Gate House

Rehearsal Dinner

Grand Hotel

Welcome Reception

Wedding Day

We are so excited to celebrate our wedding with our friends and family! We know that this is a destination wedding that requires travel and accommodation expenses. We are grateful for those who will be celebrating with us in person, as well as in spirit.

Our Wedding

An Introduction to the Island

We cannot wait to enjoy our favorite place with our favorite people. Mackinac is truly a magical place and we hope you enjoy the island as much as we do. Take a look around via <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this website</a> to learn more!&nbsp; A polite note to all of the first timers: things move slowly on the island. Cars are not allowed. Horses and bikes are the mode of transportation. Everything takes longer than the “mainland”. Enjoy the slower tempo and the beautiful scenery!

Parking and Ferry to the Island

Tickets: <a href="https://www.sheplersferry.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjerDblWZ7higpM85V7tvprGKSoBOet3sv01qk86GBCUJJd9w7YDp9XoaAlk6EALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shepler's Ferry</a> has generously offered our guests discounted round trip ferry tickets. Please use the code tietheknot2026 (adults) or childtix (children 5-12) to receive your discount.Please also note this code can be used online or in person at the ticket counter; however, we highly recommend purchasing it beforehand! You do not need to purchase tickets for a specific day or ferry departure time, but please ensure to purchase roundtrip tickets and to maintain your ticket for departing the island. Parking: There is ample parking (just remember where you parked), trolleys to get to the ferry, and then typically a small line to get on the trolley. There are also detailed instructions for first timers AND great employees to help trouble shoot if you have any questions. If you are looking for Premium Parking, please visit the Shepler's website that has detailed instructions for your review. Schedule: Please reference <a href="https://wordpress-assets-clients3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2026/02/2026_Ferry-Schedule_LETTER.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">their full 2026 schedule</a>. Please arrive 1 hour before your desired departure time. Luggage: The staff at Shepler's will assist you with your luggage. Note that for the Grand Hotel and many other hotels, your luggage will be transported directly to your hotel (so you will typically not be able to access your luggage upon leaving the mainland until you are at your hotel or in your room). If there are items you will want to access upon arriving to the island (i.e. change of clothes, etc.), we recommend keeping a bag with you when you board the ferry as it may be a few hours before you have access to your luggage. If you have questions on this, we recommend reaching out to your hotel directly to understand how your luggage will arrive at your hotel and when you will be able to access it.

Getting Around the Island

CarriageHow to get a cab: call Carriage Tours at <a href="https://www.mict.com/taxi-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(906) 847 - 3323.</a> The horse-drawn taxi cabs are radio dispatched and available 24 hours/day during the summer season. Taxi cabs cannot be "hailed" on Mackinac Island; rather, you must call the taxi dispatch office to request taxi service.How to pay: Taxi drivers are only able to accept cash. ATMs are available at the taxi stand and at the Island banks. Bike RentalThere are a plethora of bike rentals on the island where you can rent hourly or by the day. Bikes are the quickest mode of transportation.<a href="https://www.mackinacbikes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mackinac Wheels</a> and <a href="https://www.mackinacbikebarn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mackinac Bike Barn</a> are our preferred bike rental shops!

Getting to the Ferry

There are several airport options to get you close to the ferry dock locations in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace: Pellston Regional Airport (PLN): 20 minutes from Mackinaw City. There are shuttle options from the airport to the ferry docks. <a href="https://mackinawshuttle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mackinaw Shuttle</a> can help you get there. Chippewa County Airport (CIU): 30 minutes from St. Ignace. Traverse City Airport (TVC): 2 hours from Mackinaw City Detroit Metro Airport (DTW): 4 hours from Mackinaw City Please visit <a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/plan-your-trip/getting-here/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this website</a> for further information on transportation options

Island Information & Travel

Mackinac is a busy summer destination and accommodations on the island can book up close to a year in advance. We want to encourage all of our guests to explore travel and reserve lodging as early as possible in order to ensure you can join us for our big day. The island is such a joy and we hope you can soak it all in. There are a lot of great options on the island to stay. Our biggest recommendation here is to call to make your reservations (especially for hotels other than the Grand Hotel). You will get an answer very quickly if you make the phone call connection. Please note that most, if not all, hotels have a two-night minimum during the peak summer months. Refer to the "Island Information &amp; Travel" page for details on how to get around the island / get to your specific hotel. The Shepler's dock is in the downtown area, so is walking distance to most hotels listed below, but there are typically carriages available at the docks to take you where you need to go. As noted in the "Island Information &amp; Travel" page, carriages are cash-only.

