With its bustling cities and spectacular lakes, Michigan is one of the best destinations in the world to get married. Whether you dream of a rustic barn ceremony or a wedding by the sea, Michigan has it all for every couple. It offers farm-to-table dining experiences, fresh seafood and award-winning wines, making it easy to craft the most delicious menu for the wedding. Besides, it has plenty of stunning places that the wedding guests can enjoy! Let’s explore below what it is really like to get married in Michigan.
Legal considerations of getting married in Michigan
Obtaining a marriage license is fairly easy in Michigan, but it will take a bit of legal work, so before going to the county clerk’s office, you should take the time to get all of the details. While state residents are required to apply for the marriage license in the county where they reside, that doesn’t apply to out-of-towners, as they can apply for it in the county where they decide to hold the wedding. The necessary documentation to obtain the marriage license includes a valid driver’s license, a certified copy of the birth certificate, and a passport or state ID.
When it comes to international residents, the marriage laws in Michigan state that they must bring original documents either in English or with a notarized English translation. Applying for the marriage license only takes a few minutes to fill out, as it is in the form of an affidavit. In general, it takes around three days after the application for the license to be issued, and you will have to pay between $20 and $30 for it. Note that after submitting the application, the wedding license will only be valid for 33 days, so it’s essential to set the wedding date within a month.
Wedding venues
Michigan is home to a variety of stunning venues, so the soon-to-weds will have plenty of options to choose from. Whether they want to get married in a rustic barn setting or dream of a waterfront wedding, there’s something for everyone in Michigan. For couples who lean toward an outdoor wedding, Traverse City in northern Michigan is an excellent choice, as it has breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, and there are rolling fields in the background. Another popular wedding city is Grand Rapids, located in western Michigan, with spectacular beaches and plenty of activities to offer to everyone. Furthermore, there are different types of venues available, ranging from golf courses and barns to hotels.
Finally, Detroit is at the top of the list among the most popular cities to say your wedding vows in, and it provides luxurious hotels, ballrooms, and scenic outdoor locations, making it easy to plan the perfect wedding.
Weather considerations
Michigan is a four-season state, and it has some extreme temperatures, with the winter months becoming harsh with frozen lakes and snowfall. This is why it’s essential to check a calendar and keep the weather in mind when setting the wedding date. Couples who want to have a winter wedding should choose a date in between seasons, as this will ensure they won’t deal with the freezing cold.
The same rule applies when planning the wedding in summer, as there can be melting heat, which would be uncomfortable for everyone! Spring and fall tend to be milder, so the weather is a lot more enjoyable depending on the date of the wedding. Besides, it can be more beneficial for guests as well, allowing them to arrive in Michigan without experiencing any flight delays due to weather conditions.
Wedding outfits
What people wear at weddings in Michigan depends on different factors, including the venue, the season and the level of formality. For a summer wedding in Michigan, the bride should opt for a stylish, breathable dress while also considering the type of venue chosen for the wedding ceremony. For example, for an outdoor wedding, a boho-style dress is a good choice, while for a formal wedding, a cocktail dress would be more suitable. Fabrics like tulle, silk and chiffon are all natural and light fabrics that will help prevent overheating on this special day. The same rule applies to the guests’ wedding attire. Wearing skirts or dresses that allow for a breeze is the best option for ladies, while men cannot go wrong by choosing wool-linen suits, given their strength and durability, as well as lightweight features.
While summer is one of the best seasons to get married in Michigan, this is by no means everyone’s preference, and that’s okay! Some couples may decide they want a winter wedding in Michigan, which can be just as memorable. Between the abundance of ski resorts, pine trees and snow, Michigan is a fairytale destination for a winter wedding. However, when getting married in winter, dressing in layers is always key as a bride, and snow boots should also be part of the plan when taking any outdoor photos, as they ensure the feet will remain warm (and the formal footwear won’t get ruined!) The same rule applies for fall weddings: layers are important to ensure maximum comfort. As for the outfit choice, fall is the perfect season to embrace a wedding dress with sleeves.
Local cuisine
Michigan has some of the best local flavors, and incorporating the regional foods into the wedding menu will offer guests an authentic and unforgettable experience. Some specific regions, like Traverse City, stand out for their fresh produce, while others offer more comfort foods.
Since the state is also renowned for its apples, couples can decide to fuse in some inspired foods like dumplings, apple pie, and so on. And let’s not forget about cherry treats from Traverse City (did you know that it is known as the tart cherry capital of the world?), Detroit-inspired automobile goodies and mitten-shaped desserts. All of these will make for a delicious wedding menu that will delight everyone’s taste buds!
The bottom line
Getting married in Michigan is a dream for many couples due to the stunning views, the variety of wedding venues, the delicious food, and its affordability compared to other popular wedding locations. As with any wedding, there are some things to consider in order to make the big day memorable, but ultimately, tying the knot in Michigan is the best decision, ensuring that the special moment will be stress-free and filled with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
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