By Christine MacIntyre

Infusing a wedding with nature adds a sense of lighthearted whimsy and charm through elements such as fresh air, natural lighting, vibrant flowers, and wildlife. Several local venues bring the ceremony to nature's doorstep by offering outdoor ceremony sites, while others bring nature indoors. Some Crazy Wisdom favorites include botanical gardens, riverside views, sprawling fields, and vineyards. Each of the following venues is unique, but all of them offer nature's aesthetic beauty and are perfect options for a nature-inspired wedding.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum –

1800 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, (734) 647-7600, mbgna.umich.edu

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum offer a sweet escape from the city with its lush gardens and formal spaces enhanced by nature. The venue is ideal for a wedding inspired by nature, as the gardens outside or even the indoor space amid the tropical setting in the Conservatory, offer gorgeous surroundings.

Matthaei features seven distinct spaces, "including a fragrant Herb Knot Garden, colorful Perennial Garden, the serene and intimate Willow Pond Island, or the summer-blooming Gateway Garden," according to their website.

The Conservatory hosts up to 60 people for smaller, more intimate gatherings. The exotic plants and lush tropical and temperate garden lend to the atmosphere. In addition, the space is climate-friendly, so no rain date is needed for your special day. The space is available for weddings nine months out of the year, which broadens the possibilities for a wedding in nature in Michigan. Floodlights offer ambiance at night, making the Conservatory an ideal spot for a romantic evening wedding.

For a private, isolated space, the intimate Willow Pond Island accommodates 150 guests in an area nestled across the water, between the reeds, to a secret garden. The tranquil water and looming spruce trees create the perfect backdrop, with wildflowers at the forefront. A stone stage offers the ideal spot to say "I do", and sets the tone in this rugged natural space.

Nichols Arboretum is Matthaei's quiet, leafy haven, perfect for an intimate, smaller wedding. Options are endless, with a hillside overlooking the Peony Garden, the Main/East Valleys, the amphitheater, and the Dow Prairie overlook. For an even smaller wedding, with 40 or fewer guests, the Heathdale, School Girls Glen Overlook, and the riverfront along the Huron River offer the ideal spaces.

The Herb Garden is perfect for couples looking for garden space featuring pathways, flexible seating arrangements, and a foliage backdrop of diverse textures and colors. Accommodating up to 100 people, the traditional English Tudor-style garden features a low yew hedge that encloses the garden, main pathways framed with boxwood, and a central bed of creeping thyme, which forms the woven Tudor knot design. Seating options include a semi-circular wooden bench running around one end of the garden and placing chairs at the ends of the focal paved areas, utilizing paths and a symmetrical design for the grand entrance.

The Gateway Garden offers vividly colored annuals and perennials. Accentuated by shrubs, accent boulders, and over 6,000 annuals, the central garden bed houses sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, milkweed, poppies, purple coneflower, salvia, and more attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

The focal point of this popular garden venue is the pavilion flanked by two beehive-shaped stone fountain pools, offering the perfect gathering area. This space accommodates 150 people in a round design with pathways offering the perfect ceremony view.

The Perennial Garden, which also accommodates 150 people, is defined by yew hedges and four long beds of perennials, marking it as a traditional English cottage garden. The long aisles of grassy lawns in between the beds accentuate the more than 120 varieties of plants which present pastel blues and pinks with white, yellow, lime, silver, and dark green tones. The changing colors of the perennial beds blend and reflect color schemes perfectly, making this an ideal spot for gorgeous photographs. Seating arrangements are best kept formal in this space, with chairs in the center aisle and the ceremony in a semi-circle of white perennials.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens' accommodations are unique in that their spaces whisk guests away to a portrait-perfect scene embedded in nature, surrounded by flowers, plants, and wildlife. In the event of bad weather for those who reserve outdoor spaces, the Auditorium or Conservatory offers options for a backup ceremony location, providing peace of mind and convenience. Additionally, the Auditorium is available for receptions.

Frutig Misty Farm & The Valley –

8040 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, (313) 657-6882, frutigfarms.com

Located on sixteen acres lies Frutig’s Misty Farm, picture-perfect for outdoor weddings. The 2400 square foot restored historic barn has rooms for a band, dancing, and eating, and accommodates up to 130 people seated. A tent site provides ample room for parties over 130 people, accommodating up to 250 people seated. The site is situated against natural wetlands and rolling fields and overlooks a gorgeous pond. Among beautiful perennial gardens, uniquely restored buildings provide the perfect photo opportunities.

