In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Michigan.
Weddings in Michigan: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding in Michigan is the perfect way to celebrate your love while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Lakes State.
From the sand dunes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the waterfalls of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan offers a wealth of breathtaking locations for your nuptials.
And with Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing all within a short drive, you’ll be able to easily accommodate out-of-town guests.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic lodge or a luxurious resort, Michigan has a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs.
And with so many amazing venues to choose from, finding the perfect setting for your special day will be easy.
Just imagine saying “I do” surrounded by the people you love most, with Michigan’s stunning scenery as your backdrop.
A destination wedding in Michigan is an unforgettable experience that you and your guests will treasure for a lifetime.
But first: you need to know where in the world Michigan is…
Where is Michigan?
Michigan is a state located in the midwest of the United States. It is the only state that is divided into two big geographical portions – Upper and Lower Peninsula. “Big Mac,” the 5-mile (8-km) Mackinac Bridge over the Straits of Mackinac, has been connecting the two landmasses since 1957.
Michigan is almost entirely surrounded by the 4 (out of 5) Great lakes: Lake Michigan to the west, Lake Erie to the southeast, Lake Huron to the east, and Lake Superior to the north.
The Lower Peninsula borders U.S. states of Indiana and Ohio to the south, and the Upper Peninsula borders Wisconsin to the west.
Area: 96,713 sq mi (250,487 sq km), Population: (2020) 10,077,331, Capital: Lansing.
Michigan Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW), Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.michigan.org/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Michigan for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Michigan
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Michigan:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Michigan or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Michigan wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Michigan:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Michigan
Michigan Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Michigan:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Michigan?
- What are the marriage requirements for Michigan?
- What is the weather like in Michigan?
- What should you pack for a trip to Michigan?
- What things are there to do in Michigan?
- What are the best Michigan wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Michigan Cost?
Marriage license cost in Michigan is $20 for Michigan residents, and $30 for out-of-state residents.
Both parties must come in person and present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
If applicable, Social Security numbers of both parties are required.
If a passport is being used in place of a birth certificate, the applicants must provide the complete names of both parents as well as the state or country in which each parent was born.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Michigan
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- At least two witnesses are needed at the ceremony, who must be at least 18 years old.
- The license is valid for 33 days from the issue date, and there is a 3-day waiting period, which is met if the online application is completed more than three days before visiting the Clerk’s office to pay the application fee and finish the procedure.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Michigan, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Michigan?
Michigan is most enjoyable during spring and fall, namely the months of May and September. The trees’ shedding leaves provide a spectacular display of color throughout October (the phenomenon called fall foliage).
What should you pack for your trip?
Layering up is the best in the spring and fall. T-shirts and shorts should be fine throughout the day since the sun is strong enough. However, the evenings get noticeably chillier, and so long sleeves and trousers will be needed.
In the summer shorts, T-shirts, polo shirts, and sundresses are appropriate clothes for visiting between late June and early September. However, you should also carry along a pair of long trousers or jeans and a jacket or sweater.
In the winter, wear many layers. Wool or a synthetic fabric with similar properties would be ideal. Snow trousers, long johns, boots, hats, and mittens are advisable.
