[smisen]

So I'm planning a wedding for next summer and I'm looking for some ceremony/reception sites in the Ann Arbor area. Here's what I'd like to find:

1) Within 1 hour of Ann Arbor
2) Non-traditional location (ie - no churches, country clubs or hotels)
3) Cheaper is better
4) Indoor/outdoor option - somewhere with a nice outdoor area, but options for rain would be best.
5) Space for ~100-150 people
6) Somewhere where we can hold both the ceremony and reception in the same location

For example, I love Cobblestone Farm in Ann Arbor, but it's already booked every Saturday from March to October next year.

Any other fun, out-of-the-ordinary ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[kgylie]

smisen, my sister got married last year and had it at this place in Hartland Michigan. I think it is about 45 minutes from Ann Arbor. It was the most amazing wedding. It was a private mansion in Hartland, you actually can get married there, have the reception and they have like 15 rooms so the wedding party and the bride/groom also spend the night. You can be married in or outside, they have an amazing garden area. I wish I could remember the name of he place, I will call my sister and ask.

I have been to tons of weddings, this one blew them all away. Completely out of the ordinary!

[Brie85]

Would Matthaei Botanical Gardens be within your budget? It is beautiful and could accomodate a ceremony and reception.

The Cranbrook Educational Center in Bloomfield Hills also has a variety of spaces to rent, including an art museum. But I am unaware of their pricing.

The Detroit Zoo also offers a unique location.

[needing more]

Southern Exposure in Marshall area. It might be over an HR but its amazing. An herb garden with an old over 100+ yr old barn.. Inside or outside.. Its amazing. Let me know if you want any more info.

[KMSFLA]

Originally Posted by needing more

Southern Exposure in Marshall area. It might be over an HR but its amazing. An herb garden with an old over 100+ yr old barn.. Inside or outside.. Its amazing. Let me know if you want any more info.

I'm from Marshall but I've never heard about Southern Exposure. I'm curious - what is it?

Check out Brook Lodge Hotel & and Conference Resort in Augusta. Do a search on the Internet and look at the pictures. We had a family wedding and reception there and it was very nice. Plenty of lodging available. It might be pushing your 1 hour distance criteria to the limit though.

[KMSFLA]

I've found the Southern Exposure website - very nice. We'll have to take a look at it next time we are up.

[jeeg]

We're moving to the area next week, we'll definitely have to check out Southern Exposure

[Lion11]

Check out Weller's in Saline. It's a really beautiful location!

Wellers Weddings

[MI-Roger]

Our oldest son's Eagle Scout ceremony was held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in their indoor space approximately 15 years ago (wow, time flies!). It is a beautiful setting but may be a little tight for 100 people. The indoor space does have a commercial kitchen with separate entrance and ample space for serving tables behind a folding partition. This would allow the ceremony and reception to both be held indoors if the weather didn't cooperate.

We attended a Couples Wedding Shower at Eagle Crest Golf Club about 3 years ago. Very nice large room overlooking the golf course and Ford Lake. Fantastic view! With the room being upstairs there was no interferrence by weekend golfers coming in to pay fees or celebrate at the 19th Hole. And the Marriot Hotel is right next door if you have out of town guests.

How about Diamond Jim's boat cruises on the Detroit river? Definitely non-traditional and within the one-hour distance limit.

[aquadejoe]

check out greenfield village.