It’s the day you’ve dreamed about all your life. That special moment when you and your best friend make a lifetime commitment. It should happen in a perfect place.
When planning your wedding in Grand Rapids, you want everything to be picture-perfect. Fortunately, the city has plenty of natural scenic outdoor venues to allow your wedding photographers to capture the beauty of the moment. Worried about the hot summers and cold winters? Have the ceremony outside, then bring the party indoors for a comfortable reception.
Check out these wedding locations:
The Amway Grand Plaza
This place does weddings right! Part of the Hilton Hotels chain and located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway can handle everything; bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception (and of course, the wedding night!). Provide a “next day” brunch for your guests, too. Spectacular views are part of the package for most hotel rooms at the Amway Grand Plaza.
The Ballroom at McKay
Located at 146 Monroe Center St. NW is an 18-story tall building, erected in 1919 in the center of downtown. With high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and sleek marble architecture, The Ballroom at McKay is a classy place for your wedding.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Situated in the city’s downtown area, The Grand Rapids Art Museum contains more than 5,000 pieces of art. They host many different events each year, but weddings and receptions are a specialty! The GRAM offers several options for having the ceremony in Pocket Park or Cook Auditorium. You can feed your guests in the Wege Pavilion and serve cocktails on the dining terraces. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is within walking distance of downtown shops, restaurants and hotels.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Spanning more than 158 acres the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Beltline Ave NE has several places to set up a reception. Choose the gardens, tropical conservatory, moon-viewing deck, waterfall, piazza, greenhouse or grand room common areas. Flowers and Michigan’s native plants will enhance your wedding photos and videos. Your guests will enjoy free parking and complimentary admission to the gardens, so they’ll have something to do while you’re taking pictures.
Venue 3 Two
On the corner of Shaffer and 32nd Street, this venue is also known as the old Tassell Ranch or Stormy Creek Ranch. Formerly a 700-acre cattle ranch, the property now sports a beautiful mansion built in 1925. Venue 3 Two has a spacious gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, a large all-purpose room, patio and courtyard. There’s also a specially designed suite to get the bridal party ready for that walk down the aisle. Venue 3 Two is a “profit for nonprofit” business, meaning net profits are donated to Equine Assisted Development and other organizations that support at-risk families, disadvantaged children and human trafficking victims.
Also Worth Mentioning
- Bay Pointe Inn has private dining rooms, well-kept lawns on the lakefront and large patios to accommodate various sized weddings.
- Boatwerks is on the shores of Lake Macatawa. Choose from the Black River Ballroom (with panoramic views of the lake) and the Macatawa Room with its deep wood.
- Cannonsburg Ski Area features the ski hill in a perfect setting for wedding pictures. The facility can hold up to 200 guests.
Most of these locations have wedding or event coordinators to help you turn your ceremonial plans into reality. No matter where you hold your wedding and reception, the backdrop is secondary because all eyes — and cameras — will be on you! So smile and say “I do.”
This article was written and generously donated By Teri Silver of Lawnstarter
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