Skip to main content
Weddings

About

With dramatic character and storied history, the historic Gem Theatre is one of the most sought-after event venues in the city. Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Madison Avenue, the building features ornate Spanish & Art Deco architecture, warm dining rooms and an exquisitely landscaped garden patio.

The Gem Theatre offers each couple exclusive use of the building on their special day. With multiple floors and rooms, the Gem can accommodate any guest count, from a more intimate experience with 150 guests or less in the Gem itself, or a larger dining space in our lower level for up to 250 guests.

With outstanding service and attention to every detail, Forbes Hospitality will ensure that any occasion is truly unforgettable. Our wedding packages include all your venue needs, including tables, Chiavari chairs, floor length linen, glassware, china & silverware. Our in-house catering team will work with you to create your ideal wedding menu from passed appetizers to late night stations and everything in between. Our bar package is top tier and includes a wide variety of wines, domestic and craft beers, liquors, and champagne so that each guest has something they'll enjoy. Dedicated staff will be on-site throughout the night to make sure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly.

We can't wait to work with you to host the wedding of your dreams!

illustration popular

Venues you may like

See other venues that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$2,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,250

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,250

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Garden
Historic Building
Mansion
Restaurant

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Reviews of Gem Theatre

Adam
Adam Sent on 10/22/2024
4.8 out of 5 rating

Excellent venue with even better staff

In short: we couldn't have asked for a better venue for our wedding. We worked with Taliah to plan and prepare our wedding there, and the process was incredibly smooth, detailed, and organized. She left no stone unturned and helped us make decisions on things we never would have thought about - there are so many things, both large and little, that make for a great wedding, and it was clear on our day that they were ready for all of them. Every single person we interacted with at every level of staff was very kind, thoughtful, and attentive. Our guests remarked on how amazing the venue is; pictures barely do it justice.

We feel very fortunate to have had our wedding at the Gem, it was everything we could've wanted and more for our special day.
Keith
Keith Sent on 08/26/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Gem Theatre Wedding 8-17-24

We had a wonderful experience working with the Gem Theatre and our sales manager, Taliah, for our wedding. Taliah and all the other staff we worked with were professional, flexible, and accommodating of all requests we made in the lead-up to the event.

The actual wedding was fantastic. The venue was clean and gorgeous, the food was delicious, drinks were great with fast service and friendly bartenders.

I can't say enough positive things, we were very happy with our experience working with the staff at the Gem. All our guests were impressed and so were we.
K
Kara Sent on 08/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Venue

My husband and I got married at the Gem on August 3rd and it was the perfect day! Every person who worked with us including Taliah and Nathalie were so nice and helpful throughout the night. We had an amazing day and am so glad we picked the gem for our wedding. Everyone came up to us raving about the venue and the food and service. I would highly recommend having your wedding here!
K
Kelly Sent on 03/21/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Easy, organized, gorgeous

The gem theatre was the perfect place for our ceremony and reception. They were so easy to work with through the entire process and accommodating to all our needs.
You won’t regret going with the Gem.
Emily
Emily Sent on 08/18/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Dream venue

This venue is perfect! We used the Gem for both the ceremony and reception and the big stage is so beautiful to get married on. Our guests loved sitting up in the balcony and the outdoor patio area for cocktail hour right downtown Detroit was amazing. I cannot rave more about the staff, starting with Jamie Smith, she truly was wonderful to work with. She was on top of every detail and always helped answer any question or concerns we had. She met with us whenever we requested and we came down to look at the space whenever we needed to get flower/decorating inspiration. She made us feel like we were the only couple she was working with and we felt so special throughout the whole experience. And Nathalie was tremendous help the day of the wedding... she took care of details that I was afraid family members would have to be stuck with but Nathalie and Preston handled everything! If we could do it all over again we wouldn't change a thing. The Gem Theatre was our dream wedding 100%
J
Jennifer Sent on 01/27/2020
5 out of 5 rating

A Beautiful Venue + A Great Experience!

The Gem Theatre is such a unique event space! From the moment you set foot in the front courtyard to seeing the historic theatre, you just know that your guests will enjoy seeing something beautiful around every corner. The best perk with a beautiful venue is that you don't need a ton of decor...the architecture does it for you!