The idea for utilizing the farm as a wedding venue came to Kelly Frutig after her daughter’s wedding in 2009. Misty Farm quickly became a top choice among those seeking a natural country setting with the convenience of being close to the heart of Ann Arbor. The historic barns, built around the turn of the century, offer a nostalgic, rustic appeal. Surrounded by rolling fields that were once horse pastures, a pond, and wetlands, the site allows guests to be truly immersed in nature.

Located only one-half of a mile east of Misty Farm, The Valley is a newly renovated 1840’s barn. The ceremony site includes bench seating, an outdoor round silo bar for cocktail hour, a Dining Barn with newly added pavilion seating for up to 250 people, and a historic main barn for the party. A groom’s shed, bridal staging area, and six bathrooms make this unique venue the perfect location for a memorable wedding.

The Valley was born from the spirit of restoring and preserving historical structures in Washtenaw County, and because Misty Farm saw such great success. The Valley is a gable roof barn built circa 1840, and, with the help of many talented local craftsmen, has been recreated to “satisfy the needs and wishes of the bride seeking a unique, natural, and outdoor venue,” according to Frutig Farm’s website. Both sites seek to cater to “people gather[ing] and enjoy[ing] life and the bounty of earth.”

Their website offers ample information, including an availability calendar, structure and pricing guides, tour schedules, information on how to book, and a detailed list of how things will work once the venue is booked. Rental fees include everything you’ve thought of, plus more, including a built-in sound system, wedding arbor, and wood chair seating, a golf cart, access to props, coffee service, and a refreshing seasonal fruit water bar. A vendor coordinator makes planning a breeze if you don’t already have your own. Frutig Farms’ goal is to ensure a stress-free, smooth-running event that is both beautiful and memorable.

Weller’s Carriage House –

555 West Michigan Avenue, Saline, (734) 429-2115, wellersweddings.com

Weller's, situated on the banks of the Saline River, offers an appealing property embedded in nature and history. The Weller’s property is on the National Historical Register and features a unique setting on ten acres. Ceremony and reception areas, indoor event spaces, complete catering services, an outdoor dance pavilion, and its position on the river make Weller's the perfect wedding site.

Two unique banquet rooms are available—The Carriage House and the Raisin River Room. Each boasts charm and historical significance. Additionally, two outdoor ceremony sites are available. Riverside ceremonies allow your event to meet nature at its doorstep.

The River Raisin Room, using the ceremony grounds on the opposite side of the river from the Carriage House grounds, comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests. Restrooms, a gift table, a cake table, a buffet table, a boiler bar, an entry foyer, a dance floor, and a stage make this space perfect for more intimate gatherings.

The 30’ x 60’ Carriage House provides a unique experience. The ceremony site consists of an outdoor fire pit alongside the patio, where a 120 feet wedding aisle extends and leads to the wedding pergola. After hors d'oeuvres, a pre-dinner toast, and enjoying dinner and cake along with mingling among friends and family, the DJ announces the first dance from inside the Carriage House, prompting guests to move to the beautiful outdoor gazebo. Take a break from dancing to visit the outdoor bar offering a selection of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Round cement tables with benches adorn the outdoor area. Additionally, the Carriage House features an indoor bar, a dinner bell to announce the seating of guests, dinner service, and cake cutting services.

The gazebo dance pavilion is 30’ x 60’—plenty of space to dance the night away. The ambiance is romantic and intimate, with eight spotlights in the ceiling and decorative white string lighting throughout. Additional lighting emphasizes the area surrounding the gazebo, pathways, and patio areas.

Forged from Henry Ford's vision for a once dilapidated Schuyler flour mill in the small rural village of Saline, the area came together when he merged urban factories with rural farming through the once little-known and underrated soybean crop. Due to the site's location on the river, Ford diverted the river to create a dam-millpond and installed a waterwheel to produce electricity. In 1966, Carl and Iris Weller purchased the property.

