Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
.png)
For Wedding Pros
If you’re looking for a small wedding venue for 50 guests or fewer in Michigan, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of amazing options for intimate celebrations across the state. Whether it’s the chic urban spaces in Detroit or Grand Rapids, a charming historic farm in the Traverse City area, or a serene weekend wedding retreat by the shores of Lake Michigan, we’ve rounded up the best wedding venues. This includes venues with lodging (hello, camp wedding!) and even budget-friendly spots like Airbnbs!
From personal experience, I know that finding the perfect venue for your micro wedding can be a challenge, but we’re here to make it easier! This list doesn’t cover every single venue option in Michigan, so if you don’t see exactly what you're looking for, be sure to check out our guides for finding small wedding venues and Airbnb wedding venues.
The most populated region, including cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding suburbs. Here, couples will find urban-chic lofts, historic buildings, and elegant garden venues, as well as easy access to stunning waterfront options.
Offering both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception settings and packages for small weddings and elopements, Victoria Chapel is great for couples looking for a tranquil lakeside venue convenient to some of Michigan’s largest cities.
The self-proclaimed “curators of intimate weddings”, Tin Roof Weddings offers curated all-inclusive wedding packages that include everything you need at a variety of locations including The Vale Royal Barn. While this isn’t exactly a venue, per se, their packages include the location making this a seamless all-inclusive option.
This venue was made for micro weddings! From micro weddings to elopements to the tiny (think pop-up) weddings, Zingermans Cornman Farms is “an event venue, culinary destination and picturesque estate” just outside Ann Arbor.
The small wedding venue just outside of Detroit really has it all when it comes to small wedding offerings! We love to see a variety of affordable packages, plus the ability to customize! Branded as the "courthouse alternative", where you can get a much more personalized experience in an intimate setting created specifically for small weddings. Whether you're into a simple ceremony or an elaborate affair, the team at Ever and Ever Wedding Studio are ready to take care of the details so your day comes to life exactly as you imagine!
Best for beach weddings and cozy venues for 50 guests or less in charming lakeside towns like South Haven.
For a glamping wedding, look no further than The Fields of Michigan, an amazing spot for your intimate wedding on a blueberry farm!
A community space located halfway between Grand Rapids and the shore, this venue gives total greenhouse vibes. This space comfortably accommodates micro weddings of all sizes and is situated on a historic farm. With plenty of outdoor space for you and your guests to mingle, celebrate, and play, the space encourages nourishment and growth making it the perfect place to begin your journey as a married couple.
From Traverse City to Petoskey, Northern Michigan is known for its scenic beauty, vineyards, and tranquil lakes. This region is ideal for nature-loving couples seeking venues that highlight the area’s natural beauty.
For the luxury couple seeking a vineyard wedding venue in Michigan, Chateau Chantal could be your perfect fit. This is another one that offers lodging fulfilling your every need for a complete wedding weekend.
The Harbor View Inn offers a charming micro wedding venue option with French and Victorian vibes. With three ceremony locations and lodging, all fit for small wedding guest lists, this makes a great lakeside venue and an experience you and your guests will remember for years to come.
For adventurous couples and beach lovers alike, the Upper Peninsula offers rugged, natural beauty with unique venues in secluded, peaceful settings. You just can’t beat the crystal blue and the white sand beaches.
The venue is a dream for couples who are looking for a camp-style wedding. Pinecrest Northwoods offers small wedding and elopement packages perfect for an intimate, outdoor celebration. Enjoy amenities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and a variety of other water sports, and even a sauna. I especially like how they structure their wedding package pricing for lodging, keeping guest lodging separate so it’s not so awkward to have guests pitch in for their own lodging.
Another incredible venue option for your small wedding right on Lake Michigan. Lake Bluff Preserve offers stunning private vacation homes built on the bluffs of Lake Michigan. Offering packages for both weddings with 30 guests or less, or for more than 30 guests, enjoy lodging and say your vows at a lakeside location.
I wanted to save a special section just for castle wedding venues because you might think just because you’re having a small wedding, you can’t have a space as grand as a castle for your venue which is just simply not true! Here are some of my favorite finds for castle venues that are still perfect for a small wedding.
Sitting on 20 private acres, this 6-story medieval-style castle is the perfect setting for your intimate celebration. Offering convenient packages, including cozy winter wedding and elopement packages, your “dreamy wedding without the fuss” awaits.
