Best Wedding Venues in Northern Michigan
From the waterfront views to sprawling wine country, wedding venues in Northern Michigan are rich with picturesque settings and historic character. See the top recommended wedding venues in the region from a wedding photographer with 16 years of experience.
Castle Farms
Charlevoix, MI
The atmosphere of Castle Farms evokes stories of French castles and historic love. Built in 1918, this property was modeled after the stone chateaus of Normandy. The regal stone facades, sprawling courtyards and spacious great halls have been carefully restored to maintain the air of elegance. Personally, the lush, manicured gardens are the crowning jewel of this property. From flourishing local plant varieties to the stately statues that line the grounds and the serene water features throughout — every corner of this award-winning venue is more beautiful than the last. With four distinct ceremony and reception spaces, you can choose from several grand indoor halls and refreshing outdoor spaces for your celebrations. The cherry on top? The curated collection of wines from their very own 1918 Cellars.
Features of Castle Farms
- Accommodates up to 300 guests
- In-house bar services
- Indoor and outdoor settings
- Wheelchair accessible
Inn at Bay Harbor
Bay Harbor, MI
This boutique hotel embodies the best of Northern Michigan. Grassy lawns, refreshing open air, and the waterfront setting of Little Traverse Bay. The natural lighting and architectural charm across the venue create an elegant, inviting atmosphere. You’ll appreciate the Sagamore Room’s French doors and brick-paved terrace, but most importantly, the Lake Lawn’s sprawling views that overlook the bay. Beyond the ceremony and reception, the Inn at Bay Harbor offers a full wedding weekend experience — you and your guests can unwind at the spa (named the most gorgeous in the state), explore the region’s top wineries, or tee off at one of two resort golf courses. For multi-day celebrations, the spacious lakeside cottages and hotel accommodations create a seamless experience. A wedding here goes beyond a single night of festivities — it’s about soaking in lakeside life at its finest, right down to an afternoon tea farewell before parting ways.
Features of the Inn at Bay Harbor
- Accommodates up to 150 guests
- In-house catering and bar service
- On-site accommodations
- Waterfront property
- Ideal for wedding weekend events
- Wheelchair accessible
Outdoor wedding venues in Northern Michigan
Aurora Cellars
Lake Leelanau, MI
Aurora Cellars is the kind of venue where time slows down thanks to the peaceful air of wine country. The setting is endlessly inspiring — rows of vines stretching into the horizon, a sprawling willow tree as the backdrop for your ceremony, and a Victorian-era farmhouse adding historic charm. With two acres of land, it feels intimate, but also open and inviting. The spacious patio is perfect for cocktail hour, while the high-ceiling tent (complete with chandeliers and bistro-style lighting) sets the scene for a reception that feels both refined and relaxed. The locally sourced plates and house-made wines create a farm-to-table experience that is as thoughtful as your wedding’s design.
Features of Aurora Cellars
- Accommodates up to 300 guests
- Tent included in rental of the venue
- Exclusive use of Aurora Cellars wine
- On-site accommodations in the Farmhouse for the weekend
Cherry Basket Farm
Omena, MI
Nestled among open fields, orchards and woodlands, this family-owned and operated farm feels like a quaint village escape — peaceful, charming and deeply connected to the land. I love how this venue thrives in the spring and summer months when the wildflowers and cherry blossoms bloom and alfresco dining beneath a sailcloth tent feels like a dream. The historic barn adds layers of character too, from the upper barn and its vaulted interiors to the stone-clad lower barn that is perfect for intimate dinners. You’ll even have the chance to plant your own cherry tree as a newlywed couple, leaving a lasting mark on Cherry Basket Farm’s legacy of community and sustainability.
Features of Cherry Basket Farm
- Accommodates up to 150 guests
- Wedding planner or coordinator required
- Exclusive use for the weekend of your wedding
- Outdoor and indoor spaces
Other Small Wedding Venues in Northern Michigan
- Chateau Chantal in Traverse Bay — a full-production winery and bed and breakfast ideal for intimate wedding weekends of 40 guests or less.
- The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island — historic grounds and luxury accommodations for small to medium-sized celebrations.
- Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay — Highly rated winery in Michigan with 160 acres of land and several venues for up to 150 guests.
Looking for more Northern Michigan wedding venue recommendations?
As a wedding photographer in Traverse City, I’ve seen the best that this scenic region has to offer. Get in touch and I’ll share a few more recommendations based on the vision you have for your wedding.
