Top 5 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids

As a Grand Rapids-based wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing some of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the area. The city of Grand Rapids offers a variety of options for outdoor wedding venues, ranging from lush gardens to stunning museum courtyards. Here are my top five picks for outdoor wedding venues in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Frederick Meijer Gardens

One of the most popular locations for outdoor ceremonies at the Frederick Meijer Gardens is the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. The conservatory is a lush and colorful oasis, with towering palm trees, exotic flowers, and a tranquil koi pond. The natural beauty of this space makes it the perfect setting for a tropical-themed wedding, or for couples who want a natural and serene backdrop for their ceremony.

Another popular outdoor wedding location at the Frederick Meijer Gardens is the Woodland Shade Garden. This peaceful and serene space is surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, providing a natural and tranquil setting for ceremonies and receptions. The garden features winding paths, wooden benches, and a beautiful fountain, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere for weddings.

In addition to the stunning outdoor spaces, the Frederick Meijer Gardens also offers several indoor spaces for receptions and other events. The indoor reception spaces offer a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, with stunning views of the gardens and plenty of room for guests to celebrate and dance the night away.

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings at the Frederick Meijer Gardens is the endless opportunities for stunning photos. The gardens offer a variety of stunning backdrops, from colorful flowers to tranquil water features, that provide the perfect setting for wedding photos. As a photographer, I am always amazed at the beauty and diversity of this venue, and I love the challenge of capturing every special moment in this stunning setting.

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Bissell Tree House at John Ball Zoo

The Bissell Tree House is situated high in the trees, offering breathtaking views of the zoo and the city of Grand Rapids. The venue can accommodate up to 120 guests and features an outdoor deck for the ceremony and a reception space inside the tree house.

One of the things that make the Bissell Tree House such a unique wedding venue is the stunning view that it offers. From the tree house, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the Grand Rapids skyline, making for a truly unforgettable backdrop for wedding photos. The venue is especially stunning at sunset, as the sun sets over the city, providing a gorgeous display of colors in the sky.

The Bissell Tree House also offers a variety of natural elements that make for stunning photo opportunities. The surrounding trees and greenery create a lush and natural setting that is perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies. The tree house itself is also a unique and striking feature that makes for beautiful photos.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Bissell Tree House also offers excellent amenities for couples and their guests. The outdoor deck is a perfect location for the wedding ceremony, while the indoor reception space provides a cozy and intimate setting for the wedding reception. The venue also offers catering and bar services, making it a convenient choice for couples who want to simplify their wedding planning.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The outdoor ceremony space at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is situated in the museum’s lovely garden, which is a lush and serene setting for any wedding. The garden features a stunning fountain and a variety of beautiful flowers and plants, making it the perfect backdrop for couples who want to exchange vows surrounded by natural beauty.

One of the things I love about the Grand Rapids Public Museum as a wedding venue is the flexibility it offers. Couples can choose to have their ceremony and reception entirely outdoors in the garden or opt to have their reception inside the museum while still taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor space for the ceremony. This makes the museum an excellent option for couples who want a bit of both indoor and outdoor elements on their wedding day.

The reception space inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers a unique and historic backdrop for a wedding reception. The space features high ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows that provide a beautiful view of the Grand River and downtown Grand Rapids. The museum also has several exhibits that can be incorporated into the wedding, adding a fun and interactive element for guests.

Another advantage of having a wedding at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is the convenience it offers for couples and their guests. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, making it easily accessible for out-of-town guests staying in hotels in the city center. The museum also offers ample parking options for guests who choose to drive.

Venue 3 Two

The venue features a beautiful courtyard that is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The courtyard is surrounded by lush greenery and modern architecture, creating a unique and elegant atmosphere. The space is also very versatile and can be customized to fit the couple’s vision for their special day.

One of the things I love about Venue 3 Two is its location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. The city’s skyline provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, and the nearby Grand River adds a touch of natural beauty to the urban setting. The venue is also easily accessible for guests who are staying in the city, making it a convenient choice for out-of-town weddings.

Another great thing about Venue 3 Two is its commitment to sustainability. The venue was designed with eco-friendly practices in mind, including rain gardens, green roofs, and solar panels. As a photographer, I appreciate the natural light that floods the courtyard, which creates a beautiful and soft lighting for photos.

The venue’s indoor space is just as beautiful as its outdoor space. The interior design is modern and sleek, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for receptions and indoor ceremonies. The large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy feel.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and is an ideal location for couples who want to have an urban wedding with a touch of elegance. The museum’s outdoor terrace, which overlooks the city skyline, is a beautiful space for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The terrace can accommodate up to 200 guests and is perfect for couples who want to have an intimate and romantic wedding with a city view.

The terrace is surrounded by beautiful sculptures and artwork, creating a unique and artistic backdrop for wedding photos. The museum’s architecture also adds a modern and sophisticated touch to the overall ambiance. The outdoor terrace is especially beautiful during the golden hour, when the sun is setting and the city lights start to twinkle.

One of the best things about the Grand Rapids Art Museum as a wedding venue is the versatility it offers. The museum’s indoor galleries are also available for weddings, which means couples can have both an indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony and reception in the same location. The indoor galleries provide a unique and artistic backdrop for wedding photos, and the museum’s staff is always willing to work with couples to make their wedding vision a reality.

Grand Rapids offers a variety of beautiful outdoor wedding venues that cater to different styles and preferences. From lush gardens to stunning museums, the city has something for everyone. As a wedding photographer, I have had the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful and unforgettable moments at these venues. Couples looking for a beautiful and unique outdoor wedding venue in Grand Rapids will not be disappointed with any of these options.

If you are thinking of using an outdoor venue, let’s get in touch!

Read more about Indoor Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids!

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