ceremony delimma

Jacks21583

Originally we thought we were going to get married in a church. FI changed his mind about that so then we decided we could just have the ceremony outdoors at our reception location. We have since found out that they will not allow us to have more than 40-50 chairs for the ceremony. We're inviting 180 people to the wedding. I do not want to do reception only invites. Our hall manager said some people standing on the brick paver patio wouldn't be a big deal if the ceremony is brief. I think peoples definitions of brief may differ, but I think our ceremony could be about 30 minutes start to finish. I HATE the idea of some people standing...makes me feel bad. Plus their site fee is $500 for 40 lousey chairs. I have been trying to look into other ceremony locations in the Clarkston/Rochester/Waterford area. The only one that I have found that can accomodate our numbers is Meadowbrook, which I think is AMAZING costs quite a pretty penny. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Garden, chapel that allows to you to BYOO, etc. I'm open to ideas! Thanks in advance!

LovesPink927

I've heard you can do your wedding in depot park in clarkston for about $10  (Don't quote me, this was just from word of mouth).  They have an "aisle" sidewalk and gazebo.  It's worth checking into at least.  HTH!!

katiebird1981

I heard the same thing about Depot Park.  GL!

elizabeth04925

The Victoria wedding chapel in Waterford has an outdoor area on the lake the I think is really pretty.

LovesPink927

Sorry, I meant $100, not $10...that would be awesome though!!

Jacks21583

LovesPink - Thanks for the suggestion. I called there and it is $400 for non-residents of clarkston ($300 for residents) but you rent and bring in your own chairs. Therefore, no one standing. I am going to drive out there and take a look at the park as soon as I can. The Victoria wedding chapel garden on the lake in Waterford is very pretty, but their website also states 50 chairs plus standing room. Thanks ladies!

whrldtravlr

Is Holly too far? Garden Park in Holly is beautiful! http://gardenparkinc.com/

whrldtravlr

I was going to suggest Van Hoosen farm in Rochester but apparently the fee is $600. Phooey.

whrldtravlr

I'm not sure what this would look like but Thelma Spencer park in Rochester Hills has a tent space available for rental. This couple did their wedding there... (sorry its not a tinyurl...) http://www.weddingmapper.com/plan_wedding/mi/clarkston/0yir7a?z=4

LovesPink927

Jacks, if you end up liking it, I live in Clarkston if you need my address to get the discount!

Jacks21583

LovesPink -- Thank you!!! Jess - Garden Park looks swesome. How have I never heard of it? I emailed them as well. Now I have to find a night this week to drive up there and check out both.

whrldtravlr

Jaclyn, I'm going to a wedding there on Sat if you want me to scope it out for you and bring back photos...

Jacks21583

Jess - AHHH! Are you really? I'm dying to get in my car and drive out there right now. I would LOVE pictures. I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to get out there, but I might try to go on Friday since I have the day off. Pictures of it decorated and set-up would be fab!I just got the pricing packet from Garden Park in my email from her and I think its reasonable. ($1495, including chairs, etc.) This is half of what Meadowbrook wants (I knew they'd be expensive, but I had to check). I just don't want to pay my venue $500 if they're only giving me enough space for 40-50 chairs.

whrldtravlr

Yeah, no joke. Sure, I'll bring you photos! I'll just pretend to be that super-crazy enthusiastic friend snapping photos left and right...

Daniesmith

Where are you having your reception?

Jacks21583

Daniesmith - my reception is at Fountains Golf and Banquet in Clarkston. Jess - Thank you SO much!