The Grand Hotel

We have a discounted block here. To make reservations, please make a reservation online <a href="https://be.synxis.com/?adult=2&amp;arrive=2026-06-05&amp;chain=8708&amp;child=0&amp;currency=USD&amp;depart=2026-06-07&amp;group=2606WHITES&amp;hotel=227&amp;level=hotel&amp;locale=en-US&amp;productcurrency=USD&amp;rooms=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. All wedding events will be held here, but please note you are not required to stay at the hotel. The discounted base rate is $415/night for the grand rooms for single or double occupancy (excluding breakfast and fees - see below for further information). The grand rate increases to $455 for triple occupancy or $495 for quad occupancy. The discounted base rate is $515/night for the lakeview rooms for single or double occupancy (excluding the same additional fees as the grand room). The lakeview rate increases to $555 for triple occupancy or $595 for quad occupancy. The room block is for Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7 (two nights) in accordance with the hotel's two night minimum requirement.&nbsp; Additional fees:The discounted room rates are for the Breakfast Only Meal Plan (B&amp;B), which means there is a required add-on of breakfast per person per day (i.e. in addition to the rates listed above). Price is $39/person per day plus 6% Michigan sales tax. The breakfast is held in the main dining room and includes an extensive breakfast buffet or a la carte breakfast options. Refer <a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/main-dining-room/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> for the current menu.&nbsp;A 19.5% resort fee is applied to all guest room rates (the $415 or $515/night), as well as Michigan's 6% sales tax and a Mackinac Island assessment fee of 3%. There is also a one-time charge for round-trip baggage transfer from the ferry docks to the hotel and return. The baggage handling charge is $15/person.The rate initially shown at the room block link above ($602/night for grand or $724/night for lakeview) assumes a two adult occupancy and is inclusive of the required additions for breakfast, resort fee, baggage handling fee, and Mackinac Island assessment fee. The checkout window provides a detailed breakdown of the additional fees (the breakfast is included in the pricing in the 2 Nights stay section). At the time of reservation, you must provide a valid credit card and two night's refundable advance deposit to secure a room. Cancellation options:More than 30 days before arrival - receive full refund of deposit, less a $100 processing fee.Within 30 days of arrival - no refund

Chippewa Hotel

Please use <a href="https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=16206&amp;nights=2&amp;checkin=06/05/2026&amp;group=LWWS26&amp;lang=en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a> to book your stay!We love the Chippewa because of its location on the water, the famous Pink Pony restaurant downstairs and their nice accommodations! Our block is for 6/5-6/7 (2 night minimum).

Lilac Tree Suites

The Lilac Tree is SUPER close to the Grand Hotel! Right on Main Street, it's in a great location for shopping and restaurants. Book your rooms <a href="https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?hotelID=16208&amp;lang=en-us&amp;group=lwws26&amp;hgID=0&amp;currID=1&amp;dt1=9652&amp;nights=2&amp;rooms=1&amp;adults=1&amp;child1=0&amp;child2=0&amp;child3=0&amp;child4=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>! Our block is for 6/5-6/7 (2 night minimum).

Other Hotel Options

While we do not have room blocks at these hotels, you are welcome to stay at any of the below hotels (or others you may find on the island). The majority of these are in the downtown area of Mackinac and are walking distance to the Grand Hotel (~10-15 minute walk). If you do not see availability online for 6/5-6/7, we recommend calling the hotels directly to confirm availability. <a href="https://theislandhouse.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21875559006&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADAmbF_PynVcZ4QggsaANyWs4KPJI&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLjoFP_S4LJ6iwQTqwtUJalxjsYoaOJHJ_s-Ztu-4JSRkLNAFb-KydYaAlvvEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Island House</a><a href="https://bicyclestreet.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=17458059782&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAorXH8obDlzEg7ptTvjI9JAMr9Hls&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKIw4obaBVQ9jU5zUgkf2gzaQBdJWhYuSZ8QIzEcpSwXRZH7S8y-lTxoCEdgQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bicycle Street Inn &amp; Suites</a><a href="https://www.lvmackinac.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=12645655193&amp;gbraid=0AAAAABfxuHNiOkezZ8ow2poqs_1ZIXlDG&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKFAXi4zfJAXkz22deB4L6qUPmYYVxIv7d_KUs826l5qfZSMQe8yeBhoCzBwQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lake View Hotel</a><a href="https://www.iroquoishotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel Iroquois</a><a href="https://www.mymurrayhotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Murray Hotel</a><a href="https://www.windermerehotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Windermere Hotel</a><a href="https://www.harbourviewinn.com/mackinac-island-hotel-deals?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18529706571&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAo-qvdcz54dtwU-_zdPT3U_QDkMj5&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKJ5QI7xt10HKAVcdx52K6FKZYR48cc_-YDwnzAR3vKcKPp1q2n5VMBoC3CsQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harbour View Inn</a><a href="https://www.metivierinn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Metivier Inn</a><a href="https://www.hartsmackinac.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hart's Inn</a><a href="https://cloghaun.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cloghaun Bed &amp; Breakfast</a><a href="https://www.mackinacbayview.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bayview Bed &amp; Breakfast</a><a href="https://www.marketstreetinn.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Market Street Inn</a><a href="https://www.miparkplacesuites.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Park Place Suites</a><a href="http://www.boganlaneinn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bogan Lane Inn</a><a href="https://innonmackinac.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Inn on Mackinac</a> Hotels outside of downtown area:<a href="https://www.missionpoint.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mission Point Resort</a> (approximately 20-25 minute walk to the Grand Hotel or can hail a carriage taxi)<a href="https://www.smallpointmackinac.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Small Point Bed &amp; Breakfast</a> (approximately 20-25 minute walk to the Grand Hotel or can hail a carriage taxi)<a href="https://www.theinnatstonecliffe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Inn at Stonecliffe</a> (approximately 30-35 minute walk to the Grand Hotel or can hail a carriage taxi)<a href="https://www.mackinacislandlakebluffcondos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LakeBluff Condos at Stonecliffe</a> (approximately 30-35 minute walk to the Grand Hotel or can hail a carriage taxi)

