The 25+ Best Wedding Venues in Northern Michigan
Starry Night Barn in Suttons Bay, Michigan
Are you planning your dream wedding in Traverse City or Northern Michigan? Start Here!
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of wedding venues in Northern Michigan; from rustic barns to the best views of the lake, and oh so many wineries! Seriously, Northern Michigan has it all. Annnd, as a Traverse City wedding photographer, I’ve shot at so many of these venues, so I can tell you what makes each one so special, and what local gems are nearby. Did we miss your dream venue? Leave a comment and we will add it.
Happy wedding planning! And be sure to get in touch with us about wedding photography.
There are some overlapping features (like some wineries also have amazing lake views!), but we tried to keep it simple, and break it down into 4 simple categories.
Lakebluff Preserve in Frankfort, Michigan
The Best Lake View Venues in northern michigan
Lakebluff Preserve: (check out this wedding story)
One of our absolute favorites, this is Northern Michigan wrapped up in one location. There are three large homes that offer stunning lake views, and you have a mix of pine trees, bluffs, and Lake Michigan for portrait opportunities. The venue is located about 2 miles from Frankfort, and 45 minutes south of Traverse City.
Such a gorgeous hidden gem in Leelanau! Right on Lake Michigan, and surrounded by wooden bridges and cool artsy buildings for a woodsy cabin vibe. This venue is also so close to Glen Arbor, so we could even sneak away for some photos in the dunes.
On beautiful Lake Leelanau, you can say “I do” on the beach, have private cottages, and there’s a game room for post ceremony shenanigans.
Located downtown Traverse City, this is the closest beach venue you will get to Traverse City. Your guests can stay at the hotel, and you could host a walkable after party at one of the nearby breweries! Plus, you can celebrate your new marriage by jumping into their heated pool.
In the 1980s, my grandparents actually ran this amazingly beautiful inn on the river. But don’t worry, it’s been completely renovated and restored since then, and is a gorgeous spot for your intimate wedding.
This historic building actually has TWO venue options, once for smaller events, and one for larger! For both, you can enjoy a ceremony on the lawn, with a view of West Bay in the background.
Located farther up north, Hotel Walloon is close to Petoskey, Charlevoix, and oh so charming for your wedding. Seriously looks like something out of a vintage wedding magazine!
It’s in the name! Have your wedding in the hills of Northern Michigan with a beautiful woodsy and water background. This venue is perfect for both summer and fall color.
Imagine this outdoor deck surrounded by lights, with the sunset as your backdrop. This is also super close to several Lake Michigan beaches, with views of bluffs, so we could easily sneak off and get multiple spots for your sunset photographs.
Closer to Elk Rapids, this is such a cute, rustic resort, and you get a mix of woods, lodges, and of course, water!
Homemade cider, and close to downtown Sutton’s Bay, their deck has a dreamy, tree filled backdrop and view of the water.
The Cathedral Barn in Traverse City, Michigan
The Best barn Venues in northern Michigan
Historical barn in Traverse City surrounded by botanical gardens and wooded trails. The barn is also insulated, so you can have your wedding here any time of the year.
The historical farmhouses on the property make this venue so unique. There are so many options for getting ready, portraits, and ceremony spots, you can make this barn your own! Plus it’s located close to Sutton’s Bay and Leelanau, so your guests can enjoy different nearby towns.
A super charming, rustic barn, surrounded by woods and a distillery! Also close to Crystal Mountain, and about 45 minutes from Traverse City.
Foxglove is a new venue with a completely restored barn in Omena!
This is another newer venue, but is already such a staple to the area. Surrounded by fields and fruit, Jacob’s has three options for your wedding. This would be gorgeous any time of the year, but the surrounding hills and Fall colors would be a stunning backdrop.
A little farther North, this barn surrounded by an orchard is an iconic spot for your Northern Michigan wedding. And every couple who gets married on the property gets to plant a tree there!
the best Winery venues in your Northern Michigan
Tucked away from the public tasting room, you can say “I do”, under a giant willow tree, and enjoy walking through the vines.
Up in the hills, you get a barn, winery, and a view of the water in one venue. Ciccone is also off of M-22, so you are close to Suttons Bay and Traverse City.
Close to town, but away from all the crowds, you can have your wedding surrounded by the vines and a beautiful building.
Closer to Northport, this winery is also close to Lake Michigan, so we could easily sneak away for some sunset photos on the lake.
A charming farm nestled in the woods, you can feed the chickens, and say “I do” in the vines.
The Botanic Gardens in Traverse City
the best intimate wedding venues in Northern Michigan
This is a dream space for any nature lover! We can take portraits in the gardens, and you can have a cocktail hour or intimate dinner on the pavilion.
Red Ginger has a private event room above their restaurant. You could host an intimate ceremony on the lake, then have a dinner party with their customizable menus.
Located in Frankfort, you can host a multiple day gathering, and gave everyone stay in these rustic cabins.
Blue Bridge in Traverse City
the best venues with indoor and outdoor options in Northern Michigan
Enjoy dinner and dancing inside, while being able to walk around, or visit the marina for portraits.
This is a dream venue, with multiple options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions. And if you want to make it a multi day celebration, look into their cabin and camping options!
The outdoor ceremony spots are surrounded by trees, but if the weather is bad, you can easily set up your dream space indoors.