One of Michigan’s newest wedding venues is tucked away in one of West Michigan’s favorite towns: The Belvedere Estate in Saugatuck, Michigan. If you are looking for a European-inspired estate wedding venue, you’ll want to be sure to put this venue on your tour list!

Belvedere, which means “beautiful view” in Italian, was built in 1913 and was previously an Inn and restaurant open to the public. The Grand Collection acquired the property and has recently opened it as a wedding venue.

For couples searching for wedding venues in Saugatuck, MI, Belvedere Estate offers something a little different. It has the feeling of a private estate while still giving guests the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm that make the Saugatuck area such a popular Michigan wedding destination.

I had the privilege to be one of the first to photograph at Belvedere during a photography workshop. With the help of several Michigan wedding vendors, we set up a gorgeous editorial to showcase what weddings at Belvedere can look like! 

Wedding Spaces at Belvedere

Belvedere Estate has multiple spaces for you to use on your wedding day. The building is also an old inn, so there are rooms inside the venue where you can get ready for your big day without having to leave the space! Belvedere also allows full weekend rentals, so you could have guests stay at your venue.

The garden ceremony space is located just off the back terrace of the estate. This is the perfect spot for ceremonies or vow renewals. With a fountain, terrace and florals, this area is romantic and perfect for summer and fall weddings!

Near the garden ceremony space, you’ll find the outdoor terrace. The terrace is large and beautiful, and perfect for outdoor cocktail hours! Set up a DJ, bar or coffee cart here and your guests can enjoy drinks and good music while they enjoy the garden views.

The great room is the estate’s formal dining area. At 350 square feet, this room is ideal for micro weddings and intimate celebrations. It can also be used as a cocktail hour space! The great room even has a fireplace, making the room warm and cozy.

Wedding Photography at Belvedere Estate

As a Michigan wedding photographer, one of my favorite things about photographing at an estate is how photogenic all the spaces are. You don’t even need to leave the venue! From the architecture to the nature outside, we can capture a variety of photos on your wedding day all in one spot.

I particularly love when couples include vintage cars at historic estates like this one! Renting a vintage or classic car can highlight the classic architecture of the estate and create some really artistic wedding photography.

For wedding photos, I always encourage couples to think beyond simply checking portraits off a list. Your wedding photographs should tell the story of the entire day. That includes the quiet moments while getting ready, the excitement before the ceremony, the people who traveled to celebrate with you, and the unexpected moments that often become some of your favorite memories.

A beautiful venue provides an incredible backdrop, but the people and moments are what make the photographs personal.

Belvedere Wedding Cost

So how much does it cost to host yoru wedding at Belvedere Estate? Price really varies, but at the time of thie blog, you can expect to spend between $6,000-$11,000 depending on your package. You can see the breakdown of Belvedere Wedding Costs below.

Signature Ceremony & Reception: This includes the ceremony and reception spaces, as well as a getting ready suite. This starts at $5,900 during prime season (usually May-October).

Signature Coordination Pacakge: This includes ceremony, reception, getting ready suite and coordination starting at 6 months before the event. Get all of this for a starting cost of $8,400 during prime season.

Signature Planning Package: The signature planning package includes all spaces listed prior, but includes planning starting at one whole year before your wedding. If you are the type of bride who wants to be more hands-off, this is a great option for you. This package starts at $10,900 during prime season.

If you love Belvedere but want to compare to other wedding venues, check out our list of estate wedding venues here!

Looking for a Belvedere Estate Wedding Photographer?

If you are planning a wedding at Belvedere Estate in Saugatuck, Michigan, your photography should capture both the beauty of the setting and the people who made the day unforgettable. Your wedding photographs are about more than showing what your wedding looked like: they should bring you back to how the day felt.

From the anticipation before your ceremony to the laughter during your reception and the quiet moments you may not even remember happening, your photographs become part of the way you preserve your wedding story. Our team at Savvy Shoots Photography specializes in estate wedding venues. Contact us today to learn more about availability and pricing!