A Place to Celebrate: A Midwest Venue Guide for Every Bride – Top Planners Weigh in on Their Favorite Venues

Written By

Carri Fras

Date

January 14, 2019

Southwest Michigan & Surrounding Areas

Meet the Southwest Michigan Planner

HOLDEN ALEE, HOLDEN MICHAEL EVENTS

After majoring in hospitality and tourism management at Grand Valley State University, Holden is now the proud planner of over 150 events during the past seven years. For this creative professional, his favorite part of planning weddings is design. He says, “I love helping clients develop the aesthetic, palette and vision for their celebration.”

Outdoor

Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

appleblossomchapel.com • (269) 561-5563
Host an intimate wedding and gorgeous garden reception in this beautifully quaint locale.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

meijergardens.org • (616) 957-1580
Experience masterpieces of art and gorgeous views of nature.

Waterfront

Camp Blodgett

campblodgett.org • (616) 949-0780
Sweeping, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the perfect deck for a clear top tent.

The Boulevard Inn & Bistro

theboulevardinn.com • (269) 983-6600
Enjoy a classic, elegant wedding complete with pretty Lake Michigan views.

Rustic

Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn

weddingbarnmi.com • (269) 408-6082
A gorgeous barn, large deck and picturesque vineyard views.

The Silo Banquets & Catering

silobanquet.com • (269) 686-8383
20 acres of lovely countryside, a charming pond, fountain and rustic, red barn.

Traditional

Amway Grand Plaza

amwaygrand.com • (616) 774-2000
A gorgeous variety of ballroom spaces with old-world glamour and elegance.

Hawkshead Inn

hawksheadlinks.com • (269) 214-6802
Enjoy an open-air patio, lovely amenities and gorgeous golf course views.

Elegant

The Dexter Ballroom at St. Cecilia Music Center

scmc-online.org/dexter-ballroom • (616) 459.2224
This large space has ample light, a platform stage and two Steinway grand pianos.

The Morris Estate

themorrisestate.com • (269) 684-4443
A darling chapel, B&B amenities, gorgeous grounds and many ways to plan your special day.

Modern

Grand Rapids Arts Museum

artmuseumgr.org • (616) 831-2916
Offers an expansive lobby, outdoor terrace and very unique auditorium.

Downtown market Grand Rapids

downtownmarketgr.com • (616) 805-5308
Swoon over the breathtaking greenhouse, garden room and floor-to-ceiling banquet room windows.

Historic

The Felt Estate

feltmansion.org • (616) 218-0078
A gorgeous mansion, hilltop locale and semi-permanent tent.

Frauenthal Center

frauenthal.org • (231) 722-9750
From dramatic ceremonies to intimate, seated receptions, this beautiful venue has you covered.

Industrial

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

sc4a.org/rentals • (269) 857-2399
An outdoor pavilion, rain garden and indoor lobby make this a great space.

The Cheney Place

thecheneyplace.com • (616) 304-6261
Perfect for a vintage, urban or modern event.

Above: Bridgeport Art Center // Cristina G Photography

Chicago & Surrounding Areas

Meet the Chicago Planner

LAURA SCHWEIR, BLISS WEDDINGS & EVENTS / WRAP IT UP PARTIES

Hailing from small town Indiana, Laura quickly fell head over (very cute) heels for Chicago. Known for her sunny disposition, she brings a cheerful attitude to any situation, embraces every opportunity to throw a shindig (“The Bachelor” finale included), describes herself as a perfectionist with a sense of humor and surrounds herself with stacks of magazines to keep up with all the trends.

Outdoor

Chicago Botanic Gardens

chicagobotanic.org • (847) 835-8370
385 acres and 27 enchanting gardens makes this venue breathtaking and beautiful.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

naturemuseum.org • (773) 755-5100
A unique, nature-inspired venue with city skyline views.

Waterfront

Theater on the Lake

theateronthelake.com • (312) 414-1313
History, charm and impressive lake and skyline views come together.

W Chicago - Lakeshore

marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiwh-w-chicago-lakeshore • (312) 943-9200
Sweeping Lake Michigan views with luxe and modern accommodations.

