-3 airplane with up to 400 guests. Lovett Hall is Michigan’s most beautiful ballroom, built by Henry Ford himself with Burmese teak floors, crystal chandeliers, two garden courtyards, and a ballroom balcony, surrounded with grand windows and enormous paired fireplaces. This remarkable 1930’s gem serves up to 300 guests for a wedding and reception. The final option is Greenfield Village. If your dream wedding is traditional, yet unique and timeless, you’ll love Greenfield Village. Step into Detroit’s history in the Martha Mary Chapel, a picturesque New England Style Chapel, ideal for an intimate wedding. Then move to a candle lit dinner in Eagle Tavern, enveloped with a warm glow that sparks magic and invites your 135 guests to stay all night.
The Circ and Root
The Circ and Root is an incredibly unique pair of wedding venues in Ann Arbor, Michigan, right on top of each other! Choose your favorite, or opt for the best of both worlds. These historic spaces are perfectly located in Ann Arbor’s flourishing downtown district. Plan a lovely personalized ceremony on-site, then kick off the celebrations on the roof deck of the Circ, ideal for a lovely cocktail hour. Industrial surroundings give the open-air deck a stylish, urban feel. With amazing views of the sunset, guests might want to revisit the roof before the night is out. The main area of the Circ sets the scene for elaborate dinner parties. This inspiring space features exposed wooden beams, red brick walls, and a sophisticated main bar decked out with built-in comfortable stools. Dark tones are brought to life by large windows, letting in plenty of natural light. A smaller lounge bar lets guests sit by the window overlooking the spacious deck. Once the meal is over, head down to the underground Root, setting the scene for a romantic night of dancing. Stone walls and dim lighting create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for photos. You can take full advantage of the historic arches and caverns of this 1850s property on your perfect day! Formerly one of Michigan’s first-ever breweries, the Circ and Root offers a truly unique setting for any occasion. For parties of up to 175, arrange a seated banquet — larger gatherings of up to 250 will be able to enjoy a mouth-watering buffet. The team at the venue is more than happy to design a custom menu, and work with you to realize your vision!
