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What makes Grand Rapids a unique city?
- Grand Rapids is a burgeoning city located east of Lake Michigan.
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What natural feature runs through Grand Rapids?
- Fittingly enough, the Grand River runs through its center.
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What can be seen in Grand Rapids' architecture?
- Old industrial roots can be seen in the city’s architecture, which often features original brick, steel, wood beams, and hardwoods.
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What attractions does Grand Rapids offer?
- Sculpture gardens, tropical conservatories, and art museums provide some of the area’s entertainment.
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What makes Grand Rapids a great destination for beer lovers?
- Known for its local breweries, the city also boasts a delicious local beer selection.
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What scenic features can be found in Grand Rapids?
- Folks who appreciate the four seasons will love the scenic beauty that can be found here and choosing a down-to-Earth wedding locale has never been easier.
Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan
- May to October – Best time for weddings with warm weather, lush gardens, and scenic outdoor venues.
- June to September – Peak season with sunny days, vibrant foliage, and popular local events (book early!).
- May & October – Shoulder months with beautiful spring blooms or fall colors and fewer crowds.
- November to April – Off-season with chilly temps and snow; cozy indoor venues work well for winter charm.
- September – A favorite for its mild temps, golden light, and stunning late-summer landscapes.
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1. Clearwater Place Event Venue
Host elegant, historic weddings in a beautifully restored venue.
Airy and bright, this wedding venue features stunning architecture. Sky-high ceilings are formed by a network of exposed, black iron beams and bolts, which follow an A-frame roof design. Ivory walls and a row of upper windows along the periphery soften the industrial feel of the space. A glass enclosed mezzanine adds dimension and a balcony overlook. The open-concept staircase gives the bride a chic opportunity to make her grand entrance. Drum chandeliers, market lights, mid-century modern fixtures, and vintage furniture play into the boho vibe. A herringbone dance floor and custom bar feature superb craftsmanship. A bridal suite is provided. The venue has audio visual capabilities and fee parking. A catering kitchen is available for use.
1430 Monroe Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-913-2234
2. Eberhard Center
Celebrate modern, waterfront weddings with stunning Grand River views.
Located on the Grand Valley State campus, this venue is situated among downtown’s hotel and restaurant scene. The iconic, royal blue footbridge gives the bride and groom a memorable photo opportunity, with city views. A wedding specialist assists couples in planning and personalizing packages to their taste and price point. Delicious menu options are designed by the venue’s in-house catering team. The banquet hall has recessed ceilings, brick walls, neutral carpeting, and a dance floor. A baby grand piano sits ready to be played. There is a bridal party suite and free parking, to boot.
301 West Fulton Street, 210 Eberhard Center, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-331-6620
3. Eve at The B.O.B.
Plan stylish, upscale weddings with vibrant ambiance and city views.
Located in the heart of downtown, this posh venue has loft appeal. Smoky black ceilings, gold drum pendant lights, grey brick walls and polished flooring set the tone. A midcentury-style, island bar is accessible by all four corners of the room. The lounge area features art deco carpeting. Modern leather furniture in ivory and teal is modulated to create intimate coves and places to gather. Art installations form wave-like wall partitions. The space, which seats up to 125 people, is simply, chic. Catering and menu design are provided. This venue is LGBT friendly.
20 Monroe Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-356-2627 x116
4. Gallery Divani
Enjoy intimate, modern weddings with chic decor and gourmet cuisine.
Centrally located, this venue has access to several hotels and downtown nightlife. The restaurant’s interior has an urban, steakhouse feel. Wood floors, tan brick walls, and exposed ventilation treatments structure the look of the private banquet room. The space seats up to 100 guests and can accommodate 160 attendees for a strolling reception. A creative menu of fine American favorites will leave guests happily satiated. The bride and groom will appreciate the local beer selection and craft cocktail bar, not to mention wines pulled from the temperature controlled wine cellar. For package details, couples may contact the establishment’s event manager.
15 Ionia Southwest, Suite 130, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-774-9463
5. Goei Center
Host industrial-chic weddings with exposed brick and urban charm.
