Backyard Wedding or Historic Estate Wedding Venue
An unforgettable wedding begins with an unforgettable setting. “It’s a radical transformation from the simple canvas covers used decades ago. ‘The magic of tents lies in their combination of function and beauty,’ says Joe Sandone of Sandone Productions. ‘With a tented wedding you can bring your guests to your home, a piece of family land, or expand the space of a favorite venue.’” While Instagram-worthy backyard weddings are as sentimental as they are beautiful, the reality of hosting your big day on private property often comes with unexpected challenges. That’s where a historic estate wedding venue, complete with a gorgeous reception tent, steps in as the hero of your love story. For couples seeking a Michigan wedding venue, or perhaps a stunning Holland wedding venue, this choice combines elegance, convenience, and peace of mind. Here are a few things to consider if you’re debating between a backyard wedding or historic estate wedding venue.
The historic Felt Mansion and West Lawn reception tent located in Holland/Saugatuck, Michigan along the shore of Lake Michigan next to Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
The Allure of a Historic Estate
Picture this: manicured gardens, grand architecture, and timeless charm. The historic Felt Estate is more than a venue—it’s an experience. When you choose a location steeped in history, you’re not just renting a space; you’re creating memories against a backdrop that’s already seen decades of love stories. Your photos will look straight out of a storybook, with lush landscapes and vintage details.
For those exploring Michigan wedding venues, historic estates in the area often boast breathtaking surroundings and historically preserved architecture. In Holland, The Felt Estate with historic roots offer an enchanting combination of natural beauty and cultural significance, perfect for your big day.
Turnkey Convenience (Yes, Please!)
Planning a wedding is already a massive undertaking. When you host your celebration on private property, you’re often starting from scratch. Think about it: rentals for tables, chairs, tents, lighting, portable restrooms—the list goes on. Now imagine coordinating all those vendors yourself on top of everything else you’re planning.
At The Felt Estate, these details are already handled for you. From pre-installed tenting for your welcome party and wedding reception, to available seating and catering kitchen, we’re always ready to host a wedding. We even have on-site venue assistants to ensure the estate is ready for your big day. Instead of cleaning, setting up tables and chairs, and juggling logistics, you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love.
Getting ready in the primary suite of the historic Felt Mansion. The Felt Estate has multiple spacious and well appointed wedding party suites.
The Luxury of Amenities
Private property weddings often lack the amenities that make a wedding day run seamlessly. Have you thought about where your guests will park? What about restroom facilities or a backup plan if it rains? At the Felt Estate we have all of this covered. We have feature convenient parking, climate-controlled restrooms, and on-site power sources—no noisy generators required (unless the power goes out, but don’t worry - we have that covered too).
And let’s not forget about accommodations. The Felt Estate offers multiple wedding party suites for getting ready, so you and your wedding party can relax and prepare in style. Say goodbye to crowded bathrooms and hello to a stress-free morning.
For outdoor wedding venues in Michigan, the weather can be unpredictable. The Felt Estate has multiple options and back up plans regardless of what Michigan weather decides to do, ensuring a great experience for our couples and guests alike.
The Beauty of a Reception Tent—Without the Headaches
A tented wedding reception will never go out of style, but having a tent in your backyard involves permitting, heavy equipment going through your property, and sometimes having to redo landscaping to accommodate a tent large enough for the celebration. Reception tents at historic estate wedding venues are often permanent or semi-permanent structures, designed to withstand weather while providing an elegant atmosphere. The Felt Estate’s reception tent includes four beautiful chandeliers with greenery, French window sides, a portable bar, and plenty of space for dining and dancing for up to 250 guests.
Plus, you’re not responsible for the heavy lifting. No calls to get permits, clearing the yard to make space, setting up tables and chairs - it’s all handled for you. And because these tents are part of the venue, they’re strategically placed to highlight the estate’s natural beauty. For couples considering Holland wedding venues, the reception tent at The Felt Estate is adjacent to the historic mansion with scenic views of Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
A Team That’s Got Your Back
One of the biggest perks of a historic estate wedding venue? The staff. Unlike a private property where you’re often left to figure things out on your own, venues come with experienced teams who’ve seen it all. They know how to handle last-minute changes, unexpected weather, and all the little hiccups that can arise. At The Felt Estate you’ll have wedding professionals available to answer your questions throughout your planning process and make sure the estate is ready for your celebration on the wedding day.
Their expertise, hosting weddings at a non-traditional wedding venue, is priceless, and their goal is to make your day as smooth as possible. When you’re surrounded by professionals who care, you can relax and soak in every moment.
Wedding Reception in the West Lawn Tent at The Felt Estate.
The Cost Factor
You might think hosting a wedding at a private property will save you money. But once you factor in all the rentals, additional insurance, and the cost of transforming the space into a wedding-worthy venue, the savings often disappear. According to Brides.com, “Price varies on a number of factors—from the size and type of tent you choose to the region where you’re tying the knot. However, experts say you can typically expect to spend around $50,000 for a basic setup and as much as $200,000 to $500,000 for luxury build-outs.”
At The Felt Estate, on the other hand, we offer packages that bundle many of these elements together, giving you more value for your investment. The reception tent, tables, chairs, and all the venue amenities are included in our packages, items that would otherwise add up quickly if booked separately for a private property event.
Your Guests Will Thank You
Traveling to a historic estate is an experience in itself, especially at The Felt Estate. As a Michigan historic site and historically restored mansion - we welcome wedding guests to take a step into history and enjoy the grounds as well as explore the mansion during cocktail hour and throughout the evening. Wedding guests are welcome to use the furniture throughout the mansion - no red velvet ropes here!
Guests will also appreciate everything is in one place, from the ceremony to the reception - your guests can fully immerse themselves in the celebration without worrying about traveling.
For outdoor wedding venues in Michigan, historic estates offer the perfect balance of accessibility and elegance. Your guests will rave about the stunning location and seamless flow of the day.
Make It Yours
The best part about a historic estate wedding is the versatility. Whether you dream of a black-tie affair or a garden-party vibe, the historic Felt Estate provides the perfect canvas. Add your personal touches, and you have a day that’s uniquely yours.
Ready to Say “I Do” to a Historic Estate?
If you’re envisioning a wedding day that’s as seamless as it is stunning, a historic estate with a reception tent might be your perfect match. It’s not just about the beauty—it’s about the peace of mind that comes with knowing every detail is covered. Whether you’re searching for a Holland wedding venue or an outdoor wedding venue anywhere in Michigan, The Felt Estate offers the charm, convenience, and elegance you deserve. So take a deep breath, and start planning the historic estate wedding of your dreams. You deserve it!
Bride and groom watching the sunset over the Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Lake Michigan.
Photography Credit: Emily Moelker Photography
We’re proud to support locally owned wedding venues and vendors including: Mistletoe Bough|Bed & Breakfast, Montague Meadow, Wild Rye KC Ranch, Hidden Springs Venue, Circle of Seven Ranch. If you’re a locally owned venue looking for a network of support for your small business, contact us.