"The buildings and property were in total disrepair. But the Ford remnants unearthed in the buildings, the 10-acre setting, and the underlying natural beauty of the buildings sparked a flame that still burns bright in the family today," reveals the venue's website. Today's venue, a resurrection of the site's glory days, is a culmination of 40 years of hard work.

Wellers offers accommodations that extend above and beyond the expected, including Wellers Hospitality House. These cozy apartments just a few blocks from Wellers make the perfect locale for pre-ceremony affairs, such as the bride and bridal party getting their hair and makeup done, eating lunch, or simply hanging out before the ceremony.

A complete event planning guide can be found at wellersweddings.com.

Zingerman’s Cornman Farms –

8540 Island Lake Road, Dexter, (734) 619-8100, zingermanscornmanfarms.com

Dubbed an event venue, culinary destination, and picturesque escape, Zingerman’s Cornman Farms is minutes from Ann Arbor. This venue caters to the wedding of your dreams-indoor or outdoor, intimate or grand. The serene backdrop feels like it exists a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city and allows couples to mix classic design and personalized touches to create an elegant yet laidback occasion.

Zingerman’s specializes in the execution of bespoke weddings, intimate weddings, elopements, and tiny weddings. Bespoke weddings are explicitly designed for the couple and are their vision brought to life. The one-of-a-kind experience allows exclusive access to the entire farm, campfires and farm games, baby goats, and a warmly attentive team of event-planning experts.

Words don’t do Cornman Farms justice in terms of visual appearance—you must see the Farmhouse, barn, and grounds to appreciate their beauty. The stunning 1834 Greek Revival Farmhouse was revived in 2019, creating the perfect suite of rooms for the modern wedding or dinner party. The warm, welcoming space comprises a foyer, kitchen, library with a working fireplace, living room, dining room, dressing room, hair and makeup room, and eclectic upstairs lounge. Natural light, romantic touches, serene comfort, and sensible chic spaces make the Farmhouse interior comfortable yet charming.

The Red Barn, restored and modernized since its 1837 inception, features a gabled roof and is nestled into the landscaped grounds. The barn houses a loft perfect for cocktail parties, formal dinners, or wedding dances. The bar and lounge areas on the main floor feature a wood-burning fireplace, providing the ideal space to mingle with friends and family or to warm up during winter. The pergola lets stars sparkle through the garden pathways as guests enjoy the outdoors. Finally, each spring, the gorgeous peak pole Tent Pavilion adds a sense of grandeur to the grounds, offering shelter for wedding receptions.

The Front Grove, where Chiavari chairs line up in a row against the picture-perfect white farmhouse backdrop, allows couples to say their vows surrounded by nature. The Loft is another option, as soft sunrays stream through west-facing windows during romantic sunset ceremonies. For picturesque views of the grounds and the soothing sounds of a crackling fireplace, the inviting atmosphere of the Farmhouse is a cozy site for a ceremony.

Regardless of how big or small a wedding is, this venue goes above and beyond. Zingerman’s Cornman Farms covers all the details that make up the perfect wedding day. The superb culinary quality, country setting, and unique package offerings make this venue a top contender.

Sauk Valley Lakeside Lodge –

10750 Prospect Hill Hwy Brooklyn, (517) 467-2061, svresort.com

Sauk Valley Lakeside Lodge is located in the beautiful Irish Hills in Brooklyn. The area is known for its tranquil setting among rolling hills, lush foliage, wildlife, freshwater ponds, and lakes. Sauk Valley rests among these scenic surroundings, making it an ideal venue for a wedding in a rural setting. Eight hundred rolling, wooded acres offer privacy and quiet, while private Pickerel Lake adds to the ambiance.

Available facilities at Sauk Valley cater to a complete wedding ceremony and reception. In-house catering includes appetizers, entrees, and a variety of side dishes. China and silverware, linen table clothes, napkins, and water goblets complete the dining aspects.

The main lodge comprises an upper level which houses the wooden-floor dance area complete with a beautiful panoramic view, and the lower level, where dining typically takes place. Natural light spills in through the great windows of the main lodge, which offers views of the gorgeous property. Outside, a fire pit, a lighted patio, and plenty of manicured lawns are the perfect space to spend time with guests.

A grassy outdoor ceremony site is found in front of the main lodge, and the options for set up and design are endless. Complete with single, double, and dorm-style accommodations and lakeside fishing, as well, and with nature as the backdrop, this beautiful country setting is perfect for the wedding of your dreams.

