Best Detroit Hotels to Get Ready at on Your Wedding Day
I often get asked about the best Detroit hotels to get ready at on your wedding day so I compiled a list of my favorites along with some tips. These hotels are all in downtown Detroit, perfectly located for just about any Detroit wedding, especially if getting wedding day photos in the city is in your plans.
Why Your Wedding Day Getting Ready Space Matters
Your wedding day begins long before you walk down the aisle—it starts in the space where you get ready. This is where you’ll share meaningful moments with your closest friends and family, pop champagne, and step into your wedding attire. It’s also where many of your first photos of the day will be taken, capturing the anticipation, joy, and tenderness of the morning.
Choosing the right getting-ready space ensures a calm, organized, and visually stunning start to your day. Giving thought into where you get ready on your wedding day helps to set the tone and energy for the rest of the day. A bright, spacious hotel suite with natural light can make all the difference for flawless hair and makeup application, while a clutter-free, well-designed space helps set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable morning.
What to Look for in a Hotel
When selecting a hotel for your wedding morning, consider both practical and visual elements. Natural light is key—large windows will provide soft, flattering light for both makeup application and photos. Look for spacious suites with separate areas for different activities, ensuring enough room for your bridal party, beauty team, and photographer to move comfortably without feeling crowded. Same goes for the groomsmen. Though you may not need space for a beauty team, you’ll still want to ensure there’s plenty of space to hang suits the likes while still having space to move around.
Beyond space and lighting, consider the hotel’s amenities and service. Does it offer early check-in or late check-out options? Are there on-site dining options for breakfast or room service? Is there a picturesque lobby or rooftop where you can take additional portraits? What are their photo policies outside of the rooms? Are they located conveniently based on the rest of your plans? Choosing a hotel that aligns with your wedding aesthetic and provides top-tier service will enhance your entire getting-ready experience.
Best Downtown Detroit Hotels for Getting Ready
Now, let’s dive into 7 of the best Detroit hotels to get ready at on your wedding day. Just about all of these hotels would be considered luxury hotels and offer valet parking and have a bar and/or restaurant along with room service on the property. In no particular order:
The Shinola is conveniently located downtown and every room is beautifully designed. Ask for a suite as some rooms can be small. The Shinola is also attached to Parker’s Alley and walkable to Woodward for downtown Detroit wedding photos. But note that unless you are getting married in the hotel itself, they don’t allow photos within the hotel (outside of the rooms) at all (though there is a terrace, great for first-looks and small group photos).
Room Style: Modern, warm, clean (think wood, white and gold touches)
After a massive renovation several years ago, the Westin shot to the top of my list. The suites are a good size, perfect for a larger wedding party along with your hair and makeup artists too. The hotel itself features some nice photo spots on the registration level and is convenient to other downtown locations.
Room Style: Clean, cool, white, an updated typical hotel style
The apartment-style rooms at the Roost are modern and well designed with lots of natural light, great for photos. Of course, the exterior of Book Tower is also beautiful and conveniently located downtown. You can get permission to take photos in the lobby bar area and 2nd floor of the building, however, they don’t allow any photos in their food and beverage spaces including Kamper’s and Le Supreme.
Room Style: Warm, modern, colorful touches (think cozy modern apartment)
The Whitney lobby and second floor areas are stunning with a fireplace and cozy library area and ornate neoclassical architecture. The atrium alone makes it worth popping into the hotel to check it out. The rooms are modern and well designed but some can be small so be sure to opt for a suite. Photos are allowed in the lobby and 2nd floor with permission and a fee. It’s also attached to the People Mover for convenient (and fun) transportation to nearby venues and photo spots downtown.
Room Style: Colorful, historical, modern touches (think guest room in a historical home)
The Cambria Hotel is one of my favorite hotels for wedding parties to get ready at. Just a couple blocks out of the main areas of downtown, it’s a bit easier to park and more convenient to get to while still being super close to downtown. The hotel has a hip, modern decor that’s fun and the bar area is always great for photos. The staff is super friendly to photos throughout the hotel and there are lots of options within. The suites are also large with floor to ceiling windows for tons of natural light.
Room Style: Clean, cool, white, an updated typical hotel style with better windows
For a unique hotel, look no further than The Foundation Hotel. It’s also just out of the main downtown area to be a bit less busy around and easier to park. The rooms offer lots of variety but there are some special suites, like the Commissioners Suite and the Secretary’s Suite that are massive with lots of wood, a pool table and several sleeping and lounging areas. Who doesn’t love the hotel’s iconic red fire station doors outfront too.
Room Style: Warm, moody, wood-paneling, historical
For a classic hotel, the Marriott within the Renaissance Center is far better than your average Marriott. If you’re getting married either at The Highlands, The Waterview Lofts or elsewhere along the waterfront, it’s especially convenient. And naturally, it’s great for photos along the riverfront. However, parking and coming in and out of the hotel and surrounding area can be complicated thanks to the Ren Cen’s complex design. Somebody in your wedding party is sure to get lost once but that’s okay because the suites are large with floor to ceiling windows. Be sure to request a high-level floor facing the Detroit River for the best “wow” views, sure to impress your out-of-town friends.
Room Style: Clean, cool, white, an updated typical hotel style with a view
Honorable Mention Hotels
Some other honorable mentions are the MGM Grand Casino Hotel, The Greek Town Casino Hotel and the Motor City Casino Hotel along with the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, The Atheneum Suite Hotel and the Godfrey Hotel.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Hotel
Whether you choose to get ready in a hotel, your home or an Airbnb for your wedding day, it’s important to consider the space you’ll be in. While, of course, your venue is the most important decision, where you get ready sets the stage for the day. Consider both the aesthetics and style in your photos as well as the logistics and comfort level based on your plans. For more on what to look for in your getting ready space, read this blog.
And if you have any questions about the best Detroit hotels to get ready at on your wedding day, you can always get in touch!
