FAQs

Question

Where is Mackinaw Island?

Answer

Mackinaw Island is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It's a 4 1/2 hour drive from Green Bay or 4 hour drive from Detroit then approx 20 min boat ride to the island. This island is set back in time! There's no motor vehicles. There are horse-drawn carriages and bicycles.

Question

Where should I stay? What boat do I take to get to the island?

Answer

Check out the "Travel" tab. Chris and I are staying at The Grand Hotel. They do offer a discounted rate to hotel guests. You must fill out the PDF form (more info under the Travel tab). Info on the boat ferry is under the Travel tab.

Question

Tell me about The Grand Hotel!

Answer

The Grand Hotel is a Victorian style resort constructed in the late 19th century. It has the world's largest porch! Notable visitors: Five U.S. presidents (Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton), Russian presidents Putin and Medvedev, inventor Thomas Edison (hosted the first public demonstration of Thomas Edison's phonograph on the porch), and author Mark Twain. Acclaim: Conde Nast Traveler "Gold Lists" the hotel as one of the "Best Places to Stay in the Whole World" and Travel + Leisure magazine's lists it as among the "Top 100 Hotels in the World." The Wine Spectator noted the Grand Hotel with an "Award of Excellence" and it was included in Gourmet magazine's "Top 25 Hotels in the World" list. The American Automobile Association (AAA) rates the facilities as a four-diamond resort and in 2009 named the Grand Hotel one of the top 10 U.S. historic hotels. The 1979 film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeves, filmed here.

Question

What is the dress code at The Grand Hotel?

Answer

Since Grand Hotel is a resort, we want all guests to feel at ease and dress comfortably. During the day, casual resort clothing is appropriate. Prior to 6:30pm please no midriff baring tops, sweatpants or cut-off shorts for ladies. For gentleman no sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts. After 6:30pm dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters and dress slacks for ladies are preferred, while gentleman are required to wear a SUIT COAT, NECKTIE, AND DRESS PANTS, no denim or shorts. This applies for all areas inside the hotel with the exception of the Cupola Bar.

Question

When are wedding festivities happening?

Answer

The ceremony will be from 11:15 AM -12:30 PM on The Grand Hotel Porch. We will be taking wedding party/family photos from 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM. Feel free to enjoy the sunshine on the porch, grab a drink, or stroll around The Hotel's beautiful gardens! Luncheon will be from 1:30-4:30 PM. Alcohol will be available for purchase. Chris and I will be taking more photos after luncheon. There will be a music in the evening in the Grand Ballroom (free for hotel guests) and we will be hanging out there. Alcohol is available for purchase there as well. You guys are welcome to join us or do your own thing! We want this to be care-free and everyone to have a good time!