Dreaming about an elopement or intimate wedding that feels deeply personal, nature-rich, and effortlessly intimate? Goldberry Woods makes the perfect backdrop for those special moments — the best small wedding venue in Harbor Country. It’s tucked among 30 acres of woods, an organic farm, orchards, gardens, and riverfront trails, and just a mile from the iconic shores of Lake Michigan. Our modern farm resort offers everything you need for an unforgettable elopement or intimate wedding.
Unlike traditional venues, a celebration here isn’t just about the ceremony. It’s about the full experience — slowing down, gathering your people, staying together on-site, and letting nature and comfort shape every moment.
This guide walks you through your two main options at Goldberry Woods:
- All-Inclusive Elopements (up to 10 guests). We’ve included legal requirements, our package details, a sample timeline, and photo-op spots.
- Intimate Weddings (up to 75 guests): We’ve included ceremony and reception information, flexible lodging options, trusted wedding venues for larger weddings while we host your family and friends, and seasonal wedding inspiration.
- Plus, we’ve provided some FAQs, but we’d also encourage you to contact us with any further questions: info@goldberrywoods.com.
Both include a required lodging component so you enjoy the privacy, calm, and connection that make small weddings so meaningful.
Why Goldberry Woods Is the Perfect Michigan Venue for Elopements & Intimate Weddings
1. A Nature-Rich Setting Just Minutes from Lake Michigan
Your celebration unfolds among towering pines, peaceful riverbanks, orchard rows, organic farm and gardens — all of our naturally beautiful gathering spots. In every season, the landscape shifts from blooming spring color to lush summer green, from fall foliage to winter snowfall that sparkles under the trees. Regardless of the season, the natural beauty here makes a perfect backdrop to your dream day.
2. All-in-One Venue + Lodging
Everything happens in one place: your lodging, a place to get ready, the ceremony, the reception, and photography. No driving between venues. No complicated timelines. No stress.
You simply walk a few steps from the Inn to Pine Row or the Barn Venue, and your day flows gently from one moment to the next. Lodging options range from suites at the Inn, cottages (great for small groups and families), and our vintage campers (this one’s for you if you love glamping).
3. Fireplaces, Bonfire Pits & Cozy Touches in Every Season
Every building at Goldberry Woods has a fireplace and a bonfire pit outside, which is perfect for ending the night under the stars. Whether your celebration is snowy, sunny, or somewhere in between, warmth and ambience are built into the experience. These are the special moments you’ll treasure for years to come.
4. Photography-Friendly Grounds
Couples love the variety:
- Dramatic pines for first looks
- Farm fields, garden paths, orchard rows, and even holding one of our chickens
- Riverbank footbridges
- Trails for soft natural light
- And yes, beach photos are encouraged
Photographers adore having access to so many unique backdrops without leaving the property. Guests love the memories created — and yes, the fun of getting out in nature, relaxing, and just being yourself.
▶️ Check out our Elopement Video
Your Two Wedding Options at Goldberry Woods
All-Inclusive Elopements (Up to 10 Guests)
→ A stress-free, meaningful celebration designed for couples who want a no-fuss, simple, yet meaningful option.
Intimate Weddings (Up to 75 Guests)
→ A slightly larger gathering where couples bring personal touches, select their vendors, and let Goldberry Woods serve as the beautiful lodging and venue at the heart of it all.
Required Lodging for All Celebrations
Reserving lodging is part of every elopement and wedding at Goldberry Woods (2-night minimum).
Why?
- Your celebration becomes a multi-day experience.
- Families and friends stay together in one peaceful place.
- You gain full privacy and relaxed pacing.
- No one drives between events (and gets lost along the way).
We believe and have experienced that this is how small weddings feel big in meaning.
All-Inclusive Elopements at Goldberry Woods
Elopements at Goldberry Woods are intentionally designed to feel effortless, meaningful, and deeply personal. Couples come here because the experience is beautifully simple. You focus on each other while we handle the essential details. From the moment you arrive to the final photo of the day, everything unfolds with calm and natural ease.
What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Michigan Elopement Packages
Elopements here are personal, meaningful, and exceptionally easy to plan. Each celebration includes:
- Your ceremony in Pine Row with a wedding arbor or the exquisite Barn Venue.
- As the innkeeper and owner, Julie will officiate the ceremony. We also provide two witnesses to ensure it is legally binding.
- One hour of photography with access to the entire property, which provides the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Additional time may be added.
