Craft Your Dream Wedding on the Makers Trail

Not everyone dreams of a formal, pomp-and-ceremony wedding day. If the two of you wish to craft an unconventional start to your marriage, one that doesn’t feel like a wedding — find creative freedom along Southwest Michigan’s Makers Trail. 

This trail harbors artisans of wine, beer, cider, and spirits. They put down stakes along Lake Michigan’s shore, planted vineyards, orchards, and grains in our rolling hillsides, and unleashed their passion for creating liquid masterpieces. Like you, they are dreamers. Their places are steeped in the simplicity, tranquility, natural beauty, or unabashed frivolity that will make your wedding dream come true. Make a day that will be in your hearts forever. 

Discover a non-traditional venue that reflects you

What are your dream wedding moments? Sealing with a kiss your forever promises beneath an arbor in the vineyards. Guests toast their love in an indoor garden bathed in natural light and greenery. Laughing and shouting with joy as the music pulls everyone onto a restored 1848 wood floor. Reminiscing around a bonfire pit with those who share your life story. 

These moments, plus many more, await in our non-traditional wedding venues along the Makers Trail. 

Wineries and Breweries

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

In the vineyards of Southwest Michigan, Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant provides a perfect setting for a winery wedding. From May to October, the Estate Tent has a beautiful vineyard backdrop for ceremonies and receptions, accommodating up to 225 guests. The Grand Mark and Vineyard Rooms cater to intimate indoor gatherings. Services include consultation, setup, cleanup, event planning, and rentals. Guests enjoy Tabor Hill’s award-winning wines and exquisite cuisine prepared by its in-house caterer.

Moonrise Winery

Moonrise Winery in Watervliet is ideal for your outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. You and your guests will enjoy the panoramic vineyard views, a reception patio, ample parking with a shuttle, and proximity to overnight accommodations.

Round Barn Estate

Make memorable moments in the exclusive Vintner's Suite, on the upper level of Round Barn Winery & Estate’s iconic round barn. From May to October, it accommodates up to 45 guests (including the patio), and from November to April, it hosts up to 30 guests. The suite provides personalized service from expert bartenders, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Hickory Creek Winery

The second-floor event room and outdoor patio at Hickory Creek Winery in Buchanan provide a picturesque and convenient venue to begin your happily ever after. The event room accommodates 40 standing or 25 seated guests, while the outdoor patio features picnic-style seating and a bonfire pit. Plan a DIY event or tap into the winery’s event-hosting expertise. Hickory Creek provides options for furniture rental, catering, guided wine tastings, and wine service featuring their wines.

12 Corners Vineyards

12 Corners Vineyards in Benton Harbor is a scenic 115-acre estate, offering a secluded and romantic backdrop that balances intimacy with modern comforts. Enjoy a true Michigan vineyard wedding at 12 Corners with its outdoor ceremony and elegant tented reception spaces amid the grapes, custom catering menus, and some of Southwest Michigan's finest wines. Guests will enjoy its proximity to beaches, hotels, and shops.

Solarium by Watermark Brewing Co.

The Solarium by Watermark Brewing Co. is a botanical paradise. This versatile 8,500-square-foot event space accommodates up to 250 guests. The vibrant plant walls, exposed brick, and metal beams create the perfect fusion of natural boho and industrial aesthetics. Couples can choose an outdoor ceremony in the garden, or an indoor ceremony with natural light and climate control to ensure everyone’s comfort. The venue provides farmhouse tables, chairs, glassware, and other rentals.

Round Barn Public House

Discover the charm of downtown Baroda at Round Barn Brewery & Public House. This space can host up to 80 guests and features a vibrant, private atmosphere. Enjoy craft beers, award-winning wines, or locally crafted spirits, complemented by delightful pub fare.

Silver Harbor Brewing Co. and Union + Social

The Garden at Silver Harbor Brewing Co. in St. Joseph provides a year-round outdoor experience indoors. This space offers everything we love about Michigan. Its decor includes two 13-foot controllable windows/garage doors that fill the room with natural light, reclaimed wood dating from 1858, 40 feet of living green vines, and five potted pines that bring nature’s beauty into this urban setting. A top choice for intimate gatherings of 50 guests or fewer, The Garden offers a relaxed vibe with large community-style tables and small social sections, perfect for enjoying great brews and a laid-back atmosphere.

For reception guest lists of up to 250 or ceremony/reception space for up to 150, reserve the Union + Social next door. Its reclaimed brick walls, custom curved wood ceiling, and original cement floor create an urban-chic vibe that you can dress up or down to your tastes. Silver Harbor Brewing Co. provides full catering services, craft cocktails, wine, and beer. With your rental comes tables, chairs, projectors, and a private room for the bride with a separate bathroom.  

Sister Lakes Brewery

Sister Lakes Brewery outside of Dowagiac offers a sit-down format for up to 65 guests in its rustic-chic Town Hall Event Space. This setup is perfect for wedding rehearsal dinners or intimate receptions. Enjoy a wide selection of unique, local craft beers, ciders, wines, and seltzers, complemented by dishes from a renowned, award-winning chef. 

Iron Shoe Distillery

Iron Shoe Distillery in Niles is an intimate event space with catering services. A private dining room accommodates up to 36 guests seated at tables or 65 guests for a cocktail-style event. Enjoy a family-style buffet or individually served options picked from your favorite Iron Shoe dishes!

Farms and Orchards 

River Saint Joe

River Saint Joe near Buchanan is a distinctive wedding venue with its certified organic Flatwater Farms, modern farmstead brewery, and lovely outdoor spaces. A beautiful tent and greenhouses provide versatile settings for your wedding events, from bridal showers to bachelorette or bachelor parties to the big day. Serve guests delicious farm-fresh beer and cider with selections from its on-site restaurant renowned for using ingredients harvested just outside the brewery’s doors. 

Lehman's Farmhouse and Orchard

Lehman's Orchard Brewery & Farmhouse in downtown Buchanan welcomes up to 150 guests. Its comprehensive wedding package includes dinner, beverages, and a daily rental from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Historic Building and a Restored Landmark

Journeyman Distillery

One of the most popular wedding venues in Southwest Michigan is also one of the most historic.  Journeyman Distillery, in the former Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, again and again, exceeds couples’ and their guests’ expectations. It has earned The Knot’s Best of Weddings and Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Awards. This distinctive venue feels timeless and contemporary, intimate and grand with its exposed wooden beams, expansive windows, and historic elements. 

This former corset and buggy whip factory was renovated in 2010. Warren Hall, the largest space at 8,000 square feet, can host 300 seated guests for ceremonies or 350 for cocktail receptions. The Grainery and The Still Room offer intimate settings, with capacities of 150 and 100 guests respectively. This is a full-service wedding venue with on-site catering serving their handcrafted spirits and delicious food choices made from locally sourced ingredients. 

An added attraction for unconventional wedding fun is its 18-hole Welter’s Folly putting green. It is believed to be one of the 10 largest putting courses in the world and is inspired by the famous Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. You are welcome to sip your favorite Journeyman’s beverage as you play.

Experiences Beyond the Venue

Crafting your dream wedding on the Makers Trail goes beyond choosing the perfect venue. The trail offers numerous opportunities to incorporate the art of other local makers into your celebration, making it a truly personalized experience.

Handcrafted Wedding Favors and Decorations

Local artisans can add a unique touch to your wedding with handcrafted wedding favors, decorations, and live music. Here are some exceptional options to consider:

• Box Factory for the Arts: Commission custom pottery or sculptures that serve as beautiful and functional keepsakes.
• Chartreuse: Delight your guests with handmade jewelry.
• Water Street Glassworks: Opt for personalized glass art, perfect for decor or as cherished wedding favors.
• JLN Studio: Enhance your venue with custom-painted canvases and wedding signage, tailored to your theme and style.
• Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra: Elevate the ambiance with live classical music, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

For more inspiration and to connect with these talented artisans, visit our Creative Connections page.

Farm-to-Table Wedding Menus

A few of the Makers Trail venues offer farm-to-table wedding menus. The chefs at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and River Saint Joe prepare your food with flavorful, locally grown, and harvested ingredients and will work with you to serve foods meaningful to the two of you. Local farmers and bakers appreciate you holding your wedding in our area and supporting them, too.

On-Site Makers Trail Tours and Tastings

For a fun and interactive activity, consider a Makers Trail tour bus or tastings as part of your wedding festivities. Guests can take part in guided tours of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, learning about the makers’ processes and sampling a variety of craft beverages. It’s a great way to build bonds with family and friends who may not know each other.

Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties and Rehearsal Dinners

Host your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner at one of the many venues along the trail. Most ask that you make reservations so they can give their signature service when you arrive. Whether you are planning a low-key bridal shower at a charming winery or a lively bachelorette party at a bustling brewery, the Makers Trail has the perfect venue for every pre-wedding event.

Stay Over as You Research Your Choices

As you plan your special day on the Makers Trail, stay for a day or more at one of the many hotels along the trail where you will find the amenities and rates to fit your needs. It will let you check each venue and meet the artisans who can create memorable moments. Your dream wedding awaits in Southwest Michigan!

Book a room