85ten is a boutique hotel that combines historic settings with modern amenities for a truly unforgettable stay! This location puts you just minutes away from the shores of Lake Huron, giving you dreamy backdrops for the wedding of your dreams. As a Michigan wedding photographer, I get the chance to explore some of the best venues out there. Here is everything you need to know about hosting your celebration at 85ten Boutique Hotel!
About The 85ten Boutique Hotel Wedding Venue
8510 Lake St, Port Austin, Michigan 48467
Long before it started serving as a dream wedding venue, 85ten Boutique Hotel stood as a local icon. This mansion was originally built in the 1850s, offering a little slice of luxury near the banks of the water. In the 1980s, it was purchased by the Babcock family, who transformed it into a boutique hotel. Then, in late 2025, it was purchased by a group of local investors who immediately fell in love with the building’s charm.
Any renovations at this building have been done with the explicit intent to preserve the charm while adding any necessary modern conveniences. It remains a town favorite that gives locals a little slice of history in the heart of the town. Beyond providing people with a cozy space to stay, the owners are now focused on hosting more local events that will help people from across the country discover the magic tucked away in Port Austin. With their dedicated team, showshopping weddings are just another rich part of this building’s legacy!
Details of the Grounds
When you book the 85ten Boutique Hotel for your wedding, your celebration can start inside one of their on-site rooms. Their suites are positively gorgeous with white walls, brass accents, and modern furniture. They will be ideal for getting ready with your wedding party while taking some candid pictures. The large windows letting in tons of natural light certainly won’t hurt things!
From there, it will be time for your ceremony. This is where the front porch is going to shine! The wrap-around porch stays true to the building’s all-white aesthetic, welcoming in wedding colors of all shades. You can transform the front walkway into an aisle as your guests watch on from the lawn. Another great outdoor option is the back of the lot. The property has a mature tree out here that you can use for your backdrop. It’s the ideal option for those who want those intimate, backyard vibes. If you do prefer to host this part of the ceremony off-site, you will be just a few blocks away from Lake Huron, giving you waterfront options!
Once you have finished exchanging your I dos, your guests can head inside the hotel and grab drinks inside the bar. This spot is gorgeous and moody with walls painted a deep jewel tone and crystal chandeliers adding just the right amount of light to keep things feeling romantic. The brass accents and mirrored bar back are the perfect touch!
Outdoor Wedding Receptions Unlike Any Other
For your 85ten Boutique Hotel reception, you can set up an event tent out in the backyard. The venue is going to let you place a dance floor where you and your guests can spend hours dancing! Out here, you are going to have ample room for food and entertainment. Then, once it is time for your send-off, your guests can head back to the front walkway and wish you the best as you head off to your happily ever after! 85ten is able to accommodate up to 150 guests, making it an amazing option for smaller celebrations and microweddings.
Photography Opportunities At 85ten Boutique Hotel
If you are looking for some truly unique backdrops for your wedding pictures, you are going to fall head over heels for this property! As you get ready for your wedding day, you can take full advantage of the interior of the house. The common areas feature dark jewel tones, giving your pictures an effortlessly romantic feel. Once you have finished taking some pictures here, you can head outside and use the front porch to get some sunny portraits with the house showing off in the background.
If you plan on doing first look pictures at 85ten Boutique Hotel, I recommend staying out here and continuing to use the wrap-around porch to share this moment.
For your group pictures with your family and friends, the front lawn is going to be your spot. Because this area is pretty flat and accessible, it’s ideal for people of all ages and abilities.
Then, once it’s time for your couple’s portraits, you can stick around the front lawn, or you can head toward the lake. The downtown strip near this area is so quaint and lovely, with historic brick buildings that will show off as you make your way down the street. And of course, it really doesn’t get any better than having Lake Huron in the background.
Wedding Details
The event team behind 85ten Boutique Hotel knows how to throw an event you are never going to forget! They pride themselves on their flexibility and will work with you to see your vision through! As you get closer to your wedding day, they are going to help you find ways to personalize the space to ensure it perfectly matches your style. Then, once that day does arrive, they are going to provide you with on-site staff members who will keep things moving smoothly. You will have on-site lodging options, and you will have their sister hotel, Garfield Inn, just down the street for additional guests. Beyond all of this, they have various packages with dynamic pricing to ensure you have the day that is best for you!
Your 85ten Boutique Hotel Wedding Will Be Unforgettable
If you have been looking for a breathtaking venue rich with color and style, I just know you are going to love 85ten Boutique Hotel! With this destination, your dream wedding is about to become a reality!
Are you still on the search for your photographer? If so, let’s chat! I am a Michigan wedding photographer, and I love working with clients to make sure they can remember every single second of their celebration. If you want to see if I’m a match, I would love to have a conversation so you can decide for yourself. Send me a message today to find out more!
