About Ann Arbor
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan is a foodie’s paradise, tech hub, and a highly walkable city. It was founded in 1825 and was named after two of the wives of the founders, but it was discovered by the Potawatomi Indians first in 1774.
The Huron River runs right through Ann Arbor and water sports are popular during the summer months when the temperatures average about 80 degrees. But you can have fun in the winter too, enjoying popular sports like skiing and sledding. In fact, Ann Arbor is the perfect place for your wedding venue any time of year.
Wedding Options in Ann Arbor
Whether you are having a large wedding with hundreds of family and friends or a small party of just a few, getting someone else to handle the little details as well as the big things can be a lifesaver. Ann Arbor has a variety of vendors who can help you with food, pictures, decorating, and whatever else you need.
- Catering
Hire a catering company to feed your people. Even if you are a professional chef, nobody wants to cook on their wedding day and you certainly don’t want to be the one to do all the setup and cleanup. Let someone else take care of all that for you.
- Wedding Attire
Ann Arbor has numerous bridal shops for any kind of wedding. Whether you are planning a summer wedding on the beach or a winter wedding in a church, you will have no trouble finding the dress that you have been dreaming of. From bold and bright colors to traditional white, they have it all.
- Photographer
Hiring a photographer for your Ann Arbor wedding venue is as important as the dress because you will need those special photos to share on Instagram. Choose one of the experienced wedding photographers to set up your bridal party shots and get all the important shots at the wedding and reception too.
- Limousine
Everyone wants to be driven to and from their wedding in a fancy car and Ann Arbor is full of fantastic choices. Whether you are looking for a single car service, a party bus, or a fleet of fancy limousines, they have it in Ann Arbor.
Wedding Companies in Ann Arbor
Don’t try to do it all yourself. It is your wedding day, and you want to be able to relax and enjoy every second of the special event. Having an Ann Arbor wedding venue gives you plenty of professionals to help you out.
- Golden Limousine International
For something unique, rent the Golden Limousine Trolley for your wedding. The trolley seats 32 people so it is just like a party bus only way cooler. They also have the traditional stretch limos and luxury cars with four wedding packages to choose from.
- Katherine’s
Katherine’s will provide just about everything you need from food to linens. They will even do the decorating, photographing, and transportation. The menus include the Classic Wedding Buffet, Golden Summer Wedding, and Happily Ever After to name a few.
- Wild Arbor Flowers
You cannot have a wedding without flowers. From the bridal bouquet to the men’s boutonnieres, everything has to be perfect for your big day and you can trust Wild Arbor Flowers to take care of all of it for you. As a certified florist, Melissa and her team will make your dreams come true.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Ann Arbor
As quaint and sweet as Ann Arbor is, there are always things you need to consider when setting up your wedding venue. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing an Ann Arbor wedding venue.
Advantages
- It is highly walkable
You can walk to just about anywhere in the city, so you do not have to worry about driving.
- Plenty of parks and natural space
If you and your guests want to go for a hike or have a picnic, there are over 100 parks in Ann Arbor to enjoy.
- There are many wedding venues
Whether you want to get married in a cozy cottage, a sandy beach, or a fancy townhouse, you will find it all in Ann Arbor.
- There is plenty to do
Attractions like museums, art galleries, and parks are plentiful, and you can always find a shopping mall or restaurant open.
Disadvantages
- It can be crowded
Being a college town, Ann Arbor tends to attract crowds, especially during football season.
- Winter is snowy
You will need your thermal underwear and snow boots if you plan to have your wedding in the winter in Ann Arbor. The snowy period is almost five months long and the average snowfall is 43 inches.
- High cost of living
Ann Arbor is one of the most expensive cities in the United States so remember to bring all your essentials to avoid paying triple the cost for shampoo or deodorant.
- Traffic
Another con of being in a college town is the traffic but if you avoid the streets close to the university, you will not have to worry too much about that.
Famous Locations in Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan Museums
Why go to one museum when you can go to the campus of the University of Michigan to visit 11 of them? The Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments, Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology are a few of the most popular. Spend the day with your wedding party learning all about the city.
- Leslie Science and Nature Center
If you enjoy nature, check out this 50-acre nature center while you are in town for your special day. Besides the woods, prairies, and fields, you can also meet a variety of critters at the Critter House, Nature House, and Birds of Prey Center. The Black Pond Woods trail is a fantastic way to explore the park with your new partner.
- The Ark
Take the bridal party out for a night on the town and be sure to visit The Ark. They boast live music 300 days every year from country to folk and even some rock and roll. Some of the famous folks who have played there include the Dixie Chicks, Willy Porter, and Ani Di Franco. The theater has 400 seats, but it is a good idea to get your tickets well in advance.