It’s a place you never thought of and the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. It’s the shoreline wedding with soft, sandy beaches and a deep blue water horizon that stretches as far as you can see, or the woodland wedding with rolling hills of green and an open field nestled within the trees. It is also the glamour of an elegant historic mansion or the grandeur of a magnificent church. No matter what ‘it’ is…it’s all here waiting for you.

From the bachelor and bachelorette parties to spontaneous lake adventures, the reception and the ceremony, Manistee County offers every venue you can imagine for an extraordinary wedding.

As with most matrimony plans, the celebration usually begins before the big day with the couple throwing a separate bachelor or bachelorette party prior to becoming a twosome. Whether relaxing indoors or traversing the outdoors, there is plenty to choose from in Manistee County when making pre-plans before taking the big proverbial “step”.

PRE-WEDDING FUN

 

The Nectar Spa, located inside the Little River Casino Resort, provides a unique spa treatment for the wedding party complete with saunas, steam rooms, massages, an indoor pool and whirlpool tub. The spa also has both men’s and women’s lounges to accommodate everyone.

Allure Nails, and Nails 2000  are great locations to stop in for pre-wedding beauty prep. Lori will also make the special trip to your wedding location for onsite prep. Complete wedding packages are available, for additional details, view their complete listing on page 101 of this guide.

For those seeking one final adventure as a “single” person, Manistee County was ranked as one of the top 100 best outdoor recreation areas in the nation by Outdoor Life. A kayak or canoe trip down the Manistee River, fat biking along Big-M’s famous “Outer Loop”, or a hike around the Manistee River Trail are just a few options. One of the most popular pre-wedding adventures takes place on the Big Lake. Charter Fishing in this area is the best in the State, and our charter captains are ready to take you out for a full day on the water. After you bring in your catch, make your way to one of the area’s participating “catch and cook” restaurants and our local chefs will prepare a perfect dinner that will encapsulate the true up north, Pure Michigan, experience you are seeking.

If a more relaxed afternoon out in the great outdoors is what you are looking for, Manistee County’s eight golf courses will probably fit the bill. Explore the golf courses in Manistee County.

Before celebrating the big day, those attending your wedding should also check with local shops The Ideal Kitchen and Surroundings for gift registry. Kellie’s Hallmark also has a wide selection of great gift ideas to choose from. For more ideas see all of our shopping locations in Manistee County.


VENUES

 

The possibilities for turning the most important day of your life into the memorable experience you always dreamed of are endless in Manistee. Whether an intimate gathering or a grand affair, opportunities abound for a truly special setting to be enjoyed by all. However, before renting a venue you should check with Grand Rental Station of Manistee who will be able to accommodate your wedding needs and events with tents, canopies, dance floors and various table settings.

With nine beaches to choose from – the soft, sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan is truly a picturesque and distinct setting at which to perform your wedding ceremony. There are no reservations for city beach property or structures as all areas are on a first come, first served basis.

Likewise, posting signs are not permitted and someone must be onsite and occupying an area to reserve that area for use. Areas may not be cordoned off. Any additional questions should be relayed to the Manistee Department of Public Works at 231-723-7132.

Manistee also has plenty other locations for those who want to plan a nautical-esque wedding, including outside the newly restored North Pierhead Lighthouse off of Fifth Avenue Pier as well as the S.S. City of Milwaukee located on Arthur Street (US-31).

In addition to our many distinct, outdoor locations, our elegant architecture also provides a unique place to have your wedding. These spectacular 19th and early 20th Century structures provide chic and glamour to your big day. Check out the Dempsey Manor, the First Congregational Church, The Vogue Theater, The Ramsdell Building, The Ramsdell Theatre, or Portage Point Inn. Contact information to these locations can be found on the prior pages of this feature story.

Now that you have the overview of what a destination wedding in Manistee County could look like, we encourage you to start looking into the possibilities of having your special day in Manistee County. Please call the Manistee County Visitor’s Bureau at (231) 398-9355 for suggestions and assistance in finding your perfect venue. We are ready to help you make memories that will last a lifetime.