For most of the 20th century, the big white wedding reigned supreme—ballrooms, banquet halls, and towering guest lists were the dream. The model dates back to Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding to Prince Albert, which popularized the white dress and formal receptions that came to define Western wedding traditions. After World War II, prosperity and the rise of suburban life turned weddings into major social events. A grand guest list meant success; a hotel ballroom was the gold standard.
The rise of the small wedding
But somewhere between Pinterest boards, rising costs and a global pandemic, the script flipped. By the late 2010s, couples were already trimming the excess, choosing barn weddings, backyard ceremonies and brunch receptions over black-tie affairs.
Then, 2020 forced everyone to downsize and in doing so, revealed something kind of wonderful. Smaller weddings felt more personal. You could actually talk to your guests. You could eat dinner sitting down. You could remember the day instead of just surviving it.
Small weddings become a movement
Now, what started as a necessity has become a movement. Across Washtenaw County, couples are embracing small weddings—crafted around connection, not crowd control. From historic barns to greenhouses to chic little inns, these venues prove that intimate doesn’t mean informal; it means intentional.
Between skyrocketing costs, shifting priorities and a desire for experiences over extravagance, small weddings have become the new standard. They leave room for the things that matter most—family, conversation and character.
The beauty of keeping it small
Big weddings will always have their place, but there’s something timeless about a small one done well. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a greenhouse or clinking glasses in a converted barn, Washtenaw County’s venues prove that intimate celebrations aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about celebrating connection.
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Where to find intimate wedding & reception venues
Ann Arbor City Club (160 banquet / 180 theater)
Historic charm meets elegance in this late-1800s private residence turned event club, with high ceilings, large windows and a refined ballroom.
1830 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Dixboro House / The Dixboro Project (125 banquet / 60 private barn)
This is a multi-concept historic property with an original barn and a newer “New Barn” addition. The New Barn is for more private affairs, while both barns are used for larger events.
5400 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor
Chelsea Depot (100 banquet)
A beautifully restored train depot where exposed beams, tall windows and historic details create an atmosphere full of character and nostalgia.
125 Jackson St, Chelsea
Cobblestone Farm (190 banquet)
A 19th-century barn framed by open fields and parkland, pairing rustic timber beams with a relaxed, pastoral atmosphere.
2781 Packard Rd, Ann Arbor
Frutig Farms / The Valley (200 banquet)
A countryside barn surrounded by rolling fields and wildflowers, offering weekend access, panoramic views and the comfort of modern amenities.
7650 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor
Manchester Mill on the Water (150 banquet)
A riverside mill venue with stone walls, big windows and a romantic, historic feel.
201 W Main St, Manchester
Matthaei Botanical Gardens / University of Michigan (120 banquet)
A lush mix of greenhouses and outdoor gardens, offering a naturally elegant setting surrounded by seasonal blooms.
1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor
Michigan League (University of Michigan) (from 125 in Grand Ballroom)
A historic campus venue with stained glass, carved wood and a grand ballroom that feels both stately and intimate.
911 N University Ave, Ann Arbor
Historic Blum Barn (150 banquet)
A charming barn on the county’s edge, known for its vintage beams, warm lighting and pastoral backdrop.
10340 Jerusalem Rd, Chelsea
Robin Hills Farm (up to 300 total, with 150 & 250 space splits)
Set on 129 acres, there are multiple reception options (Pasture Barn, Glasshouse, Nest), open farm views, and movable indoor/outdoor transitions.
20390 Stockbridge Chelsea Rd (M-52), Chelsea
Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast Inn & Event Center (100 banquet)
A turn-of-the-century inn featuring classic details, inviting spaces and the ease of hosting and staying under one roof.
1917 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
The Collins Off Main (100 banquet)
A reimagined industrial space where exposed brick walls, sleek finishes and an adjoining courtyard create an effortlessly stylish backdrop.
120 W Middle St, Chelsea
Washtenaw Golf Club (150 banquet)
A timeless golf-course venue with manicured greens and a relaxed, country-club atmosphere.
2955 Packard Rd, Ypsilanti
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms (150 banquet)
A restored countryside estate where restored barns, flower-lined gardens, and open fields create a storybook setting.
8540 Island Lake Rd, Dexter
