Country Wedding, City Wedding

By Beth Anne Piehl

Some couples are more comfortable celebrating in an historic barn with acres of room to party the night away. Others are accustomed to elegant, extravagant affairs on the water’s edge, or in a centuries-old hotel full of charm and grace.
Choosing the reception and rehearsal dinner locations today is more than renting a hall and bringing flowers. Many area restaurants, inns and even farmsteads offer unique spots for the after-ceremony festivities.
Carl Dhaseleer’s barn three miles outside of Charlevoix provides a peaceful venue for weddings and other events. “It’s a really nice set-up and a nice location,” said Dhaseleer. “It’s definitely quiet out here and there are no neighbors nearby, it’s pretty private.”
The Dhaseleers, who are known for their Black Cat Concerts in the barn and their pottery and taxidermy endeavors, opened the 1870-barn this past year as a wedding venue.
As they work to improve the gardens, much has been done to prepare the structure for hosting up to 200 people. The interior was remodeled and handicap access added, bathrooms were installed and ample parking is available. The base is a salvaged gym floor which makes the entire level danceable.
A small kitchen for catering and bartending has also been configured in the barn, and entertainment can be accommodated as well. The grounds can hold 500 people outside, Carl added.
The spot is ideal for weddings or rehearsal dinners, particularly for those who relate to the Dhaseleers’ mission of bringing quality family entertainment to the community and restoration of the historic barn. For more information on the barn, located at the end of Paddock Road, visit www.blackcatconcerts.com.
 

Revel riverside

Situated along the ambling Maple River, the Hidden River Golf and Casting Club and its restaurant make for scenic grounds to accommodate up to 125 wedding guests.
It’s an intimate location where good food is accompanied by natural surroundings.
“The setting is definitely unique. We have the lodge atmosphere for the up-North feel and we’re relaxed. We’re fine dining, but we’re very relaxed,” said Cynthia Chambers, vice president of business development. “We want our guests to feel really at home and welcome here.”
Chambers said some brides and grooms choose to have the wedding ceremony on the grounds, then convene to the Rainbow Room for dining and entertainment. “We have an outdoor terrace that’s a really nice setting. They can enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the terrace and come inside for the sit-down dinner,” she noted.
Menu options are vast and can include buffets or plated meals like split-plate lobster tail and filets, local whitefish and Great Lakes perch or Memphis-style smoked ribs. The facility is open mid-April until New Year’s Eve, though weddings and events can be booked for the off-season.
The full-service Hidden River staff can help couples book entertainment, rent the dance floor, prepare the food and serve the beverages, and also host the rehearsal dinner; a smaller room, the Trophy Room, can accommodate 40.
And for the men involved with the festivities, tee times at Hidden River can be reserved for a round or two before the wedding celebrations begin as well. Visit www.hiddenriver.com 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

More ideas for your rehearsal or reception ... call for details.

Papa Lou’s, Petoskey, 348-3663
Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club, 526-2166
Latitude, Bay Harbor, 439-2750
Mahogany’s, Charlevoix, 547-9796
Jordan Inn, East Jordan, 536-9906
Treetops, Gaylord, (989) 732-6711
La Senorita, Petoskey, 347-7750
Pelican Room, Torch Lake, (231) 544-BLUE (2583)
Black Bear Golf Club, Vanderbilt (866) 983-4441
Holiday Inn Express, Petoskey, (877) 497-0105
Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos, (800) 922-2WIN (946)

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