Amway Grand Plaza Wedding | Karly & John's Elegant Imperial Ballroom Wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you're dreaming of a timeless downtown wedding filled with historic architecture, elegant ballrooms, and one of the most iconic skylines in Michigan, an Amway Grand Plaza wedding deserves a spot at the top of your venue list.
Karly and John's celebration was the perfect example of why this venue continues to be one of my favorites as a Grand Rapids wedding photographer. Their day blended heartfelt moments, stunning historic architecture, and a color palette inspired by one of Claude Monet's most beloved paintings - creating a wedding that felt classic while remaining completely personal to them.
Whether you're searching for inspiration or planning your own wedding at the Amway Grand Plaza, this guide shares both Karly and John's beautiful wedding day and everything you should know about getting married here.
Meet Karly & John
Like many modern love stories, Karly and John's began on Hinge. After a few messages, they decided to skip the endless texting and meet in person—but Karly's dating anxiety got the best of her, and she canceled not once, but twice.
John, ever the optimist, made reservations at House of Wine each time (despite reservations not even being necessary). On the third attempt, Karly's coworkers encouraged her to finally give him a chance and thankfully, she did.
Over glasses of wine, they skipped the small talk and dove straight into conversations about family, marriage, politics, and the future. Instead of being scared off, they discovered just how much they had in common.
The rest, as they say, is history.
A Private First Look Before the Celebration
One of my favorite moments of the day was their private first look.
Instead of waiting until the ceremony, Karly and John chose to see each other beforehand, allowing them a quiet moment together away from the excitement of the day.
A first look also gave us plenty of time for portraits before guests arrived, meaning they were able to enjoy far more of cocktail hour with family and friends after saying "I do."
For couples considering whether to have a first look, this wedding is a perfect example of how it can create a more relaxed timeline without taking away from the emotion of the day.
A Color Palette Inspired by Claude Monet
Rather than choosing traditional wedding colors, Karly designed the wedding around Claude Monet's famous painting Spring on the Seine.
The result was a sophisticated palette of layered blues complemented by soft pops of color throughout the florals and décor.
The combination looked incredible against the historic architecture of the Imperial Ballroom, adding just enough color while allowing the venue's gold detailing and elegant design to remain the centerpiece.
The Imperial Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza
The ceremony and reception took place in the Imperial Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza, one of the most breathtaking and historically rich wedding spaces in downtown Grand Rapids.
The Imperial Ballroom originally housed the Old National Bank, which opened inside the Pantlind Hotel in 1915. Today, the space has been transformed into one of the hotel’s most iconic ballrooms, featuring a two-tiered layout, grand staircase, restored walnut ceiling, stone columns, and ornate detailing that make it feel both historic and incredibly elegant.
For couples who love architecture, history, and a truly elevated guest experience, the Imperial Ballroom is one of the most memorable wedding venues in Grand Rapids.
Why Couples Love Getting Married at the Amway Grand Plaza
There are countless reasons this venue continues to be one of the most sought-after wedding locations in Grand Rapids.
Historic Elegance
The hotel offers architecture you simply cannot recreate. From marble floors and grand staircases to ornate ballrooms, real gold ceilings and crystal chandeliers, every corner feels luxurious.
Everything Is Under One Roof
One of the biggest advantages is convenience.
Couples can get ready in beautiful hotel suites, host their ceremony and reception in the same location, and provide overnight accommodations for guests—all without anyone needing to travel between venues.
Incredible Downtown Location
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, guests are within walking distance of restaurants, breweries, museums, and nightlife before and after the wedding weekend.
Exceptional Rain Plan
Michigan weather can be unpredictable, but indoor weddings at the Amway Grand Plaza eliminate nearly all weather-related stress.
If you're still deciding where to get married, the Amway Grand Plaza is one of my favorite luxury wedding venues in the city. If you'd like to compare it with other incredible locations, check out my guide to Beautiful Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids, where I break down guest capacities, pricing, photo locations, and what makes each venue unique.
