Unique Metro Detroit Wedding Venues

Updated: December 2017

I’m fairly certain that we had been engaged for approximately ninety minutes when we started talking about wedding venues. We had snagged some of those bright-colored noodles before boating out to the private beach and we draped ourselves over them in the Bermudian water, laughing, drinking what was left of the wine and beginning to shape – in our minds – what our wedding day would look like.

So many of our friends have been married in the Metro Detroit area, meaning we had loads of gorgeous events to reflect on. Within the past year, we’d attended stunning receptions at the DAC, Roostertail and even the Belle Isle Casino. The trick was finding something that hadn’t been overdone in our circle already; we made that our first priority.

And so, the hunt began. Here, some of the spaces we scoured:

Belle Isle Casino
A stately option that’s just a quick stroll to the legendary Belle Isle fountain, this venue is one of the few that everyone will raise their eyebrows in nostalgia on. It’s a vast space with an upper level for overflow or prep. Because of its age and lack of modernity, it’s most comfortably used in spring or fall, versus the hottest summer months. {More information: www.belleisleconservancy.org}

Source: www.CastleHallDetroit.com

Castle Hall
In the gorgeous Grand Army of the Republic building, you’ll find an upper floor space that boasts room for up to 130. We love it’s proximity to the Westin Book-Cadillac hotel, as well as all those windows (and white walls – yay!) that emphasize natural daylight. If you’re contemplating a Sunday brunch wedding, or shower, this spot shouldn’t be overlooked. {More info: www.CastleHallDetroit.com/about}
*Added 2017

Cliff Bell’s
A velvety-booth jazz bar, this intimate venue is lush and dark and authentic in the best way. A stage is perched near the back of the venue, where onlookers can sit back and listen to the sounds or stand up for a dance or two. An extra-long bar will ensure that all 150 seated guests can grab a drink at any time. {More information: www.cliffbells.com}

Colony Club
I’ve yet to attend an event at the Colony Club, but have heard only amazing things about the traditional, glamorous space. With its perfect location, only a block or two from Comerica Park, and it’s romantic interior, it’s perfect for parties of all sizes. It’s also managed by the same folks that handle the Gem Theater. {More information: www.GemColonyEvents.com}

Detroit Athletic Club
A gorgeous, member-only venue for the most formal fetes. Catering is done in-house and the second-floor ballrooms offer intricately detailed decor. Conveniently located off of Madison in downtown Detroit, it’s an easy drive (with valet or attached garage for parking), with nearby hotels. {More information: www.thedac.com}

Detroit Institute of Arts
Sigh… Could it get any better than hosting your reception among the art-lined walls of the DIA? The space is the perfect blend of luxury, culture and sophistication, with plenty of different rooms for various sizes of parties. Choose from the awe-inducing Great Hall, the window-and-brick Kreske Court or the renowned muraled Rivera Court. Note that religious ceremonies are off limits here. {More infomation: www.dia.org}

Detroit Symphony Orchestra
For music lovers, or anyone looking for a dramatic and different venue, the DSO delivers. Located on Woodard in Midtown, it’s an easy location to navigate to (via the Lodge or the I-75 Mack exit). Ceremonies can take place in the spatial atrium and receptions can take nearly any form with the 500-person blank canvas that’s the “Music Box.” {More information: www.dso.org}

Detroit Zoo
Well, why not? The Butterfly House is small and lovely and ideal for a family-only ceremony, and you can hold up to 200 in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery for dinner and dancing afterwards. On a nice day, you can use the fountain outdoors as well. And if you’re really cool, you can hang with the polar bears in the Arctic Circle with up to 49 of your friends. {More information: www.detroitzoo.org}

