A Local's Guide to Planning an Unforgettable Door County Wedding
Door County, Wisconsin, is a quaint, picturesque destination that offers a charming and romantic setting for weddings. Known for its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, serene beaches, and almost New-England feel, Door County is the perfect place to say "I do." Whether you're a Midwest local or planning a destination wedding, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Door County wedding.
Location Shop for Venues & Photo Settings
One of the first things to consider when planning a Door County wedding is the location. Door County has several towns that offer unique and beautiful settings for weddings. Some of the most popular towns for weddings include Egg Harbor, Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay, Ephraim, and Fish Creek. Each town has its own charm and character, so it's worth exploring all your options. But keep in mind that Door County is relatively small, so if you have your heart set on a venue in one town but lodging in another, it’s totally doable!
When searching for wedding venues in Door County, you’ll want to consider the natural beauty of the area, which is one of the main draws of DoCo. Look for venues that offer outdoor space, such as gardens, gazebos, or a lakefront view of Lake Michigan. And don’t forget that you can have your wedding ceremony in one location and your wedding reception in another if you fall in love with two venues. We’ll give you some great places to start with for your Door County search, from the fan-favorite locations to the lesser-known gems.
Here are some of the tried-and-true, best wedding venues with experience and great reviews:
And here are the more underrated wedding venues or photo pitstops in Door County:
Rock Island Ferry (and Rock Island State Park itself!)
Get a Planner with Door County Experience
Wedding planning can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Hiring a wedding planner with Door County experience can simplify the planning process exponentially. They can help you find the best wedding vendors for the best pricing, such as caterers, florists, and wedding photographers.
Planners can also help you navigate the local wedding scene and find unique venues that fit your style and budget. So if you haven’t gotten it all figured out from this article, no need to worry. That’s what we’re here for!
Pick a Tasty Rehearsal Dinner Place
When it comes to rehearsal dinners in Door County, there are plenty of options to choose from (apart from those already listed above!). You can opt for a casual vibe at a local grille or a more upscale fine-dining experience at a restaurant with a lakefront view. Some of the more popular and traditional rehearsal dinner spots include The Cookery in Fish Creek, The Log Den in Egg Harbor, The Harbor Grille in Baileys Harbor, and The Inn at Cedar Crossing in Sturgeon Bay. But as part-time locals, we’d recommend the Wickman House (plan ahead for this one), the more casual Chop, and our fave Trixies.
Consider Guest Accommodations
Door County has plenty of lodging options for guests, ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. When planning your Door County wedding, consider providing your guests with a list of recommended accommodations or paying for a block of rooms at a location of your choice. This can include options like the Gordon Lodge, The Landmark Resort, Bay Shore Inn, Stone Harbor Resort, and Woodwalk Gallery's Guest House in Egg Harbor.
Make Transportation a Focal Piece
Transportation is an essential part of any wedding day, and Door County offers several options to get around. You can rent a limousine, classic car, or (a personal favorite) trolley to transport your wedding party and guests. Some venues, such as Kress Pavilion, even offer onsite rentals.
If you're planning a destination wedding in Door County, consider arranging transportation from nearby cities like Green Bay, Wausau, or Milwaukee. This can make getting to and from the wedding location easier for guests.
Plan Your Big Day in Door County
A Door County wedding offers a magical and romantic setting for your special day. With its natural beauty, charming towns, and top-notch wedding venues, Door County is the perfect destination for couples looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. By following the tips in this guide, you'll be well on your way to planning the Door County wedding of your dreams.
*Please note that the photos used in this article are not my own and belong to their respective owners. The original sources of these photos can be found via their respective links by clicking on each one. I highly recommend visiting these links to view and support the work of the talented photographers behind these images.