Visit Victoria Schon Sacred Sound online.

Eyry of the Eagle Wedding & Reception Center –

1916 Norvell Road, Grass Lake, (517) 522-3705, eyryoftheeagle.com

Eyry of the Eagle Farm sits just twenty minutes west of Ann Arbor and East of Jackson, offering a private modern farm setting. The unique venue provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Mature cedar trees, looming pines, and the sparkling waters of the pond offer endless possibilities for photographs, ceremony sites, and just lingering with your guests.

The venue offers the convenience of one location from rehearsal dinner through reception, ensuring reduced stress and more time to celebrate and enjoy your special day. The wide-open, 100-acre property offers ample room for guests to sprawl out. In addition, the beautifully maintained grounds feature a unique pergola, pond, wooded areas, llamas, and beautiful chainsaw carved art.

The ceremony site, located at the end of Lover’s Lane, is furnished with a wedding pergola nestled amongst densely wooded pines and overlooks Eagle Pond, a three-acre habitat for various wildlife. Surrounding the pergola is a lush green lawn, a brick-paved aisle, an elevated podium, and optional linen draping. A florist’s touch can add a thoughtful design to complement the site with splashes of vibrant color. Two oversized Adirondack chairs provide a fun, unique photo opportunity or a place to kick back. A six-person golf cart, “The Little Red Limo,” or a custom guest wagon pulled behind a tractor provides transportation to the ceremony site.

The Wings Gallery Reception Center is a 5,000-square-foot modern facility equipped with a spacious entry foyer, moveable bar, customizable dance floor options, spacious layout and design possibilities, access to an exclusive decorator’s closet, a generous catering kitchen, and capacity for 250 guests. An expansive outdoor patio makes for a great cocktail hour, bar, and appetizer location, taking the party outside. The spacious lawn is perfect for games, gathering to enjoy the surrounding nature, an optional outdoor tent, and even an outdoor dance floor.

Eagle’s Nest Barn tops off the venue with the rustic charm inherent to the beautiful 125-year-old restored multi-level barn. This space is perfect for intimate gatherings or pre-event cocktails. In addition, the barn is a common site for rehearsal dinners or groomsmen to prepare for the wedding day ceremony. The space features a catering kitchen, built-in bar, lounge space, dedicated restroom, heat and air conditioning, and capacity for 90 guests.

While the photos and virtual tour of this venue are beautiful, a scheduled in-person tour is a must to appreciate everything Eyry offers.

Vale Royal Barn –

11009 Old US 23, Fenton, (810) 519-8269, valeroyalbarn.com

Vale Royal Barn is a rustic, prairie-style wedding venue featuring eight acres in a country setting close to US-23. The secluded setting, including beautiful fields and wooded areas, offers the perfect backdrop for a swoon-worthy wedding. A natural river lined with willows and a rainbow of wildflowers tops off the natural scenery.

The property features several options for outdoor ceremony locations, the updated historic dairy barn, and a bridal suite in the Inn. For couples taking advantage of the three-day package, two nights stay for up to six people in the Inn is included.

Outdoor ceremony sites include a spacious riverside dock, the woods, the courtyard, and a covered bridge. In the event of inclement weather, the royal barn is a charming indoor ceremony site. Rustic benches and arbors are perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Whiskey barrels offer a dramatic touch to the decor.

The royal barn has indoor bathrooms, air conditioning and heat, and accommodates 160 people, including vendors. Two chandeliers hang from the ceiling while twinkle lights wrap the barn's beams. Linen-covered tables and natural wood x-back chairs provide ample seating for the reception. The space is complete with a rustic barn wood bar and a caterer's/bartender's room with a sink, refrigerator, and ice chest.

Photo opportunities lie throughout the property, including a white picket fence courtyard, woodlands, riverside, or the covered bridge ceremony site. In addition, the venue strives to be a family-style gathering place offering lawn games such as horseshoes, croquet, cornhole, and a bonfire pit.

The unique estate is available exclusively to the wedding couple for three days, providing convenience and ample time to bring the wedding of your dreams to fruition. As a private property, vendors of the couple's choosing are welcome, allowing for a genuinely do-it-yourself, customizable experience. Put your Pinterest ideas to work and design lush floral arrangements, creative decorations, and culminate a delicious menu to suit your taste buds. Bring in food carts, craft beer vendors, and donut trucks! Vale has a list of preferred vendors happy to assist couples who would prefer someone else do the heavy lifting.