Rustic

Bridgeport Art Center

skylineloft.com • (773) 843-9000
A newly renovated historic space that offers unique vibes and skyline views.

Gallery 1028

gallery-1028.com • (312) 587-3553
A rustic-chic space with exposed brick walls

and vaulted, wood ceilings.

Traditional

Galleria Marchetti

galleriamarchetti.com • (312) 563-0495
Old-world Italy vibes, elegance and sophistication mixed with fine, traditional details.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

fourseasons.com/chicago • (312) 280-8800
Offers beautiful décor, sophisticated details and several spaces to suit your tastes.

Elegant

Waldorf Astoria

waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com/weddings • (312) 646-1324
The epitome of elegance with silk-lined walls, crystal chandeliers and an intimate outdoor terrace.

Cafe Brauer

lpzoo.org/private-events-cafe-brauer • (312) 280-2724
A Lincoln Park gem with stained-glass windows, skylit ceilings and lovely chandeliers.

Modern

The Lakewood

thelakewoodchicago.com • (312) 366-2293
Sleek details and an urban greenhouse and spaces make this a unique, modern city venue.

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing

artic.edu/ venue-rental • (312) 443-3600
A sleek, modern space and a private viewing of the permanent collection.

Historic

Chicago Cultural Center

chicagoculturalcenter.org • (312) 744.2080
A beautiful and historic icon and home to the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

The Drake Hotel

thedrakehotel.com • (312) 787-2200
Stunning 1920s architectural details and several gorgeous rooms to choose from.

Industrial

Morgan MFG.

401morganmfg.com • (312) 763-3317
An impeccable space boasting exposed beams, brick, tall ceilings and gorgeous city skylights.

Room 1520

room1520.com • (312) 952-1520
A versatile and industrial urban loft space.

Above: Ford Piquette Avenue Plant // Shanell Photography

Detroit & Surrounding Areas

Meet the Detroit Planners

MEAGAN MCPHAIL, MITTEN WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Meagan has over 10 years of wedding and event planning experience along with a background in luxury hotels. She and her team are here to ensure your vision and story come to life, so you can relax and create memories with the ones you love. She says, “My heart is for celebrating couples in love—and the joy they share with one another.”

MIRANDA CRACE, SPOKE EVENTS

Miranda Crace is the owner and head planner at Spoke Events in Detroit, Michigan. Spoke Events creates unique and beautiful environments where their clients can be fully present and enjoy the people who mean the most to them on special days in their lives.

Outdoor

Pine Knob Golf Club & Banquet Facilities

pineknobmansion.com • (248) 625-0700
A great cocktail hour space and place to dance under the Michigan stars.

Belle Isle Conservatory

belleisleconservancy.org • (313) 852-4065
Lush plants, gardens and a downtown skyline view.

Waterfront

Bay Pointe Inn

baypointeinn.com • (269) 672-8111
Gorgeous lake views for ceremonies and receptions.

Waterview Loft at Port Detroit

waterviewloft.com • (313) 656-6000
A Detroit River locale with a lovely minimalist interior and giant windows for water gazing.

Rustic

Zingerman's Cornman Farms

cornmanfarms.com • (734) 619-8100
A 42-acre farm offering historic charm, beautiful landscape and the prettiest amenities.

Fox Hills, Summerhouse on the Lakes

foxhills.com • (734) 453-7272
Gorgeous grounds, rolling hills and rustic modern-farmhouse charm.

Traditional

The Colony Club

gemcolonyevents.com • (313) 463-4215
Gold leaf ceilings, pretty chandeliers and world-class catering.

The Henry - Autograph Collection

behenry.com/weddings • (313) 441-2000
A great staff, lovely accommodations and pretty decor.

Elegant

Guardian Building

guardianbuilding.com • (313) 963-4567
An Art Deco skyscraper and lovely architectural details.

Castle Hall

castlehalldetroit.com • 313-446-8360
The look of a castle, multiple floors and plenty of charm.

Modern

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

mocadetroit.org/about/facility-rental/ • (313) 832-6622
Ever-changing art exhibits and the option to select your own caterer.

McGregor Memorial Conference Center

mcgregor.wayne.edu • (313) 577-2400
A distinct mid-century modern design and beautiful pool.

