Get Married In Michigan | Ventura Pines Cottage

As a West Michigan wedding planner, the biggest request for summer wedding venues I hear is "anything overlooking Lake Michigan."

The thing about the Lake Michigan lake shore, is that, for the most part, it is privately owned by individuals or home associations. I have heard stories that in the early years, the state of Michigan encouraged business owners to build cottages to populate the area. Many Chicago-area residents would make the drive into Michigan to their cottages throughout the summer, and I believe that is still the case with many of those family-owned homes.

Besides the few and far between summer camps along the shores, and a handful of hotels, for the most part, the shores are lined with various cottages and full-time homes. Some original, and some new construction.

With it's beautiful sunsets and clean sand, the property overlooking Lake Michigan is some of the most sought-after property in the entire state. And when brides come to me looking for a wedding on the big lake, the first place I think of is Ventura Pines Cottage, just north of Holland.

If you're a bride looking to get married overlooking Lake Michigan, check out Ventura Pines Cottage for your big day! Gail, the owner, rents the property by the week and weekend, but call early, because weekends tend to book up quickly! The property is absolutely amazing, and the view is second-to-none. For a tented reception overlooking the lake, this should be on your list to check out.

[top photo, copyright Lotus Photographic; bottom photos copyright Amy Carroll Photography]