Rehearsal Dinner Venues & Transportation in Traverse City: Our Top Picks
Get ready to celebrate your upcoming nuptials in style! Looking to host an intimate rehearsal dinner in Traverse City, surrounded by your closest friends and family?
Traverse City offers plenty of options in this food and wine lover's paradise. From quaint bistros to elegant wineries, you'll have no trouble finding a location that suits your needs. We've compiled the top venues and transportation services so you can make informed decisions before your big day!
Wineries & Distilleries With Private Event Spaces in Leelanau County
45th North Winery
About: The 45 North Vineyard & Winery stands as an exceptional choice for a wedding rehearsal dinner venue, blending an exquisite setting with award-winning wines. Located on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, 45 North offers a picturesque backdrop, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for guests. The vineyard's commitment to crafting world-class wines adds a sophisticated touch to the rehearsal dinner, ensuring a memorable celebration.
Location: Leelanau Peninsula, MI
Capacity:
Outdoors:
Deck seating for 50 guests
The lawn with a tent can host up to 130 individuals.
Indoors:
Can accommodate up to 50 people seated
Or up to 90 for a cocktail-style gathering.
Website: 45th North Winery
📸 45 North Winery
Brengman Brothers
About: Located on the southern point of the Leelanau Peninsula, Brengman Brothers offers an exceptional venue for a rehearsal dinner. The beautiful property surrounded by vineyards, refreshing wines and top tier chef, make it a perfect choice. Brengman Brothers promises a Pure Michigan sensory experience, blending fine wines, adventurous bites, and a charming atmosphere, ideal for creating lasting memories.
Location: Leelanau Peninsula
Capacity: Up to 100 People
Outdoors:
Outdoor tent available
Indoors:
Smaller parties can use their Sunroom
Website: Brengman Brothers
📸 Brengman Brothers
Chateau Chantal
About: Located in Northern Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal is the perfect venue for rehearsal dinners. This winery offers a taste of Northern Hospitality, combining vineyard and winery experiences. With a rich history, family-oriented philosophy, and breathtaking views, it creates a charming backdrop for intimate pre-wedding suppers.
Their Hospitality Room features an open kitchen, baby grand piano, and wood-burning fireplace, setting the perfect ambiance. Weather permitting, guests can choose from two outdoor patio options, each offering stunning views.
Location: Old Mission Peninsula,
Capacity: Max 68 to 80 people. Walk-around events max at 100.
Outdoors:
Two outdoor patio options overlooking East or West Bay and stunning farmland
Indoors:
2,000 sq ft Hospitality Room
Website: Chateau Chantal
📸 Chateau Chantal
BlueBridge Event Center
About: Sitting on 10 acres of breathtaking mature hardwoods, pines, and open park spaces, BlueBridge offers a genuine Northern Michigan experience. There are no shortages for great photo opportunities that will serve as the perfect backdrop for capturing your special day! Explore it's beautiful venue space and go to connect and celebrate your life event.
Connected to Ellis Lake in Interlochen, MI, this stunning venue has 2 builds to accommodate any size party you might have. For dinners, receptions, showers, or other events you might have in mind the Blue Centre is a splendid choice, accommodating up to 150 guests. The outdoor covered patio offers a delightful space for pre-reception mingling, complete with refreshing drinks and appetizers. Inside, the fully enclosed reception space features heating and cooling for year-round comfort. The abundance of windows and doors fills the space with natural light and allows guests to enjoy scenic views. The Blue Centre boasts a spacious indoor area with a large dance floor at the center, creating a vibrant atmosphere for celebration. A charming stone fireplace graces one end of the building, adding warmth and character to the setting.
Location: Interlochen
Capacity: 120 to 150 People
Outdoors: Accommodating up to 150 guests under the pergola, covered with natural vines and greenery.
There is an outdoor covered patio for drinks and appetizers as you mingle.
Indoors: Can comfortably seat 120 guests
Website: BlueBridge Event Center
📸 BlueBridge Event Center
Black Star Farms
About: Black Star Farms, located in the charming Leelanau Peninsula, is the perfect venue for your enchanting pre-wedding rehearsal dinner! With a delightful fusion of winery charm and farmstead cuisine, this sprawling estate offers a breathtaking vineyard, and a tasting room overflowing with award-winning wines and spirits made from local fruit. Their dedicated culinary team is committed to serving you farm-fresh cuisine, infusing your pre-nuptial feast with mouthwatering local flavors.
Location: Leelanau Peninsula
Venues & Capacities: The 160-acre winery estate has many unique indoor and outdoor venues for your special event:
1. Arcturos Room: Ideal for intimate to moderately sized gatherings, this welcoming and airy space within the Inn is well-suited for hosting small to medium-sized events.
2. Aquarius Room: Accommodating up to 150 guests, this space is perfect for indoor events, enhanced by the presence of grand white pillars framing the room elegantly.
3. Pegasus Barn: Hosting up to 150 guests from May to October, the Pegasus Barn boasts a rustic charm with original barn wood walls and solid wood floors. It provides an exceptional setting for all types of gatherings, featuring cathedral-like high ceilings. The attached covered patio offers a splendid view of the property, extending to a grassy courtyard with a fire pit—an ideal space for guests to socialize or partake in yard games.
4. Scenic Hilltop Vineyard: Weather permitting, the Hilltop Vineyard stands out as the most picturesque and sought-after location for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Additionally, it serves as an excellent choice for private wine-paired dinners, parties, or summer BBQs.
5. Bistro Polaris: Designed for an intimate gathering of 40 people, Bistro Polaris is a charming restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining options, situated on the scenic grounds of Black Star Farms.
6. Covered Patio: Nestled behind the Inn, the Covered Patio boasts a beautifully landscaped courtyard adorned with seasonal annual and perennial flowers, providing a delightful setting for various occasions.
7. Stone Patio: Tucked away in a private outdoor setting just off the Inn, the Stone Patio is surrounded by lush woods, offering a serene ambiance for gatherings.
8. Barn Courtyard: With panoramic views of the farm and horse paddocks, the Barn Courtyard provides a rustic yet scenic backdrop for events hosted on the property
Iron Fish Distillery
About: Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, Michigan is the perfect venue for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Surrounded by 119 acres of maple hardwoods, golden farm fields, and a stunning 45-acre maple forest, this historic timber Barn Venue offers a charming and character-filled setting. The Gallery, *coming soon*, is an intimate art gallery indoor space, that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Location: Thompsonville, MI
Capacity:
The Barn a 38 x 80-foot space can comfortably seat up to 150 guests, with accommodations available for up to 200 guests.
The Gallery, *coming soon* is an intimate 800-square-foot art gallery indoor space, that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Website: Iron Fish Distillery
📸 Iron Fish Distillery
Restaurants With Private Rooms for Rehearsal Dinners
Red Ginger
About: Located in Downtown Traverse City, Red Ginger offers a great venue for a memorable wedding rehearsal dinner. With its exquisite Asian-infusion cuisine and intimate atmosphere, it provides a perfect blend of culinary delight and ambiance. The downtown setting adds convenience for guests, while the second-floor view overlooking the city adds an extra touch of charm.
Location: Downtown Traverse City, MI
237 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Capacity:
Lotus Room - Up to 50 seated or up to 66 for a heavy appetizer and cocktail party
Website: Red Ginger
📸 Red Ginger
Boathouse on West Bay
About: Located on the shores of Bowers Harbor in Traverse City, Michigan, the Boathouse on West Bay stands out as an enchanting venue for the feast the night before the wedding. The pleasant setting with breathtaking waterfront views makes every dining experience truly memorable. The wide-open windows and a summer deck provide a delightful ambiance, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests. The Boathouse's exquisite location, attention to delicious detail, and unforgettable views make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a unique and captivating rehearsal dinner experience.
Choosing the Right Transportation for Your Rehearsal Dinner
Grand Traverse Tours
About: Grand Traverse Tours is a great transportation option for your wedding rehearsal. They focus on providing dependable and upscale transportation at an affordable price. Their vehicles offer a wide range of options to accommodate various group sizes.
Location: Serves the Grand Traverse region, including Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula
Capacity:
Mercedes-Benz A-style Limousine with up to 14 passengers
Mercedes-Benz B-style shuttle with up to 14 passengers
Mercedes-Benz Premium Shuttle with social-style seating up to 10 passengers
Ford C-style Van - 10 to 12 passengers
Cadillac Escalade - up to 4 passengers
Website: Grand Traverse Tours
📸 Grand Traverse Tours
Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours
About: Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours offers convenient and stylish transportation options that add elegance to any special day. Guests can ride in luxurious vehicles, such as limo buses with wrap-around seating, ample legroom, iced coolers, and a Bluetooth sound system. Alternatively, they can try the white trolleys, featuring elegant padded wooden benches, brass details, and an open back porch. With 30 years of combined experience, locally owned and operated services, and a commitment to quality, Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours is a great choice for rehearsal transportation and more.
Location: Serves the Northern Michigan region
Capacity:
Hometown Trolley up to 32 passengers
Land Rover Defender with up to 4 passengers
Limo up to 10 passengers
Stretch Limo up to 12 passengers
Starcraft Limo Bus up to 26
Full-size SUV for up to 6 people
Ford, Mercedes, Nissan Hi-Top Vans for up to 10 people
Funky Bus #1 up to 10
Funky Bus #3 up to 20
Ford Transit up to 14
Baby Funk Van up to 10 people
Website: Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours
📸 Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours
Blue Lakes By The Bay
About: Blue Lakes By The Bay offers top-notch transportation services for rehearsal dinners. They prioritize the relaxation and enjoyment of the bridal party and guests, providing seamless shuttling between locations. With a focus on customization, they work closely with couples to plan and schedule transportation services based on their specific needs.
Location: Located in Traverse City, Michigan.
Capacity:
7 Passenger SUV
14 passenger bus
25 Passenger bus
34 Passenger bus
56 Passenger bus
Website: Blue Lakes By The Bay
📸 Blue Lake by the Bay
The Magic Shuttle Bus
About: The Magic Shuttle Bus offers a range of services, including private wedding transportation. They cater to various occasions and events, making them a versatile option for wedding-related transportation needs, including rehearsals.
Location: Located in Traverse City, Michigan,
Capacity: 14 to 40 passengers.
Website: The Magic Shuttle Bus
📸 The Magic Shuttle Bus
TC Brew Bus
About: TC Brew Bus offers a variety of fleets. They offer other private transportation for weddings, event transportation, airport shuttle service and much more. From private wine tours, private tours and brewery tours, they will ensure that you have an amazing time in Traverse City getting to and from your destinations.
Location: Downtown Traverse City
Capacity: The fleet of options range from 8 to 14 passengers.
Website: TC Brew Bus
📸 TC Brew Bus
Choose Dashing Departure to Help You With All of Your Wedding Rehearsal Needs!
To ensure a flawless and memorable wedding rehearsal, trust in our top picks for venues and transportation in Traverse City, and let Dashing Departure guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to start crafting your idyllic celebration, making it not just an event but a beautiful prelude to your new beginning.