Best Small Wedding Ceremony Sites in Michigan
Best Small Wedding Ceremony Sites in Michigan
If you’re dreaming of an intimate “I do” with your closest people, Michigan has some absolutely stellar ceremony spots – perfect for weddings with 50 guests or fewer. Whether you’re planning a cozy forest elopement or a lakefront vow exchange, you’re sure to fancy one of these small wedding ceremony sites in Michigan—ideal for micro weddings, elopements, and everything in between.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire, MI
(MY FAVE, as some of you may be able to tell from my like 17 blog post on Sleeping Bear Dunes (I’m exaggerating, but you get the gist haha)
If you’re after breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and towering dunes, this is a dream location. It’s my fave! With a permit, you can have a small ceremony overlooking the lake or tucked into a quiet trail spot. Ideal for couples who love adventure and don’t mind a little sand between their toes.
Not sure how to get started? I got you!
Read some other blogs I’ve written about Sleeping Bear dunes here
- My TOP 6 engagement session locations at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- How to plan a small wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Elopement at Sleeping Bear Dunes | Chris & Morgan
- The best times to get married at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- How to get a wedding permit for Sleeping Bear Dunes
The average micro wedding couple spends $5-12k on a Sleeping Bear Dunes wedding.
2. The Little Garden at Planterra Conservatory – West Bloomfield, MI
Planterra is known for its lush greenhouse weddings, but they also offer a smaller garden space perfect for intimate ceremonies. It’s got that romantic, secret garden feel and is stunning year-round—especially for a winter wedding with tropical vibes.
Check out more about Planterra here
The reviews speak for themselves! Check out what other couples are saying here
The average micro wedding couples spend at the Planterra: 15-almost 30k, for 10-50 guests, and how luxury you go with the package. For just the venue rental, it ranges from 4-6k
3. The Cheney Place – Grand Rapids, MI
This industrial-chic venue has flexible spaces for smaller weddings. Think exposed brick, dreamy lighting, and a cool, modern vibe. Perfect if you want something city-based but still super personal. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Check out more positive reviews here
Check out the Cheney Place here
The average micro wedding couples spend at the Cheney Place is $2,800-$7,800, for up to 50 guests, for a small and intimate wedding day, for the rental only. Not including catering, photography, etc
4. Peninsula Cellars – Traverse City, MI
Set on Old Mission Peninsula, this cozy winery-turned-schoolhouse is full of charm and vineyard views. With its historic red schoolhouse, rolling grapevines, and laid-back feel, it’s perfect for an intimate ceremony of 50 or fewer. Plus, it’s just a short drive from downtown Traverse City and the shoreline—hello, wine and sunset photos.
Check out their availability here!
The average micro wedding couple spends about $3,500-$10k, for a small and intimate wedding day here, based on what’s included & the time of year. Off season offers more affordable rates
5. Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise, MI
Yep, you can get married near a waterfall in Michigan. The Upper Falls area has beautiful overlooks for a tiny guest list. You’ll need a permit and maybe some hiking boots, but the photos? Incredible, and absolutely freaking worth it.
In order to get your permit, you’ll need to contact the State Park directly.
The average micro wedding couples spend about 15k , give our take at Tahquamenon Falls.
6. Harbor View Inn – Mackinac Island, MI
If you’re dreaming of a charming island wedding, Harbor View Inn is basically storybook-perfect. With its historic architecture, gorgeous gardens, and views of the harbor, it’s ideal for a small ceremony that feels like a destination wedding without leaving Michigan. Bonus: no cars allowed on the island means your whole day has that slow, magical, timeless vibe.
Check out their packages and availability here!
The average micro wedding couples spend about $14,050-17k on average for a micro wedding, including an intimate ceremony & reception
7. Glass House Community – Zeeland, MI
Minimalist, bright, and surrounded by nature, Glass House Community is a dream for small weddings. With its sleek modern architecture and cozy outdoor spaces, it feels intimate but elevated. Perfect for couples who want a laid-back day with clean lines, greenery, and lots of natural light (plus super easy access to nearby beaches and trails).
The average couple spends about $4k for a micro wedding. It is noted on their website that their sweet spot is 30-40 guests, but they can accommodate up to 50 guests total.
Bonus: Your Backyard or Airbnb
Don’t sleep on private spaces! Renting a cute Airbnb or using a family property can make your wedding day feel deeply personal and totally you. Plus, it’s easier to customize every little detail. Some of my favorite weddings have taken place in Airbnbs, as well as on a couples property.
Tips for Planning a Small Ceremony in Michigan:
- Check permit requirements for state/national parks. I can help you! Inquire here
- Always have a Plan B for weather (love it here, but oh my lanta – Michigan keeps us on our toes! 😆 Expect the unexpected. 75 one day, snowing the next. Good ol Michigan)
- Hire vendors who specialize in small weddings—we get it. We understand exactly what you’re needing & tailor your experience to just that.
- Photography matters more than ever when your guest list is tiny. You’ll want to relive every little moment.
Michigan is filled with hidden gems for couples who want to keep it small, intentional, and stunning. If you’re planning a micro wedding or elopement, I’d love to help document your story in a way that feels like you. 🖤
Want to chat about photography for your small Michigan wedding? Get in touch here!
