Best Places for an Outdoor Wedding in the Petoskey Area

Sweeping shorelines, verdant forests, and picturesque downtowns and communities—the Petoskey Area is well-known for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes, which, over the years, have become ideal backdrops for outdoor weddings. 

As a popular region for nuptials of all shapes and sizes, the region offers a multitude of venue options to fit each bride’s and groom’s big-day dream vision. With that in mind, here are some of the best places for an outdoor wedding in the Petoskey Area!

 

Hotel Perry

Petoskey

A historic site with the Little Traverse Bay as a gorgeous backdrop, Hotel Perry offers its luscious Rose Garden Veranda for en plein air celebrations in the heart of Petoskey during the outdoor wedding season.

Ceremonies taking place on the veranda feature panoramic views, stunning greenery and florals, and seating for 200 guests. As for an outdoor reception space, all Rose Garden Veranda rentals include use of the permanent Conservatory, which holds up to 250 guests. Hosting your big day’s ceremony and reception at the Hotel Perry’s coveted Rose Garden Veranda enables you to enjoy the amazing Northern Michigan weather and sights while partying from day to night, keeping the scenery and location very much a part of the event. 

Hotel Perry offers exceptional on-site catering, hotel blocks, unique wedding packages, and indoor spaces just in case the rain clouds decide to shower you (which, according to old wives’ tales, rain on your wedding day is actually good luck!). Not to mention, your photos will be stunning on the veranda, in the hotel, and throughout Petoskey’s downtown area, should you choose to venture out to the parks, waterfront, and historic spots for one-of-a-kind bridal shots. 

Classic with a historic lilt, modern amenities, and incomparable views, Hotel Perry is a top wedding venue to consider.

 

 

The Terrace Inn

Over in the storied Bay View Association, the Terrace Inn nestled amongst a rainbow of Victorian homes, offering quaint, historic surroundings for a wedding, large or intimate. The inn itself presents an enchanting setting and elegant architecture that harkens to a romance that emanates from decades past, enmeshing your modern-day event with unparalleled timelessness.

Aside from the beautiful scenery all around the establishment, the Terrace Inn features a gorgeous exterior staircase, extensive covered porch, and, of course, a lovely terrace—all great for photo opportunities, mingling, and cocktails. With in-house catering—1911 Restaurant and Josephine’s Garden Lounge—it’s a breeze to get your food and beverage needs taken care of, too. And not to mention, guests and bridal party members have the ease of staying on-site at the inn in a variety of rooms and suites.

Immensely romantic, the Terrace Inn and the Bay View Association provide a unique location for any wedding, one that will be forever memorable. 

 

 

Bay View Inn

Another wedding venue also within the Bay View Association is the Bay View Inn, situated on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Outdoor ceremonies take place in the inn’s Staffordshire Garden, offering another Petoskey Area venue that gives Secret Garden vibes. With its green expanse, dense foliage, and view of Lake Michigan, brides and grooms will feel like they’ve been transported into a version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic tale.

Wedding ceremonies can take place in the garden while receptions are right at home in the Howard Room, with its 120-guest capacity and access to fresh air via the Lakeside Room and Deck—it’s the best of both worlds when you hold your nuptials at the Bay View Inn. 

On-site catering, room blocks, wedding specials, and more are available through the Bay View Inn, along with vintage chandeliers and classic furnishings to add an extra layer of elegance to your day.

 

Lavender Hill Farm

Out on Horton Bay Road, in Boyne City, you’ll find an agritourism destination that links lavender and love. Lavender Hill Farm is a must-visit during any trip to the Petoskey Area, but it’s an especially fantastic spot for a wedding.

The outdoor ceremony space includes a pergola, perfect for the officiant, bride, and groom, with a roomy amphitheater-style seating area for guests. The fully renovated events barn—which is over a century old!—makes for a beautifully rustic stage for your reception, featuring chandeliers and twinkle lights, along with an open-to-the-elements deck, ideal for socializing during cocktail hour.

Lavender Hill Farm presents rustic charm, a rolling vista of lavender fields for stunning photos, modern amenities, parking lot shuttles, and the calming aroma of lavender in the air. You can even showcase a lavender-centric cocktail or lavender-themed wedding favors for an additional touch to imprint this special day even more.

 

Bay Harbor

With its sophisticated reputation, Bay Harbor emphasizes luxury, comfort, and unobstructed views, making it a highly desirable locale for a wedding with a water view.

Found within Bay Harbor’s five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are three outdoor wedding venue sites, each suitable for gatherings of different sizes. For a guest count of 150, Observation Lookout is ideal, with its unobstructed views of the harbor. The next step up, Sunset Beach, is perfect for weddings of 250 attendees, as you’re right on the shore with the waves gently lapping at the sand and ample space to spread out. Finally, Marina Lawn, located at the end of Bay Harbor’s downtown strip, offers the best of both worlds—outside with a blissful breeze, view of the marina and lake beyond, million-dollar sunsets, and the protection of a tent with tons of room for dancing the night away. 

Downtown Bay Harbor is also festooned with string lights year-round, casting a warm and romantic glow for evening and twilight photo opportunities!

 

The Highlands at Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs

Around the Little Traverse Bay, set back in the hilly terrain, resides The Highlands at Harbor Springs, a beautiful venue off the beaten path, favored by those desiring a breathtaking spot for their wedding celebration.

The Highlands has several locations for you to consider when planning an outdoor wedding. Get married under blue skies at the Mountain Top overlook, the main summit of The Highlands, with a stunning view of Lake Michigan. Or select the Graham Chapel, an historic A-frame structure with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the wooded landscape part of your ‘I dos.’ For an option closer to sea level, the Lakeside Patio & Lawn is a flexible outdoor space that offers casual elegance, enmeshed with the resort’s natural surroundings. 

A favored spot for golfers and skiers alike, The Highlands offers activities and lodging, as well—extra amenities to entertain guests and bridal party members. The resort has 300 classic suites in the English countryside style, and a professional event coordinator to help streamline your entire stay and experience.

 

Springbrook Farms

Boyne Falls

Over in Boyne Falls, there’s a historic farmhouse venue situated in the hills, ideal for rustic weddings. Springbrook Farms is one of the oldest farms in the area that offers two great venue options, depending on the size of your gathering.

For an intimate setting, the Springbrook Farms barn can accommodate 100 guests for a dreamy and pastoral celebration. If you’re thinking of a larger wedding, you can spread out under event tents beside the barn and use the landscape as decor and photo backdrops. Whichever spot you land on for the party, you get to enjoy an outdoor ceremony resplendent in nature’s glory as you say your vows in front of friends and family.

Family-owned and operated, this wedding venue cherishes celebrations and people coming together in the name of love—the owners will happily help you create the day of your dreams.

Whether you’re seeking a tucked-away destination spot for your upcoming intimate nuptials or you want to make a grand splash with a large party for the ages, the Petoskey Area has countless wedding venues that offer stunning scenery, top-notch amenities, and the caring hospitality spirit that the region is known for. No matter which place you pick, your big day will be a day to remember!

 

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!