Looking for a Place to get Hitched in the “D”

So, in my search to find the perfect ceremony location I called just about every potential ceremony site in Detroit!  Seriously, no joke.   Whatever I liked, Kenny hated!  I must’ve dragged him to Detroit more than a dozen times! 

Here are some of the locations we’ve already checked out:

An aerial view of Belle Isle Park in the middle of the Detroit River, between Canada and Detroit.

Belle Isle- I called them and I’m not sure I want to have my ceremony there. They seem so unorganized. Also, they really don’t have an indoor alternative in case it rains. The conservatory has standing room only, and to be honest, I only want the bridal party and the minister standing.

Campus Martius – I love this location. But, for one, it’s very public, they don’t know their 2009 event schedule yet, and there’s really no indoor alternative. Parking might be an issue… I’d have to have guests take the People Mover from Greektown. (That would be kinda cool – but they might not think so!) I could get a tent in case it rains… it’s been done.

Coach Insignia at the Ren Cen – Located on the 72nd floor of the Ren Cen, this would have an awesome view of the river and the city. With floor to ceiling windows, this would be IDEAL. We’ll see if they’ll allow a ceremony only… But, do you think it would be tacky if we didn’t have drinks or appetizers there for guests… it is a restaurant???

The Atrium of the Compuware Building in downtown Detroit.

Compuware HQ – Sounds strange, but I had to check it out. I love the Atrium. It has kites hanging down from skylights and there’s a cool fountain in there… But, it’s so public. Hard Rock cafe has a little patio out there and anyone could walk in. Also, it’s kind of loud in there because of the fountain…

Detroit Historical Museum – Inside would be really cool, but I haven’t seen it yet, ‘CAUSE they didn’t CALL back yet. And, the outside of the building isn’t very attractive… More to come…

Detroit River Walk – Really? How would this even work. I haven’t really explored it, but it’s such a public venue…

Detroit Zoo – Yeah, this one’s not even in Detroit, but it would make for a unique location. They don’t allow ceremonies until 6p.m., which is kinda late. Kenny really likes this location if we could get an earlier ceremony time. I would prefer something in Detroit and closer to Greektown.

DIA – This was my DREAM location. This is my CHURCH. I would love to have the ceremony at Detroit Industry mural exhibit by Diego Rivera exhibit with the (wouldn’t that be AWESOME), but for some strange reason, they don’t hold ceremonies there, I think only receptions…. Big, big, BUMMER.

The First Congretational Church of Detroit in Midtown Detroit.

First Congregational Church of Detroit – The church is two blocks away from WSU Welcome Center. The church itself is beautiful, but right across the street is an ugly blue building with a large gravel parking lot and next store is a Churches Chicken – which Kenny does NOT like. Inside the church is beautiful. It’s not too ornate… I think it’s perfect. But Kenny’s not thrilled with it. What I love is that it’s more than a 100 years old and was part of the Underground Railroad! How cool, right? Oh, another cool thing is you can bring in your own minister…

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House – How beautiful would this be? While it’s not in Detroit, it’s right down the street and has history. But get this, they don’t do wedding ceremonies. They do all types of showers and other events, but not weddings. Strange. Big disappointment.

Gem Theatre – I thought this location would be cool. But they only do wedding ceremonies in conjunction with the reception. Too bad, right?

Greektown Hotel and Casino – Hey, why not have it here? There’s a couple different options I can puruse with this venue… and it’s definitely a possibility. What I really wanted was to have it on the 14th floor balcony of the hotel (they have an outdoor balcony overlooking the Detroit River and the city) but I think the city won’t allow them to have events out there. Who knows, maybe the wind or something…) Once the hotel is competed in Oct. 2008, we’ll be able to take a better look. (Do you think we’ll go to hell if we have our ceremony at the casino?)

Martha Mary Chapel at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich.

Greenfield Village – Not in Detroit, but nonetheless, a cool location. The only place they allow a ceremony here (all other locations you have to have the reception there) is the Mary Martha Chapel. So quaint! But, already booked… GRRRRR.

Guardian Building – The lobby is beautiful – it’s tiled with Pewabic tile in bright colors. Still haven’t received a call back from them. More to come…

Max M. Fisher Building – The lobby is cool – it’s open and has a lot of windows… Still haven’t heard back from them yet either. Sheesh!

McGregor Memorial and Conference Center – This is located on Wayne State University Campus. It’s kind of cool looking from the outside, but even cooler on the inside. The lobby has all glass windows. Kenny doesn’t really like it… And, people would have to walk a ways… not cool for the older folks.

Ren Cen Winter Garden – This is truly a beautiful location, but it’s open to the public. This would be a great place, if only I could keep the general public out for an hour tops! I have to call Hines Management! More to come…

The Whitney Mansion on Woodward Avenue in Detroit

The Whitney – The Whitney Mansion on Woodward is a gorgeous place and it’s right down the street to Greektown…But, the entrance is hard to find since condo’s are blocking it. The surroundings aren’t as pretty as we’d like – though it’s right by WSU, and parking is limited… I do have to say, the people there are great to work with…