8 of The Best Waterfront Venues in Michigan

From Detroit all the way to the upper peninsula, Michigan is surrounded by beaches and shorelines. In fact, it boasts the longest fresh water shoreline in the world! Finding a wedding venue that gives your guests a view of the beautiful Great Lakes is an easy task, but what about a venue that is unique with a view? Here is a look at 8 waterfront venues from Detroit to Northern Michigan that offer both.

 

Watervale Inn

1244 Watervale Rd, Arcadia

A Northern Michigan family getaway since 1917, the Watervale Inn sits on Lower Herring Lake with access to a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline. Out of town guests will enjoy vintage cottage rentals so you and your guests can celebrate a long weekend together. Watervale can host celebrations for up to 150 guests with a terrace for lake front weddings and separate Casino to dance the night away. Dates are limited but this quaint, historic venue is one you will not want to miss!

 

 

Fountain Point Resort

990 South Lake Leelanau Dr

This historic 19 room bed and breakfast built in 1889, sits on 1/2 mile of panoramic shoreline on beautiful Lake Leelanau. Fountain Point Resort also offers your guests 7 private cottages on the private 54 acres for you to enjoy a long summer weekend getaway together. Your wedding can take place under the large oak tree on the property or near the private sandy beach with a larger tented reception . Guests can enjoy social activities like shuffle board, horse shoes and bag toss. Fountain Point Resort is nestled away 30 minutes north of Traverse City providing the perfect destination weekend for any wedding.

 

 

Glen Arbor-The Homestead and The Leelanau School

1 Old Homestead rd, Glen Arbor

If you are familiar with Northern Michigan, then you have surely heard of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Voted by Good  Morning America “Most Beautiful Place in America”, this area of Northern Michigan has so much to offer, especially beautiful wedding venues. Many brides think of The Homestead as the wedding venue near the dunes, but a more obscure and unique venue that is attached to The Homestead is The Leelanau School. Couples can rent the pristine 42 acres that this boarding school has to offer and get married the shores of Lake Michigan and host a celebration nestled away in the woods. The nearest accommodation option is The Homestead Resort, so guests will still be able to enjoy “America’s freshwater resort”.

 

Black Star Farms

10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay

Another venue that has amazing panoramic views of the water, without being water front, is Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, Michigan. Most native Michiganders know Black Star Farms for their delicious wines, but do you know it is also a bed and breakfast with an amazing barn that hosts weddings? You can choose to have your wedding in the vineyards with jaw dropping views of the bay. Guests will enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the property and the luxurious experience with exceptional amenities. The 160 acre estate is perfect for showcasing Northern Michigan’s wine country.

 

The Boathouse at Bowers Harbor

14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City

Looking for a more intimate venue that offers exquisite views of Michigan’s beauty with an emphasis on the dining experience? The Boathouse at Bowers Harbor is such a venue. Tucked away from the busy wine tours the peninsula has to offer, The Boathouse is suitable for smaller weddings (20-30 guests) but doesn’t lack in experience. Guests will exquisite views of the bay while enjoying fresh “farm to table” produce grown locally on Old Mission Peninsula and of course the areas finest wines.

 

Waterview Loft at Port Detroit

130 E. Atwater Street, Detroit

When people think of water and Michigan, most people immediately think of Northern Michigan. But in southeast Michigan, Detroit offers a completely different experience. The Waterview Loft is a two story building providing guests with patio access on the first floor to enjoy the Detroit Riverwalk and panoramic views of the skyline, Canada, and Ambassador Bridge on the second story with floor to ceiling windows . Just minutes away from the GM Ren Cen, this venue is perfect for couples that love the night life of downtown Detroit and giving guests a premiere waterfront event.

 

 

The Leland Lodge

565 Pearl St., Leland

Even though The Leland Lodge does not have water front shoreline, couples can opt for a wedding ceremony that is over looking Lake Leelanau at the nearby country club. The Leland Lodge offers plenty of options for couples with three separate event spaces and the ability to combine both the banquet space and outdoor courtyard. This venue can hold up to 280 guests and offers all of the ambiance of Northern Michigan. Just minutes from Fishtown, couples can venture over to Lake Michigan for the most picturesque sunset pictures.

 

The Inn at Harbor Shores

800 Whitwam Dr , Saint Joseph

On Michigan’s Southwest side of the state is a quiet, charming little town where guests from Indiana and Chicago can travel for your Michigan destination wedding. The Inn at Harbor Shores, in St. Joseph, stands on the edge of the St. Joseph River surrounded by idyllic beaches, boats, quaint shops, and a world-renowned golf course. The Inn boasts a ballroom with an open floor plan that can host 300 guests and other options like a riverside patio and waterside rooms. This newer venue is the perfect destination venue for couples on Michigan’s Southwest coast.

 

 

There are plenty of other unique and amazing waterfront venues Michigan has to offer, this is just a small list to help you in your wedding planning!