Due to extremely limited space, the reception will be adults only, with the exception of immediate children closest to us. Children, infants and babies are welcome to the ceremony, but not the reception. If you are unsure if your child is invited to the reception, please see your save the date or wedding invitation envelope. This was not an easy decision and we are sorry if this complicates your planning. Please see this weekend as a time to unwind and relax without the kids. Let us know if you have any questions.
YES! There are many childcare services available on the island. If you are a guest of the Grand Hotel, you can inquire about their babysitting service. With this service, the hotel provides you a sitter of your choosing for the night. Fees are around $20 per sitter per hour. The number of sitters is dependent upon the number of kids and their ages. If interested and staying at the Grand Hotel, ask about the service during check in. Mission Point Resort also has a childcare service for guests and non-guests. Other sitter options and kids camps are available on the island if your child is coming to the island, but not to the reception.
Yes, the hotel is a step back in time. It is famous for its old fashioned and sophisticated feel. During the day, casual resort clothing is appropriate. Prior to 6:30 PM, they require no midriff-baring tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts for ladies. For gentlemen, no sleeveless shirts, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts (that means you, Dave Henning). Because every evening at Grand Hotel is a special occasion, after 6:30 PM dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, and dress slacks for ladies are preferred, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit coat, necktie, and dress pants (no denim or shorts). This applies for all areas inside the hotel including the Parlor, Lobby, Terrace, and Main Dining Room, with the exception of the Cupola Bar. Since this is a formal event, men may prefer to wear a tux. Children 12 years and older are expected to be in dress similar to adults. Please note, unless staying at the hotel, there is a fee to enter the porch or eat in the dining room.
Many hotels will include a "luggage fee" in your room charge. This fee is for your luggage to be transported from the ferry docks directly to your room. This is a wonderful feature if you are staying at the Grand Hotel because the hotel sits on top of a hill, which is steeper than it looks. If you did not get this feature in your room charge, you can add it on at the docks. Check the walking distance from the dock to your hotel, just to be sure it is not too far of a walk with luggage.
No need to worry! There aren't any cars on the island, but there are plenty of ways to get around! The most common way to get around is actually by bicycle. You will find many bike rental shops on the island. Another way to see the island is by taxi. Thats right, HORSE taxi. There are yellow taxi busses all over the island and they are only one wave away. You can also set up taxi services for a specific time. Charge is usually $1 per minute. The best known island taxi is https://www.mict.com
Yes! The island is 8 miles around and full of nature walking paths. The trails offer gorgeous views of the water, surrounding islands, the Mackinac Bridge, and offer a number of stops along the walk describing historic events or people of the Island’s influence. Explore the many trails of the State Park. Criss-cross your way across the back of the Great Turtle! Start at Arch Rock, and take the cliff-top trail north. Find your way from the residential bluffs of the island back to The Woods. You’ll see a lesser travelled area of the island. While you are there, experience the view from Stone Cliff!
We prefer Sheplers, but there is also Star Line, to go to and from the island. The day of your departure, check the ferry schedule here (https://www.sheplersferry.com/mackinaw-city-schedule/) or (https://www.mackinacferry.com/schedules/). Both ferries have parking on site for an additional cost. A day trip is usually no cost for parking. You can leave your car in their lot over the weekend. Please check respective websites for special online rates. You can also take your bike over to the island too! Please note, if you are planning on leaving the island the night of the wedding, each ferry has a different "last ferry departure time". Star Line usually has a later ferry. At all times of the day, the ferry is first come first serve. Simply arrive at the dock and they will allow you to board the first available boat. I suggest arriving and leaving on the same ferry service for simplicity. See the travel tab for Sheplers discounts.