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Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse2008 dates are now available at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City! Call Scott Witsman 906-847-3328 or email at witsmans@michigan.gov.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was built in 1892 to help ships navigate the dangerous narrows between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas known as the Straits of Mackinac. It's unique, castle-like gothic details earned it the nickname "The Castle at the Straits." Travelers and tourists have enjoyed Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and the surrounding grounds since its opening, whether strolling along the nearby Lake Huron lakeshore or taking in the panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac from its tower. Early lighthouse keepers were required to open the lighthouse tower to the public, and log entries note that large numbers of visitors made it difficult to keep up with regular lighthouse keeper duties! The completion of the Mackinac Bridge just a few hundred feet to the west of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, with navigation lights on top of the high bridge towers, rendered the lighthouse obsolete and led to its closing in 1957. The lighthouse is currently being restored and was reopened to public tours in 2004. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and its surrounding grounds offer a variety of settings for your wedding ceremony, including interesting features like the lighthouse, the Mackinac Bridge, the Lake Huron shore and the Straits of Mackinac. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Wedding ApplicationClick the link below for a printable version of our wedding application. The application is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader® which may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe Web Site. 2008 Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Wedding GuidelinesPlease note the required $325.00 fee that must be returned with the application. We need to receive your application and fee in our office as soon as possible, as we schedule weddings on a first come - first served basis. Upon receipt of your signed and dated application and fee, we will confirm your date for you in writing.
1. This historic structure is operated for the public by Mackinac State Historic Parks. It is located within Michilimackinac State Park. The lighthouse is accessible to people with disabilities. 2. The lighthouse grounds (and front porch of the lighthouse) are available by pre-arrangement for wedding ceremonies. Reservations should be made through Mackinac State Historic Parks by filling out the enclosed application. The application and fee should be mailed to: Mackinac State Historic Parks From June 7 through August 24 wedding ceremonies may be scheduled to begin between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Reservations should be made as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All ceremonies must be scheduled at least 14 days in advance. 4. If you wish to view the lighthouse grounds in consideration of your wedding plans this can be arranged (contact Group Travel Coordinator) during operation hours. Spring and fall: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., summer 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 5. The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse & grounds has no resident or affiliated clergyman. Each couple married there must select a clergyman or public official to perform the ceremony. 6. If floral arrangements are part of your wedding decor, flowers may arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to ceremony time. 7. If you have scheduled musicians, soloist and/or an organist they are to arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to ceremony time. If you are working with a wedding planner, be sure they are aware of this time frame. There is no musical instrument provided in the lighthouse. 8. Fee: lighthouse/grounds use for MAXIMUM of two hours is $325.00. Payment required with the application. The fee includes up to 2 hours of the same day for decorating, rehearsal (see rehearsal under church information below), wedding ceremony, pictures and clean-up. 9. Refund Policy: $200.00 is non-refundable under any circumstances.
10. Lighthouse wedding Information:
11. It is the responsibility of the wedding party to designate an individual to remove flowers, wedding decorations and other items immediately following the ceremony, otherwise the items will be removed and discarded by park staff one hour after the wedding. We are unable to store any items at the lighthouse before or after the ceremony. 12. Parking for your wedding guests must be in the parking lot of Colonial Michilimackinac's Visitor's Center (located underneath the south end of the Mackinac Bridge approach) or within the limited parking area of the lighthouse.
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