As a wedding photographer, I'm often asked about my favorite area wedding venues.  Central Michigan lends itself well to a diverse group of wedding locations... some you know, some that are more obscure.  There's so many great spots to choose from!  If you love nature, we have plenty of farms and natural areas that cater to the outdoorsy types.  If you're a Michigan State Spartan, there are numerous venues near and around campus to help you celebrate in green and white.  We have beautiful churches, quaint gardens and even a selection of opera houses.  Over the coming weeks, I will be highlighting some of my favorite locations around Michigan, just in case you are in that early planning stage and need some recommendations from someone who has the inside scoop!  :)

First up, Howell's Crystal Gardens and the Open Air Chapel.  Located on the east side of Howell, Crystal Gardens is situated perfectly to accommodate guests from both Howell and Brighton.  Many event venues offer beautiful grounds or gardens to hold wedding ceremonies, but few are able to bring the outside in as seamlessly as Crystal Gardens' chapel.  And here's where the chapel really shines: it's completely covered, so there is no weather-related stress whatsoever, which normally is a concern with an outdoor location.  The chapel is perfectly situated near the front of the building, with easy access to parking for your guests- a win if you have older family with transportation concerns.  The chapel itself is built to celebrate natural light- with gorgeous arched curtained openings along both sides, which allow for breezes and light to filter in perfectly.  The landscaping is tailored to allow for privacy around the building, so it feels tucked away, despite being very accessible.  It has seating for nearly 200 guests in gorgeous white chairs and ceiling fans for additional ventilation in the warmer months.  From a photography stance, the space offers a stunning backdrop for ceremony photos and portraits following, while allowing room to capture the event easily.  For all those reasons, it's one of my top locations for a wedding in the Howell and Brighton areas.