Top Luxury Wedding Venues in Detroit: A Photographer’s Perspective
Detroit is a city full of charm, history, and urban elegance, making it the perfect backdrop for a luxury wedding. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant ballroom affair, chic rooftop photos, or a refined outdoor celebration on the water, Detroit offers a wide variety of stunning venues to bring your dream wedding to life. As a Detroit-based wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing unforgettable moments at some of the most exclusive wedding venues in the city.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the top luxury wedding venues in Detroit from a photographer’s perspective. I’ve highlighted the unique features that make each venue ideal for capturing breathtaking photos while ensuring your big day goes off without a hitch. If you’re looking for the perfect venue to say “I do,” look no further.
1. The Detroit Institute of Arts
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
When it comes to luxury and culture, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is an iconic venue that blends historical significance with timeless elegance. With its grand architecture, sweeping staircases, and world-renowned art collection, the DIA offers a truly sophisticated setting for a wedding. The light-filled Rivera Court, with its exquisite murals, creates a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and portraits. For couples seeking an artful, yet opulent setting, the DIA never disappoints. It is truly one of the top luxury wedding venues in Detroit.
Photography Highlights:
- The Rivera Court: Its unique murals and natural lighting make it a dramatic space for your ceremony photos.
- The Great Hall: This iconic space with high ceilings and intricate architecture is perfect for your grand entrance.
- The Art: The museum’s collections provide endless opportunities for creative portraits, from classic sculptures to modern art.
- The Outdoor Space: The exterior of the museum is just as grand as its interior. It boasts multiple marble staircases, treelined pathways, and elaborate fountains.
Perfect For: Art lovers, classic elegance, and couples who appreciate a high-end cultural experience.
2. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
This historic hotel is a staple of Detroit luxury, offering a blend of vintage glamour and modern amenities. The Book Cadillac’s stunning ballrooms, particularly the Crystal Ballroom, feature intricate chandeliers, marble floors, and sweeping windows that provide beautiful natural light. From the moment you step inside you’re surrounded by opulence, making it an incredible venue for wedding photos.
Photography Highlights:
- The Crystal Ballroom: With its sparkling chandeliers and grand staircase, this venue exudes a sense of romance and sophistication.
- The Lobby: The marble floors, soaring ceilings, and vintage architecture provide an unforgettable entrance and exit for the bride and groom.
- The City Streets: The streets surrounding the Westin make for fabulous photos with natural city feel.
Perfect For: Couples who love vintage glamour, city views, and an unforgettable ballroom atmosphere.
3. The Detroit Athletic Club
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
The Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) is synonymous with exclusivity, offering a refined space for couples who seek both elegance and a sense of prestige. The building itself is a historical landmark, and its grand ballroom creates an air of timeless sophistication. The DAC is perfect for couples looking to make a statement with their venue choice.
Photography Highlights:
- The Grand Ballroom: Its majestic columns, chandeliers, and large windows provide dramatic lighting, perfect for both ceremony and reception photos.
- The Rooftop: Offering stunning views of the Detroit skyline and Comerica Park, the DAC rooftop makes for a perfect place to capture sunset portraits. Its one of my personal favorite rooftops in the city.
- The Clubhouse: The DAC’s interiors, complete with wood paneling and historical charm, create beautiful, intimate moments for bride and groom portraits.
Perfect For: Couples who appreciate historic charm, upscale ambiance, and views of downtown Detroit.
4. The Book Tower
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
The Book Tower is one of Detroit’s architectural gems, blending classic Art Deco style with contemporary sophistication. As a wedding photographer, this towering historic venue is a dream because of its striking, detailed architecture, dramatic interiors, and the incredible opportunity to showcase the city’s skyline from a high vantage point. The Book Tower’s elegance offers a rich, vintage setting perfect for those wanting timeless wedding photos.
Photography Highlights:
- The Grand Entrance: The grand entryway and its sweeping staircases are ideal for portraits that convey luxury and sophistication.
- Kamper’s Patio: With sweeping views of the Detroit skyline, the rooftop at Kamper’s and upper floors of the Book Tower offer incredible backdrops for portraits.
- The Lobby: The lobby’s classy seating areas and sophisticated bar provide a chic setting for portraits and detail shots.
Perfect For: Couples who want a blend of Art Deco style, historic grandeur, and stunning city views.
5. The State Savings Bank
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
For couples who love the idea of tying the knot in a venue with history and grandeur, The State Savings Bank offers an opulent yet intimate setting. Originally a bank, this stunning building has been transformed into a beautiful event space, while still preserving its architectural charm. Notably, the venue features soaring vaulted ceilings, original marble floors, and intricate detailing throughout. As a result, its elegant style creates a perfect environment for wedding photography, where almost every corner of the venue offers something spectacular. Whether you’re photographing the grand atrium or capturing the unique details of the former vault room, the space exudes timeless beauty.
Photography Highlights:
- The Vault Room: The former vault, with its towering iron doors and intricate design, creates a one-of-a-kind setting for wedding portraits or a unique first look.
