Mackinac Island Wedding Venue Guide

With its beautiful views, charming streets, and history-rich environment, Mackinac Island holds a special place in the hearts of many Michiganders — and it’s one of the most popular places to get married in the state. Luckily, Mackinac Island has dozens of beautiful venues and picturesque locations for your ceremony, reception, and more.

Mackinac State Historic Parks

Eighty percent of Mackinac Island is State Park property, so there’s no shortage of beautiful places to host your ceremony — especially if you’re looking for an outdoor wedding. Before making plans, reach out to the State Park office to learn about any requirements and to pay the $150 permit fee. There are so many great locations to pick from across the park, including: 

• British Landing: Located on the northwest side of the island, British Landing features a view of the Upper Peninsula and the Mackinac Bridge.

• Fort Holmes: At the highest point of Mackinac Island stands Fort Holmes, which offers a nearly 360 degree view of the island and surrounding waters. Located in the interior of the island, Fort Holmes offers a secluded spot for ceremonies.

• Fort Mackinac & Cannon Platform: This Revolutionary War-era fort was built nearly 240 years ago by the British, and is located on the bluff overlooking Mackinac Island’s downtown. There are several locations for ceremonies in the fort, but the Cannon Platform offers particularly beautiful views of the Straits of Mackinac. The fort is also available for wedding receptions.

• Historic Mission Church: Constructed in 1830, the Historic Mission Church is located on the east side of downtown and is Michigan’s oldest surviving church building. The New England Style church provides a simple and elegant backdrop for ceremonies.

• Marquette Park & Peace Garden: Marquette Park is located in downtown Mackinac Island, just in front of Fort Mackinac, and features lilac trees and views of the marina. There are several locations available within the park for ceremonies, including the Peace Garden, which is located within the park behind the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

• Somewhere in Time Gazebo: The original gazebo from the film Somewhere in Time, is located on a wooded bluff east of Fort Mackinac and overlooks Marquette Park, the village of Mackinac Island, and Straits of Mackinac.

Mackinac Island Churches

• Little Stone Church: Located just down the hill from the Grand Hotel, the Little Stone Church is a registered Michigan Historic Site and was constructed in 1904 with local fieldstone. The small church features beautiful stained glass windows and is perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies or vow renewals.

• St. Anne’s Catholic Church: The St. Anne’s Catholic Church has a long history of weddings. While the church was built in the 1880s, every wedding that takes place at St. Anne is added to the parish register that dates back to the 1600s. This elegant, victorian church is the perfect spot for a classic and beautiful ceremony.

• Trinity Episcopal Church: Located on the east side of downtown Mackinac Island, the Trinity Episcopal Church was constructed in 1882. This historic church is a beautiful and traditional option for wedding ceremonies.

Mackinac Island Hotels & More

In addition to outdoor spaces and traditional churches, there are many hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and other spaces perfect for hosting your wedding ceremony. Many of these locations are also perfectly setup for wedding receptions and some even offer overnight lodging. 

• Bayview B&B: The Bay View Bed & Breakfast can accommodate indoor or outdoor weddings for up to 30 people, either in their remodeled Veranda Dining Room or their enlarged harbor-side sundeck. The inn also has the private balcony for a smaller intimate ceremony.

• Grand Hotel: The most well-known hotel on the island, the Grand Hotel offers a quintessential Mackinac Island experience for your wedding. There are multiple venues within the Grand Hotel property, including the East or West Front Porch, Tea Garden, Woods Lawn/Restaurant, Stables, Cottage Restaurant, Pontiac Room, Grand Pavillion, Terrace Room, Theatre, Lilac Room, and the Gate House. Some locations can even host a reception after the ceremony with room for up to 400 guests.

• Harbour View Inn:  The Harbour View Inn offers beautiful views while also remaining close to Mackinac Island’s downtown — ideal for guests who want to explore everything the island has to offer. With multiple locations to host your ceremony, from the front veranda and the front lawn to the victorian gazebo, Harbour View can host up to 40 guests.

• Inn at Stonecliffe: While the Inn at Stoneclliffe is a little farther afield, it more than makes up for it in views and an all-in-one level of service. The Inn can host ceremonies both outdoors and indoors, in their Woodland Grotto  or on the North or Grand Lawn – all of which have capacity for up to 200 guests. The Inn also features a new 3,000+ square foot Sunset Event Space with interior and exterior spaces for both the ceremony and reception

• Island House Hotel:  Island House Hotel is located just east of Marquette Park and features beautiful garden terraces and a veranda perfect for ceremonies and receptions. The hotel also features the 1852 Grill Room, ideal for dinner and dancing during the reception. The hotel can accommodate weddings with up to 150 guests.

• Mission Point Resort:  Located on the southeastern corner of Mackinac Island, Mission Point Resort offers sweeping spaces and grand vistas on the sunrise side of the island away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Mission Point features an in-house salon for wedding spa services, as well as multiple venue locations both indoor and outdoor that can accommodate up to 300 guests for both ceremonies and receptions.

• Wings of Mackinac Butterfly House:  The Wings of Mackinac Butterfly House is a unique wedding venue on the Island that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The space includes beautiful greenhouse flowers, a wrought iron gazebo, a water fountain, and hundreds of magical butterflies.

Whether you’re looking for a small and intimate ceremony or an amazing celebratory party, Mackinac Island has a wedding ceremony or rececption venue for you! Celebrate the one you love with a beautiful day on Mackinac Island.