Say “I Do” to Detroit

(Credit: Kathleen Galligan/Detroit Free Press )

Detroit Summer Guide

Your 2011 guide to the enjoying summer in the D

For Michiganders, summer in the mitten state means boating on the lake, attending outdoor festivals and events and kicking back with a cold adult beverage at one of our many local restaurants with outdoor seating. The number of summer activities is endless, but there’s one that many people can’t avoid during the warm weather months – attending a wedding.

As someone who is deep in the planning process for a 2011 wedding, I know how difficult it is to decide where to hold a wedding. Downtown Detroit may not be at the top of everyone’s wedding location list, but it boasts plenty of venue options for a ceremony and reception. If it’s important for you to wow your guests with an amazing location, here are three great options in Detroit for both a ceremony and reception:

Ceremony
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory at Belle Isle – This is a perfect choice for a unique and beautiful wedding venue. In operation since 1904, the conservatory features five horticultural houses with an abundance of plant life, an outside lily pond garden and formal perennial gardens. The side garden is a popular spot for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

Matt Dibble, a 33-year-old Royal Oak resident, and his wife, Katie, chose the Conservatory because they wanted an untraditional venue.

“We wanted something different from the standard church or indoor wedding,” said Dibble. “We felt like the Conservatory on Belle Isle was a great alternative, and many of our guests raved about the uniqueness and beauty of the location. There were wonderful backdrops and many different options for pictures.”

The Rattlesnake Club – This club offers an outdoor venue option with the Detroit River as the picturesque backdrop. This is a good choice for brides and grooms who want more of a contemporary versus historic location. Couples always run a risk when opting for an outdoor wedding venue, but the idea of seeing the sun sparkling off a gleaming turquoise river in the background might just make it worth it.

The Rattlesnake Club also has a large indoor atrium for receptions. With some creative décor and soft lighting, the room can easily be turned into a stunning setting for an evening reception.

Blessed Sacrament Cathedral – This towering structure can’t be missed as you’re cruising along Woodward Ave. heading into downtown Detroit. The building’s architecture is reminiscent of an old historic cathedral in Europe. The inside is spacious with plenty of stained glass windows and a very modern feel, considering it was founded in 1905.

Reception
The Colony Club – What began as the historic Women’s Colony Club of Detroit in 1929 is now a somewhat-hidden jewel that’s under the direction of the Gem and Century Theatre’s events staff. For couples who want a venue with rich history, the Colony Club is a no-brainer. It’s located at the corner of Park Ave. and Montcalm.

The Louis XVI Grand Ballroom at the Colony Club is bathed in gold and appears to shimmer from the golden hue that covers the entire room. It’s absolutely breathtaking. The entire room gives off an antique and elegant vibe. As a bonus, guests have the option of heading across the street to Town Pump Tavern or Centaur once the reception ends.

The Detroit Athletic Club – Although it’s a private club, non-members are invited to hold their wedding at what is recognized as one of the most prestigious country clubs in the country. If convenience is important, the DAC is a win-win because it also provides overnight accommodation options for guests.

Kristine Vazzano, 29, of Franklin, and her husband, Jason, chose the DAC for their reception venue because of its strong historic ties.

“The DAC’s historic feel is what impressed us early on and even more so on the night of our wedding because it gives a sense of what Detroit was like a long time ago,” said Vazzano. “Just like the city itself, the DAC provides a nice contrast, because it’s very elegant, but it’s also a great location for a fun wedding reception.”

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit – Let me say this upfront: The Book Cadillac is pricey! But you get what you pay for with this venue, and that includes style, sophistication and history all wrapped into a freshly renovated package. The recent $200 million renovation has restored the Book Cadillac to its original grandeur. 

The Book Cadillac features three ballrooms and an Italian garden for couples to choose from. The website descriptions alone scream “dream wedding.” An added bonus is this location offers an all-in-one package. The rehearsal dinner can be held at Roast or 24 Grille, ceremony options are available and guests staying overnight can do so in the same building.