Shinola Hotel Weddings

Posted in: Detroit Wedding Venues

Why Couples Choose Weddings at Shinola Hotel

There are several reasons why couples choose Shinola for their wedding venue. Whether it’s for the entire wedding or they’re just getting ready in the rooms here, Shinola brings the epitome of Detroit vision to life. The prime location of the Shinola is what really draws in people at first. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Detroit and within walking distance of all the popular places. The the hotel being a boutique location, it is refined luxury and has a design-forward atmosphere. The full wedding day flow gives a very cohesive setting for couples wanting their images to flow perfectly throughout the whole day. The hotel also offers a perfect balance of historic Detroit character and modern sophistication. The art-deco architecture mixed with mid-century modern furniture helps to add style.

A bride wearing a veil and a white, lace wedding gown and holding a bouquet of white roses holds a groom with curly hair and wearing a black tuxedo close. They are standing in a sitting room with couches, plants and a large mirror behind them.

The Architecture and Design That Define the Experience

A Blend of Historic Facades and Contemporary Interiors

The Shinola is a completely restored, historic building in downtown Detroit that features historic Detroit charm with more contemporary interior spaces. With rich materials like marble, brass, and velvet and clean lines paired with dramatic textures for elevated portraits it’s clear why this is such a popular place for couples who want that refined look on their wedding day.

Light, Texture, and Editorial-Style Backdrops

Huge windows and soft natural light in the rooms help tremendously when it comes to getting ready at the Shinola. They have rooms that are large enough for a small group of people to be there with you on your wedding day morning. The natural light really helps when you are getting your make-up and hair done in the room as well. Many hotel rooms tend to be dark (even when the windows are open) and have that orange glow to them. The Shinola rooms feel airy and bright that also help your photographer and videographer get the best out of this time of the day!

Moodiness takes over for that evening ambiance for your black-tie reception. With the choice of multiple different event spaces, you can cater the look of your reception to what you want it to look like. The Shinola features layered architectural elements that add depth to wedding imagery. This venue is definitely a photographer’s best friend. So if you absolutely love the idea of getting stunning portraits, this is the venue for you. Plus, with it’s local in central downtown, it’s within walking distance of Detroit’s most iconic.

A Cohesive Visual Story From Start to Finish

From getting ready, to your ceremony and portraits, to finishing up at your reception, all of the spaces reflect the same, refined tone. No stylistic disconnect between locations. Even if you decided to go out into the city for some portraits of the two of you or your wedding party, the Shinola definitely features Detroit as a whole and your portraits out in the city would definitely feel like that same. This venue is ideal for couples who care about a curated aesthetic for their wedding day.

Getting Ready at Shinola Hotel

As a Detroit wedding photographer, I have been a variety of different rooms when a wedding party is getting ready. From dark, lower end hotel rooms to someone’s living room with a cluttered kitchen in the background. The best getting-ready locations I have found are those with beautiful natural light, plenty of space for an average sized wedding party to get ready in, and separate areas where you have a spot you can throw all your junk and bags and still have an area that is clean. Having neutral colors helps as well so there are not ugly orange carpets or walls.

Luxury Suites with Intimate, Design-Forward Details

There are a variety of different rooms available and the advantage of having all of your events in one place is that your guests can stay here as well. They offer spacious layouts for wedding party preparations with clean backgrounds and timeless details that photograph beautifully. The thoughtful decor elevates flat lays and candid moments.

A pair of white, lacey, wedding heels sitting side-by-side on a wooden floor. An engagement diamond ring and wedding band sit in between the two shoes, but also resting on the shoes. A flat lay set on a black background. The flat lay features the bride's white, lacey shoes, a bracelet, earings, engagement ring, perfume bottle, and a white vow book with the letters "G" and "S" on it along with "Her Vows" A blonde bride in a white robe stands in a room laughing. A blonde bridesmaid in a black robe stands next to her looking at her smiling. There is a large window on the wall behind them. A blonde bride sits on a bed surrounded by 5 bridesmaids and 1 bridesman all in black robes as they all laugh together A blonde bride in a white robe stands smiling next to a wall of windows holding the bottom of her dress that is hanging from the window.