- Special touches to celebrate your day, including sparkling wine toast, a 6” wedding cake from a local bakery, a gift card to Timothy’s Restaurant, flameless candles for your room, and late checkout.
- Seasonal floral bouquet and boutonnieres from our farm or local florist.
- Support with personalized planning and special traditions (like the Scottish Quaich).
- We are inclusive of all couples, LGBTQ+.
The result is an intimate, heartfelt experience centered entirely around the two of you. It’s your special day, so you can also make it fun and quirky (or dark and gothy) if you want.
Photography That Tells Your Story
Photography is a cherished part of every elopement. Our Michigan elopement venue offers endless inspiration. Your included session may feature:
- A first look beneath the towering pines.
- Portraits among orchards, gardens, chicken run, or the riverbank trails.
- Snow-dusted scenes in winter, or glowing foliage in fall.
- Sunset moments or gentle waves during a quick trip to Lake Michigan beach.
If you want to explore more of the property or capture extra creative ideas, additional photography time is always available.
Sample Elopement Day Timeline
Elopement days here tend to unfold at a slower, sweeter pace. Many couples love the rhythm of a day like this:
- A slow, cozy breakfast in the Inn, scratch-made straight from the organic farm and orchard
- Getting ready in your suite.
- A relaxed first look under the pines
- A ceremony in Pine Row or the Barn
- Photos across the property with optional portraits at the beach or nearby parks
- A romantic dinner out or a quiet evening back at the Inn
Michigan Elopement Legal Requirements & Lodging Expectations
Eloping at Goldberry Woods is designed to feel effortless. However, there are a few important details to know before your celebration. Because lodging is required for all elopements, your experience naturally becomes a mini-honeymoon. Staying on-site lets you slow down, savor each moment, and enjoy the property’s peaceful rhythm without ever feeling rushed. Many couples extend their stay for a long, romantic weekend surrounded by nature. It’s a perfect transition into married life.
To ensure your elopement is legally recognized in Michigan, here are the key requirements you’ll need to follow:
- Age Requirement: Both parties must be 18 years or older.
- Marriage License: Michigan residents must apply in person at the clerk’s office in their county of residence. Out-of-state couples must apply in Berrien County, where Goldberry Woods is located.
- Timing requirements: Michigan requires a 3-day waiting period after applying for your marriage license. Your license is valid for 33 days from the date of issue.
- Officiant & Witnesses: An ordained officiant and two witnesses over age 18 are required. I’m ordained and happy to officiate your ceremony.
With the legal steps handled and your lodging secured, your elopement becomes a seamless, joy-filled experience. It’s centered on connection, simplicity, and the beauty of your surroundings.
Why Couples Love Eloping at Goldberry Woods
- It’s beautifully simple.
- It’s deeply personal.
- It’s full of natural beauty.
- It’s easy to add some fun and romantic enhancements.
- It’s calm, comforting, and incredibly meaningful.
To book an elopement, simply make an online reservation for 2+ nights for you and your group and add the Elopement package. We will then follow up with a short questionnaire to help customize your ceremony.
Intimate Weddings at Goldberry Woods
Our Harbor Country wedding venue blends the freedom of personal expression with the comfort of a venue designed for meaningful, small-scale celebrations.
Couples love that they can choose their own vendors, décor, and style while still relying on the natural beauty and warm indoor spaces that make the property feel magical in every season. Whether you imagine an elegant woodland ceremony or a cozy celebration surrounded by family and friends, the setting adapts naturally to your vision.
What Makes This One of the Best Small Wedding Venues in Michigan
At Goldberry Woods, intimate weddings are intentionally relaxed and uniquely yours. You bring the ideas and plans, and we provide a setting that enhances them. We’re a modern farm resort where the landscapes shift throughout the day, offering moments of quiet, joy, and connection. Rather than rushing between multiple locations, everything flows together seamlessly, keeping you and your guests present.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces Just Steps Apart
One of the most loved features of weddings at our property is that the entire celebration happens in one place. Just across the driveway from the Inn, our beautiful Pine Row creates the feeling of a natural cathedral with its towering pines, dappled light, and serene atmosphere. For couples who prefer an indoor space or simply want a cozy environment no matter the weather, the climate-controlled Barn Venue offers rustic elegance with warm wood, soft lighting, and year-round comfort. Because both ceremony and reception spaces are on-site, the weather never dictates the tone of your day. We always have beautiful options ready to offer you.
