Meet Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

 “all of our guests were out-of-towners aND were totally in love with the area. This was the most helpful program out there! I aM SO HAPPY I was put into contact with the SOuthwest michigan tourist council! I am on the other side of the state so this was a blessing for us! We were able to make two trips over prior to the wedding date and loved visiting each time! Can't wait to go back!” 

– Heather F., Bride

There is nothing quite like the landscape of Southwestern Michigan. This breathtaking area is host to the lower Great Lakes, fabulous beaches, charming parks and barns, delicious restaurants, micro breweries, elegant vineyards and much more! Needless to say, all of these attractions make Southwestern Michigan the ideal place to have a destination wedding—and it isn't across the globe. The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council knows better than anyone the best beaches, barns, gardens and other special locales in the region to host a visionary destination wedding—and one that is right here in the Midwest. 
 

If you are searching for a beautiful location for your wedding, read on to hear from Victoria Dunlop of The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council's Group Sales & Marketing. 
 

Please tell us a little more about your business.

"The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council promotes area businesses to tourists and groups, including weddings, reunions, associations and corporate meetings. Our members are located in Berrien, Van Buren and Cass Counties in the southwest corner of Michigan—the gateway into our beautiful state!"

Why do brides chose you?

"Brides adore this region for destination weddings! Our western boundary along Lake Michigan is lined with sugar-sand beaches, while inland stand numerous vintage barns, scenic wineries, golf course vistas, welcoming parks, a botanical garden, a stately manor and unique theater and meeting venues."

How do you benefit brides?

"I obtain hotel bids for group blocks to make brides’ "to-do" lists less cumbersome (one year or more in advance is advisable), and provide recommendations for the joyful components which create a wedding: DJs and photographers, party rentals, caterers, venues, table favors, spa, hair and nail services, transportation, florists, décor, desserts, wine for toasting, and bartenders and alcohol purchasing!

I also print customized welcome letters (which I provide quantities of), in addition to our Shoreline Visitors Guide, area map and colorful 10"x13” envelopes for out-of-town guests (time doesn't allow me to collate, so that falls to the family to do while they chat and catch up with friends before the wedding). There is no charge for any of our services. All I ask is that afterward, the couple is happily married."
 

What sets you apart as a resource for brides? 

"Weddings are so numerous, they now splay across weekends into the week. We encourage off-season weddings (November 1st–April 30th), and each year we collect attractive discounts from many member businesses to make late fall, winter and early spring appealing—not only visually—but from a savings perspective for the couple and their overnight guests. There are better hotel rates and greater availability off-season. Our off-season discounts are online and handed out at wedding shows I attend in order to hopefully catch brides and grooms before their date has been set.

“Absolutely excellent! You provided above and beyond what was expected and were a pleasure to work with. Services like this (free of charge, yet extremely professional) make me proud to live in this area. I am constantly recommending this council to visitors in the area. Thank you so much!”

– Angela B., Bride
 

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