Groom Preparations with a Modern Edge

The advantage of the clean lines and architectural elements here is that it still appeals to the groom as well. The rooms contain masculine textures and architectural elements that provide neutral feeling spaces. The rooms are definitely elevated, but also very relaxed.

A groom in a black tux stands as a best man pins on the boutonniere onto his jacket A groom with curly blonde hair and in a black tux bends over to tie his shoes. He's sitting on a low profile chair in a room with wooden floors, a white rug, and black framed windows A groom in a black tux with black bowtie stands with his groomsmen who are also in black tuxes and black bowties. They are standing in front of black-framed windows with the city behind them. They are all sharing in a candid moment laughing together

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

The Birdy Room

The Birdy Room is definitely a unique space to find in the heart of Detroit. This space features vaulted glass ceilings and definitely gives the greenhouse or conservatory feel that many couples are looking for. This space is definitely great for smaller, more intimate weddings.

Bixby Hall

Bixby Hall is definitely perfect for those larger wedding events. Fitting a max of around 200 guests, this hall gives you the classic wedding feel, but on an upscale level. Surrounded by huge windows and white walls, your guests will feel fancy like they are attending a grand ball. This space is definitely adaptable for classic black-tie or modern minimalist styling.

Evening Reception Atmosphere

These spaces offer architectural elements that are perfect for editorial-style reception imagery. There’s space for elegant dining and energetic dance floors.

Portrait Opportunities Around the Hotel

Interior Portrait Locations

With the staircases, textured walls, and custom furnishings there are endless possibilities when it comes to your portraits at the Shinola. The clean lines create clean compositions in the rooms and the different event spaces.

Downtown Detroit Backdrops

Just steps away lies Campus Martius Park which is always a favorite iconic location in Detroit. If you are looking for that iconic art deco architecture of Detroit, the Guardian Building is nearby as well as the Book Tower, blocks away. If you don’t mind a little drive, you can head up to the Fisher Building or outside of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

A bride and groom kiss in a hall surrounded by marble and art deco designed floor and walls A groom and six groomsmen all in black tuxes walk together down a hall of marble floors and walls with art deco designs on the walls and floor A bride in a white lace dress holding a bouquet of white roses leans agains a marble wall with her five bridesmaids and one bridesman stand in a line next to her looking at her and smiling

A groom in a black suit leans in a dips and kisses the bride who is wearing a white satin dress with drop sleeves. They are in front of a green bronze statue of a man which symbolizes the "Spirite of Detroit" A bride and groom stand posing in the middle of a line of 6 bridesmaids on the left and eight groomsmen on the right. They are all wearing sunglasses and standing in front of a large white marble brick wall with several arches and alcoves. A groom in a black tux and a bride in a white satin dress holding a bouquet of white roses and greenery stand facing each other. The grooms hands are on the bride's waist and their foreheads are touch each other with their eyes closed A groom in a black tux guides a bride in a white satin dress up a set of white marble stairs. The groom is looking back at the bride and the bride is looking back at an angle

The Convenience of an All-In-One Luxury Wedding Venue

Seamless Timeline Flow

There are several advantages when it comes to having everything in one place on your wedding day. One of those things (probably the top reason) is that it works perfectly with your timeline. You don’t have to add in extra time for travel. This gives you more time for portraits and even guest interactions. Speaking of guest interactions, I know a lot of couples wish they could attend their own cocktail hour. This kind of situation allows for that. I always recommend doing a first look so you can do all, or most, of your portraits before your ceremony that way you have time to attend the cocktail hour. All of this will definitely reduce the stress you will incur on your wedding day and I know for sure, you should not have to have any stress on your wedding day.

Guest Experience

The good thing about having your wedding all at a hotel is that there are on-site accommodations. I know for a fact, being a guest at several weddings, that it is so much more comfortable and relaxing to be able to just go up to my room after a wedding and not have to get in the car and drive somewhere else. I know your guests will appreciate it! The Shinola, specifically, allows for guest access to downtown dining and nightlife as well. Especially for those guests staying all weekend, this is such a positive thing to note and the fact that all of this is walkable, helps with parking situations. There is an elevated experience from arrival to farewell brunch.

