Wedding planning as a whole is quite an adventure. When it comes to planning your venue, you want it to be perfect like everything else. You may have heard about all-inclusive venues, where the wedding packages are prepared and brought straight to you, and all you have to do is choose which one you want. But, if you want more control of your wedding day, you may want to consider DIY wedding venues.
Why Choose a DIY Wedding Venue
DIY wedding venues allow you to add your own special touches and casting a vision on a space that may not be able to create it on its own. In that case, a DIY venue in Metro Detroit may be for you! DIY wedding venues are essentially blank canvases. They offer a unique and personalized approach that allows you to transform a space into one that reflects your story and style as a couple.
What to Consider when using a DIY Wedding Venue:
A DIY venue can be more cost efficient than a traditional all-inclusive. If you are specifically looking for something low budget, or just want to plan the way you want to plan, you get all the flexibility you’re looking for in those departments.
- Budget: While DIYs can be cost friendly, they can also add up quickly. It’s like shopping at Marshalls or Plato’s Closet. You get some sale items and some higher priced items.Yyou my spend more than you planned if you’re not vigilant. Set a budget for your essentials first: food, drink, tables and chairs.
- Time: The other part to consider is knowing your limits. Unless you hire a planner, you are responsible to plan and think of every little detail. There are plenty of guides out there that can help you with the process and give you a good checklist of everything you need to cover, but having some type of organization system would almost definitely be helpful.
- Customization: There are so many pros to DIY wedding venues. You get to make everything uniquely you, from vendors to decor. If you want to serve Jet’s Pizza for dinner and bring in a funnel cake truck for dessert, be my guest (or may we be yours?). The options are endless and you get to be the decision maker.
If you’re still here, you must be curious! So just for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best DIY wedding venues in Metro Detroit to help you in your search. Keep reading to continue with your planning!
Eastern Market, Detroit
Eastern Market is a beautiful and historical Detroit staple venue dating back to the late 1800s. If you’re planning for a wedding anytime between January – May, this unique, open-air concept is a great option. The starting price for space rental is as low as $1,175 with space for as few as 1,128 people.
Features:
- Access to water and electricity
- Indoor restrooms
- Wifi
- 1 parking lot with space for at least 100 cars
- Open-air garage doors that can be opened or shut
Items to note:
- The venue does not rent space for Saturday weddings. Only weekdays and select Sundays January – May.
- Eastern Market requires that you obtain event insurance, and a liquor license, if applicable.
- Security and janitorial staff are required. One staff per 100 guests.
- Book early, especially if planning a Sunday wedding
Royal Oak Farmers Market, Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Farmers Market combines rustic charm with a vibrant atmosphere to make a delightful wedding venue for up to 1,200 guests. Exposed beams and large windows create a warm and welcoming ambiance. The base rental price starts at $3,500 and may include a staffing fee depending on how many people are needed and the day of the week.
Features:
- Food truck friendly
- Rental fee includes a limited number of 6-foot rectangle tables
- For an additional fee they have other rentable options: black curtains to cover selected areas of the building, 5-foot round tables, high top tables, black and white chairs
- You can purchase and bring in your own alcohol as long as it’s not a cash bar
- There is a $1,000 deposit to hold a date
Items to Note:
- Access to the venue for set up depends on the day because of other event bookings or the active farmer’s market. All events must end at 11 p.m. and allow for one hour cleanup time. Be sure to include set up time when you are planning your day of timeline.
The Dealership, Oxford
The Dealership offers a relaxed, urban space to hold a wedding and reception. Built with the automobile era in mind, exposed brick walls, a shined concrete floor, and an open floor plan create a seamless backdrop for your big day. The room cost is $4,500 and additional items for rent can be added on. Up to 282 seated guests can be accommodated.
Features:
- Charming back patio with hanging lights
- Food truck friendly
- Rental options are available for chairs, barware, silverware, flatware, linens, glassware, sound, and A/V
- Large garage door to help your vendors easily deliver and set up their products in the space
The best part of DIY wedding venues like this is having an open shell to work with, but with separate rooms to use. The Dealership has small getting ready spaces, a room for caterers to use, and a separate space for cocktail hour. The Dealership is also close to Norah’s Bridal and Amazing Petals (photographed below) to make planning your local vendors easier!
