Planning Your Destination Wedding in South Haven, Michigan
Here at the Visitors Bureau, we receive calls, emails, and visits asking about South Haven’s opportunities for weddings and receptions.
This being the case, I’m happy to put together this wedding guide for those who are interested in marrying, having a reception, or simply having engagement photos taken in the South Haven area.
South Haven Piers
Our iconic red lighthouse is a popular backdrop for many people who wish to capture their experiences in South Haven.
South Haven Beaches
Walking on the beach, whether during the day or during sunset, is always so picturesque.
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Lauren-and-Blain-0306-11.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7919c168ad355adc8f0203f17fcb6068 299w)
Trails
If you would like a bit of greenery (or fall colors) to your photos, head out on the Kal-Haven Trail or the Van Buren Trail.
Downtown
South Haven’s downtown area has a very quaint charm. There are also a couple hidden gems for unique photos – check out Old Harbor Village or the alleyway where Cookies on Call is located. The hanging string lights are a bonus.
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/IMG-3638.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=362cd2a7f48d11a2d2a21d576e5c430e 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/IMG-3638.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=310790bd89a8a5e7c4b2816be2e1379e 448w)
Parks
South Haven has many parks with different types of scenery. Riverfront Park is a stretch of green along the Black River, with a view of the piers and lighthouse. Stanley Johnston Park is a former grove that is lush with trees and a backdrop of the harbor. Dyckman Park contains an antique-style clock tower. Here’s a list of our parks for even more options: http://south-haven.com/parks_and_recreation/parks.php
Nature Preserves
Looking for even more nature, maybe off the beaten path? Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, Casco Township Nature Preserve and Black River Preserve are just a few options in the immediate area.
When it comes to tying the knot, there are many indoor and outdoor choices to suit your interests. The area boasts many types of houses of worship, including St. Basil’s Catholic Church which has an overlook of Lake Michigan and South Beach. The First Hebrew Congregation was built in 1924 and is a gorgeous building for your ceremony. In addition, there are many other Christian Churches throughout the area.
A common question we hear concerns having ceremonies on the public beaches. Yes, you certainly can have a wedding on the beach. The caveat is, since the beaches in South Haven are public, you cannot reserve the beach to yourself. Regardless, there have been many weddings on the public beaches and the photos we have seen are gorgeous. Here is a link to the City of South Haven's website regarding beach weddings: http://www.south-haven.com/parks_and_recreation/weddings.php
Let’s talk venues!
The Black River Barn is South Haven’s newest wedding venue construction. This is a gorgeous luxury construction with indoor and outdoor capabilities. Max capacity is 350 people. https://brbsouthhaven.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/BRB.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=74464934bce082dc3cb0c868fec5029f 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/BRB.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b3867afc7d55c4453a1168504df2d40c 336w)
South Haven Creations is newly refurbished and looks crisp and stunning! South Haven Creations has indoor and outdoor capabilities as well, in addition to their own catering services. Max capacity is 215 people. https://southhavencreations.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/South-Haven-Creations1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c8fcb102284441773380e1d83b15f96d 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/South-Haven-Creations1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=faa593e3fd796f6172508e8a003ec1d1 448w)
Big Red Barn is located just outside of town and offers exceptional weekend packages. You’ll love the aesthetic of the luxury barn. Max capacity is 200 people. https://www.bigredbarnsouthhaven.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Big-Red-Barn-5-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a1367577caaf4fefa3ea6adf69eefa1e 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Big-Red-Barn-5-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=1903b8d1ae978f49d377d9443c5f2226 448w)
Want to go even more rustic? The Black Sheep Shelter is located between South Haven and Fennville and hosts small weddings. https://www.theblacksheepshelter.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Black-Sheep-Shelter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e49481c92f577b015f52ea779d20b2a8 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Black-Sheep-Shelter.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d33b04af4ea73b2b3037d16da60a7a8b 448w)
Our two top-rated golf courses also double as hosts for weddings and receptions. Beeches Golf Club and HawksHead Links are each located about ten minutes from South Haven’s downtown and offer gorgeous scenery to accompany your celebrations.
