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As we kick off an exciting new year here in the Traverse City area, we know many couples around the country are newly engaged and looking forward to a wedding sometime in 2024 and maybe in 2025. A world of excitement is at your fingertips, and we know you’ll soon be narrowing in on big decisions, such as where to get married. There are no better wedding venues in Traverse City than Black Star Farms, an exquisite vineyard destination that has everything you can possibly want or need on your big day.

Before you decide on wedding venues in Traverse City, though, there are some important considerations to make. Finding a venue that reflects you as a couple and fits your budget, style, and other related criteria is important. To help you narrow in on choosing the best wedding venues in Traverse City, we’ve compiled a guide for you as you embark on this exciting part of the process.

If you’re looking for gorgeous barn wedding venues in Michigan, a stunning vineyard wedding, or perhaps a smaller, more intimate setting in scenic surroundings, you’ll find it at Black Star Farms. The diversity of choice among our wedding venues in Traverse City is one of many things that set us apart from other venues in the area. Here, on Michigan’s breathtaking Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous vineyards, verdant pastures, and gorgeous vistas of Grand Traverse Bay.

Our wedding venue is a truly one-of-a-kind destination, and our experienced staff is here to help every step of the way. As you embark on choosing the perfect wedding venue in Traverse City for your big day, we invite you to learn more about weddings at Black Star Farms.

Bride and Bridesmain in front of our Inn - one of the best wedding venues in Traverse City

What Should You Look For in a Wedding Venue?

You’ve finally found your person and are ready to kick your journey off together. For many couples, a wedding is one of the most important early moments of their lives, and that’s why you want to be careful when choosing where that moment takes place. If you’re ready to set the perfect stage for your big day, Black Star Farms, one of the leading wedding venues in Traverse City, is ready to help!

Before you schedule a tour of our incredible property, though, there are a few things to consider so your venue aligns with your vision. Below, we’ve included a list of ten of the most important considerations to make when choosing your ideal wedding venues in Traverse City!

    1. The first thing you should do when planning your wedding is set your budget – and draft a plan to help you stick to it! Determine how much you have, and then research what is reasonable for each of the general categories, including venue, catering, cake, dress, photographer, and reception details. Sticking to your budget and not getting your heart set on something you can’t afford is the best way to avoid disappointment.
    2. We all know location is an important consideration when it comes to real estate and businesses, but it’s also essential when choosing a wedding venue! Of all the things to consider for your big day, location is paramount. Things to consider here are accessibility and convenience for everyone attending your celebration – you don’t want any logistical situations to deal with that can derail your day. Things to consider here are rural vs. urban locations, atmosphere, destination events vs. local celebrations with friends and family, and the general tone of the venue.
    3. Now that you have the budget and location out of the way, focus on the style and general aesthetic of the wedding venues you’re looking at. Do you have a theme for your wedding? Do you want something more rustic, like a barn wedding? Or perhaps more elegant, like a stunning vineyard affair? Make sure you choose wedding venues in Traverse City that can reflect your desired style!
    4. As you narrow in on your favorite wedding venues in Traverse City, consider each venue’s capacity. Do you want a huge venue with all your friends and family or a smaller, more intimate celebration with just those closest to you? Understanding the capacity of your chosen venue is important.
    5. Next, consider the “when” of your affair and how that might impact your decisions and planning process. If you’ve been dreaming of a summer or fall wedding in a vineyard, you’ll need to consider the weather and have contingency plans in place in the event of adverse weather. You’ll also likely need to ensure enough time to book a venue and plan!
    6. As you tour various wedding venues in Traverse City, ask them about various venue restrictions. Be aware of noise restrictions, time limitations, and other venue restrictions when planning your ceremony and reception.
    7. When choosing wedding venues in Traverse City, you want to be confident in your selection. Relying on reviews and the reputation of a venue is essential. Make sure other couples have had positive experiences to share!
    8. As you narrow in on your top choices, make sure to consider how easily your guests will be able to get to your big day. Will guests be arriving from downtown? How close is the nearest airport, and what’s the best way to get to your venue? Is there enough parking, or will off-site transportation be required? Having these answers hammered out ahead of time can avoid many headaches.
    9. You’re almost ready to make your decision – but who will you have to help you plan all the details? Does the venue have onsite support, or will you need to hire out a coordinator or day-of manager? This can be a significant part of your budget if it’s not included in your venue, so it’s important to know early.
    10. Finally, a personal connection to the space where you plan to say your vows is important. Make sure you visit and tour various wedding venues in Traverse City.

Why We’re One of the Best Wedding Venues in Traverse City

Among wedding venues in Traverse City, few are more well-regarded than Black Star Farms. From small, personalized elopement ceremonies to grand destination weddings, we have capable staff on hand to make sure your dream becomes reality. Our wedding venues in Traverse City are beautiful and offer a destination where you’ll feel equally comfortable, at home, and pampered and tended to.

From the moment you choose us as your preferred venue, you’ll have dedicated staff to work with. Our job is to ensure every detail of your wedding is tended to, ensuring it goes exactly as you’ve planned so you can relax and enjoy the day. This dedication to excellence is just one of the reasons we earn awards in excellence, including the 2023 Best of Weddings from the Knot.

Black Star Farms offers several wedding venues for you to choose from, including quaint indoor spaces, cozy covered patios for inclement weather, outdoor patios and courtyards for warmer days, a historic renovated barn, or our stunning hilltop vineyard. You can read more about each of our wedding venues in Traverse City as you begin to plan your big day.

With a dedicated staff, various venues to choose from, onsite lodging for you and select guests, an excellent reputation, and so much more – there’s little wonder why we’re considered one of the best wedding venues in Traverse City.

Our Honeymoon Suites in Michigan are another reason we're one of the best wedding venues in Traverse City

The Best Honeymoon Suites in Michigan

Apart from offering the best wedding venues in Traverse City, we also offer some of the best honeymoon suites in Michigan, not to mention cozy accommodations for your bridal party, family, and friends. This onsite lodging is convenient and just another reason we’re considered one of the best wedding venues in Traverse City. Black Star Farms is so much more than a wedding destination.

Onsite, you’ll find our winery and tasting rooms, an equestrian center, and our Bed and Breakfast – home to the best honeymoon suites in Michigan. Our Inn features ten well-appointed guest rooms. These honeymoon suites in Michigan are classic, modern, and appointed with fine furnishings and designer fabrics. Some rooms include fireplaces and outdoor patios, with plenty of bed-and-breakfast-style amenities.

As you relax and savor the quiet moments after your big day, our honeymoon suites in Michigan will leave a lasting impression. You’ll love your stay here so much that we have no doubt you’ll return time and time again for romantic escapes in the future, whether for anniversaries, birthdays, or other big life moments like babymoons.

When you come back to stay, we offer a range of specials and packages that can be added to any stay, including those extra romantic enhancements that make your stay extra special. We love being a part of your wedding day, but even more, we love greeting you in the many years that follow as you enjoy romantic getaways in Michigan. Book the best honeymoon suites in Michigan today!