Who Weddings at Shinola Hotel Are Perfect For

Obviously, like every venue, Shinola Hotel is not for all couples. Shinola Hotel is definitely catered to couples that are drawn to a boutique luxury and those that are style-conscious. Looking for a city venue for your black-tie wedding? Shinola is the place for you. Every wedding I have photographed in downtown Detroit, the couple has had a pride for Detroit. All of the venues in downtown Detroit definitely represent that pride and the Shinola is 100% one of those venues.

Also, those who are wanting a curated, editorial wedding gallery, this is the venue for you. With it’s modern and historical elements and comfort, but elevated feel, your wedding album will be seamless!

Photography Approach for Weddings at Shinola Hotel

Capturing the Design Intentially

There is a very important way to handle a wedding at a venue like Shinola as a photographer. The ability to use architectural lines to frame couples, emphasizing texture and layered light, and blending candid emotion with composed portraits, the Shinola definitely makes this all easier.

Creating a Gallery That Feels Cohesive and Timeless

A consistent color palette throughout the day is so important in creating a cohesive wedding gallery. One thing I like to concentrate on, as a wedding photographer, is having a strategic use of natural and artificial light and being able to control that light all while balancing documentary moments along with artistic direction of posing. All of these things are 1000% doable at Shinola.

Planning Tips for a Shinola Hotel Wedding

When planning your wedding at Shinola, it’s important to consider a few things. To get the most out the design of your wedding and also your photo gallery. Consider seasonal lighting for ceremony timing and also with it being downtown, you get lighting that could get blocked by skyscrapers depending on the time of day. Make sure to incorporate design elements in your center pieces and even in your invitation suite as well. This will all complement the hotel’s palette. Plan plenty of time for interior and exterior portraits. It’s important to add even extra time just in case. Out of all the weddings I’ve photographed in the past almost 10 years, only a couple of those weddings have actually been on time. Almost every wedding runs even just a little behind.

Utilize nearby Detroit architecture for added variety. Like mentioned before, there are several great buildings, like the Fisher Building, that give you that classic Detroit look and adding these into your portraits, can grow the feeling of your images and compliment the ones in Shinola.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Shinola Hotel

Much of this information is found directly on Shinola’s website.

How many guests can Shinola Hotel accommodate for a wedding?

Depending on which room you choose to host your wedding. The Birdy Room can host up to 150 guests. However, it can accommodate up to 70 for a seated dinner and up to 150 for strolling. For Bixby Hall, they can accommodate up to 200 for a seated dinner and 220 for just strolling. The advantage of these rooms is there is a variety you can choose from just based on your guest count alone. However, they are both very different rooms.

Can you host both the ceremony and reception on-site?

Yes! The Birdy Room is absolutely stunning as a ceremony spot. They even have a wrap around terrace area for added or extended space.

Are there indoor portrait options in case of rain?

Yes, however it’s best to double check with staff to see where we can and cannot go in the building. The interior of Shinola is absolutely stunning and can really complete your wedding gallery of photos.

Is Shinola Hotel suitable for black-tie weddings?

Absolutely! I honestly wouldn’t see anything less here. You could probably go with a lighter, garden-party type event, but this wedding venue is highly upscale.

What makes Shinola Hotel different from traditional ballrooms in Detroit?

I believe that the thing that makes Shinola so different is it’s boutique quality and the ability to have everything right here. The advantage to this is that your ceremony won’t look like it’s just thrown into a ballroom. The uniqueness of the spaces adds something different at Shinola.

Real Weddings in Downtown Detroit

While I haven’t not photographed a wedding exclusively at Shinola Hotel, I have photographed a wedding party getting ready here. I have also photographed several weddings in downtown Detroit. The couple who got ready at Shinola also got married at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). To this day, it’s still one of my favorites. You can view some of the weddings I have photographed in downtown Detroit here. Downtown Detroit Weddings Gallery

Planning Your Wedding at Shinola Hotel

Even though with Shinola Hotel you get everything in one location, it’s still important to create a thoughtful timeline. Blocking off plenty of time around your ceremony for portraits is so important to be able to capture everything you want and to get a little creative! A first look is also an integral way to save some time and be able to attend your cocktail hour with your guests.

Looking to plan your black-tie affair in downtown Detroit and want a photographer who can and will take the time to capture the editorial shots you are looking for? I would love to invite you to chat about your vision and how I can definitely help you at Shinola Hotel. You can inquire on my contact form.