Planning Your Traverse City Wedding: Set the Date
Northern Michigan is a stunning place to live, work, and play, and it’s also the ideal place to make unforgettable memories. If you’re planning a Traverse City wedding, summer is always the same - but busy - bet to ensure idyllic weather. Before you book, here are a few things to consider before choosing the date for your big day.
The Best Time of Year for an Outdoor Michigan Wedding
Traverse City summers are notoriously pleasant, with relatively mild temperatures on all but the hottest days of the year. June, July, and August are typically dry, while September can sometimes offer the best weather of the year.
If you’re committed to a summer wedding, hedge your bets with a waterfront venue. There’s nothing like a cooling breeze off Grand Traverse Bay, and it’ll keep guests comfortable no matter how warm the day gets.
Of course, summer weddings are extremely popular, which means finding the perfect venue can be challenging. Start planning early and ask about availability, capacity, and other important questions at least six months in advance.
Spring vs. Fall Weddings
Spring and fall weddings make life easier for guests by avoiding peak tourist season in Traverse City. This allows them to travel, stay, and plan more easily while allowing them to experience Traverse City like a local before the crowds arrive.
Spring Weddings in Traverse City
Book your spring wedding to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom if you can. Blossoms typically appear in early to mid-May, turning the rolling orchards of Leelanau Peninsula and Downtown Traverse a brilliant pink-white for three or four weeks.
April weddings can sometimes offer exceptional weather, though you’ll definitely want an indoor space with heat to keep guests comfortable.
Fall Weddings in Traverse City
There’s a reason we call September “local’s summer.” Declining tourist traffic means September through mid-October offers summer-like temperatures, little rain, and considerably less traffic than the busy summer months. October can get chilly, especially if you’re considering morning activities before the ceremony. Time it right, and you’ll also experience Northern Michigan fall colors at their peak, usually in the first or second week of October.
Year-Round Wedding Tips
No matter when you plan your outdoor wedding, there are a few contingencies to plan.
Remind guests to dress appropriately
Have a rain contingency plan (like our pavilion!)
Plan for bugs if you choose a barn or another outdoor venue
Ask about the music and sound equipment power supply, TV monitors, etc.
Make Your Wedding Magical with Venue Blue
We’re committed to making your wedding an unforgettable experience, no matter what time of year you choose. Speak with our venue manager to learn about venue availability and amenities, and let us know how we can make your big day perfect! Let’s get started.