Exchange your vows in a castle with Keweenaw Castle Resorts carefully curated (and affordable!) packages — one for an elopement and one for you, your partner, and 18 - 28 guests. This isn’t a traditional wedding venue but rather a gorgeous inn that loves to celebrate life's special moments.
Referred to as the ‘Jewel of Kalamazoo’ this 1895 castle has a vineyard on site along with a wine cave. If exceptional dining, delicious wine, and a real castle is included in your wedding theme, this is your spot!
This castle wedding venue is actually geared toward elopements with an option to include up to 10 guests for the ceremony. I would say that castle elopement venues are super rare so that makes this a total gem. Choose from 3 all-inclusive packages, one including an entire weekend on property and everything you need to celebrate your union.
One of my top recommendations for affordable wedding venues no matter where you’re getting married is to choose a public space like a local park, botanic garden, or State or National Park for your ceremony and couple it with an amazing restaurant or Airbnb for your reception. This is a great way to get a cheap or even free outdoor or forest wedding venue without breaking the bank!
I always like to disclaimer this section with a reminder to check local regulations, acquire necessary permits, and respect the land while you’re there. Partnering with a local photographer or wedding planner who has experience in these spaces will make your planning process easier.
A great way to get a beautiful location is to use one of the parks in your local area, and it's one of the best micro wedding or elopement ideas for a venue. Many city and county park systems are available for rent — you just have to know where to look for the rental info. Here are a few I found, and if your area isn’t listed, be sure to check out our guide to finding unique wedding venues for my top tips on finding places like these.
Whether you choose the intimate setting of Capitol Park or the bustling atmosphere of Campus Martius Park, Downtown Detroit Parks will provide an affordable outdoor venue option that’s convenient for you and your guests.
With over 30 spaces to choose from, like Woods Lake which you can rent for 4 hours for 30-40 people for just $160, you could have your wedding among the trees next to the lake in a totally affordable way.
With over 15 locations to choose from, Grand Rapids park system has many options ranging in price from $125 - $375 for the rental fee. Choose to have your ceremony in one of these beautiful locations and then head to a favorite restaurant for the reception and you have a totally affordable wedding.
Parks like Wolcott Mill Historic Center and Sheldon Pines provide natural backdrops for outdoor ceremonies while Indian Springs offers a great option for an indoor space.
For the perfect garden wedding venue, these botanical gardens allow you to have your wedding
In a formal garden or indoors among the tropical plants of the Conservatory.
State and National Parks make great wedding venues for your wedding with 50 guests or less, especially for an outdoor wedding ceremony with forest, lake, or mountain views. Similar to local parks, be sure to secure the appropriate permits and respect the area.
A peaceful setting with rolling hills and meadows.
Surrounded by woodlands and fields, perfect for an intimate outdoor wedding.
Known for its striking cliffs, waterfalls, and serene beaches.
A stunning backdrop with waterfalls and wooded trails for an unforgettable ceremony.
Ideal for couples who want to get married in Michigan’s largest state park, surrounded by dense forests and sweeping vistas.
A breathtaking venue for couples who want a dramatic, natural landscape.
Famous for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for lakeside weddings.
Combines forest and beach for couples looking for a versatile outdoor setting for their venue.
Perfect for couples seeking a beach wedding with breathtaking sand dunes.
Offers a blend of beach scenery and wooded areas.
Dramatic dunes and lake views create a one-of-a-kind backdrop.
A gem in the Detroit River, offering picturesque gardens and waterfront views.
When it comes to Airbnb and VRBO wedding venues, Michigan has a lot due to the abundance of lakes and resort towns. I always recommend checking VRBO first for wedding venues because their event policy is much more generous than Airbnb’s. Airbnb wedding venues can be found, but are usually best suited for elopements and tiny weddings with just a few guests. Here are a few solid choices for your micro wedding or elopement.
I think Airbnbs are perfect for elopements because they’re generally open to allowing “parties” as long as the guest count doesn’t exceed the home’s capacity.
Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony, a rustic barn wedding, or something completely unique, Michigan has a wealth of small wedding venues to offer. With the state's rich natural beauty and variety of settings, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your special day.
Small weddings allow couples to focus on what truly matters—love and connection. No matter the location, Michigan provides a stunning backdrop for an intimate and memorable wedding experience.
