Michigan Fall Weddings

Most likely too cold for an outdoor ceremony. The weather is so unpredictable at that time and it's been known to snow.

My sister had a late fall wedding in WV. Temperature here is a little more mild but can be unpredictable during the spring and fall months like it is in Michigan (not sure what part you are in though). Her wedding day ended up being beautiful (I think around 60 degrees) but the weekend before it was in the 30s. Will you have a backup plan for if its too cold or rains?

There is a back-up ceremony site on the lower level of the barn, in case it rains. I just really wanted an outdoor ceremony.

Hey fellow Michigan bride! I'm in the SW region, so the weather is very similar. The weather (as you've experienced!) can bring snow before Halloween, or it can stay in the 60's until Thanksgiving. I would suggest going to tour the venue again around your date and see if their heating system is adequate to keep the dairy barn warm enough for your guests for the reception. I would definitely have a back-up plan for the ceremony in case of inclement weather- perhaps there are churches/halls nearby that would be worth looking into? Or renting a tent with portable heating options to have on the grounds?

Maybe the ceremony and reception are both able to be held in the barn- If this is an options, does the venue have a separate building that could house your guests for a cocktail hour while the staff turns over from the ceremony to reception? Or is the barn two levels- one that could be used for the ceremony, and one that could be used for the reception?

Hope this helps

There is a venue I have seen that gave their brides a "sort-of" outdoor wedding, in terms of the view. You would situate your guests inside the barn, with the seats facing the outside big barn doors. The bride and groom would stand inside the barn, but at the doorway, so the pictures that are being taken show the outside, but your guests are still inside a covered, heated building. If you can do a turn-over of the ceremony site into the reception site, this might be a good compromising option!

I think if you want a fall wedding and outdoor ceremony, you'll have to find somewhere with an inside "back-up" space in case of rain/cold. I'm from Buffalo so similar weather here! Pretty much every weekend from mid-September through early November has a chance of either being 70 and sunny or 40 and snowing haha.

I think you can have it that weekend at that venue since there is a backup option, and just go in knowing that if it's below 60/65 you'll have to move it indoors!

Thank you everyone! The barn has a lower level that can be used for ceremonies and/or cocktail hour. So we would likely use this in case of inclement weather. I also really like your idea @ Incandescently_happy about using the loft of the barn with the doors open. However, if it is 60 degrees or warmer, than I'm leaning towards the outdoor ceremony and using blankets as favors. The ceremony is going to be short and sweet, no more than 10-15 minutes anyway. I appreciate everyone's input!

Mine is in northern Ohio in October so we're pretty close weather wise. My date is Oct 14 2017 and it's still iffy whether or not we'll be able to do the ceremony outside. Weather up here is unpredictable, especially in October but we rarely have warm weather that close to Halloween. Is there an indoor space you can use in case? I've been to weddings that were just where the reception was if it rained and people just sat at their tables

Fellow MI bride here! As you know, MI has the most hit or miss weather. It could be snowing then or could be 70 & sunny. I would definatley have a backup plan for an indoor ceremony just in case winter decides to come early.

I am planning a wedding for late October - the 26th and I'm wondering how the fall colors are at that time of year. If there are other brides out there who had a wedding around that time, had all the leaves already fallen?

I know this past year, 2017, we had some VERY windy weather that blew down all the leaves before we really got to enjoy them, so I'm wondering about years prior to 2017. I appreciate any help!