Historic

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

fordpiquetteplant.org/rentals • (313) 872-8759
Rich history and a variety of rooms for your choosing.

Lovett Hall

thehenryford.org/host-an-event • (313) 982-6220
Old world charm, intricate details and access to Henry Ford's personal library.

Industrial

The Garden Theater

gardensatmidtown.com • (313) 832-0888
Exposed brick, a giant stage and a great location in Midtown.

Jam Handy

thejamhandy.com
Great service, natural overhead lighting and tall ceilings make this space a beauty.

Above: Canopy Creek Farm // Pottinger Photography

Cincinnati & Surrounding Areas

Meet the Cincinnati Planners

CHANEL WOOD, JUST PLAN IT EVENTS

Chanel Wood, a Cincinnati native, creates a special dynamic for clients, allowing them to decide what they want for their special day. Taking on the task of planning any kind of event can become stressful and overwhelming. Just Plan It Events loves the feel of family and friends getting together in celebration and understands that the look and feel of a client’s event is definitely the most important piece.

NATASHA RANDALL, UNLIMITED EVENTS

Natasha Randall is Vice President of Design and Operations at Unlimited Events. She has been
with the company for 20 years and loves designing and coordinating events of all magnitudes.

Outdoor

French Park

cincinnatiparks.com/parks-venues/east/french-park/ • (513) 351-4777
Beautiful ambiance and plenty of room to accommodate.

The Estate at Sunset Farm

theestateatsunsetfarm.com • (937) 553-3669
Willow trees, panoramic vistas and over 150 acres of beautiful countryside.

Waterfront

Lake Lyndsay

lakelyndsay.com • (513) 868-8555
A stunning lake locale and three, unique venue options.

BB Riverboats

bbriverboats.com • (855) 804-8184
Cruise the Ohio River for a romantic, one-of-a-kind celebration.

Rustic

Canopy Creek Farm

canopycreekfarm.com • (937) 602-5867
A "tucked away" valley, beautiful barn and pond with sunset views.

Rolling Meadows Ranch

rollingmeadowsranch.com • (513) 659-0476
Just north of Cincinnati, full of rustic charm and set against 40 acres of rolling meadows.

Traditional

Just Plan It Event Center

justplanitevents.com • (513) 801-6050
A very classy venue that meets a variety of tastes.

Marriott at the University of Dayton

marriott.com/hotels/travel/dayoh-marriott-at-the-university-of-dayton • (937) 223-1000
Multiple options for a traditional wedding experience and great on-site accommodations.

Elegant

The Dayton Masonic Center

daytonmasoniccenter.org • (937) 224-9795
Many magical settings for the most intimate wedding of 75 to the grandest of 1800.

The Bell Event Centre

belleventcentre.com • (513) 852-2787
Marble, soaring ceilings, stained glass windows and hand-painted murals. Need we say more?

Modern

Anderson Pavilion

andersonpavilion.com • (513) 978-1821
This newer space is bold, fresh and modern.

Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

victoriatheatre.com/venues/schuster-center • (937) 228-7591
With space for 20 to 2,000 guests, wow with the glass-enclosed Kettering Wintergarden.

Historic

Carnegie Hall

newportcarnegie.com • (513) 469-6000
Ambience and elegance come together in 10,000 square feet and three floors of gorgeous space.

The Grande Hall at Liberty Tower

thegrandehall.com • (937) 559-4590
1930s appeal, Art Deco styled architecture and a historic charm all its own.

Industrial

Longworth Hall Event Center

longworthhall.com • (513) 721-6000
An awesome industrial vibe.

The Brightside Music and Event Venue

thebrightsidedayton.com • (937) 410-0450
Unobstructed views, a full bar with bartender and 30 foot high ceilings.

Above: The Brown Hotel // David Blair Photography

LOUISVILLE & SURROUNDING AREAS

Meet the Louisville Planners

Melissa Anderson, L&M Detailed Events

Melissa Anderson is co-owner of L&M Detailed Events, an event and wedding planning business located in Louisville, Kentucky. Born out of a passion for planning, L&M Detailed Events will help you create spectacular settings to celebrate life’s most cherished occasions.

