Rehearsal and Reception Locations
Arts and souls — a sophisticated combination for wedding-day celebrations.
Hosting a wedding reception in an art gallery is a trend that’s been occurring in larger cities for some time, and now it is attracting attention in Northern Michigan, too. The increased space and renovated interior and exterior of the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey come together to create one reception locale that sets a party apart.
“It’s a large, beautiful setting and you have this amazing architecture to begin with, and then it’s filled with all these beautiful pieces of art,” said Liz Ahrens, executive director of the more than a century-old arts building.
Because the exhibits vary throughout the year, brides and grooms who rent the facility can find out in advance what will be accompanying them behind-the-scenes — on the walls of the galleries. Most of the year, all local artists are featured in the arts center; in the summertime, a blockbuster show of national import often travels into town.
“We know our gallery schedule at least a year out, so we know what you will have on the walls for your event,” Ahrens said.
There are some times when a reception wouldn’t be possible, Ahrens said, for instance during a sculpture show. But much of the year, it makes for an ideal setting. Some couples have even chosen to get married on the stage.
The main two galleries can accommodate 125 to 150 people for a stand-up reception. The theater seats 230. Taylor Rental handles many of the events at the center, Ahrens added, and a large kitchen is available to caterers-of-choice. Food, alcohol and musicians are welcomed in the galleries and the art center as well, and ample parking makes the arts center a convenient location, too. For more info, go online to www.crookedtree.org.
For the biggest of big weddings, Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs has long been a favored reception destination. Chef and lodge manager Ralph Horn said the ski resort takes on new life for summertime festivities in the lawn and in the surrounding natural areas.
“We have had people get married out on our decks as well,” said Horn.
Catering for events is handled in house, and Nub’s Pub bar can be opened for the event as well. Nub’s recently invested in a new dance floor that can be configured for any size group.
That’s when the party really gets going, with DJs like Sound Productions or bands that rock the reception like revered Jelly Roll Blues Band.
Nub’s can accommodate groups up to 500 inside and about 300 outside. Most events average between 125-225 guests, Horn added.
Menu options for groups large and small can be custom-created to the wishes of the bride and groom. “We’re also open to a lot of different options people may have,” said Horn, who with staff has more than 30 years of catering experience.
One of the house specialties is prime rib, which Horn said always garners plenty of comments. “We have a way of doing it that makes everybody’s mouths water,” he said. “And we have a chicken breast that we do, that is floured in our own special recipe that was developed here at Nub’s. We do that over a wild-rice blend.”
Hors d’oeuvres stations are another popular option at receptions today. “We’ve done just about everything there is,” Horn said. For more details, reach Horn at 526-2131.
Across the Bay, Bay Harbor is proving to be
another destination reception of choice, particularly for out-of-town
couples, said Megan Nickerson, group sales coordinator for Bay Harbor
Resort and Marina.
While about 90 percent of the resort’s weddings are with couples from downstate and the Chicago areas, more locals are finding the amenities offered at Bay Harbor to be alluring for their celebrations as well.
“We have something for everybody,” said Nickerson, adding the combination between resort and casual environment appeals to many visitors, who do not need to be members or otherwise affiliated with Bay Harbor to rent the available facilities.
Those facilities include the Bay Harbor Conference Center, located in the Village at Bay Harbor on the second floor above Galley Gourmet. It can hold up to 150 people for a banquet-style reception.
The Village location provides a short walk to all of Bay Harbor’s shops and restaurants, the nearby Inn at Bay Harbor and the beach, plus a breathtaking view of Bay Harbor Lake.
Outside, the marina lawn panels are another reception location. Located adjacent to Latitude, the lawn area can accommodate 300 with up-close views of the marina and the lake.
A new venue, outdoors at the Equestrian Club, provides spectacular views from high above the Bay Harbor resort on the other side of U.S. 31. Nickerson said more than 300 guests can be accommodated at this site.
Sunset beach, located between the Village and the Inn, has become a
popular site for ceremonies and beach receptions, and about 1/2 mile
toward Petoskey, a remnant from the days of the cement plant provides
another ideal spot for saying I Do and partying the night away.
“It’s
my personal favorite ceremony venue,” said Nickerson, of the
observation platform that juts out into Lake Michigan. Along the
shoreline, tents can be raised to accommodate 200 guests. “It’s very
unique,” she added.
For all receptions at Bay Harbor, couples may choose from Galley Gourmet or Latitude as caterers; no outside caterers are allowed. “Our caterers are really flexible,” Nickerson said. “I’ve seen family-style, buffets and more formal, plated dinners.”
Rehearsal dinners are also often held at Latitude and Knot, Just a Bar. The nearby Inn at Bay Harbor and Bay Harbor Golf Club are owned and operated by Boyne Resorts and have their own wedding management staff, Nickerson noted.
Call Nickerson directly at 439-2422 for more details.
Area reception and rehearsal dinner locations
Big receptions: 200-plus guests
- Boyne USA Resorts (800)
GO-BOYNE, (862-6963), www.boyneweddings.com
- Odawa Casino Resort and Hotel, (877) 442-6464
- Emmet
County’s community building, 347-6536
- Castle Farms, Charlevoix,
237-0884
- Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs, 526-2131
- Mackinaw
Reception and Conference Center, (231) 436-5247
- Knights of
Columbus Hall, 347-4461
Medium-sized parties: 100-200
- Inn at Bay Harbor – a
Renaissance Golf Resort, Bay Harbor, (800) 862-6963
- Stafford’s
Hospitality: Perry Hotel, Bay View Inn, The Pier, Weathervane, 347-4000
-
Teddy Griffin’s Road House, Harbor Springs, 526-7805
Small
groups: Under 100
- The Terrace Inn, Bay View, 347-2410
-
Emmet County’s parks and recreation, several sites including Camp
Pet-O-Sega on Pickerel Lake, 347-6536
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