The sales team was so helpful throughout the planning process making sure that our questions were answered and that we were taken care of every step of the way. It really relieved a lot of stress knowing that we had such a great vendor team there to help!
Colleen
Colleen Sent on 01/21/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The night of our life at The Gem

I'm not sure where to even begin. The Gem Theatre and its staff were an absolute dream to work with. My husband and I wanted a venue that was unique but would still offer some hand-holding during the planning. The Gem was all of this and more. Samantha fielded a couple dozen emails from us and was always so incredibly helpful and responsive. Clara was our day-of coordinator and I can't thank her enough for all of her guidance on our big day. We received so many compliments from our guests saying what a beautiful venue it was and how delicious (and hot! can you believe it?) the food tasted. I absolutely loved our wedding and that's due in very large part to all of the incredible people at The Gem.
M
Meghan Sent on 08/19/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing experience. Both Lauren and Molly did a great job coordinating and setting up our venue. They were extremely helpful. It was exactly what I pictured for our 1920s Art Deco theme!
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 05/22/2016
5 out of 5 rating
The advice that I would give to a couple looking at The Gem Theatre would be definitely do it. They did everything. It was very stress free. They check on every detail and make sure that you are their main priority. Initially, I thought the minimum was far too expensive but it was all worth it. Had we gone through separate vendors, there would have been way more stress and more expensive. The food was absolutely amazing and the drink selection was immaculate.
L
Lauren Sent on 02/01/2016
5 out of 5 rating
The Gem was the first and only venue that my husband and I went to look at in person. We knew we wanted to get married downtown and we knew as soon as we walked in that The Gem was the perfect place to have our wedding. From the beginning the responsiveness of the team at The Gem showed us that they knew what they were doing and that they were happy to be a part of our special day. It was very obvious that this is what they do and they do it best.

The venue itself is stunning and since we were married in December there were some decorations up that complimented our own perfectly. We got married in the upper “Century Theatre” level and then moved our guests to the main floor “Century Grill” for a cocktail hour before going all the way downstairs for dinner. Afterwards we had an 8-piece band that perfectly filled The Gem Theatre space and our guests could move freely about the building at their leisure.

The food was delicious, our guests still talk about it when we see them, and the staff was impeccable. I have to say that Melissa, our event manager for the day, was an absolute dream to work with. She was on top of everything and I cannot even begin to thank her for everything she did to make our day so special. I do not have one complaint or thing I would have changed about our wedding, it was truly perfect and most of that has to do with our choice to have our Wedding at The Gem theatre. I highly recommend this venue!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

26

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Rondo String Quartet Rondo String Quartet Wedding Musicians

The historic Gem Theatre is a gorgeous venue for any special event. The Spanish Revival and Arts & Crafts architecture and warm hand painted dining rooms make it a unique setting for those looking for historic elegance. We've always been impressed by the staff and consider it a great day when we get to perform in the historic Gem.

The Rite Officiant The Rite Officiant Wedding Officiants

The Gem Theatre ( Century Theatre and Colony Club) are all amazing venues! Each has its own special ambience. Besides the amazing architecture and theatrical options, the staff is awesome and the food is top notch! I have been to many events at the Gem, Century and Colony and have always been impressed. Whether I was serving as a floral provider, an officiant or just a guest, it has always been pleasurable! I highly recommend them.

Map

Gem Theatre frequently asked questions

Gem Theatre includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Gem Theatre includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Gem Theatre includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Limited Bar
  • Open Bar
  • Premium Liquor
  • Signature Drink
  • Specialty Beer
  • Specialty Wine
The space offered by Gem Theatre for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
  • Restaurant
Gem Theatre offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Gem Theatre offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Gem Theatre offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
Gem Theatre offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Gem Theatre is recommended by 88% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in professionalism, 4.4 in quality of service, 4.4 in flexibility, 4.4 in value and 4.3 in average response time.
Gem Theatre currently offers 1 discount promotion for wedding services.
View next Historic Weddings

Other vendors in Detroit for your wedding

Wedding Venues