Choosing a wedding venue is more important than you may think! Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day – the vibes, the photos, etc. Are you looking for dark and moody, string lights, big windows, industrial, waterfront, rooftop??

Michigan is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns and unique architecture, which makes it the perfect location for couples looking to get married. Barn weddings are great. Don’t get me wrong, but here is a list of 10 of my favorite venues in Michigan that are NOT barns.

1)  Hidden Grove Estates – located just outside of Lansing, this estate is one of a kind!! This bed and breakfast is the perfect destination for a big wedding celebration, or just a weekend away. The modern design allows for multiple locations for photos and the white pine hall is stunning for your reception!

2) The Millhaven – this old pickle factory and greenhouse have been turned into a stunning wedding venue in Marshall, Michigan. With a mixture of industrial charm and hints of elegance, the Millhaven makes the perfect backdrop for any wedding and can hold up to 250 guests.

3) Ivy House – sticking with the greenhouse vibes, the Ivy house is tucked into the little town of Saugatuck and is so uniquely stunning. Who doesn’t want to get married surrounded by greenery and lights?

4) The High Five Gr – taking us back to Grand Rapids, the High Five is a mixture of industrial and elegant. Being located in the heart of GR, it is also the perfect venue to go off site for photos. Raining on your wedding day? No problem!! The High Five has stunning windows and multiple floors that make it perfect for indoor photos as well.

5) Felt Mansion – who doesn’t want to get married at this stunning historical mansion? Have guests coming from out of town? The Felt Estate has packages that allow you to stay at the venue all weekend! The Felt gives you various locations for a ceremony space and has every backdrop for photos that you could ever want.

6) Shepherds Hollow – if you live in Michigan there is a strong chance you have heard of Shepherds Hollow. Located in Clarkston, Michigan, this venue is known for its checkered floors and breathtaking ceremony space. It is on the expensive side, but worth every penny.

7) Etre Farms – located in St. Joseph, this venue is on the fence of being a barn. Technically, Etre is a barn that has been redone to align with modern bride’s dreams. The owners took what used to be a rustic barn and created a clean, crisp and contemporary aesthetic. I would not say that this venue gives barn vibes at all.

8) Frederick Meijer Gardens – Meijer Gardens is a venue in Grand Rapids that combines natural beauty with artistic elements. You can choose to get married in the gardens, rooftop, or sculpture park, allowing everyone to find the perfect backdrop for their wedding day.

9) The Book Tower – This venue located in Detroit is truly one out of a movie. The architecture is one of a kind. Being a hotel, you can also spend the night after your wedding and not have to worry about transportation! The tall ceilings and unique chandeliers make for effortlessly stunning photos.

10) Inn at Bay Harbor – last but not least, the Inn at Bay Harbor. Located in Petosky on the shores of Lake Michigan, this venue will leave your guests speechless. Make Lake Michigan your something blue and say “I do” in front of the many shades of blue that Lake Michigan offers.

These are only 10 of the many venues in Michigan that are not barns. Just remember that your venue sets the tone for the day! Make sure you are in love with your venue when booking!!

– Meg