10 Unique Small Wedding Venues for your Small Intimate Wedding in Michigan
One of my most common conversations with couples of mine is about the struggles of finding small wedding venues in Michigan. And after doing research for this post, I can sincerely understand why!! Michigan has so many beautiful venues, but most locations cater mainly to larger weddings. Some have options for both small weddings and larger ones, but it can be challenging when you know you will only have 40 people in a venue that seats 200! 5 tables in a room that's meant for 30 tables? Woof.
Finding rental homes can be another amazing option (especially if your party is only you and maybe a couple of your closest friends) but finding rental homes if you were hoping for 20+ people is an entirely different situation. As someone who personally had to do this for her own wedding planning, it's way harder to find places than you would think and also you are left with planning EVERY detail on your own (unless you hire a planner)! Any rentals you might want, food, coordinating - it's basically planning a normal size wedding but at a location with no help.
So that leads us here! I wanted to create a small list of some amazing spots that cater to small weddings all over the state! And while some also cater to some larger parties, I think these spots all seem to do an incredible job with smaller events and having that intimate setting that helps make wedding days extra special.
**quick note that photos of couples are my own photos, the rest are from google!**
1. The Glass House Community - Zeeland, MI
Glass House Community is a small greenhouse gathering space, located in Zeeland - west Michigan halfway between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan! The space is known for catering small events only, and offers seating in rows for up to 50 guests. They offer different packages to include the glass house, the grounds, farmhouse, cottage, and barn. The grounds also has tons of beautiful photo locations, room for outdoor gatherings, yard games, and lingering with loved ones.
2. Lakemore Retreat - Traverse City, MI
Lakemore Retreat is a lakefront vacation rental property with three BEAUTIFUL homes, and amazingly designed grounds that can accommodate up to 37 guests! It's the perfect backdrop for intimate weddings (including this beautiful day I photographed here forever ago) with guests of 50 or less and is an incredible option if you've been dreaming of a wedding week experience where you can be surrounded by friends and family the entire week!
3. Huron House Bed & Breakfast - Oscoda, MI
The Huron House is right on the shores of Lake Huron between Oscoda and Tawas, and it's a beautiful 14-room luxury Bed & Breakfast destination. It's perfect for any kind of getaway, but is known for intimate & romantic wedding weekends! The home has amenities such as private decks, fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, personal hot tubs, and of course the amazing experience of waking up to the sounds of Lake Huron's waves hitting the shore. They also have a wedding concierge that will help you create your dream day!
4. Fields of Michigan - South Haven, MI
The Fields of Michigan is an outdoor glamping venue, set on a working blueberry farm just a few miles from the shores of Lake Michigan! The tents at this location are BEAUTIFUL, and they also have many activities listed on their website including a Treehouse dining space & a spa.
5. A Farmhouse LLC - Baraga, MI
This Farmhouse is the perfect property if you're hoping for an intimate wedding with a big backyard-wedding vibe! It's located on 380 acres (yes, THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY) of fields, forests, and lakes! The home itself can accommodate up to 12 guests, and is not far from L'Anse and many other super scenic areas perfect for photos!
6. A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo - Ellsworth, MI
One of my FAVORITE locations in the Petoskey area, A Matter of Taste is such a perfect small wedding venue in Michigan. Although they can accommodate larger groups, the restaurant-turned-venue is perfect for an intimate gathering. It's located right on Saint Clair Lake, right between Traverse City and Petoskey. With the pergola covered deck and a swooping lawn leading you to the lakefront - it's one of the most beautiful spots in northern Michigan! AND has amaaaazing food. Win win!
7. Cedarhurst Lodge - Republic, MI
This lodge was the FIRST venue I ever photographed a wedding at in the Upper Peninsula (to see some throwback photos from this day that I still drool over look no further) and it's forever my favorite. It's a beautiful log cabin, secluded in the woods right on a lake. The area has an indoor space perfect for a reception, beautiful options for ceremony spaces, and a spacious lawn in case a tent is more your style!
8. Watervale Inn - Arcadia, MI
One of the most beautiful little towns in Michigan, Watervale is such a beautiful spot for a wedding. Watervale Inn has vintage cottages nestled right into the shorelines of both Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake, which gives you some STUNNING views! They have a terrace available for an outdoor ceremony, an indoor option, and the cutest spaces for a little reception. They can accommodate up to 150 guests, but the space makes weddings of any size feel intimate!
9. LaRose Wellness Retreat - Baraga, MI
With a sprawling lawn overlooking Lake Superior and wonderfully unique slate rock formations, this retreat is perfect for an intimate wedding weekend celebration. It has the options of renting rooms or the full house which can accommodate up to 15 people, and has amazing views of the Keweenaw Bay and Huron Mountains! And whether you're looking for a relaxing wedding week or hoping to find some outdoor activities, this place has your back.
10. Mission Table at Bowers Harbor - Traverse City, MI
I'm sure a lot of you have probably heard of this space, but it is such a perfect spot for a small wedding. The ceremony space overlooks the waters at golden hour, and the inn provides a cozy, romantic setting. It can accommodate up to 60 guests, and also has the added bonus of being a restaurant (hello amazing food from Jolly Pumpkin).
And there you go!! Now you are an expert and can go out and get stared planning your dream intimate wedding!
If you still have questions about planning your intimate Michigan wedding, let’s talk! I’m happy to build your day with you and serve you however I can!!
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