Vale Royal Barn boasts an intimate outdoor venue that mixes woodsy charm with glamour. Located just a short drive from historic Fenton, the wedding party and guests can take advantage of a selection of hotels and excellent restaurants. In addition, take advantage of a private tour of this venue to appreciate the park-like property in the ultimate country setting.

Planterra Conservatory -

7315 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Township, (248) 661-1591,

planterraevents.com

Plantera Conservatory is a botanical wedding venue featuring premium planning, in-house design, floral, food and beverage, rental, and valet service. Harpar's Bazaar named this unique venue "one of the 33 best garden wedding venues in the world" and Brides.com calls it "one of America's best wedding venues."

The glass-enclosed exotic botanical garden brings nature indoors for an ideal spot to plan a modern, boho, romantic, or classic wedding. The Belgium-imported atrium feels synonymous with a European conservatory, complete with classic lines and architectural details. An elegant birch and floral arbor at the end of the aisle can be custom styled with fresh-cut flowers or lush, draping fabric. Touches of greenery, floral ice cubes, cut-glass goblets, or gold-rimmed china allow a unique bespoke wedding with exquisite details. The Conservatory is climate controlled and well-ventilated for optimal comfort.

Natural light floods the Conservatory, while the glass enclosure offers clear night sky views and adds to the ambiance. The versatile space offers the ideal romantic backdrop for cocktail hour and dinner receptions. Speaking of receptions, Planterra offers in-house catering with delicious, signature plant-based dishes such as the Planterra Palm Cake to round out the experience.

The primary indoor season runs from September through May, as Planterra specializes in winter, spring, and fall weddings. However, outdoor spaces are available. A 2021 expansion includes a back-of-house addition expanding over Planterra's headquarters and creative space. In addition, a new 3,900-square-foot enchanted garden courtyard is the perfect outdoor wedding space.

Foliage covers Planterra's VW Love Bug perched on the venue’s front lawn. The local landmark isn't a real car; instead, it is constructed of a traditional topiary wire frame and shaped like the iconic VW Beetle, including the contoured body, which gives it a realistic aesthetic. According to Planterra's website, Volkswagen of America contacted Planterra to build the topiary for the 1998 North American Detroit Auto Show. "The plant and flower-covered topiary was a nod to the car's flower-power history," according to the website. Planterra's plant company, Planterra Interior Landscaping, has a dedicated creative department that is happy to work with clients to build custom topiaries, too!

Black Barn Vineyard and Winery –

10473 Churchill Road, Rives Junction, (517) 569-2164, blackbarnvineyardandwinery.com

For wine lovers, or those who appreciate the beauty inherent of a vineyard, Black Barn Vineyard and Winery offers a unique venue situated in a country setting. The family-owned 16-acre property features a 3,900-square foot New England style barn, a patio area, a large pond, and, of course, a vineyard.

The barn is complete with separate men’s and women’s restrooms as well as two onsite dressing rooms where couples can get ready and hang out prior to the ceremony. Wall-to-wall glass garage doors overlooking the large pond and vineyard are situated on the east wall of the event space. These doors open to a patio area where guests can mingle and enjoy beautiful views of nature.

A ceremony site situated on the venue’s lower lawn is close to the pond and offers a gorgeous arbor accentuated with live vines. A second ceremony site is about 25 yards away under a beautiful willow tree that lingers over the pond. Both options offer a natural setting with views of the sprawling property and pond.

The Westers’ residence and property has long served as a gathering place for both spontaneous and planned events. These gatherings have always been centered around the Westers’ favorite things: good people, conversation, and wine. Their vision for Black Barn was to open a small, family-owned winery where people can gather for conversation and good tasting wine. Black Barn has been undergoing changes in preparation for opening the winery. A gorgeous Oak tree looms over the vineyard, which is secluded. Wedding couples may take photos at the Oak tree and in the working, fruitful vineyard.

Located just 40 miles west of Ann Arbor, Black Barn Vineyard & Winery is situated in an exclusive country-setting with ample photography opportunities and breathtaking views.