Just a ten minutes’ drive from downtown, this 15,000 square foot venue is both rustic and romantic. Exposed rafters and studs, tan brick walls, and hardwood floors create the design feel. Delicate, candle chandeliers twinkle, adding a touch of femininity. Couples may also choose to incorporate the warm amber glow of market lights. The space is versatile, and easily personalized to taste. Chiavari seating and tables are provided. For capacity inquiries, the venue may be contacted directly. The bride and groom may choose their caterer of choice, as well as any other necessary vendors. Complimentary parking is included, and couples may choose to upgrade to valet, for a fee.
818 Butterworth Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-949-2421
6. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Exchange vows surrounded by contemporary art and modern elegance.
The ultra-modern architectural design of the museum showcases concrete and glass construction, and an immense waterfall installation at its entry. Couples who share a taste for minimalism will love the sleek design of the venue’s versatile spaces. Sky-high ceilings, all-glass walls, and light pebble hues create the look. An absolutely stunning, multi-level lobby staircase features a translucent baluster; a marvelous choice for presentation of the bride and groom at the reception dinner. The terrace, with its colossal columns, is a posh location for cocktails. Additional spaces include an onsite park and auditorium. A wedding event specialist assists in planning every detail. All alcohol is served by the museum. A list of preferred caterers is supplied.
101 Monroe Center Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-831-2916
7. Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Celebrate trendy, unique weddings with a lively, urban vibe.
A fairytale setting, couples may wed in the market’s greenhouse, surrounded by tropical botanicals. Seating accommodates up to 180 guests for ceremony, and up to 80 guests for a reception dinner. A smaller greenhouse, the Garden Room, is available for additional seating. The banquet room is larger, seating 180 guests, or 250 strolling. Floor to ceiling windows reveal the city scape. Harwood floors, a soft white palette, and wood slat accent walls create a clean, crisp look. The venue provides a well-balanced list of exclusive catering options. Full service staff is provided, and the event team ensures every detail is executed with precision. A full audio visual system is provided.
435 Ionia Avenue Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-805-5308
8. New Vintage Place
Plan rustic, industrial weddings in a restored historic venue.
A landmark of the west side, the old factory still dons its legendary, 150-foot smokestack. The interior features miles of vertical space, towering industrial windows, and washed brick. Exposed black steel framing, coal accent walls, and amber market lights add to the historic feel. A cable-wire staircase extends up to the mezzanine, which overlooks the bar and cocktail lounge. Couples may host both the ceremony and reception in the main room. With so much square footage, the bride and groom have room to play with fantastical décor. An outdoor amphitheater and courtyard offer additional locations. Up to 300 guests sit down to a tantalizing dinner, prepared by the venue’s exclusive catering partner. Free parking is provided.
889 Broadway Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-774-4400
9. Noto's Old World
Enjoy classic, Italian-inspired weddings with timeless elegance and fine dining.
Couples who have a love for all things “Italy” will appreciate what this venue has to offer. The ballroom is awe-inspiring. Intricately designed tin ceilings and massive teardrop chandeliers command attention. Floor to ceiling, multi pane windows create an entire wall of sunlit views. A grand staircase with marble steps descends elegantly into the ballroom. A snuggly sized attic loft features ceiling arches built of brick; a fairytale location for photos of the bride and groom. Smaller weddings may be hosted in one of the restaurant’s private dining rooms, or even in the herb garden. Mouthwatering reception menus and decadent cakes are sure to please. Guests will delight in the venue’s selection of imported wines.
6600 28th Street, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-493-6686
10. Paddock Place
Host charming, garden-inspired weddings in a historic mansion setting.
A 19th century mansion, this historic venue features rich hardwood floors, wood paneled walls, intricate woodwork, and bronze inlays. Recessed ceilings, interior archways, etched glass, and lamp chandeliers add to the old-world charm. There are five entertainment spaces to choose from, each with its own character. The estate has everything from crisply tailored, early-American design, to Irish pub-like dining rooms. Seating can accommodate between 30-55 guests, depending on the space. For larger sized weddings, a tent pavilion may be set up in the grassy lawn, upon the red brick patio. Seating can accommodate up to 150 guests outside. The catering menu offers inventive preparation of choice-cut meats and sumptuous seafood fare.
1033 Lake Drive Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-742-0600
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