Wedding Photography at the Amway Grand Plaza
As a photographer, this venue offers an incredible variety of portrait locations without ever leaving the property.
Some favorite locations include:
- The iconic grand staircase
- Historic marble floors
- Elegant chandeliers
- Large windows with beautiful natural light
- Downtown Grand Rapids streets
- The nearby Grand River riverwalk
- Blue Bridge (just a short walk away)
- Welsh Auditorium, Lyon Square
- Rosa Parks Circle
- The exterior architecture of the hotel
Because everything is so close together, couples can create an incredibly diverse wedding gallery without spending much time traveling.
Many of my couples choose to return to downtown Grand Rapids for their engagement session before the wedding. The Blue Bridge, riverside trails, historic architecture, and nearby parks create beautiful backdrops in every season. If you're looking for inspiration, I've put together my favorite Engagement Session Locations in Grand Rapids to help you find a spot that fits your personality.
Amway Grand Plaza Wedding Timeline Tips
If you're planning your wedding here, I recommend:
- Schedule your first look approximately 2½–3 hours before the ceremony.
- Plan at least 45–60 minutes for couples' portraits.
- Complete family photos immediately following the ceremony or before if you're doing a first look.
- Sneak outside for 15–20 minutes during sunset for some of the best portraits of the day.
- Allow plenty of time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
One of the biggest advantages of this venue is how efficiently your wedding day can flow since nearly every event happens within the same building.
Hotel Information for Wedding Guests
The Amway Grand Plaza is one of the largest luxury hotels in West Michigan, making it an excellent choice for both local and out-of-town guests.
Guests can enjoy:
- Luxury guest rooms and suites
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Coffee shop
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Luxury Spa services
- Valet parking
- Walkable access to downtown Grand Rapids attractions
Because guests can stay right where the wedding takes place, transportation logistics become incredibly simple for everyone attending.
Wedding Vendors
Venue
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Imperial Ballroom
Florals
Hair & Makeup
Bridal Attire
Cake & Dessert
Amway Grand Plaza Pastry Team
Planning Your Own Amway Grand Plaza Wedding?
If you're planning your own wedding at the Amway Grand Plaza, I'd love to help document it.
Having photographed weddings throughout downtown Grand Rapids, I know how to maximize your timeline, recommend the best portrait locations around the hotel, and create a gallery that captures both the grandeur of the venue and the genuine moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
If you're looking for a Grand Rapids wedding photographer who blends documentary storytelling with timeless portraits, I'd love to hear more about your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amway Grand Plaza Weddings
How many guests can the Imperial Ballroom accommodate?
The Imperial Ballroom can host large wedding celebrations while still feeling elegant and intimate. Capacity depends on your floor plan and event setup, so it's best to work directly with the venue to determine the ideal layout for your guest count. The ballroom can hold up to 300 guests for standing receptions or 180 for banquet-style seating.
Can you have both your ceremony and reception at the Amway Grand Plaza?
Yes. Many couples choose to host both events onsite, making the day seamless for both guests and vendors.
Is there parking available?
Yes. Valet parking is available, along with nearby public parking options in downtown Grand Rapids.
Is the Amway Grand Plaza good for winter weddings?
Absolutely. Since nearly everything takes place indoors, the venue is one of the best choices for Michigan winter weddings while still offering beautiful indoor portrait locations.
Is the Amway Grand Plaza worth it?
If you're looking for timeless architecture, luxury accommodations, outstanding service, and one of the most iconic wedding venues in Michigan, it's easy to see why the Amway Grand Plaza continues to be one of the state's premier wedding destinations.
Average cost of a wedding as of June 2026 held at the Imperial Ballroom
Booking the Imperial Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI, generally costs between $15,000 and $30,000+ for a standard 100-guest wedding. Venue rentals and bar services are the main initial costs, while catering and service fees make up the bulk of the total.