Accommodations

Andrea McWherter

Jacob Courtley

Mackenzie Collins

Brian White

Danielle White

Bradley White

Kiley Sheehy

Chris Hampton

Claire Scott

Garrett Craig

Kathy Greer

Matt Houghton

Erin Neuenfeldt

Brendan Stormer

Grace Luddy

Grant Norstrom

Brenna Shorey

Bill Park

Mari Anderson

Josh Hall

Madalyn Mulroy

Kevin Kurzeja

Peyton White

Oliver White

Theodore White

Colin White

Jon McWherter

Tanner LaFrance

Mark Elinski

Wedding Party

<a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/our-story/policies-information/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Hotel Dress Guide</a>

Q + A

Dress Code

Travel

Restaurants & Bars

There's no shortage of great bars and restaurants on the island! See below for a few of our favorites and recommendations.<a href="https://www.pinkponymackinac.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pink Pony</a><a href="https://greatturtlebrewing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Turtle Brewing</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/gate-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gate House</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/jockey-club/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jockey Club</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/cupola-bar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cupola Bar</a><a href="https://www.watercolormackinac.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watercolor Cafe</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/woods-restaurant/?utm_source=google-gmb&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gmb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Woods Restaurant</a><a href="https://www.mackinacisland.org/listing/bistro-on-the-greens-at-mission-point-resort/210/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bistro on the Greens</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/mackinac-island-pizza-company/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mackinac Island Pizza Company</a>

Sweet Treats

For those who are unfamiliar with the island, Mackinac is notorious for their delicious fudge! Be sure to check out one of the places below during your visit to get your fix. Ice cream is also a necessity!<a href="https://www.originalmurdicksfudge.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8wbLyun-hhcwl_W9fgsjCB9UmxaO0Ua0fx-bSjW6W-8OLuGqU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Murdick's</a><a href="https://ryba.com/shop/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21762629712&amp;gbraid=0AAAAABzDTYrem4PPZRYKb-Sp3zvsImBYJ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKNdej9oOBENAYL75A5qG1VXVNXzxd16-0qY_cN4OrZDWm0k6hBWZKRoCtDMQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ryba's</a><a href="https://www.kilwins.com/pages/stores-near-me-mackinac-island-mi-49757-0207" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kilwin's</a><a href="https://www.joannsfudge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joann's</a><a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/dining/sadies-ice-cream-parlor/?utm_source=google-gbp&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor</a>

Activities

There is plenty to do on the island, whether you prefer something active or more low-key. Here are a few of our favorite activities.

Rent single or tandem bikes and bike around the island! If you're up for the full route, it is 8.2 miles around the island; otherwise, can bike around the downtown area and explore on your own! Refer to the "Island Information &amp; Travel" section for our favorite bike rental places.

Bike Around the Island

Hop on one of Mackinac's famous carriages for a tour of the island!

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

Explore the beauty of the Grand Hotel's secret garden (as featured on the back of our save-the-dates!)

The Secret Garden

Enjoy one of the groom's favorite activities: mini golf! Mission Point Resort features this 18-hole putting course. Stop by <a href="https://www.missionpoint.com/restaurants/bistro-on-the-greens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bistro on the Greens</a> before or after for some food and drinks!

The Greens Of Mackinac

Another great spot for mini golf, as well as pickleball (bride's favorite!), bike rentals, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and more!

Woodlands Activity Center

The 2026 Lilac Festival is happening from 6/5-6/14! The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. Refer to the website here for further information on the events!

Lilac Festival

Fort Mackinac

Visit the Butterfly House, which is the 3rd oldest live butterfly exhibit in the US. The greenhouse features hundreds of live butterflies from four continents.

Will & Lisa

Will & Lisa

W&L

Welcome Reception

Wedding Day