Destination Wedding: Mackinac Island
Filed under: Destination Ceremonies, Receptions, Destination Weddings
Located in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac (pronounced Mack-in-awe) Island is a 3.8-square mile piece of tourist heaven -- and a very popular summer wedding destination! You can get to the island year-round, but the main tourist season is in the warmer months, from May to October, as winter in this part of the country can mean bitter cold and lots of snow and ice, and lots of the local businesses close down in the off season.Though the island is barely eight miles in circumference, you'll have plenty of options for your Mackinaw wedding. The tiny island boasts more than 2,000 hotel rooms along with its variety of restaurants and many other attractions.
For the ultimate in Mackinac lodging, we like the island's famous Grand Hotel. Opened in 1887, the Victorian style hotel has 385 rooms, and no two are the same. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of each room, and guests are encouraged to dress formally for dinner -- how elegant! Of course, the Grand Hotel has its own on-site wedding coordinator, who will handle every detail of your special day.
For more modest accommodations, we also like the many bed and breakfast choices the island has to offer. There are cottages and bungalows, mansions, and Victorian homes that all look like they belong in magazines an history books -- you can choose your favorite style and find it on this island.
Some of Mackinac's finest restaurants are found in the hotels on the island. You do not have to be a guest to enjoy these venues, though with meals included in the room rates, that's one more reason we like the aforementioned Grand Hotel and its six restaurants. For a comprehensive island dining guide, click here.
It's amazing that such a tiny island has so many choices when it comes to hosting the wedding of your dreams. If it's all too much for you to wrap your head around, maybe you want to attend the Destination Dream Wedding Weekend. The event is like a large bridal expo that couples can attend to help plan their Mackinac dream wedding, and it sounds quite a bit more elegant than a typical bridal show. This year's event is held October 10-11.
To be legally wed in Michigan, there is a three-day waiting period. Non-residents must apply in the county where the wedding will be held, and the fee is $30. Residents apply in their home county and pay $20. For help planning your Mackinac Island destination wedding, contact a wedding coordinator on the island. You can either go through your hotel or venue of choice, or try the Mackinac Island Wedding Specialist.














Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Apr 29th 2008 @ 6:43PM
Kristen said...
A couple of suggestions for visiting Mackinac Island: Try the fudge -- it's famous! You know the the swanky ice cream with "Mackinac Island Fudge"? This is it! Also, rent a bicycle built for two for getting around (and sit on the back seat so you don't have to pedal -- it worked for me when I went as a little kid!). And, if you like to camp (or stay in cottages in the woods, the UP (Upper Peninsula in case you're not from da UP, doncha know) has some fantastic areas, and it's really beautiful. You know, in the summer, when everything isn't under a million feet of snow.
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Apr 30th 2008 @ 8:49PM
Elizabeth Kohl said...
Hi, I worked on Mackinac for several years, and Mission Point Resort is also an option. And if you like a small destination wedding get married in the Little Stone Church. However, as a past employee of Mackinac, and returning vacationer, check it out first in person! The Grand Hotel sounds lovely but it's very expensive. EVERYTHING has to be shuttled with horse and carriage and most people forget to figure that cost in. And if you do go be sire to tip you carriage drivers, taxi drivers, and anyplace you eat that isn't the Grand Hotel!!!
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Jun 1st 2008 @ 8:28PM
JustmeMB said...
My family has a home on the Island and I have attended Grand Weddings, the food was good but I've had better, are tables were crammed together and that is difficult when there are elderly or handicapped ppl. The service was great and the ballroom was beautiful but again, I've been to better in my home state of NY. There are other hotels on Main Street....that the food is superb. But you will pay 300 and up an hr for the room rental. Ste. Anne's is gorgeous and you can pay up to $1,000.00 to get married there. My family has been married there and I will begin to plan my wedding on the Island. You should really visit there first and see how the logistic's of getting guets to the Island at $24.00 a ticket, hotel, tips add up... carriage rides ad up the further your hotel is etc.
There is much to think about. If you find a hotel or cottage you like, ask if you can rent their lobby or porch.... better yet, if you know someone who has a home there, see if they will rent it and get it catered. Sorry we don't rent our home.
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