Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Planning Your Wedding at an Ottawa County Park

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers a variety of options for those looking to get married in the great outdoors. Please read through the following information carefully.

Exploring Outdoor Wedding Options

As you plan your perfect wedding, consider one of the Ottawa County Park system's gorgeous outdoor locations! From stunning ravines to sandy beaches, our outdoor wedding locations offer breathtaking views that will make your special day unforgettable. If you choose to plan an outdoor wedding in an Ottawa County Park, you MUST call the Parks Office at 616-738-4810 for information about the specific park you wish to use AND read the Outdoor Wedding Rules. Certain sites require a reservation.

Exploring Wedding Venues

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation offers many sites that can be rented and used for hosting wedding receptions. Interested in reserving a facility? Click here to learn more.

Some of our most popular locations include:

Outdoor Wedding Rules

If you choose to plan an outdoor wedding in an Ottawa County Park, you MUST call the Parks Office at 616-738-4810 for information about the specific park you wish to use AND read the Outdoor Wedding Rules.

  • General Rules
    • Nonreserveable outdoor areas are first-come, first-served.
      • You may not rope off or “hold” space prior to your event.
      • You may not block any walkways/boardwalks/stairs.
    • All park rules and regulations are in effect.
    • Parking is not guaranteed for any event. Parking areas may fill if it is a nice day or if large events are occurring.
    • If you would like to provide seating for your guests or decorate the area, the following regulations apply:
      • Chairs and/or decorations may only be put up 30 minutes before the ceremony in a nonreservable area and must be removed immediately after the ceremony is finished.
      • Artificial flowers are not allowed.
      • Birdseed, rice, confetti, and like products are not allowed.
      • Candles or open flames are not allowed.
      • Decorations that would cause damage to park property or buildings are not allowed.
      • All flowers and decorations must be removed from the park following the event.
    • No amplified music or speaking. Acoustic music may be played during your ceremony, but it must not disturb other park guests.
    • Pesticides, bug bombs, and similar products are not allowed.
    • Capacity is limited in some park areas.
      • North Beach (north end): 50
      • Rosy Mound (red pine area and beach): 20
      • Olive Shores (beach only): 50
      • Windsnest (beach only): 50
      • Kouw (beach): 25
      • Kouw (overlook):10
      • Tunnel (gazebo): 25
      • Tunnel Beach: 50
      • Kirk Beach: 50
      • Kirk sundeck: 12
  • Lakeshore Park Rules

    Due to the high volume of visitors on weekends, weddings at Lakeshore parks may not take place from 11 am – 4 pm.

    Vehicle entrance fees are in effect at all Lakeshore parks (Tunnel, Kirk, North Beach, Rosy Mound, Olive Shores, Windsnest, and Kouw) between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (Monday). Click here to learn more

  • Alcoholic Beverages

    ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED on all park property, except by special permit at the Pine Bend Park Weaver House and Connor Bayou Woodland Cabin, and Grand Ravines Lodge.