http://www.beechesgolfclub.com/
https://www.hawksheadlinks.com/
Another ten-minute drive from South Haven is the small town of Bangor, which is home to the Historic Bangor Elevator, a National Historic Place. https://www.facebook.com/BangorElevator/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/BangorElevator211.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4d444936b63425fbdaa0ce585ec9b3b1 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/BangorElevator211.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a579343220ab0ff72c9486ed2cb87caf 448w)
The South Haven Center for the Arts is a beautiful location with plenty of natural light opportunities in the upstairs event space. Max capacity is 80 people. https://www.southhavenarts.org/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/SHCenterOfArts1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0baad6dcfb3e9946f0192bcae4d9031c 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/SHCenterOfArts1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=034a23c2dca50cab839ab35d74e70bf0 448w)
Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located on 80 acres with wooded areas, flower gardens, and historic buildings. You can reserve their Stephenson Barn, Peaceful Knoll Church, or the museum grounds. https://michiganflywheelers.org/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Flywheelers.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e6477c60729b8cb6e9fbecdf0fa40e06 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Flywheelers.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=cb879a7124c923e6f873e5ce0601fce1 448w)
Lake Bluff Inn and Suites provides the perfect backdrop of Lake Michigan to your outdoor ceremony and reception. Plus, you’ll have rooms to sleep in! http://www.lakebluffinnandsuites.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/lakeBluff1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b4fc4097319a645379768980b9d6a3f7 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/lakeBluff1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=eb96582933e31afd3ae4218afab32f4f 448w)
The Kal-Haven Outpost offers a unique and beautiful take on an outdoor wedding. They have several areas that can accommodate groups large and small, including a large woodland glade perfect for a sun-kissed ceremony. At the Kal-Haven Outpost, there's a stay for every style including vacation homes, cabins, RV, and tent sites all within our property. The Kal-Haven trail runs along with their property, perfect for evening strolls and amazing photo opportunities. Plus, they are just a 10-minute drive to town and all that South Haven has to offer!
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Kal-Haven-Outpost-Wedding-Web-Small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5b8881d18eb2d8c8be412a26f4d58328 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Kal-Haven-Outpost-Wedding-Web-Small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=01a38ac1d35e50e74a3f8b564d31e76a 448w)
Sun n’ Sand Resort is a refurbished 1920’s resort that is sure to add a certain charm to your day. This unique resort has options to stay, play and celebrate together with an outdoor pool, dining room, fire pit, open grounds and more. https://southhavenresort.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/SunSandResort1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f016f37cea044c4f6eb57e5de12b98b8 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/SunSandResort1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d61586e86e49312c828499f41c22c727 448w)
Channing has long history of making lasting memories as a historic southwest Michigan YMCA camp, and offers a casual or elegant intimate setting for your special day. From massive wood beams and vaulted ceilings, to the majestic stone fireplaces in both the cocktail area and dining hall, to the spacious back deck with stunning views of the sprawling yard and peaceful 100-acre lake. http://www.campchanning.com/
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Channing-Web-Small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=57029f16f457a8fa963a9d4cba015238 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/Channing-Web-Small.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=70ff2b219f0efe13aa183a64f5bcaa84 448w)
For smaller, more intimate weddings and elopements, check out:
Carriage House at the Harbor - https://www.carriagehouseharbor.com/
Martha’s Vineyard - https://www.marthasvy.com/
Yelton Manor Boutique Hotel B&B - https://www.yeltonmanor.com/
For a list of accommodations, click here: https://www.southhaven.org/lodging
On top of venues and scenic locations for photos, planning for weddings also involves caterers, florists, salons, and more. I encourage you to check out our wedding planning page with a further list of our local vendors: https://www.southhaven.org/wedding-planning
As you can see, there are many options in South Haven to have your perfect wedding, reception, and photos. The charm of our quaint downtown, beaches, indoor venues, and outdoor spaces provide excellent backdrops for your special day.
If you have any questions about any of this content, we are more than happy to help. Call: 269-637-5252 or email: relax@southhaven.org. Happy wedding planning!
Prohibition and Pearls website: www.prohibitionandpearls.com
Only in South Haven
![](https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/people-on-boat.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.3202&fp-y=0.2947&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=31f8385bffa4e10f5e3e5a02cb3ae3ab 320w, https://southhaven.imgix.net/images/blogs/people-on-boat.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.3202&fp-y=0.2947&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=ca8d8f158bd4d447957bb8576a23718f 500w)
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