- The Grand Atrium: The high ceilings and impressive columns in the atrium allow for natural light to flood in, making it a stunning spot for both ceremony and reception photos.
- The Marble Floors: The original marble floors are perfect for capturing the elegance and luxurious detail that sets the venue apart.
Perfect For: Couples who adore vintage glamour, historical venues, and the luxury of a unique, bespoke atmosphere.
6. The Shinola Hotel
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
If you’re looking for modern luxury with a touch of industrial chic, the Shinola Hotel offers a stylish and unique backdrop for your wedding day. Located in the heart of Detroit, the Shinola features a mix of historic charm and modern design elements. Its open, airy spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist décor create a perfect setting for chic and contemporary photos.
Photography Highlights:
- The Birdy Room: The rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, providing the perfect spot for sunset photos and intimate moments.
- The Ballroom: A sleek, modern space with warm tones, ideal for creating a cozy, yet sophisticated vibe for your reception.
- The Iconic Hallway: Everyone’s favorite photo space is Shinola Hotel’s iconic hallway.
- The Suites: Let me tell you, I would live in one of the Shinola Hotel suites! With the mix of mid-century modern furniture and artful design, they provide a timeless backdrop for getting-ready photos and couples portraits.
Perfect For: Couples who love contemporary design, urban chic vibes, and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
7. The Highlands
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
The Highlands is a stunning venue that offers panoramic Detroit skyline views, perfect for a luxurious wedding atmosphere. Situated at the top of the Renaissance Center, it has the highest vantage point in the city. Its modern decor and location give The Highlands an air of exclusivity, sophistication, and elegance.
Photography Highlights:
- The Marriott: Within the Renaissance Center is the Marriott Hotel. The suites at the Marriott are ideal for both bride and groom getting ready portraits.
- The Bar: If you can time it properly (before the restaurant downstairs opens to the public) the bar at The Highlands is an amazing location for unique wedding photos.
- The Ballroom: The stunning ballroom, with its high ceilings and classic décor, is a fantastic space for capturing both the grandeur of your reception and intimate moments.
Perfect For: Couples looking for an elegant, exclusive venue with city skyline views.
8. The Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
The Grosse Pointe War Memorial is an elegant and historic venue located on the shores of Lake St. Clair. Although technically not right inside the city, its elegance and proximity make it an important inclusion for the ‘Top Luxury Wedding Venues in Detroit’ list. This venue combines historic charm with lakeside beauty. It offers a variety of spaces for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Its stunning architecture, combined with picturesque waterfront views, makes it a highly sought-after location for luxury weddings.
Photography Highlights:
- The Waterfront: The lakeside terrace offers a stunning setting for ceremony photos with views of the water and the picturesque surrounding gardens.
- The Grand Hall: The elegant ballroom, with its large windows and grand architecture, creates the perfect backdrop for romantic reception photos.
- The Grounds: Beautiful gardens and manicured lawns provide ample opportunities for bridal portraits and family photos with a refined touch.
Perfect For: Couples looking for a serene lakeside setting with historic elegance.
9. The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
If you’re dreaming of a waterfront wedding with a nautical twist, The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club offers a luxurious setting with stunning views of Lake St. Clair. This venue combines historic charm with modern elegance, and as a photographer, the location provides endless opportunities for breathtaking photos, from nautical-themed details to stunning outdoor portrait backdrops.
Photography Highlights:
- The Garden & Docks: The outdoor spaces at the Yacht Club offer panoramic views of the lake. It provides an idyllic location for lush green garden images and sunset portraits on the docks.
- The Waterfront Patio: The patio is perfect for capturing your guests’ reactions during cocktail hour or hosting an outdoor ceremony.
- The Interior: The Yacht Club’s sophisticated interiors provide a timeless backdrop for classic wedding photos.
Perfect For: Couples seeking a luxurious, nautical-inspired venue with beautiful waterfront views.
10. The Madison
Why It’s Ideal for Wedding Photos:
Located in the heart of Detroit, The Madison offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. The venue features a combination of sleek, contemporary spaces with classic architectural details. It’s the perfect location for couples looking for a venue with both elegance and a cutting-edge vibe.
Photography Highlights:
- The Rooftop Terrace: With views of downtown Detroit, the rooftop provides an ideal spot for sunset portraits and intimate moments.
- The Historic Interiors: The venue’s blend of vintage and modern design provides a versatile backdrop for a variety of wedding photo styles.
- The Lobby: The grand entrance and stunning lobby with its classic chandeliers and artistic design elements make for memorable photos of the bride and groom.
Perfect For: Couples who want a blend of modern and vintage elements with urban views.
Final Thoughts
Detroit’s luxury wedding venues cater to every couple, from grand historical settings to sleek modern spaces and romantic outdoor gardens. As a wedding photographer, I love working in these venues. Not only do they provide stunning backdrops for your wedding photos but also ensure that your big day is unforgettable in every way.
If you’re planning a luxury wedding in Detroit, these venues will create the perfect setting for timeless, high-quality images to cherish forever.
Are you planning your dream wedding in Detroit? Reach out to me to discuss how I can capture every moment of your luxury celebration at one of these stunning venues!