Michigan Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Michigan:
Average Temperatures in Michigan
The table below shows the average temperatures in Michigan each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -7.1 | 0.2 | -3.5 | 19 | 32 | 25.8 |
| February | -6.2 | 1.8 | -2.2 | 21 | 35 | 28 |
| March | -1.9 | 7.7 | 2.9 | 29 | 46 | 37.2 |
| April | 3.9 | 14.8 | 9.4 | 39 | 59 | 48.9 |
| May | 10.1 | 21.3 | 15.7 | 50 | 70 | 60.3 |
| June | 15.7 | 26.5 | 21.1 | 60 | 80 | 70 |
| July | 18 | 28.7 | 23.4 | 64 | 84 | 74 |
| August | 17.3 | 27.4 | 22.4 | 63 | 81 | 72.3 |
| September | 13.1 | 23.6 | 18.3 | 56 | 74 | 65 |
| October | 6.7 | 16.7 | 11.7 | 44 | 62 | 53 |
| November | 1.1 | 9.2 | 5.1 | 34 | 49 | 41.3 |
| December | -3.7 | 2.9 | -0.4 | 25 | 37 | 31.3 |
| Year | 5.6 | 15.1 | 10.35 | 42.2 | 59.2 | 50.5 |
Average Rainfall in Michigan
The table below shows the average rainfall in Michigan each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 55 | 2.2 | 13 |
| February | 55 | 2.2 | 11 |
| March | 60 | 2.4 | 11 |
| April | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| May | 95 | 3.7 | 13 |
| June | 85 | 3.3 | 11 |
| July | 90 | 3.5 | 10 |
| August | 85 | 3.3 | 10 |
| September | 80 | 3.1 | 10 |
| October | 65 | 2.6 | 11 |
| November | 65 | 2.6 | 11 |
| December | 55 | 2.2 | 13 |
| Year | 870 | 34.3 | 136 |
Sunshine Hours in Michigan
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Michigan each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 4 | 120 |
| February | 5 | 140 |
| March | 6 | 185 |
| April | 7 | 215 |
| May | 9 | 275 |
| June | 10 | 300 |
| July | 10 | 315 |
| August | 9 | 285 |
| September | 7.5 | 230 |
| October | 5.5 | 175 |
| November | 3.5 | 105 |
| December | 3 | 90 |
| Year | 6.7 | 2435 |
Lake Erie Temperatures in Michigan
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Michigan each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 3 | 37 |
| February | 2 | 35 |
| March | 2 | 35 |
| April | 4 | 38 |
| May | 8 | 46 |
| June | 14 | 58 |
| July | 20 | 69 |
| August | 22 | 72 |
| September | 20 | 68 |
| October | 15 | 58 |
| November | 9 | 49 |
| December | 5 | 41 |
| Year | 10.3 | 50.6 |
What To Wear in Michigan? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Michigan so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Make sure to pack some warm clothes, as the weather can be quite chilly even in the summer.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. Pack insect repellent to keep them at bay.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll need some comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring.
- Sunscreen: If you are planning on doing any hiking or outdoor activities in the summer, make sure to pack sunscreen.
- Beachwear: If visiting any of Michigan’s many lakes, a swimsuit and beach towel will also come in handy.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot Michigan sunshine.
- Camera: And of course, don’t forget your camera! Michigan is home to some truly stunning landscapes, and you’ll want to capture them in photos.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Finally, remember to pack your sense of adventure, as you’re sure to have an incredible time in Michigan.
Things to Do in Michigan
There are many different things to do in Michigan, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Mackinac Island
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- University of Michigan
- Holland State Park Beach
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- The Henry Ford
- Isle Royale National Park
- Belle Isle Park
- Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
Best Michigan Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Michigan?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Michigan
- Dow Diamond Events in Bay City
- The Z Hall in Grand Rapids
- Grand Unity Event Center in Petoskey
- Planterra Conservatory in Detroit
- Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Dexter
- BlueBridge Events Center in Grawn
- Ciccone Vineyard & Winery in Suttons Bay
- Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Port Huron
- Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks
- Riverwalk Place in Gladwin
- Bay Pointe in Shelbyville
- The Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor
- Greencrest Manor in Battle Creek
- The Henry Ford in Dearborn
- Shanahan’s Barn in Charlevoix
- Willowbrook Mill in Northport
Hotels in Michigan
- Candlewood Suites – Brighton
- Best Western Harbor Pointe Lakefront – Saint Ignace
- Marv Herzog Hotel – Frankenmuth
- Graduate East Lansing
- Embassy Suites By Hilton – Grand Rapids
- Superior Stay Hotel – Marquette
- Hyatt Place Flint/Grand Blanc – Flint
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Grandville
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Lansing
