The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Planning your wedding in West Michigan and hunting for the perfect wedding venues in Grand Rapids? Whether you’re envisioning modern architecture, lush outdoor settings, Italian villa vibes, or dreamy waterfront views, Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas deliver. As a Michigan wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring venues that photograph as beautifully as they appear in person. I’ve categorized my favorite Grand Rapids wedding venues to make your search easy. From contemporary downtown spots to charming spaces in the forest, here are the venues that I highly recommend!

Modern Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids

If your dream wedding vibe is clean, modern, and full of natural light, these Grand Rapids venues might be your perfect match. These spots are known for their architectural charm, sleek lines, and effortless elegance, perfect couples who want a contemporary feel with plenty of space for personalization. Whether you’re into bold statements or neutral backdrops, these venues provide the canvas for  the wedding celebration of your dreams.

1. Grand Rapids Art Museum

Right in the heart of downtown, Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) offers a clean, contemporary backdrop with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern architecture. This space is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a one-of-a-kind curated gallery experience with space for reception as well. It’s proximity to the hotels in the area make it an excellent choice for accommodating out-of-town guests as well!

2. Leona Road

Once a school, now a chic and spacious venue, Leona Road blends industrial design with elegant touches. This fully renovated venue was designed in Scandinavian styling with abundant natural light and modern amenities. It’s a favorite for stylish, minimalist weddings, but can accommodate more maximalist guest lists of up to 300. The exterior offers space for cocktails on the terrace surrounded by towering trees.

3. Port 393

Situated in Holland, Port 393 brings coastal sophistication to West Michigan. The rooftop deck is ideal for sunset ceremonies, and the interior exudes sleek, upscale vibes.​ The photo ops are endless in this showstopping venue! Other perks include full support for your big day, featuring day of coordination, wedding planning, decorating and rentals, a full service bar, along with setup/tear down services.

4. Venue Bella Giornata

This brand-new venue in Byron Center  is clean, fresh, and stunning.  Venue Bella Giornata offers multiple spaces: The Grand Ivory Room accommodates up to 275 guests, while The Magnolia Room is perfect for more intimate gatherings of up to 90 guests. No matter the size of your guest list, their spaces are beautifully designed, light, and airy– a Michigan wedding photographer’s dream.  As an added bonus, they boast an on-site cottage perfect for your and your wedding party to get ready for your big day just steps away from the main spaces.

Outdoor Wedding Venues Grand Rapids MI

If you love the idea of exchanging vows surrounded by lush greenery, fresh air, and scenic beauty, these outdoor venues are right up your alley.  These options offer a calming vibe anda  reprieve from the business of the city. From wooded lodges to lush greenhouses and botanical gardens, these spaces bring a romantic, outdoorsy charm that’s perfect for whimsical, laid-back weddings. Bonus: they photograph like a dream.

5. Bissell Tree House

Next up is the Bissell Tree House. Tucked away on the John Ball Zoo property, this venue is a hidden gem with panoramic views and a cozy, elevated lodge feel. This indoor/outdoor venue is perfect for fall weddings or couples wanting a nature-inspired day without leaving Grand Rapids.  Ceremonies can be held on the deck, also a great space for cocktails with your guests. Alternatively, there is space inside with floor-to-ceiling windows & adjustable lighting.  Transportation from the zoo is included, but do pay close attention to the allowed decor in their informational packet.

6. Of the Land

This stunning Battle Creek venue embraces the simplicity and serenity of nature. Of the Land features multiple options for ceremony sites, including their greenhouse and a lush garden space for a true outdoor wedding. This space is ideal for couples seeking an intimate wedding experience away from the hustle and bustle of town.  Also, they offer many convenient on-site amenities, including catering using the freshest local ingredients.

7. Ivy House

This Saugatuck greenhouse-style venue is surrounded by greenery and filled with natural light. Ivy House seamlessly combines nature and luxury. This venue offers multiple sites for ceremonies, including a new outdoor space and two new reception areas. This romantic, full-service venue is airy, gorgeous, and hard to resist!