Rust Belt Market, Ferndale
The Rust Belt Market is an eclectic, artsy venue with a vibrant ambiance. Starting at $5,700 for off-peak dates, and $6,400 for peak dates, you up to 170 guests will fall in love with the warm and cozy decorative elements that bring this space to life on its own!
Features:
- Open bar packages avialable
- With an upgrade, you can add a stage, audio equipment and projector
- A bridal suite/dressing room is available by request, a nice touch for a DIY venue
- Event coordinators and rental items are available
- Pet friendly, so your dog can be your ring bearer and wear a cute bowtie
Lazy J Ranch, Milford
Feelin’ country vibes and big white barns for your wedding? Lazy J Ranch is romantic and serene, sitting on 30 stretching acres of land. There is a grand opportunity for rustic, picturesque photography, while you enjoy your day with up to 200 guests. For four hours of time, you can rent a barn for $4,000 base price and two barns for $5,000.
Features:
- Air conditioned bridal suite
- 3 hours of decorating and rehearsal time
- Use of banquet tables, chairs, picnic tables, and round dinner tables
- Staff on-site to help your day run smoothly the day of
- Available catering services through preferred vendors if desired
Available Add-ons:
- Hayrides
- Officiant services for $300
- DJ/MC for $200/hour
- Square dance $300/hour
- Photo booth $500
- Outdoor lawn game bundle for $200
- Wedding ceremony arch/arbor $200
Item to note:
- A $2,000 deposit is required to book
Camp Woodbury, Dexter
Camp Woodbury gives you that same rustic experience as other natural venues, yet includes the lakeside and forest effect. This venue is perfect for a playful couple that love the outdoors, or perhaps have a camp background. Here, you can have a camp wedding during any season of the year with their indoor and outdoor accommodations.
Features:
- Tables, dish ware, and chairs to serve about 100 people (if your guest list is more than this, they recommend renting more dish ware and a caterer with staff so you don’t have to worry about who is doing the dishes)
- Space to host rehearsal dinner
- Access to entire camp and its amenities
Items to note:
- Want to make it an entire weekend affair? You can take advantage of the camp nature and rent out cabins for you, the family, and bridal party to stay in, and bring your inner child out again. It’s like kids camp, except this time you’re getting married!
- For more info and pricing, reach out to tom@campwoodbury.com
Troy Historic Village, Troy
If you want to take a step back into history without renting out an entire museum like The Henry Ford, hold your wedding and reception at the Troy Historic Village. Here, you will spend most of your day outside, and there are multiple different options for indoor and outdoor accommodations, up to 300 guests and as small as 75.
Features:
- There are packages available through the venue if desired
- Outdoor sound system and dance area are available
- You have the option to rent tents, tables, and chairs
- If celebrating in the summer or winter, the indoor Village Chapel is temperature controlled
Items to note:
- The bridal party must arrive fully dressed and ready at the venue, as hairsprays, body sprays, and makeup can be damaging to the historic venue
- Depending on your package, different buildings of the museum can be opened to allow your guest to explore during down time
- There is onsite parking for 48 vehicles and an overflow lot which guests will be directed to by Village staff, if needed
Elevate 1 at Campus Martius, Detroit 95
Elevate 1 at Campus Martius in Detroit is a stunning, 16th floor venue for weddings, offering a modern and stylish atmosphere. With its impressive views of the Detroit skyline and downtown surroundings, it provides a unique backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions of up to 350 guests.
Features:
- Versatile space, where the main floor can be made into smaller, separate rooms, or kept as one big space
- Outdoor wrap-around terrace for strolling with a view
- Floor to ceiling windows for natural light
- Convenient location for guests with surrounding hotels and access to highways for travel.
When to Book Your Wedding Venue
Wedding venues and photographers should be the first items you book for your wedding. Both venues and photographers book 1-2 years in advance, so it’s important you start researching as soon as possible! If you’re still searching for a dream venue, check out our Ultimate Guide to Detroit Wedding Venues here to help you find the best fit for you.
Do you already have your wedding venue? We’d love to help you document your wedding day! Contact us today for availability. We’d love to met you and see if we’d be a great fit!
This article was written with the help of Savvy Shoots copywriter Caralyn May.
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