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate “I do” with your closest people, Michigan has some absolutely stellar ceremony spots – perfect for weddings with 50 guests or fewer. Whether you’re planning a cozy forest elopement or a lakefront vow exchange, you’re sure to fancy one of these small wedding ceremony sites in Michigan—ideal for micro weddings, elopements, and everything in between.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire, MI
(MY FAVE, as some of you may be able to tell from my like 17 blog post on Sleeping Bear Dunes (I’m exaggerating, but you get the gist haha)
If you’re after breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and towering dunes, this is a dream location. It’s my fave! With a permit, you can have a small ceremony overlooking the lake or tucked into a quiet trail spot. Ideal for couples who love adventure and don’t mind a little sand between their toes.
Not sure how to get started? I got you!
Read some other blogs I’ve written about Sleeping Bear dunes here
- My TOP 6 engagement session locations at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- How to plan a small wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Elopement at Sleeping Bear Dunes | Chris & Morgan
- The best times to get married at Sleeping Bear Dunes
- How to get a wedding permit for Sleeping Bear Dunes
The average micro wedding couple spends $5-12k on a Sleeping Bear Dunes wedding.
2. The Little Garden at Planterra Conservatory – West Bloomfield, MI
Planterra is known for its lush greenhouse weddings, but they also offer a smaller garden space perfect for intimate ceremonies. It’s got that romantic, secret garden feel and is stunning year-round—especially for a winter wedding with tropical vibes.
Check out more about Planterra here
The reviews speak for themselves! Check out what other couples are saying here
The average micro wedding couples spend at the Planterra: 15-almost 30k, for 10-50 guests, and how luxury you go with the package. For just the venue rental, it ranges from 4-6k
3. The Cheney Place – Grand Rapids, MI
This industrial-chic venue has flexible spaces for smaller weddings. Think exposed brick, dreamy lighting, and a cool, modern vibe. Perfect if you want something city-based but still super personal. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Check out more positive reviews here
Check out the Cheney Place here
The average micro wedding couples spend at the Cheney Place is $2,800-$7,800, for up to 50 guests, for a small and intimate wedding day, for the rental only. Not including catering, photography, etc
4. Peninsula Cellars – Traverse City, MI
Set on Old Mission Peninsula, this cozy winery-turned-schoolhouse is full of charm and vineyard views. With its historic red schoolhouse, rolling grapevines, and laid-back feel, it’s perfect for an intimate ceremony of 50 or fewer. Plus, it’s just a short drive from downtown Traverse City and the shoreline—hello, wine and sunset photos.
Check out their availability here!
The average micro wedding couple spends about $3,500-$10k, for a small and intimate wedding day here, based on what’s included & the time of year. Off season offers more affordable rates
5. Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise, MI
Yep, you can get married near a waterfall in Michigan. The Upper Falls area has beautiful overlooks for a tiny guest list. You’ll need a permit and maybe some hiking boots, but the photos? Incredible, and absolutely freaking worth it.
In order to get your permit, you’ll need to contact the State Park directly.
The average micro wedding couples spend about 15k , give our take at Tahquamenon Falls.
6. Harbor View Inn – Mackinac Island, MI
If you’re dreaming of a charming island wedding, Harbor View Inn is basically storybook-perfect. With its historic architecture, gorgeous gardens, and views of the harbor, it’s ideal for a small ceremony that feels like a destination wedding without leaving Michigan. Bonus: no cars allowed on the island means your whole day has that slow, magical, timeless vibe.
Check out their packages and availability here!
The average micro wedding couples spend about $14,050-17k on average for a micro wedding, including an intimate ceremony & reception
7. Glass House Community – Zeeland, MI
Minimalist, bright, and surrounded by nature, Glass House Community is a dream for small weddings. With its sleek modern architecture and cozy outdoor spaces, it feels intimate but elevated. Perfect for couples who want a laid-back day with clean lines, greenery, and lots of natural light (plus super easy access to nearby beaches and trails).
The average couple spends about $4k for a micro wedding. It is noted on their website that their sweet spot is 30-40 guests, but they can accommodate up to 50 guests total.
Bonus: Your Backyard or Airbnb
Don’t sleep on private spaces! Renting a cute Airbnb or using a family property can make your wedding day feel deeply personal and totally you. Plus, it’s easier to customize every little detail. Some of my favorite weddings have taken place in Airbnbs, as well as on a couples property.
Tips for Planning a Small Ceremony in Michigan:
- Check permit requirements for state/national parks. I can help you! Inquire here
- Always have a Plan B for weather (love it here, but oh my lanta – Michigan keeps us on our toes! 😆 Expect the unexpected. 75 one day, snowing the next. Good ol Michigan)
- Hire vendors who specialize in small weddings—we get it. We understand exactly what you’re needing & tailor your experience to just that.
- Photography matters more than ever when your guest list is tiny. You’ll want to relive every little moment.
Michigan is filled with hidden gems for couples who want to keep it small, intentional, and stunning. If you’re planning a micro wedding or elopement, I’d love to help document your story in a way that feels like you. 🖤
Want to chat about photography for your small Michigan wedding? Get in touch here!
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