Source: TheEasternDetroit.com

The Eastern
While I haven’t been to a wedding at The Eastern, I have been to events in this blank canvas space that’s conveniently located within Eastern Market. A rectangular, brick room, The Eastern can be dressed up or kept casual … it’s entirely up to you. In warmer weather, you can connect a tent to the building for valet and cocktails, in cooler temperatures, it’s a warm and intimate feeling space for smaller weddings – think rust red ceiling beams with twinkle lights strung all around. {More informamtion: www.TheEasternDetroit.com}
*Added 2017

Eastern Market
When it came to our wedding, I immediately thought of Eastern Market. I’m a fool for Shed Three. All those high beams and windows; it’s magnificent. And it’s plunked in the center of it all, with easy parking and LOADS of space. My fear is that we’d spend an extravagant amount “filling up” the airy venue to make it feel cozy. But if you’ve got a massive family or an endless checking account, by all means, do it! And then please send me photos pronto. Shed Five is smaller and also available for rentals. Note that you’ll need to plan a Friday evening or Sunday wedding… the Saturday market doesn’t allow for any other events on that day. {More information: www.easternmarket.com}

Garden Theater 
In Midtown, the Garden Theater is tucked into an unassuming (but pleasing looking) building on Woodward. Enter through it’s main doors and you’ll find a long foyer, with entry into the primary space straight ahead. It’s exposed brick walls and blank slate design make it ideal for showy lighting and decor. A built-in bar is located at the back of the theater and – not surprisingly – the main stage serves as the perfect spot for vows or a head table. {More information: www.thegardentheater.com}
*Added 2018

Source: YouretheBride.com

Jam Handy
One of the lesser-known venues in Detroit, Jam Handy is an old advertisement filming studio on East Grand Boulevard with an odd and curious exterior and a cavernous, industrial interior. I love the idea of beautifully set, long tables and a small band in this space. You may want to consider bringing in portable bathrooms and will definitely want to arrange valet parking, which the building owner can assist with. {More information: www.thejamhandy.com}

Masonic Temple
Here’s another one that I’m not too familiar with. I’ve been inside the Masonic, but not for a wedding. It’s a ginormous (that’s a very technical term) space, so it could fit your entire graduating class and their spouses. Ceremony in the theater? Dinner and dancing in the gorgeous hall above? I’d say yes. {More information: www.themasonic.com}

Outdoor Adventure Center
This venue is as fresh as fresh can be. Opened up in late July 2015, it’s an outdoorsy depot right along the riverfront in downtown Detroit. Step inside and you’ll find a waterfall, a small airplane and a really cool loft space upstairs for events. There’s also an archery room that can accommodate smaller parties. If you’re craving something kid-friendly and fun, this might be your answer. (PS: The event staff is great!) {More information: www.michigan.gov/oac}

Piquette Plant
Ford’s former plant might house Model Ts now, but it also makes for an industrial chic wedding venue. Think worn brick walls and strung-up light strings. A little bit off the beaten track, but one of the favored “unexpected” venues in the city. {More information: www.fordpiquetteavenueplant.org}

Planterra
We fell in love with this out-of-the-box option as soon as we checked out their website. It’s outside of town, but it’s wonderfully unique and nearly tropical for a West Bloomfield address. One of its primary perks in a lovely ceremony space and reception venue – all in one pretty package – which fits up to 175 guests. {More information: www.planterraevents.com}

The Roostertail
I’m bias. Two of my favorite weddings of all time have been hosted at the Roostertail. Both were over the top and a BLAST. One used just the upper floor; the other used both the upper and lower levels. This venue does an excellent job of transforming itself when night rolls around; and there’s no doubt that folks will congregate on the outdoor patios just to be near the water views. {More information: www.roostertail.com}

Waterview Loft
I’m a sucker for this space as we’ve worked with the venue to host private events for work in the past. The folks are great and the view is spectacular. There’s even a lower-level room that’s just the right size for a ceremony and the upper level is full of windows and looks incredibly chic and modern when lit up. When combined, the upper and lower levels can hold up to 400. {More information: www.waterviewloft.com}

What’s missing from this list? Leave a comment if you have a suggested add!