Pine Knob Mansion Weddings

Pine Knob Mansion is such an enchanting and magical place. The moment you drive up the hill, you feel like you’re being transported to a different world. When you pull up to the front of the mansion, you get a hint of the gorgeous gardens, plus the European-esque architecture is just perfect! Located right in Clarkston, Michigan, Pine Knob Mansion is a stunning Tudor-style estate that brings serious fairytale vibes with its grand architecture and beautifully manicured grounds. Pine Knob is definitely one of my favorite wedding venues in the Metro Detroit area.

What are my favorite things about Pine Knob Mansion working as a wedding photographer?

Between the deep gardens, the sprawling hills, and the absolutely detailed architecture of the mansion itself you cannot get enough of this place.

The Bridal Suite

Starting your day in the bridal suite upstairs is always a great option to get ready or even as a waiting space after getting ready elsewhere. The airiness and brightness coming in through the windows and the charming spiral staircase leading down to the back courtyard. This is possibly my favorite bridal suite because of the space that it gives for bridal photos. It also looks out onto the ceremony spot.

The Groom’s Room

There is a space for the groom and groomsmen to get ready in. The groom’s space is a darker room on the other side of the mansion from the bridal suite so there is definitely less of a chance of seeing each other if that is something you are looking for. The biggest thing that makes this space more difficult, as a photographer, is the darkness of the room, but it is a space for the guys to get ready in.

Inside Aesthetic

Once you walk inside the mansion, it feels like a fairytale castle. With the architecture and the medieval decor, there is something special around every corner. The attention to detail can bring your wedding day all together. The reception hall can feel like you are royalty and all your guests are there to celebrate you! With the large wall of windows flooding the room with light, you’ll feel like you are in a medieval great hall.

The Gardens and Grounds

The gardens and grounds at Pine Knob provide some of the best places for portraits around. There are some great spots for wedding parties and then we can take a little walk down the garden paths for some beautiful couples portraits, just the two of you. We can really spend some time getting some more intimate time just the two of you either deep into the trees and gardens or looking out to the expansive hills of fields and trees. The views are outstanding here. You wouldn’t expect to look out in Metro Detroit to see for miles. No buildings, no subdivisions, just trees and of course the golf course. Depending on when your ceremony takes place and when we are able to take portraits, we can also come back out during your reception to get some sunset photos of just the two of you.

The Ceremony Spot

Where you say your “I dos” is such an important spot. Pine Knob does not disappoint in this aspect. Tucked back behind the mansion in the courtyard area, a gazebo sits where you can stand and say your “I dos” together in front of all your friends and family. It looks out onto the rolling hills creating a cozy, intimate ceremony. Do beware of the timing of your ceremony. The below photo is of the ceremony location and is facing north/northeast and is primarily in the sun. This is the only challenge I have found as a photographer here for the ceremony. Otherwise, it truly feels like you are getting married in the middle of a quiet garden!

Formal Portrait Locations

There are endless possibilities right on location! You won’t even need to look anywhere else to get your formal portraits done. Between the ceremony spot, into the gardens, and the mansion itself, you are completely covered with variety. Plus, your portraits will match the aesthetic that Pine Knob gives. I have done family and wedding party photos at the gazebo and in that area before and I have done them on the other side of the mansion in the more open area near the parking. Then, we finish up with the couple walking through the gardens with a more intimate feel to your portraits.

Reception

Like I mentioned before, the inside aesthetic can make you feel like royalty during your reception. Be aware that the space is limited and you will most likely need a bit flexible with using different spaces. I have photographed many weddings at similar mansion/estate weddings and I find that this is pretty typical of these places, where you’ll have your dinner/toasts in one area, bar in another, and dancing in even another space. However, it can be a benefit to break things up a bit.

I highly recommend at least having your first dances on the back patio if the weather allows. It allows everyone to spread out around you while you take your first dance steps together. There is seating in this back patio so there are options for guests to sit as well and not miss out. With the fairy lights hanging, the huge windows of the reception hall in the background, and surrounded by your friends and family, there’s nothing better to finish off your wedding day dancing away on the patio!

A Photographer’s Point of View

Every venue has positives and quirks. I’ve photographed weddings at so many different kinds of venues. There are certain things I value in a good venue. A lot of those things truly pertain to the wedding couple. I value a venue that has a strong sense of itself. The vibe and style of the venue truly speaks to it and stays consistent. This helps me keep things cohesive in my wedding photos. I also value the ability to have an entire wedding day at one location. I want to still be creative with portrait locations. Nobody wants to spend half of their portrait time driving around to different locations. When you can stay in one spot for getting ready, ceremony, reception, AND portraits, there’s something special about that venue.

I love the ease of actually getting here as well. It does feel like it’s tucked back in the woods far from everything else, but it is accessible. One thing that may not matter so much to couples searching for venues is how a venue treats the hired vendors for weddings. This is one thing that Pine Knob Mansion has excelled at for me. They have let me do my thing as a photographer, but have also been supportive when I needed it. It is so important in order for me to do my job properly for a wedding venue to be cooperative and helpful.

Overall, Pine Knob Mansion is one of my favorite wedding venues, as a photographer. I love the opportunities for portraits, the indoor aesthetic including the stunning bridal suite, and the beautiful, well manicured grounds you could get lost in. It’s the perfect place for a fairytale wedding. You can check out what all they have to offer for weddings at the mansion here!

If you are looking for a photographer who knows Pine Knob and has photographed here, I would be more than happy to talk with you about what I have to offer! You can connect with me on my website!