Rochester Hills Museum is a historic venue that is ready to craft a celebration fully customized to you! Nestled on 16 acres, this space combines picture-perfect landscapes with rustic charm for every part of your wedding. As a Michigan wedding photographer, I get the chance to work at some of the best venues in the area. If you have been considering a Rochester Hills Museum wedding, here is everything you need to know!
About The Rochester Hills Museum Wedding Venue
1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48306
The Rochester Hills Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the area. The site that would eventually become Rochester Hills was the very first European settlement in the county. As people started to move in, they built up the village of Stony Creek, and around thirty years later, it was one of the largest communities in Oakland County. Across the 16 acres of the museum, you can still find many of the original structures of the village, most notably the Van Hoosen Farmhouse.
The current structure was built in 1840 to make way for the then-modern kitchen amenities it took to keep the farm running. The house underwent more construction in the 1920s as the family continued to lovingly fill it with all of their favorite things. Today, you can still walk through the house and find generations’ worth of furnishings from one of the most prominent families in the township.
While you cannot get married inside the farmhouse, the center will let you use the land surrounding the home as well as the Dairy Barn and the Calf Barn. No matter where you choose to tie the knot, you will have a day full of both history and comfort!
Details of the Grounds
With the Rochester Hills Museum, you will have the freedom to create your dream day. One thing I always encourage my clients to consider ahead of time is that this venue does not have designated dressing rooms. Instead, they offer a waiting area specifically for the bride and her party. This is located on the main floor of the Van Hoosen Farmhouse and will give you a place where you can share a few moments before it’s time to head down the aisle.
Across the plot, you are going to have countless spots where you can host your wedding. The most popular outdoor option is the gazebo. The 18-foot structure is both whimsical and picturesque, giving you the best stage on which you can stand throughout your ceremony. The site itself is located in a maple and walnut grove, giving your guests plenty of natural shade throughout your ceremony. Stony Creek runs right alongside the land and creates a soothing ambiance. If you would prefer a different outdoor spot for your ceremony, you will be able to choose from options like open fields and the perennial gardens.
For those who would prefer an indoor ceremony, you will be able to use the 1927 Calf Barn. This space is rustic yet modern, with all the amenities you need to throw the ideal event. The original stone peaks through the wood while exposed piping adds a slightly industrial feel. You will also be directly across the street from the farmhouse for added convenience.
Everything After Your Ceremony
For your cocktail hour, your guests can enjoy drinks and lawn games outside of the barn while you take your wedding photos.
Once it is time for your reception, you can choose to stick with the Calf Barn, where you can host up to 100 guests.
Photography Opportunities
One of my favorite things about the Rochester Hills Museum is all the backdrops you can use throughout your celebration. If you do choose to use the farmhouse ahead of your wedding, you can pick from a number of photo spots, including the balcony inside the house. It’s one of the very best places to show off your dress!
The exterior works well for pictures with your wedding party. The perennial garden is vibrant and offers accessible walkways so you can easily get group shots. Once it’s time to take group portraits with your entire family and party, you can use the gazebo. The elevated structure will make it a breeze to arrange heights and make sure everyone can make an appearance!
For your couple’s portraits, you are going to find countless spots across the 16 acres. One of my favorite areas is just outside the Calf Barn. This site gives you stone gates as well as towering silos alongside the brick structure. Additionally, you can use some of the other village landmarks, including the 1850 Red House. This spot is especially magical throughout the fall!
Wedding Details
Rochester Hills Museum is going to make it easy to have a day completely tailored to you! They welcome anyone to use this venue, and they have a specialty discount for residents of Rochester Hills. You can choose whether you want to host your entire wedding on the grounds or mix and match with another local venue. Thanks to its central location, you are going to have plenty of options if you do choose the latter option!
The venue has a partnership with Crank’s Catering for both food and bartending services. You will be able to work with their team leading up to your celebration and can choose the menu that best matches your needs. You can pick from cuisines from across the globe as well as American staples such as barbecue and steak. Additionally, their team offers a team of Professional Party Planners who can assist with things such as tables, chairs, linens, specialty rentals, and entertainment.
Get Ready For True Beauty At Your Rochester Hills Museum Wedding
If you are looking for a rustic spot for your wedding, I really think you are going to love the Rochester Hills Museum wedding venue! With this highly-rated venue, you are about to have your perfect celebration.
Now that you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about the person who will be by your side to capture all those details! As a Michigan wedding photographer, I love working alongside couples to document every joy-filled moment. If you want to see if my style is a match for yours, let’s have a conversation so you can decide! Send me a message today to find out more.
