An Idyllic Mackinac Island Setting at The Inn at Stonecliffe

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Stonecliffe

This past June, The Inn at Stonecliffe, an historic Mackinac Island icon, launched its official re-grand opening after an extensive $40 million renovation. Today, the 1904-built estate, originally a private home for a prominent Chicago family, features 54 guest rooms, a second pool, three private cottages, a wellness center, a general store, a revamped apple orchard (perfect for pictures!), three delectable dining options (fine dining at The Straits, casual fare at The Backyard, and curated eats at Horsey’s Pub), and so much more.

“With this remodel, we have really transformed the inn. Now I feel like we’re much more of a resort,” says Bethany McCann, the director of sales at The Inn at Stonecliffe.

The romantic resort sits on a picturesque 15 acres and is owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation as a part of their humanitarian hotel efforts. It also made Time Magazine’s 2024 list of the World’s Greatest Places — an honor the team is ecstatic about.

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Stonecliffe

With its classic “back in time” feel, it’s no wonder the resort has already become an ideal place to host weddings. “You’re going to take a horse drawn carriage to the property,” McCann says. “You will take a two mile trail up through the woods and arrive at our beautiful and tranquil resort. It really just has this relaxing effect with beautiful views of the water.” There are classic games like croquet and badminton on the lawn, and in the evenings, s’mores around a campfire are a must. “It’s really just time to relax and enjoy the people that you’re with,” McCann says. “I really believe that weddings are truly all about being able to relax and enjoy that family time.”

The options for weddings are plentiful at Stonecliffe — whether eloping, renewing vows or hosting a grand 200-guest celebration. From magical receptions in the Sunset Pavilion with its stonewalls and impressive vistas to ceremonies in the serene fountain-laden Woodland Grotto or upon the Great Lawn with its unsurpassed view of the Mackinac Bridge, there is no shortage of idyllic settings to say “I Do” at Stonecliffe. With the inn only hosting one event per day, McCann says “our staff is able to cater to those folks a little bit more and really personalize the experience.”

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Stonecliffe

The couple’s family and friends will also enjoy the ability to stay on site within the inn’s luxurious accommodations, as well as exquisite meals prepared by executive chef Joseph Nardo. For grand affairs, the entire inn property can be rented, too. “It’s really about being with family and being with your friends and being able to enjoy this space — whether it be checking out a board game at the front desk, roasting s’mores during your welcome reception,” McCann says. “From the woodworking and the custom cabinetry to the beautiful wallpapers and the lighting fixtures throughout the mansion, it really gives you this beautiful backdrop to host your fantastic wedding.”

More information, visit theinnatstonecliffe.com.