8. Shepherd’s Hollow

Located near Detroit, Shepherd’s Hollow looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. The latest addition to the property, The Station, is a beautiful glass-windowed banquet space that provides full views of the pine forest that surrounds the property. No matter the season, the views are stunning and the ambiance is unmatched!​

9. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

This Grand Rapids wedding venue boasts an award winning team to assist you on your big day along with versatile ceremony options to accommodate guest lists of all sizes. Art meets nature at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the most picturesque venues in the area. Couples can say “I do” surrounded by gardens, internationally acclaimed sculptures, and peaceful water features—ideal for botanical lovers and elegant outdoor affairs.​

10. Glass House Community

This unique space is an indoor/outdoor venue. It features a modern, greenhouse-like structure draped with live greenery and infused with rustic charm. Glass House Community is great for micro weddings, creative couples, and anyone who loves an intentional, community-centered vibe. Nestled right between Grand Rapids and Lakeshore, Glass House is a convenient and one-of-a-kind space ideal for more intimate gatherings.  Their max capacity is 50 guests and they offer multiple wedding packages that include use of the grounds.

Italian Villa-Inspired Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids

If you’re searching for an elegant venue with European charm and opulence, these options are for you. They feature grand staircases, ivy-covered walls, arched windows, and timeless architecture that feels straight out of Tuscany. These spaces are perfect for couples drawn to luxury, classic elegance, and a bit of fairy-tale flair.

11. Venue3Two

This historic mansion, originally built in 1925, exudes European charm with stately architecture and lush gardens. Venue3Two offers beautifully restored spaces and day-of-coordination services. They do their part to help make your wedding day as grand as the venue itself.

12. CityFlats Hotel Grand Ballroom

Next, downtown charm meets Italian Renaissance opulence at the CityFlats Hotel Grand Ballroom. The grand ballroom is ornate, dramatic, and perfect for black-tie weddings or couples who desire vintage glam.​ Built in 1926, this venue is dripping with luxurious details of a bygone era. The site offers options for  ceremony spaces. In addition, it comes staffed with individuals experienced in planning and executing stunning weddings of up to 200 guests.

13. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

While not technically Italian, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel boasts gilded ballrooms, iconic chandeliers, and riverside views. If you are a Michigan couple seeking luxury and history in one beautiful package, look no further. This ornate downtown hotel is equipped to accommodate weddings ranging in size from an intimate microwedding to a full-scale gathering of up to 800 guests (if you utilize their Ambassador Ballroom.) With this venue, couples have the ability to customize virtually every detail of their big day and their staff will provide one-on-one assistance to make it happen.

Waterfront Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids

Michigan has no shortage of waterfront venues that offer a magical combination of natural beauty and destination feel—minus the plane ticket. From bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan to serene lakeside resorts, these stunning locations offer unbelievable views for the lakeside ceremony of your dreams.

14. Lake Bluff Preserve

Overlooking Lake Michigan with sweeping bluff views, Lake Bluff Preserve is breathtaking and something you can’t fully appreciate until you see for yourself. It’s perfect for a weekend wedding with built-in lodging for your out-of-town guests. In addition, it offers a dreamy destination feel without leaving Michigan! ​ This Frankfort, MI wedding venue accommodates both small elopements and larger weddings with multiple packages to choose from when planning.

15.Bay Pointe Inn

Located on Gun Lake, Bay Pointe Inn is an all-season waterfront resort great for couples desiring a relaxing, resort-style vibe. It offers ceremony spots overlooking the water, lush gardens, and a luxurious ballroom complete with a fireplace for a cozy winter wedding.​ When you book Bay Pointe Inn, their team of wedding specialists will help you plan the day of your dreams.

16.Boatwerks Waterfront Venue

In Holland, Boatwerks Waterfront Venue offers a romantic lakeside setting with rustic-chic interiors and beautiful sunset views over Lake Macatawa. This space is a must-see for nautical lovers or summer wedding couples. They offer an impressive list of included services and amenities, such as in-house catering, beverage services, floor length linens, tables, and more with additional add-on options available.

Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Hey, I’m Anika! If you’re looking for a Grand Rapids wedding photographer to tell your unique story, you’re in the right place. I specialize in capturing love stories in West Michigan, no matter your style. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement at a quiet little venue surrounded by pines or an elegant black tie affair in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, I’m here for it. I’ll capture candid shots of your genuine connection, big laughs, and all the little moments that make your love story yours. Sound like your vibe? Let’s create something unforgettable together! Check out my photography packages, and contact me here to make some magic happen!

P.S. Check out this post for a ton of creative ideas for a date night in Grand Rapids and check out this one for my favorite Grand Rapids engagement photo locations!