Guest Comfort Comes Naturally
One of our highest priorities is to provide warm, comfortable hospitality to all our guests. You and your loved ones can gather around a fireplace located in every building. Later in the evening, get snuggly warm beside bonfire pits. Guests also love to kick back in indoor lounges or on patios, or to stroll the garden paths throughout the day. Even our year-round pool creates a peaceful retreat for a quick dip or a relaxing moment between events. Instead of feeling confined or rushed, your guests enjoy room to explore, unwind, and connect. It’s really what makes the heart of an intimate wedding feel truly personal, right?
Venue Flexibility & Layout Options
Couples love how the grounds flow: Ceremony → Portraits → Cocktails → Reception. All without leaving the property. We often hear that the progression feels natural and stress-free. With no tight timelines or multiple venues, there’s just a gentle rhythm of a celebration all in one place.
Required Lodging for Intimate Weddings
Lodging is a required and cherished part of intimate weddings at Goldberry Woods. You can rent the entire Inn, with 8+ suites and the Barn Venue for your ceremony. Add our cottages and vintage campers to reserve the entire property for you and your loved ones to enjoy an intimate atmosphere. With room for up to 50 overnight guests, your wedding becomes more than just a single-day event. Families gather for rehearsal dinners, friends linger over morning coffee, and guests share in celebratory moments long after the reception. Staying together on our property transforms the experience into a full wedding weekend, relaxed and unhurried, filled with meaningful time together.
Trusted Local Wedding Vendors in Southwest Michigan
While you bring your own vision, we offer trusted guidance through vendors who understand the property well. Classic Catering excels in full-service support, offering catering, florals, tablescapes, tenting, and more — ideal for couples who want a cohesive, stylish setup without juggling multiple providers. For elevated cuisine with global inspiration, Timothy’s Restaurant provides exceptional fine dining for intimate receptions. Although Goldberry Woods does not offer full wedding planning services, these experienced partners make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Hosting Family During Larger Michigan Weddings Nearby
If your ceremony is planned for a larger venue, we recommend using Journeyman Distillery, Williams Orchard, Blue Dress Barn, or Section House. However, Goldberry Woods is a perfect lodging and rehearsal base for your closest family and friends.
Many couples reserve the property for lodging, welcome reception, rehearsal dinners, post-wedding brunch, and quiet moments before and after the big celebration. Even when the main event takes place elsewhere, staying at Goldberry Woods adds intimacy, warmth, and togetherness, the elements that can often be lost in large-scale weddings.
Seasonal Wedding Inspiration at Goldberry Woods
Winter — Cozy, Snowy & Magical
→ Fireplaces inside, bonfires outside, snow settling on the Pines, glowing barn windows.
Spring — Blooming & Romantic
→ Orchards and gardens begin to blossom, soft colors everywhere.
Summer — Vibrant & Outdoorsy
→ Riverside photos, warm evenings, lush greenery.
Fall — Colorful & Atmospheric
→ Peak foliage, warm golden light, crisp air.
Things to Do Before & After Your Celebration
Your wedding weekend doesn’t end with the ceremony. Goldberry Woods sits in the heart of Harbor Country, giving you endless ways to unwind, explore, and savor time together. Couples often start with something simple and romantic: a quiet walk along the beach, a peaceful stroll through our wooded trails, or a relaxed paddle down the river that wraps the property. These moments set a gentle tone and create space to breathe before the celebration begins.
Foodies have plenty to enjoy, too. A local brewery, Beer Church, offers wood-fired pizza and craft brews in a restored church, while Post Boy serves elevated global small plates, entrees, and fabulous cocktails just minutes away. The nearby wine trail is perfect for guests who want to sip and wander through Southwest Michigan’s tasting rooms.
Many couples also use their stay to reconnect with the people they love most. Host a rehearsal dinner on-site, gather your closest friends for brunch, or plan a small outing in one of the neighboring lakeshore towns. Whether you’re celebrating with two people or seventy-five, these shared moments help your wedding weekend feel complete, relaxed, and full of joy.
To inquire further on hosting a wedding at Goldberry Woods–or to get more information on having your wedding group stay with us, please email us at info@goldberrywoods.com and we can send more information and pricing options.
Ready to Plan Your Michigan Elopement or Intimate Wedding?
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Your celebration deserves a place where it feels easy, natural, and deeply meaningful.
Goldberry Woods is that place.