Melinda Leach, Bliss Events & Co

Melinda, owner of Bliss Events & Co, resides in Louisville, Kentucky and manages events worldwide. Backed by their team of event specialists, Bliss Events & Co. can manage and plan an event of any size. Their speciality? Weddings, elopements, honeymoons and destination weddings.

Outdoor

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

yewdellgardens.org • (502) 241-4788
Gorgeous gardens and a stone castle fit for a princess bride.

Whitehall Mansion and Gardens

historicwhitehall.org • (502) 897-2944
A lovely garden and gorgeous florals.

Waterfront

Muhammad Ali Center

alicenter.org • (502) 584-9254
Impressive floor to ceiling windows and a panoramic view of the Ohio River.

Greystone Estate

facebook.com/pages/Greystone-Estate-Louisville-KY/1774766046079811
Breathtaking Ohio River views.

Rustic

Old Blue Ribbon Farm

obrfarm.com • (502) 931-1373
An 1835 farmhouse and a spacious tobacco barn make for a rustic-chic event space.

Farmington

historicfarmington.org • (502) 452-9920
A rustic pavilion and great garden area.

Traditional

The Olmsted

theolmsted.com • (502) 899-7670
Lovely indoor and outdoor spaces equipped to accommodate weddings large and small.

Galt House Hotel

galthouse.com • (800) 843-4258
A variety of banquet rooms each offer a unique style.

Elegant

The Brown Hotel

brownhotel.com • (502) 736-3014
An elegant ballroom setting and tons of beauty and charm.

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville

seelbachhilton.com • (502) 585-3200
A Louisville staple that offers various stunning rooms.

Modern

Speed Art Museum

speedmuseum.org • (502) 634-2700
A modern, open concept design that surrounds you in art.

21c Museum Hotel Louisville

21clouisville.com • (502) 217-6300
A clean, white, modern space with rotating art.

Historic

Whitehall Mansion & Gardens

historicwhitehall.org • (502) 897-2944
A 19th century antebellum home with breathtaking floral gardens.

The Henry Clay

thehenryclay.com • (502) 515-2489
A two-story space boasting history, charm and a perfect downtown location.

Industrial

Copper & Kings Distillery

copperandkings.com • (502) 561-0267
Distillery roots, great brick walls and exposed beams.

The Pointe

butchertownpointe.com • (502) 589-1820
A unique space with an open floor plan, brick walls and big windows.

Above: Indianapolis Public Library // Sami Renee Photography

Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas

Meet the Indianapolis Planners

Sarah Farthing, All in the Details

Sarah Tagtmeyer Farthing, owner and executive planner of All in the Details, has been in the Indianapolis planning industry for over a decade. She prides herself on providing her clients with assistance and insight stemming from her experience in various facets of the event planning and design industry.

Hannah Strickler, Design the Day

Hannah Strickler, owner and creative producer at Design the Day, is passionate about building client relationships, showcasing your individuality, and making sure you’re on the dance floor for your favorite song. She says, “Every wedding, design and project is special to me, and I make a conscious decision to give my all to everything I am part of.”

Outdoor

The Inn at Irwin Gardens

irwingardens.com • (812) 376-3663
A beautiful outdoor space complete with impeccably manicured grounds.

Indianapolis Zoo

indianapoliszoo.com • 317-630-2008
Memorable venues and animal encounters make your wedding beautiful and unique.

Waterfront

Eiteljorg Museum

eiteljorg.org/rental • (317) 275-1329
Beautiful canal views, lovely museum vibes and incredible food.

Indiana State Museum

indianamuseum.org • (317) 232-1637
Impressive architecture and beautiful city views.

Rustic

Barn at Bay Horse Inn

barnatbayhorse.com • (317) 760-8778
Rustic with modern amenities perfect for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.

Finley Creek Vineyards

finleycreekvineyard.com • (317) 283-2776
A private vineyard, five acres of gardens and a beautifully remodeled barn.

Traditional

Scottish Rite Cathedral

srcevent.com • (317) 262-3110
Versatility, history and an exquisite ballroom and theatre.

Community Life Center

monumentalweddings.com • (317) 396-3728
A beautiful rotunda, art gallery, water feature and two-story tower make this venue a traditional standout.