Magic in the Mountains: Behind the Scenes with WeddingDay's Cover Shoot Location, Crystal Mountain Resort

A beacon in Northern Michigan and the Midwest, Crystal Mountain Resort is a premier all-inclusive destination wedding location and the perfect backdrop for our very first annual Look Book 2021.

The choice was perfect for our creative team — combining fun, function and flexibility.  From roaming green hills in the summer to shimmering snowcapped mountain peaks in the winter, Crystal Mountain is truly a one-of-a-kind location for your wedding and a fantastic getaway for you and your guests regardless of the season. We sat down with Carmen Kott, Wedding and Special Events Sales Manager, to grab an exclusive scoop of what makes our Look Book’s cover shoot venue simply magical.

Tell us a little about the history of weddings with Crystal Mountain. Why should a couple get married here? 

"Crystal Mountain is a magical place for a wedding. Location is the most important decision one makes and everything else radiates from that one decision. People know their venue when they see it, and our venue is extraordinary because of the number of places to choose from – the location, the date, the season, the time of day, the food, the view – everything is unique and special for the couple. No matter what, once the location feels right, everything can proceed from there. And we can make any vision come to life."

What activities in the area make Crystal Mountain a memorable stay? 

"Crystal Mountain is the basecamp to Northern Michigan. Whether a couple wants to keep everything at the mountain – we are all-inclusive in that we have an array of accommodations, golfing, skiing, a spa, pool, tennis, bike riding, hiking, fitness options, world-class restaurants, an art park – or use our location as a gateway to kayaking, fishing, wineries and distilleries or even hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – there are a number of ways to make a wedding memorable and special."

Crystal Mountain has a variety of locations onsite to host a wedding ceremony. What attracts couples to these locations? What is unique about them?  

"The variety of locations at Crystal Mountain that truly make a wedding unique is why brides and grooms choose us. Inside, outside, on a mountaintop, in a garden, in a ballroom…in winter, in spring, in fall…It’s romance, it’s rustic, it’s formal, it’s casual. It’s that possibilities are endless and it’s beautiful and thrilling watching it all come together."

What benefits can a bridal party receive when booking onsite accommodations? 

"Besides the benefit of Crystal Mountain being an all-inclusive property where accommodations are alongside the venue and so many things to do for brides and grooms and their parties, by booking on-site, they have the benefit of being close and not having to leave while on property. Everything is all right there. They don’t have to worry about having to drive from place to place or get lost. In addition, it allows them to be close to their guests compared to having guests scattered at various different hotels around the area."

Tell us about the all-inclusive aspects of the resort. Does Crystal Mountain offer onsite planning, catering, alcohol, etc.?

"We can do anything to bring a couple’s vision to life. We make it easy for the couple by allowing them to customize their day by picking and choosing their menu, layout, venue locations, etc. The rest is done by Crystal Mountain. We love working with local vendors such as florists or décor companies that will put the final WOW factor on the venue space."

What do you love most about working with couples? 

"I love the feeling of “what’s possible” and endless possibilities – for the wedding and for that couple. Here is a couple who has the rest of their lives ahead of them. Some of them are young and just starting out; others might be more mature and have families from a previous marriage. But in either case, it’s always about hope and love and what’s ahead. It’s an endless possibility. And being a small part of helping them plan their special day where they commit to spending the rest of their lives together and being a part of what’s possible is incredibly special to me and to the resort."

Ready for more wedding inspiration?

Get your copy of the 2021 Look Book here!

 
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