Outdoor Weddings
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers a variety of options for those looking to get married in the great outdoors. Please read through the following information carefully.
Popular Wedding Destinations
Exploring Outdoor Wedding Options
As you plan your perfect wedding, consider one of the Ottawa County Park system’s gorgeous outdoor locations! From stunning ravines to sandy beaches, our outdoor wedding locations offer breathtaking views that will make your special day unforgettable.
Requirements
If you choose to plan an outdoor wedding in an Ottawa County Park, you must:
- Call the Parks Office at 616-738-4810 for information about the specific park you wish to use.
- Read the Outdoor Wedding Rules below.
Certain sites require a reservation.
Outdoor Wedding Rules
General Rules
- Nonreserveable outdoor areas are first-come, first-served.
- You may not rope off or “hold” space prior to your event.
- You may not block any walkways/boardwalks/stairs.
- All park rules and regulations are in effect.
- Parking is not guaranteed for any event. Parking areas may fill if it is a nice day or if large events are occurring.
- If you would like to provide seating for your guests or decorate the area, the following regulations apply:
- Chairs and/or decorations may only be put up 30 minutes before the ceremony in a nonreservable area and must be removed immediately after the ceremony is finished.
- Artificial flowers are not allowed.
- Birdseed, rice, confetti, and like products are not allowed.
- Candles or open flames are not allowed.
- Decorations that would cause damage to park property or buildings are not allowed.
- All flowers and decorations must be removed from the park following the event.
- No amplified music or speaking. Acoustic music may be played during your ceremony, but it must not disturb other park guests.
- Pesticides, bug bombs, and similar products are not allowed.
- Capacity and wedding ceremony location is limited in some park areas:
- North Beach (north end): 50
- Rosy Mound (red pine area and beach): 20
- Olive Shores (beach only): 50
- Windsnest (beach only): 50
- Kouw (beach): 25
- Kouw (overlook):10
- Tunnel (gazebo): 25
- Tunnel Beach: 50
- Kirk Beach: 50
- Kirk sundeck: 12
Lakeshore Park Rules
Due to the high volume of visitors on weekends, weddings at Lakeshore parks may not take place from 11 am – 4 pm.
Vehicle entrance fees are in effect at all Lakeshore parks (Tunnel, Kirk, North Beach, Rosy Mound, Olive Shores, Windsnest, and Kouw) between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (Monday). Learn more about Motor Vehicle Permits
Alcoholic Beverages
ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED on all park property, except by special permit at the following parks:
