Mackinac Island’s Mission Point wins wedding honors, has tips for saying an island ‘I do’
MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – As Michigan’s top tourist spot, many of us know Mackinac Island as a place we can relax, soak up small-town charm, and sample its signature bites of fudge as we walk down Main Street or take in spectacular views across the Straits of Mackinac.
But it’s also become a hugely popular wedding destination. And couples are finding lots of ways to express their love for each other – and the island – as they plan their special day. Some are choosing to say “I do” in intimate beachside ceremonies with the Mackinac Bridge as a backdrop. Others are bringing over family and friends on the ferries to celebrate with waterfront nuptials and a big reception.
They are taking horse-drawn carriage rides after the ceremony, or rounding up their wedding party for a walk and photos at Arch Rock.
The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau has even produced a special wedding guide for couples who want to plan their ceremony here. It includes a list of island wedding vendors.
Amid this wedding surge, some island venues are scooping up awards. In the last year, Mission Point Resort has been awarded four wedding-related honors that highlight not only the beautiful spaces it offers couples planning their big day, but also recognizes the wedding planning team the resort has assembled to help guests take care of every detail.
Mission Point’s recent awards include a Best of Weddings nod and a Best of Weddings Hall of Fame recognition from The Knot, and the Couple’s Choice Award from WeddingWire.
In 2022, this resort on the island’s “sunrise side” hosted more than 90 weddings. They already are filling up on dates for this year’s weddings, and are booking into 2024.
A wedding on The Great Lawn at Mission Point Resort. Photo provided by Mission Point and Fresh Coast Photography.
“You can expect nothing short of an extraordinary wedding at Mission Point Resort. Here, the fairytale experience of getting married on the island is met with an amazing team supporting couples every step of the way,” said Emma Wheeler, wedding sales manager. “Every day is a wedding day on Mackinac, and we are seeing more and more couples combining weekday weddings with vacation opportunities for their guests.”
Known for its picturesque gazebo and sprawling Great Lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs, it’s not a surprise couples tend to gravitate toward these two spots when planning their vows. But they’re also drawn to the smaller, more private Tranquility Point spot as well. The resort also has six different locales to host receptions, too, depending on the number of guests. These include:
- Promenade Deck pavilion is the most requested event space – can accommodate up to 120
- Cypress Room – can accommodate up to 200
- Colonial Room – can accommodate up to 50
- Summit Room – can accommodate up to 120
- Sound Stage – can accommodate up to 300
- Courtside Patio – can accommodate up to 60
RELATED: Mackinac Island’s Mission Point creates new event space with knockout waterfront view
A bride and groom kiss on Main Street. Photo provided by Mission Point Resort and Jessie Cancio Photography.
Lovable Michigan Tip: If you’re planning a wedding for 2023 or later, be flexible and think beyond the traditional Saturday dates. Those tend to fill up fast. Every day can be a wedding day at Mission Point, and midweek weddings typically allow couples – and their guests – to enjoy a more easily booked island vacation in the days before or after the wedding.
A Mackinac Island wedding not only has all the ingredients to make the day as classic – or unique – as the couple might want, but it also makes the island a touchpoint for the couple’s future special occasions.
“From breathtaking wedding venues with lakefront views, the pomp and circumstance of newlyweds waving from their horse-drawn carriages and pleasing all with the iconic kiss in the middle of Main Street, a fabulous reception filled with delicious food & drink where friends and family celebrate and dance the night away, it is no wonder Mission Point is the perfect place to be married on iconic Mackinac,” said Liz Ware, the resort’s vice president of sales & marketing. “It is a wedding location like no other to create memories of a lifetime. You’ll find yourself coming back year after year to celebrate anniversaries as so many ‘I-do’s’ DO!”
For more information about planning a wedding at Mission Point, see the resort’s special wedding website here. It also includes photos and stories from recent weddings.
Headed to Mission Point Resort this season? See all the package deals here.
A couple ties the knot at Mission Point. Photo provided by Mission Point and Andrejka Photography.
