Shauna Wear
Shauna Wear
When I became a wedding photographer back in 2012, I never could have imagined ending up here. "Here" as in having couples-turned-lifelong-friends, shooting hundreds of weddings at the most beautiful venues in Metro Detroit, and fueling my passion for travel by adventuring from coast to coast. It's such a dream and privilege to serve couples like you on a daily basis!
As a wedding photographer who has had captured beautiful moments across various places in Detroit, I’m excited to share some timeless venues!
Detroit, with its rich history and architectural diversity, offers so many stunning wedding venues that can bring any couple’s dream wedding to life! Whether you are looking for urban sophistication, lush gardens, or classic elegance, Detroit has it all. As a wedding photographer who has had the privilege of capturing beautiful moments across various venues in Detroit, I’m excited to share some of my top picks for timeless wedding venues in the area!
The Shinola Hotel holds a special place in my heart – it’s my absolute favorite venue, and I can’t wait to go back again. Its blend of modern luxury with historic Detroit charm makes it a great choice for an elegant, city-chic wedding. The hotel’s thoughtfully curated design, coupled with its exceptional service, creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding! Learn more about one of my favorite weddings at the Shinola here.
Guest count limit: 200 people
A close second favorite, Planterra Conservatory, offers a unique setting as a botanical garden wedding venue in Michigan. The lush greenery and natural light streaming through the glass-enclosed conservatory create such an ethereal and romantic atmosphere! It’s perfect for couples looking for a natural, serene setting among the hustle and bustle of the city. They also offer in-house food & beverage, floral design, valet service, and rental items!
Guest count limit: Inquire for more information
The Garden Theater blends historical significance with modern amenities. Its open space and high ceilings provide a versatile canvas for any wedding theme you can imagine. The theater’s urban charm and architectural details make it ideal for a stylish and memorable wedding!
Guest count limit: 250 people
For those who want a historic, mansion-style venue, The Whitney, a Detroit gem, is an impeccable choice! This iconic residence, known for its amazing American cuisine, offers a romantic and sophisticated setting. The intricate woodwork and historical decor gives a rich, warm ambiance, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Between the restaurant, the Ghostbar, and The Gardens, this Detroit wedding venue has everything you need for an unforgettable event!
Guest count limit: 350 people
Both located in Dearborn and part of The Henry Ford, these venues offer two very distinct experiences. The Henry Ford Museum is perfect for couples looking for an eclectic (but still historically timeless) backdrop, while Lovett Hall gives more classic elegance with its grand ballroom. There are 4 spaces within Lovett Hall where you can host your Detroit wedding – the ballroom, the lobby, the library, and the Ginger Meyer Garden. Their shared grounds and management make them convenient options for couples looking to offer their guests a unique experience!
Guest count limit for the Henry Ford Museum: Inquire for more information
Guest count limit for Lovett Hall: 300 guests
Greenfield Village & Lovett Hall:
Pine Knob Mansion is an ideal venue for those looking for a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. The mansion’s elegant interior, coupled with its stunning gardens and grounds, offers a perfect setting for both your ceremony and reception. There are two residences on the property – The Mansion and The Carriage House. The mansion (the more traditional of the two) has a total of 19 rooms that you can rent out to host family friends for your big day. The Carriage House has a more chic, contemporary style and an outdoor pavilion where you can hold your ceremony!
Guest count limit for The Mansion: 150 people
Guest count limit for The Carriage House: 280 people
Located on the Detroit riverfront, the Waterview Loft offers panoramic views of the Detroit River and city skyline. What more could you ask for?! Its modern, sophisticated design is perfect for couples who want a contemporary waterfront wedding. There are two spaces within this venue – the Conservatory (designed for your ceremony) and the Loft (designed for your reception). They offer two different reception packages depending on if you want a strolling or plated dinner! Check out one of my favorite Waterview Loft weddings here.
Guest count limit: 225 people
The Colony Club is known for its lavish interior, featuring gold-leaf ceilings and crystal chandeliers. This venue exudes luxury and is perfect for a glamorous, grand wedding in the heart of Detroit. There are two unique spaces available to host your big day – the Grand Ballroom and the Petite Ballroom!
Guest count limit: 500 people
The Detroit Yacht Club, situated on the island of Belle Isle, offers another unique, waterfront setting. Its historic building and stunning views of the river and city skyline create a beautiful backdrop for a nautical-themed wedding! The getaway aspect is what sets the Yacht Club apart from most other waterfront venues in Detroit. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being close enough to all the popular accommodation spots if you have friends and family flying in!
Guest count limit: 400 people
The Eastern, located in downtown Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, has an industrial-style feel to it, completely different from most other venues on this list. Its open, flexible space is perfect for couples looking to customize their wedding to fit their style and theme! With 5000 square feet of indoor space and 3000 square feet of patio space, the options are truly endless.
Guest count limit: 600 people strolling, 300 people sit-down
For a classic and upscale wedding, the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms offers timeless elegance that you can’t get anywhere else. Its well-manicured grounds and traditional interior provide a sophisticated backdrop for a refined wedding!
Guest count limit: Inquire for more information
The Masonic Temple, known as one of the world’s largest Masonic Temples, has a range of ornate rooms for weddings of all sizes. Its grandeur and historic significance make it a truly majestic setting for a wedding.
Guest count limit: 400 people
Meadow Brook Hall, a nationally recognized museum and cultural destination, is a Tudor-revival style mansion that offers both indoor and outdoor wedding options. The estate’s vast grounds, beautiful gardens, and elegant rooms provide the most romantic fairytale setting for your big day! There are sixteen distinct gardens you could utilize for your wedding, along with plenty of indoor hall options for your ceremony or reception.
Guest count limit: 300 people
Detroit’s rich history and diverse architecture provide a wide variety of options for wedding venues. Each venue offers its own unique charm and character, ensuring that there’s something for every couple’s style and preference! As a wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture the beauty and individuality of these venues, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue telling love stories in these timeless Detroit locations. If any one of these venues catch your eye, reach out to me and I’d be honored to photograph your big day!
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